As business increasingly becomes digital and data-driven, many companies that once appeared to be built for success suddenly seem to falter and slowdown. 

As per a recent study conducted by Boston Consulting Group, over 80% of companies accelerated their transformation projects last year, but 70% of those fell far too short of their objectives.

Digital transformations are now beginning to change every process, from strategy to execution, and are slowly but surely altering every function in an organization. There seems to be a major misconception that many organizations have, where there is a belief that digital transformation means being able to sell online. Whereas, in reality, it means much more. It means understanding the nuances of the digital world and helping to shape newer processes, user experiences, and technology direction over the next few years.

Owners and senior management are now supposed to be the engines of massive change that is unprecedented in the history of IT and business.

In their desire to constantly rationalize costs, many companies seem to operate with the belief that they need to focus only on IT infrastructure and back-office operations more than capturing value from digital technologies. 

Even Company boards and owners would need to get a better understanding of managing rapid digital transformation. 

The board of a Silicon Valley firm or a good start up usually consists of tech company founders, venture capitalists, and seasoned executives from digital companies, who understand technology as well as the odds of success. In the case of traditional and legacy businesses, the newer generation of owners as well as senior management may need an urgent digital skill-set booster shot.

Not every owner or senior leader is born digital. Many successful ones learn to understand technology on the job. Brian Chesky, for example,  of Airbnb, and  Sean Rad of Tinder are non-tech entrepreneurs who set up digital giants. They focused on learning about their respective industries by looking at their technology strategy and some have even learned to program along the way.

In the case of traditional businesses and business houses, because of an inherent desire to keep doing business the traditional way, the technology expertise gets located several layers lower in the organization. In such cases, the ownership and senior management lose active involvement in those decisions. The managerial bureaucracy and inter-department rivalry may take over, and technology and user experience decisions will demand lengthy reviews and inter-departmental clearances. 

The result: consensus — which sometimes is the enemy of speed and uniqueness.

Digital transformation is about so much more than adopting new technologies and processes. At its core, it’s about overcoming inertia and resistance to changing the way people think and work. The senior management team needs to lead from the front, inspire confidence in the vision, and rally the company to believe in what might appear to be a distant destination.

An obsession with detail is absolutely essential. The devil is always in the detail. 

If owners and leaders of the world’s most valuable companies can afford to spend time on product requirements, user experience, and technology, owners and leaders of legacy companies that are playing digital catch-up can hardly afford not to do the same.

Data is truly the new oil, as they say. Traditional data on sales of any product, for instance, provides insights on what brands are selling, in which geographies, and in which segments. Typically, such insights come from analyzing aggregated after-the-fact data across categories of products, geographies, or segments. Such insights have typically been shared in daily, weekly, or monthly reports.

Traditional legacy firms closely guard their traditional data for competitive reasons. They rarely share this data externally. Even internally within firms, their aggregated analyses and reports are often shared selectively.

Whereas, the future is only Real-time interactive data. This can be shared widely, even with third-party entities. In fact, sharing amplifies its value. As more connected entities become available to complement user experiences, the more real-time data’s value can be amplified when shared with those entities.

Real-time interactive data is inherently transient. Its value from sharing exists only in real time. Moreover, because sharing amplifies its value, there is an added incentive for firms to share real-time data.

Real-time interactive data sharing is also possible because of an explosion of connected IoT devices in recent years. Around 30 billion connected assets are expected in the coming years, creating vast opportunities to tap interactive data for richer customer experiences and business scope expansion. 

Shifting from traditional, old type of collection of data to interactive data is not easy. Neither is it going to be a cheap exercise. Yet it is an essential part of a traditional firm’s digital transformation initiatives. 

To remain relevant in the modern era, traditional firms can, and must find ways to tap the power of interactive data.

Yes, its probably time that many small, medium and large enterprises in our region get themselves a digital skill-set booster shot. 

And yes – holistic digital transformation of an organization, and online selling are two different things. Online selling is only a small part of the digital transformation process. 

NIRANJAN GIDWANI

CONSULTANT DIRECTOR | MEMBER UAE SUPERBRANDS COUNCIL | CHARTER MEMBER – TIE DUBAI

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National Consulvative Council Film Projection

As part of Al Hosn festival celebrations of the UAE›s Golden Jubilee, Qasr Al Hosn, one of Abu Dhabi›s oldest historical sites from the 1700s and home to the Al Nahyan family, will invite members of the National Consultative Council for a reunion. Those members will enter the National Consutative Council and sit where their fathers or grandfathers once sat and relive the beginnings of the National Consutative Council.

After the discussion session the Majlis setup will be opened to the public to come hear the talks that will be presented by the National Consutative Council members.

Date & Time: 

November 25, 2021 until December 4, 2021 4PM – 10PM

Tickets : Included in Al Hosn Festival entry ticket

Event Location: Infront of National Consulvative Council in Al Hosn

Safety measures/Capacity : Green pass on Al Hosn app

An Experience with The Host

As part of Al Hosn festival celebrations of the UAE›s Golden Jubilee, an interesting experience awaits the visitors with in which the first 50 customers who find the hidden café and order a cup of coffee, will recieve a pleasant surprise. The customers will be served their coffee in a limited and exclusive customized porcelain cup, adorned with artwork by an Emirati artist who was inspired by the 50 years of the UAE. The customers will also get to keep their coffee cups with compliments.

Date & Time : December 2, 2021 4PM – 11PM

Tickets : Included in Al Hosn Festival entry ticket

Event Location: Qasr Al Hosn

Safety measures/Capacity : Green pass on Al Hosn app

Hamad Al Ameri Concert Festival Arena

As a part of Al Hosn Festival Celebrations of the UAE›s Golden Jubilee, Qasr Al Hosn will host a concert for Hamad Al Ameri on December 2nd to celebrate the National Day

Date & Time: December 2

Tickets : Included in Al Hosn Festival entry ticket

Event Location: Al Hosn Festival

 Cultural Foundation

A JOURNEY FROM ABU DHABI ALONG THE SILK ROAD BY CARACALLA DANCE THEATRE

“The Caracalla Dance Theatre returns to the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation to present its latest spectacular dance musical drama, A Journey from Abu Dhabi along the Silk Road as part of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates.

Through the sands of time, the extraordinary legends of the Silk Road inspired artists across the centuries. The Silk Road was the communication highway of the ancient world and brought together myriad people of diverse cultures, paving the way for a new era of tolerance and human development, a new dialogue of civilisation.

This production features a star cast of renowned singers and actors, reputed guest dance companies from China, India and a local Emirati heritage company. With an outstanding set design complemented by a dynamic virtual scenography, lavish costumes bursting in colours and embroideries and an original music score.”

Date & Time: December 3-5, 2021 8PM

Event Location: Cultural Foundation

Safety measures/Capacity : Green pass on Al Hosn app

Negative PCR test result within 96 hours

Al Mujamma exhibition

“Experience and explore 50 years of history in the UAE on the momentous occasion of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.”

Al Mujamma is an interactive archival exhibition that narrates the story of Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi from its conceptualization by the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and establishment in 1973, to its closure in 2009, and its reopening in 2018. The building is regarded as one of the most prominent modern heritage buildings exemplifying postmodern architecture in the UAE. The exhibition is open to the public to attend for free.

Al Mujamma was a widely known term frequently used by the residents of Abu Dhabi to refer to the Cultural Foundation. It is an all-encompassing term of endearment and belonging that refers to a center that brings together all facets of culture in one place.

The exhibition narrates the building’s memories within a multimedia curated selection of objects, images and videos that highlights the importance of the foundation as a cultural center in the region, and the social impact it has on the residents of Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition also shares the cultural experiences that were available to the community in its entirety, such as the National Library, the theatre, the fine arts and important public events.»

Date & Time: October 20, 2021 – February 15, 2022

Sat – Thur: 10AM – 7PM

Friday: 2PM – 7PM

Tickets : Free

Event Location: Cultural Foundation, first floor

Safety measures/Capacity : Green pass on Al Hosn app

Manarat Al Saadiyat

Drop in Art Workshops

“Exclusiely for the UAE›s 50th National Day Manarat Al Saadiyat is offering a variety of workshops during the National Day weekend. Participants from different age groups can create their own artwork inspired by the UAE theme & traditional patterns design”

Adults Drop ins:

1-Polymer Clay badges:

Create your very own UAE inspired badges, using polymer Clay and celebrate the national day with us!

2- UAE inspired Keychain›s:

Create a keychain using Fabric, felt & multiple materials to bring back the nostalgic of UAE.

3- printing on postcards & tote bags:

Inspired by the UAE theme & traditional patterns design your very own postcard to share with your friends or even print on bags to commemorate the 50 year of the union of the Emirates.

Juniors Drop ins:

1-3D Scenery

Cut out papers & patterns to create layers of the UAE landscape and scenery, take a trip back in time and imagine how the UAE used to look like and how it look like today to inspire your work.

2-Jigsaw print

Recreate the cityscape of the Emirates and utilize the painting tools to assist you in creating multiple printmaking prints of your creation and assemble them in various ways.

Children Drop ins:

1-Photo Booth

take a photo with our Emirate inspired accessories and add your very own touch on the frame of your photo.

2- Gahwa painting:

Paint and draw using the UAE traditional drink «»gahwa»» coffe to create your masterpiece.

3-imprints of the UAE.

With UAE stamps children are encouraged to use the simple techniques of rubbings to assist them in showcasing an artwork inspired by the UAE national day festivities.

Date & Time: November 29, 2021 – December 4, 2021 10AM – 8PM

Tickets : Adult: 50 AED

Juniors and Children: 30 AED

Adults: 13+ years old

Juniors: 6-12 years old

Children: 3-5 years old

Event Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat – Art Studio

Safety measures/Capacity : Green pass on Al Hosn app

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa

National Day Celebrations at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa

Bait Mohammed Bin Khalifa will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the union of the Emirates by lighting the whole house by the same colorful lights that have been used in the past, For National Occasions and Weddings.

The visitrs will also explore one of shaikh Zayed classic cars. This car will be provided with speakers will let audience listen to shaikh Zayed’s speeches and poems. More activities as par of the celebrations will include, screenings of UAE archive visuals like: Schools opening, Local housing, Camel raises, Tv concert..etc.

Date & Time: December 2-3, 2021 5pm to 9pm

Tickets : Free

Event Location: Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa

Safety measures/Capacity : Green pass on Al Hosn app

Al Jahili Fort

National Day Celebrations at Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the union of the Emirates by many different activites across the fort

Art Zone: this area is especially designed for traditional performances like: Razfa, Aazi, Ayala, Mankous, Singing on Rababa in which the audience will enjoy & learn about the different performances of the UAE

Emirati cuisine Zone: visitors will enjoy the Emirati dishes with a group of Emirati chefs and emirati food entrepreneurs who share different tastes

Creative artists Zone: A bazar space for creative artists who showcases their creative artistic products inspired by the Emirati culture

Education Zone : Our little visitors will enjoy differnt activities by their hands and try to work on arts and crafts about UAE

The fort will host as well an Emirati DJ to curate and arrange a collection of songs from 1971 tell today through an internal musical radio only for Emirati songs

Date & Time: December 2-3, 2021 5pm – 10pm

Tickets : Free

Event Location: Al Jahili Fort

Safety measures/Capacity : Green pass on Al Hosn app

Qasr Al Muwaiji

National Day Concert: Year of the Fiftieth

«Qasr Al Muwaiji celebrates the 50th National Day with a concert celebrating the Emirati song, which has a unique style and taste that extends from a rich heritage. Different groups of talents shed the light on the songs of their country and its creative makers, poets, composers and musicians.

This concert is considered essential in the program of the celebrations in which it showcases the connection of Emirati songs between generations. «

Date & Time: December 1, 2021 8PM-11PM

Tickets : Free

Event Location: Qasr Al Muwaiji

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We have put together some top ideas for those wanting a cozy night in.

Indoor picnic

Create a romantic setting with candles and flowers and have your very own indoor picnic.   Go the extra mile and get an exotic cheese platter from Jones the Grocer or a tray of chocolates from Chocolala.

Netflix and chill

Have a Valentine’s Day PJs and movie night.

Purchase some new, matching pjs and relax watching your favorite movie.

Of course, add some popcorn and drink from fancy glasses!

Get Photogenic

Dig out an old, large picture frame and take some silly pictures.

Create a video keepsake!

Every time my husband and I chat about “how we met” we both get a little bit mushy.

Make a video together and the sparks of romantic memories will fly!

It’s just a precious keepsake to give your kids one day too!

Play Valentine’s Day Twister!

Have a chocolate fondue

Melt some chocolate discs in the fondue pot and dip anything and everything you love to snack on in the chocolate.

Try chocolate-dipped strawberries, blueberries, pretzels, and the list goes on!

Write A book about your spouse

Grab some heart-shaped post-it notes, brainstorm and write a book about your spouse in 20 minutes.

Use the sticky notes to brainstorm and then use the additional sticky notes to write a short biography.

Include short and sweet chapters to describe your spouse’s life!

You can later type and print these out for keepsakes!

Create an at-Home Spa

Add a few candles, massage oil and some facial masks, you can create a night of pampering for you and your sweetie. You can surprise your partner with a new foot spa and a few massage tricks you›ve picked up on YouTube.

Learn a Dance Together

If the last time you two danced was at your wedding, plan an at-home date night that centers around getting down. Look up step-by-steps on YouTube and spend the night learning the cha-cha or the foxtrot. You’ll end the night a little lighter on your feet and full of laughter. 

Make a Valentine’s Day Breakfast

Making breakfast in bed may be an oldie, but it’s definitely a goodie. Wake up before your Valentine and surprise them with pancakes made from scratch. 

Ask Each Other Questions

This Valentine’s Day, open up a little and connect on a more intimate level by getting to know your partner even better. Even if you’ve been together for years, you›ll be surprised to find there’s probably something you didn’t know about your loved one.  

Map Out a Future Vacation

Just because you›re staying home this Valentine›s Day doesn’t mean you can’t dream of faraway places to visit when Covid allows. Print out maps and photos and spend the night planning either a real or dream vacation.

Create a Scrapbook of Your Travels

How many times have you returned from a vacation only to never print out your memories? Cuddle up and spend this Valentine’s Day reminiscing about all the adventures you’ve taken together. Make a scrapbook of all of your memories so you can share them together for years to come.

The post Awesome ideas to make staying in as good as going out appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

Whether you are celebrating with one special person or a group of your friends, make sure that the 14th Feb 2021 will be extra special by reserving your spot at the McGettigans garden. Booking is essential. 03 704 6000. Packages start from AED 169 per person.

The post Make the 14th a night to remember at McGettigan’s appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

Katy Beskow, a longtime vegan and the author of three bestselling cookbooks, suggests a gradual approach. “The availability of vegan products means you can do it so much more easily than before. My advice is to replace products in your diet with alternatives step by step, be it milk, mayonnaise or yoghurt. That way, you won’t see a difference.”

How do I make sure I am getting enough protein?

Heather Russell, a registered dietician at the Vegan Society, says there is no cause for concern. “A common myth is that it’s difficult to get protein from plant foods. In reality, they can provide all the essential protein building blocks that we call amino acids. Good sources include beans, lentils, chickpeas, soya products, peanut butter, cashew nuts and pumpkin seeds.”

What about vitamins and minerals?

If you are going vegan, it is important to make sure you get enough vitamin B12 – commonly found in meat, eggs and fish – as without it, you will feel exhausted and weak. You can get B12 from fortified foods including “dairy alternatives, breakfast cereal, dairy-free spread and yeast extract”, says Russell. Alternatively, you can take a B12 supplement, which you can buy in most pharmacies and health-food stores. Russell also advises you think about your calcium intake. “Fortified plant milk contains the same amount of calcium as cow’s milk, and fortified yoghurt alternatives, calcium-set tofu, and a soya and linseed bread fortified with extra calcium are also really rich sources.”

What should I do if I have a wobble and really crave some meat?

Breaking a decades-long attachment to the smells, flavours and textures of meat can be hard. Perhaps you are at a barbecue when the smell of sausages wafts over to you. The good news is that nowadays it is easy to recreate the flavours and textures of meat in vegan food, whether it is a plant-based burger or seitan with the texture and crunch of fried chicken. You can get chicken, ribs, bacon, steaks, burgers, sausages – everything is available as vegan. 

It is difficult to find vegan options where I live. How can I keep my diet varied and interesting?

We are fortunate in the UAE to have the pick of the best food from all over the world delivered right to our door.  

Check out the next few pages for some great inspiration on what delicious food to get and where to get it from.

What about children? Is veganism safe for them?

Children can be healthy vegans. “It is possible to provide all the nutrients needed for growth and development without animal products,” Russell says. She advises parents to consult the Vegan Society website, which has detailed guidance on vegan diets for children of all ages, including infants, and can offer advice on which fortified foods and supplements it may be necessary for them to take.

Is it difficult to maintain a healthy weight on a vegan diet?

If you only eat salad, perhaps – but what a joyless life that would be. “Well-planned vegan diets can support healthy living in people of all ages,” says Russell. “They can provide all the calories and nutrients needed to hit nutritional targets and maintain a healthy weight.”

Being vegan doesn’t mean you are on a diet. Beskow urges converts to indulge in all their favourite treats from their pre-vegan lifestyle, in moderation. “If you are used to eating biscuits, you can buy lots of biscuits in supermarkets that are accidentally vegan … Have some crisps, enjoy your food – that’s what it’s all about. People see veganism as so restrictive and about saying no, but it’s about saying yes – but to different things.”

The post 5 Things you need to know before you go Vegan appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

The licence will be available to residents, non-residents, and citizens of UAE. Applicants must prove relevant skillset to get the licence. UAE residents should also get prior approval if employed in public or private sector firms, if their chosen activity is similar to their regular job.

Applicants can also apply for residence visas, authorities added. Office space is also not mandatory.

This new licence is expected to help companies take advantage of the broad experience and expertise available in the market while being able to eliminate employment in specialisations that are required only periodically. The licence is also expected to boost income of groups including housewives, retirees and students. It will also allow more remote working opportunities.

Enhancing business sector

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, said that the resolution will contribute to enhancing the role of both citizens and non-citizens in boosting Abu Dhabi›s business sector. He noted that this will help stimulate the business and investment environments in the emirate and will create more job opportunities in certain fields that add value to the business sector.

Al Blooshi explained that ADDED›s decision to qualify non-citizens for freelancer licences will have a positive impact on the services sector in the emirate as the economic activities under this type of licences are mostly technical and service related. However, many residents in the UAE, especially those with adequate professional experience in Abu Dhabi›s labour market, have the technical skills to practice these activities.

Helping the unemployed

Al Blooshi added the issuance of freelancer licences will lead to various positive economic results such as harnessing the skills of unemployed people. In addition, it allows those with technical expertise to practice freelance activities after finishing their normal work hours. He also pointed out that the licence will help businesses by eliminating the need to employ labours in all specialisations that are only needed periodically, apart from allowing freelancers to provide their services remotely and round the clock. Furthermore, it will contribute to solving the unemployment problem and will increase the income of various segments such as retirees, housewives and students, among others.

When you need employer approval

The regulatory list of the new resolution specifies a number of work terms and general conditions that need to be met by the applicants. In case the applicant works for the public sector, he/she should obtain an approval from the government employer and meet the general requirements. If the applicant works with a permanent employment contract in the private sector, two cases are identified here. In the first case, if the employer’s activity is similar to or overlaps with the activity of the requested licence, the employer’s approval is a must, in addition to meeting the general requirements.

In the second case, if the employer’s activity is different from the activity of the licence to be issued, then the employer’s approval is not needed in this case, same thing applies if the applicant works in a part time contract in the private sector. the two parties’ agreement’s terms and condition will be applied in terms of work timings, leaves and other obligations.

Activities included

Under the terms of the recently issued resolution, ADDED has identified 48 economic activities that can be practiced with a freelancer licence, including fashion design, clothing, natural and aesthetic flowers arrangement, photography studio, event photography, videography, event management, gift packaging, jewellery design, web design, project design and management services, translation, calligraphy, drawing, statistical consultations, agricultural guidance and marketing operations management.

The freelancer licence also covers consultation activities in areas of computer hardware and software, real estate, legal consultancy, public relations, standardisation and quality management, pest control, project development, procurement, technical installations, green buildings, information technology, economic feasibility studies, human resources, tourism, heritage, entertainment, administrative studies, food safety, goods designs, fine art, architectural drawings, and maritime services.

In addition, consultations related to lifestyle development, marketing studies, parliamentary studies, banking and marketing services in the fields of energy, space and logistical consultations, fitness, art works, sculpting, handicrafts, printing services, photocopying, gardening and landscaping, printing on textiles or clothes, plastering, engraving, decoration and soap-making can be practiced with the licence.

GULF NEWS – With inputs from WAM

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For happiness

A lot of people love the smell of freshly cut grass as it reminds them of happy, summer days. This is why scents with grassy notes, such as cedar, vetiver and oakmoss, can have a positive impact on your mental state, increasing your feelings of happiness.

To reduce stress and increase relaxation

Lavender and jasmine are most commonly used in aromatherapy for relaxation. The fragrance from the oils of the lavender and jasmine plants are believed to help promote calmness and wellness. Lavender is also said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and possibly even mild pain while jasmine has properties that promote optimism and has uplifting qualities.

A sensual feeling

Warm and woody, the scent of amber creeps up as the body warms up. As an oil, amber can enhance intimacy by upping blood circulation and revitalizing hormones. The scent is sultry and seductive without being too overpowering.

For romance

Vanilla is a scent we all recognize — it’s sweet, warm and soothing. It’s also a natural amative. Historically — from the Mayans to the French — the scent has been connected to romance and passion. Its sweetness can also reduce drowsiness and help ease tension and stress.

For anger

As working from home can cause stress levels to rise, anger can easily seep into your day with one wrong message. Calm these negative feelings through citrus and lemon scents, which have clarifying properties. Ylang-ylang has also been seen as a natural sedative, perfect if you feel your temper start to rise.

For a pick me up

Rosemary and cinnamon are the perfect pick me up, especially at the start of the week when you might feel less than energized. The smell of rosemary can offer improvement in memory as well as can reduce headaches, battle exhaustion and aid with possible mental fatigue. Cinnamon on the other hand also has properties which can improve your focus.

If you have a cold

Peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree can be found in many cold and flu medicines as they have healing properties that can assist in clearing sinuses. Try deeply inhaling the steam from a bowl of warm water that has a few drops of any of these essential oils and you will be feeling better in no time.

Your emotions can be interconnected with scent so next time you have a certain feeling, why not try using different aromas that correspond with it. You might just reach a whole new level of bliss!

For more information, visit www.wallaceand.co

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The Emirates Mars Mission, the first interplanetary exploration undertaken by an Arab nation, today announced the scheduled launch of its Mars Hope Probe in a 495,000,000km journey to reach and orbit the Red Planet. 

The countdown to the launch begins after the probe’s successful transfer from the UAE to Japan, in a journey that spanned more than 83 hours by land, air and sea. As planned, the world will see the Hope Probe launch into space on Wednesday, 15 July 2020 at 00:51:27 UAE time (05:51:27, Japan time) from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre, leveraging the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI H2A) platform. 

The scheduled launch date represents the opening of the launch window for the Emirates Mars Mission, which extends to the 13th August 2020.

The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI H2A) platform was chosen as a result of its proven expertise and reputation in space technology around the world, and its high success rates in launching spacecraft and satellites globally. The UAE, for its part, has previously collaborated with MHI to successfully launch the Khalifa Sat satellite.

Meticulous Processing 

Since its successful arrival at TNSC in Japan, the Hope Probe has undergone detailed processing operations for the launch. This process completed over 50 working days, entails filling the fuel tank with about 700 kilograms of hydrogen fuel and ensuring there are no leaks. The process also requires testing the communication and control devices, moving the probe to the launch pad, installing the probe on the rocket that will carry it to space, and ensuring the probe batteries are fully charged.

A team of Emirati nationals is leading the operation and supervising every aspect of the probe’s preparation for its launch. The team includes Omran Sharaf Al Hashemi, Project Manager of the Emirates Mars Mission Hope Probe, Suhail Al Dhafari Al Muhairi, Deputy Project Manager of the Probe Development Team, Omar Al Shehhi, leader of the team responsible for transferring the Probe from Japan Airport to Tanegashima island, Mohsen Al-Awadhi, responsible for the transportation of the Probe, Youssef Al-Shehhi, Thermal Systems Engineer, Khalifa Al-Muhairi, Communication Systems Engineer, Issa Al-Muhairi, Power Systems Engineer, Ahmed Al-Yamahi, Mechanical Systems Engineer, Mahmoud Al-Awadhi Mechanical Systems Engineer, and Mohammed Al-Amri Engineer Ground support systems.

Omar Al Shehhi will also be part of the core team overseeing the launch of the probe into space via the H-IIA H2A missile.

Her Excellency Sarah Bint Youssef Al-Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and Emirates Mars Mission Deputy Project Manager, said: “The challenges overcome by the Hope Probe team amidst the global pandemic confirm the UAE mission’s commitment to achieve the impossible. It is a mentality that has now been embedded within the current and future generations. This mission embodies the nation’s aspirations, sends a positive message to the world and demonstrates the importance of carrying on unabated despite barriers and challenges.” 

She continued: “Our team continues to work diligently to ensure the mission’s success, and we look forward to collectively celebrate the arrival of the probe on Mars in February 2021 – also coinciding with our 50-year anniversary”.

83 hours from Dubai to Japan

The journey of moving the Hope Probe from Dubai to the launch site on Tanegashima Island in Japan spanned more than 83 hours and underwent three major stages.

The first phase involved the preparation and transportation of the probe from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center to Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, which spanned 16 hours. The second stage saw the probe’s 11-hour transfer from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai to Nagoya Airport in Japan and included loading the probe and its supporting equipment into the giant ‘Antonov 12’ plane – the largest cargo plane in the world. 

In light of the challenges posed by COVID-19, internationally approved stringent health procedures were followed to safeguard the health and safety of the team in Dubai, as well as the team accompanying the probe on its flight to Japan. In addition, a third team traveled earlier and underwent the mandatory quarantine procedures in Japan prior to receiving the probe upon arrival and oversee its transportation to the launch station.

The third stage was the probe’s transfer from Nagoya Airport to the launch site on Tanegashima Island. It included the probe’s safe landing and land transportation to Shimama Harbor, and its final transfer by sea to Tanegashima Island. 

The Hope Probe is a national project that translates the vision of the UAE’s leadership to build an Emirati space program that reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening frameworks of international cooperation and finding solutions to global challenges for humanity’s benefit. The first Arab-Islamic project to explore other planets, the mission carries a message of hope to revive a history rich in Arab achievements in science. Embodying the aspiration of the UAE, and its leadership to overcome the impossible, the Hope Probe is the nation’s contribution to shaping and making a promising future for humanity.

The Hope Probe is anticipated to enter Mars’ orbit in February 2021, coinciding with the UAE’s golden jubilee celebrations to mark the historic union of the emirates.

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