UAE In-Focus: Emirates Mars mission discovers aurora; FAB reports highest quarterly net profit ever

With the launch of its first Mars mission last year, the UAE entered the space race. (AFP)
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Updated 29 April 2022
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UAE In-Focus: Emirates Mars mission discovers aurora; FAB reports highest quarterly net profit ever

DUBAI: The UAE's Mars mission, known as EMM, discovered a mysterious-looking aurora in Mars’ atmosphere that opens up new avenues of exploration, Emirates news agency WAM reported on Wednesday.

The first Arab interplanetary exploration released images of discrete auroras on Mars, following a series of observations. It is expected to provide new insights into the interactions between Mars’ atmosphere, its magnetic field, and the planet’s solar wind.

“When we first imaged Mars’ discrete aurora shortly after the Hope probe arrived at Mars in 2021, we knew we had unveiled a new potential to make observations never before possible on this scale, and we took the decision to increase our focus on these auroras,” EMM Science Lead, Hessa Al-Matroushi said in a statement.  

These images were taken when Mars experienced a solar storm, causing a faster and more turbulent stream of solar wind electrons than usual. As a result, these aurora observations are some of the brightest and most extensive yet, WAM reported.

With the launch of its first Mars mission last year, the UAE entered the space race.

Five years after establishing its space agency, the UAE sent its first astronaut to the International Space Station, WAM added.

FAB reports a record quarterly profit of $1.4 billion




The UAE’s biggest lender made 5.1 billion dirhams ($1.4 billion) net profit in the first quarter. (Shutterstock)

First Abu Dhabi Bank announced on Thursday its highest quarterly net profit ever as a result of a majority stake sale in its payments business, Reuters reported.

The UAE’s biggest lender made 5.1 billion dirhams ($1.4 billion) net profit in the first quarter, up 107 percent from the 2.5 billion dirhams reported in the same period last year, according to a stock market filing.

The company’s total quarterly income was 7.3 billion dirhams, including the 2.8 billion gain from the sale of the Magnati stake, Reuters added.

Group Chief Financial Officer James Burdett told Reuters that growth had picked up across all business segments during the quarter, and that group loans had expanded by 6 percent year-to-date.

Dubai ranks among the best places to work




Dubai has been ranked third in the world in terms of being the city to live in for digital nomads. (Shutterstock)

Dubai has been ranked third in the world in terms of being the city to live in for digital nomads, according to new research by real estate consultancy Savills.

Helen Tatham, head of residential community sales and leasing at Savills Dubai said in a statement that “remote working enabled business owners from abroad to make Dubai their main hub.”

She added that “UK nationals have long favored Dubai for holiday and work, but the market also benefited from new demand from French, German, Swedish and Swiss buyers.” 

Dubai launches $100m fund to support fintech startups

Dubai has announced a new $100-million venture capital finance fund to boost the startup ecosystem and support fintech companies, the National reported.  


Stc partners with Qiddiya as Six Flags official connectivity provider

Updated 22 December 2025
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Stc partners with Qiddiya as Six Flags official connectivity provider

RIYADH: Saudi stc Group has announced its partnership with Qiddiya as the official connectivity partner for the Six Flags theme park, providing telecom services, smart city solutions, and an integrated digital infrastructure in line with global standards, coinciding with the park’s official opening.

Under the partnership, stc will deliver an advanced digital ecosystem to enhance visitors’ experiences at Qiddiya, offering high-performance connectivity and smart technologies to facilitate entry and manage visitor flow within the park, ensuring a seamless and safe experience.

The collaboration reflects stc’s commitment to providing advanced digital infrastructure that supports Qiddiya’s ambitions and elevates the visitor experience.

By leveraging smart connectivity, smart city technologies, and innovative payment solutions, stc aims to deliver an integrated and streamlined experience across the destination.

The initiative also highlights stc’s role in supporting the tourism and entertainment sectors with world-class digital infrastructure that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision and future goals.