News

UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi Prepares To Return To Earth

The six-month mission aboard the International Space Station will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast on September 3rd.

Published

1 year ago

August 31, 2023

Nour Nasir

uae astronaut sultan al neyadi prepares to return to earth

UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi will end his six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on September 3rd, entering the record books for conducting the longest-ever Arab space expedition.

According to NASA, Crew-6 (which includes Al Neyadi), will board a SpaceX Dragon craft before detaching from the ISS on September 2nd. After reentering Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft will splashdown off the Florida coast on September 3rd.

In a few days, @Astro_Alneyadi is set to return to Earth after the completion of the longest Arab space mission in history, during which he conducted over 200 scientific experiments.@MBRSpaceCentre pic.twitter.com/yltIwKtSAq

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 29, 2023

During his time aboard the International Space Station, Al Neyadi has conducted over 200 scientific experiments, with the latest round of tests forming part of a host-pathogen study. The experiments aim to better understand how the immune systems of astronauts interact with microbial pathogens living within the ISS environment.

The study also explored how dormant pathogens, such as those responsible for chickenpox and shingles, affect immunity once activated.

Adnan Al Rais, the UAE Astronaut Program’s Mission Manager, was keen to emphasize the significance of Al Neyadi’s research in advancing space biology, noting that it could enhance our ability to safeguard future ISS crews and contribute to their healthcare.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi-Developed AI Arabic Language Model Unveiled

Sultan Al Neyadi’s participation in this groundbreaking set of experiments has set a new benchmark for space science. Samples indicating suppressed immune states were also gathered and frozen onboard the ISS in the hope they could eventually offer cures for viral infections back on Earth.

The UAE’s Astronaut Program is part of a wider National Space Program funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). UAE officials hope that space missions will support research and development in the ICT sector and enhance the Emirate’s global presence in this increasingly important field.

Related Topics:NASA Space Sultan Al Neyadi United Arab Emirates

Up Next

Google Chrome Now Lets You Copy Video Stills For Easy Sharing

Don't Miss

Samsung Releases Food, An AI-Powered Smart Recipe App

Click to comment

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.