Sultan AlNeyadi, an Emirati astronaut, just returned from a space mission and shared a beautiful tale from his stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He addressed the Arab Media Forum, emphasising the value of education and its transforming impact. AlNeyadi got a heartfelt note from his mother, who had memorised the holy Quran and expressed her admiration for him. During his space mission, this message had a deep impact on him.

He also emphasised the need of endurance, citing his father’s lessons on overcoming challenges. When questioned about his children’s ambitions, he joked about their various goals. AlNeyadi complimented the UAE’s reputation in the space industry, explaining that the government wants astronauts to do scientific research rather than merely eat and sleep in space.

He stated his belief in the UAE’s objective of developing space into a sustainable industry that will strengthen the knowledge-based economy. AlNeyadi discussed future space missions and emphasised the importance of careful planning. He also expressed his longing for the unique fellowship and quiet times he had in space, emphasising the rarity of such an experience.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a number of ground-breaking initiatives in transit, aviation, urban planning, and healthcare. 

These approvals mark a significant step forward in the third phase of the Dubai Future Foundation’s innovative “Dubai 10X” programme, which aims to position Dubai as a global leader in future readiness. 

This phase is focused on inspiring the development of innovative and unconventional projects of global significance, specifically designed to confront looming challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and its Philippine equivalent have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This Memorandum of Understanding aims to strengthen bilateral aviation cooperation. It details a rise in national carrier flights, a tripling of weekly air cargo capacity from 200 to 600 tonnes for each national carrier, and approval to operate Airbus A380 aircraft.

The agreement was formalised following meetings in Cebu, Philippines, on September 19th and 20th, 2023, with representatives from local sectors and national airlines in attendance.

The delegation was led by Omar bin Ghalib, Deputy Director-General of the GCAA and Head of the UAE Delegation, and Carmelo L. Arcilla, Executive Director of the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

The Year of Sustainability initiative in the UAE is urging residents to adopt sustainable practices in order to combat climate change.

This campaign, announced by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the year 2023, places a strong emphasis on responsible consumption and environmental conservation. In their latest video release titled “Year of Sustainability: Today For Tomorrow,” members of the Year of Sustainability team are calling on the public to integrate sustainable habits into their everyday lives. 

This includes choosing eco-friendly modes of transportation, minimizing waste, conserving water and energy, and cultivating plants at home. The video underscores the significant impact collective action can have on the climate. 

Mariam Almeraikhi, the Year of Sustainability Strategic Digital Manager, emphasizes the importance of individual actions such as portion control, reducing red-meat consumption, avoiding single-use plastics, and embracing sustainable fashion. 

Project Lead Eisa Alsubousi highlights the collective responsibility in contributing towards climate action, particularly as the UAE prepares to host COP28. To encourage more individuals to embark on their sustainability journey, the Year of Sustainability has introduced a “Sustainable Personality” quiz to provide guidance on how individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future for the UAE and beyond.

As fall arrives in the UAE, the days will progressively shorten and the nights will lengthen. According to an astronomer, the durations of day and night on October 2 and 3 will be equal.

Although the September equinox happened on September 23, the actual equal day-night date varies by region. Temperatures will progressively drop, and winter winds known as ‘Shamal’ will bring lower temperatures.

By mid-October, the UAE will be experiencing the rainy Al Wasm season, which will result in greener landscapes. The genuine winter season begins around the end of October, with considerable temperature reductions in December. 

On October 3rd, 2023, The Daily Show presenter and talented South African comedian Trevor Noah will hit the stage, promising an amazing evening. This Live Nation-sponsored event promises raucous laughter and perceptive analysis.

A top-notch location will host the performance, guaranteeing a flawless and engaging experience.

Noah stands out in the comedy industry thanks to his sharp wit and biting humour, which have gained him a global audience.

This programme is not simply for laughs. It’s an opportunity to have fun, learn something new, and get a different viewpoint on world concerns.

Purchase yours on the Coca-Cola Arena website right now since tickets are in hot demand.

Don’t miss Trevor Noah’s appearance in Dubai. It’s going to be a hilarious, educational, and fun evening!

By December, Dubai plans to introduce five autonomous taxis in Jumeirah 1. 

These autonomous taxis are estimated to cost around 30% more than ordinary taxis, comparable to limo rates. At the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, Khaled Al Awadhi, head of transport systems at the RTA, disclosed this information and mentioned continuing safety testing. 

These autonomous taxis will travel an 8 kilometre journey from the Etihad Museum to the Dubai Water Canal. 

By deploying 4,000 autonomous vehicles by 2030, the city intends to lessen traffic jams, pollution, and accidents.

The required job loss insurance programme has more than 5.73 million UAE workers registered, with 5.6 million working in the private sector and the remaining in employment with the federal government. 

A AED400 fee will be assessed for failure to join before the deadline of October 1. Investors, domestic workers, temporary employees, children under 18, and retirees with pensions who have found new employment are excluded from the plan. 

The programme serves as a cost-effective safety net for workers who face a loss of employment by offering temporary financial assistance. There are two salary-based groups, each with different premium rates and salary restrictions.

One must be enrolled for at least 12 continuous months to be eligible for compensation, and this entitlement is lost when they leave the country or get a new employment.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the weather in the United Arab Emirates will be generally favourable though occasionally dusty. The night and Thursday morning will be marked by greater humidity levels, potentially accompanied by mist, in certain western coastal locations.

Abu Dhabi will see lows of 29°C and highs of 42°C, while Dubai’s temperatures will be in the 41°C range.

Expect light to moderate winds that will cause dust to fly. Sea conditions will be mild to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and typically light in the Oman Sea.