{"id":130343,"date":"2025-11-11T23:26:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T23:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/130343\/"},"modified":"2025-11-11T23:26:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T23:26:10","slug":"abu-dhabi-reaches-for-the-stars-with-launch-of-space-site-that-can-produce-50-satellites-a-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/130343\/","title":{"rendered":"Abu Dhabi reaches for the stars with launch of space site that can produce 50 satellites a year"},"content":{"rendered":"

A space manufacturing facility capable of producing 50 satellites<\/a> a year has opened in Abu Dhabi<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Orbitworks, a company formed as a partnership between Abu Dhabi’s Marlan Space and San Francisco\u2019s Loft Orbital, has opened a satellite assembly, integration and testing centre in the emirate’s Kezad economic zone.<\/p>\n

The factory could help the country produce satellites that can be sold to clients locally and around the world, rather than relying on imports.<\/p>\n

Dr Hamdullah Mohib, acting chief executive of Orbitworks and chief executive of Marlan Space, said the goal was to become a leading exporter to \u201cgovernments and commercial clients\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur focus, when we set up this facility, was to be a large, commercially driven entity,” he added.<\/p>\n

The facility spans 4,645 square metres and currently handles satellites weighing up to 500kg. \u201cIt has been the ambition for many in this region to try to build a capability like this,\u201d Dr Mohib said. \u201cIt’s very much needed because the space race is growing and the need for these satellites is increasing. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we are unveiling is an enabler for our future growth in the UAE and offering solutions [so we no longer have to] import from other countries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Creating jobs <\/p>\n

Dr Mohib said the project is already creating jobs and opportunities for Emiratis and foreign residents. There are 35 people employed so far and that will rise to 53 by the end of this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are creating very high-level, high-tech jobs,\u201d he added. \u201cThey are not jobs for ordinary factory workers. They are very high-skilled jobs and will have a significant impact on the economy. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are also training Emirati staff so that knowledge-transfer takes place over the next few years. Our first employee was an Emirati. We will continue to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Altair constellation<\/p>\n

Orbitworks is also developing its own satellite constellation called Altair, which translates from Arabic to “the flying one”. It will initially be made up of 10 satellites designed to provide near real-time Earth observation intelligence.<\/p>\n

Each satellite integrates optical, infrared, thermal and radio frequency sensors with on-board AI processing. When the sensors detect activity of interest, the satellites automatically capture detailed imagery and process it into immediate information that clients can use. <\/p>\n

\u201cThese multiple sensors can turn the satellites into information providers, not just image takers,\u201d explained Dr Mohib.<\/p>\n

He said the information could be valuable to companies like Adnoc, which could monitor facilities including pipelines, storage and oil rigs at sea and onshore.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of taking pictures and sending them every hour, the satellite could see if there is a leak or damage to any of the installations,\u201d said Dr Mohib. The information would be relayed immediately, he added.<\/p>\n

He believes the system could also be useful in agriculture, climate monitoring, maritime logistics and disaster response. The first of the 10 satellites in the constellation is expected to be ready by the second half of next year.<\/p>\n

Dr Mohib said the new company is combining the \u201cspeed and mindset of a start-up\u201d with the resources and long-term vision of the UAE. <\/p>\n

\u201cSatellites are usually built over a period of 18 months to three years,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have not only built the facility, but also a team, and we have started designing and engineering our first constellation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The project has already drawn international interest and a western European client has already been secured. <\/p>\n

The launch event on Tuesday was attended by members of the UAE space community, including the UAE Space Agency, Space42 and the Edge Group, as well as Emirati astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project supports efforts to build a sustainable space economy based on knowledge and innovation and driven by advanced technology,\u201d said Dr Ahmad Al Falasi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency. \u201cIt also underscores the growing role of the national private sector in advancing the UAE\u2019s vision to establish a world-class, integrated and pioneering space industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dubai Bling season three<\/p>\n

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rating: 1\/5<\/p>\n

Recent winners<\/p>\n

2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)<\/p>\n

2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)<\/p>\n

2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)<\/p>\n

2007 Grace Bijjani \u00a0(Mexico)<\/p>\n

2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)<\/p>\n

2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)<\/p>\n

2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)<\/p>\n

2011 Maria Farah (Canada)<\/p>\n

2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)<\/p>\n

2013 Layla Yarak (Australia) \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

2014 Lia Saad \u00a0(UAE)<\/p>\n

2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)<\/p>\n

2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)<\/p>\n

2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)<\/p>\n

2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)<\/p>\n

David Haye record<\/p>\n

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4<\/p>\n

UAE v IRELAND<\/p>\n

All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi<\/p>\n

1st ODI, Friday, January 8<\/p>\n

2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10<\/p>\n

3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12<\/p>\n

4th ODI, Thursday, January 14<\/p>\n

You might also like to readRESULT<\/p>\n

Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1\u00a0
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38\u2019
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5\u2019<\/p>\n

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsWhy it pays to compare<\/p>\n

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time – the first\u00a0direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second\u00a0from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany – found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.<\/p>\n

Route 1: bank transfer<\/p>\n

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.<\/p>\n

Total cost:\u00a0Dh567.25 –\u00a0around 2.9 per cent of the total amount<\/p>\n

Total received: \u20ac4,670.30\u00a0<\/p>\n

Route 2: online platform<\/p>\n

The UAE bank\u2019s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.<\/p>\n

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction<\/p>\n

Total received: \u20ac4,756<\/p>\n

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker \u2013 around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the\u00a0funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.<\/p>\n

More on Quran memorisation:WHAT%20ARE%20THE%20PRODUCTS%20WITHIN%20THE%20THREE%20MAJOR%20CATEGORIES%3F<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAdvanced%20materials%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20specifically%20engineered%20to%20exhibit%20novel%20or%20enhanced%20properties%2C%20that%20confer%20superior%20performance%20relative%20to%20conventional%20materials%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAdvanced%20components%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20includes%20semiconductor%20components%2C%20such%20as%20microprocessors%20and%20other%20computer%20chips%2C%20and%20computer%20vision%20components%20such%20as%20lenses%20and%20image%20sensors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAdvanced%20products%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20includes%20personal%20electronics%2C%20smart%20home%20devices%20and%20space%20technologies%2C%20along%20with%20industry-enabling%20products%20such%20as%20robots%2C%203D%20printing%20equipment%20and%20exoskeletons%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20Strategy%26amp%3B%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Six pitfalls to avoid when trading company stocks<\/p>\n

Following fashion<\/p>\n

Investing is cyclical, buying last year’s winners often means holding this year’s losers.<\/p>\n

Losing your balance<\/p>\n

You end up with too much exposure to an individual company or sector that has taken your fancy.<\/p>\n

Being over active<\/p>\n

If you chop and change your portfolio too often, dealing charges will eat up your gains.<\/p>\n

Running your losers<\/p>\n

Investors hate admitting mistakes and hold onto bad stocks hoping they will come good.<\/p>\n

Selling in a panic<\/p>\n

If you sell up when the market drops, you have locked yourself out of the recovery.<\/p>\n

Timing the market<\/p>\n

Even the best investor in the world cannot consistently call market movements.<\/p>\n

Islamophobia definition <\/p>\n

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: \u201cIslamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.\u201d It further defines it as \u201cinciting hatred or violence against Muslims\u201d.<\/p>\n

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsFlorida: The critical\u00a0Sunshine State<\/p>\n

Though mostly conservative, Florida is usually always \u201cclose\u201d in presidential elections. In most elections, the candidate that wins the Sunshine State almost always wins the election, as evidenced in 2016 when Trump took Florida, a state which has not had a democratic governor since 1991.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Joe Biden\u2019s campaign has spent $100 million there to turn things around, understandable given the state\u2019s crucial 29 electoral votes.<\/p>\n

In 2016, Mr Trump\u2019s democratic rival Hillary Clinton paid frequent visits to Florida though analysts concluded that she failed to appeal towards middle-class voters, whom Barack Obama won over in the previous election.<\/p>\n

Polarised public<\/p>\n

31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views<\/p>\n

19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views<\/p>\n

19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all<\/p>\n

Source: YouGov<\/p>\n

The%C2%A0specs%20<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E646hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E830Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETwo-speed%20auto%20(rear%20axle)%3B%20single-speed%20auto%20(front)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh552%2C311%3B%20Dh660%2C408%20(as%20tested)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Mohammed bin Zayed MajlisCinco in numbersDh3.7 million<\/p>\n

The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski\u2019s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown<\/p>\n

46<\/p>\n

The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski\u2019s wedding gown weighed.<\/p>\n

1,000<\/p>\n

The hours it took to create Cinco\u2019s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he\u2019s playing with in the corner of a room]<\/p>\n

50<\/p>\n

How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines\u2019 50th birthday<\/p>\n

3,000<\/p>\n

The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.<\/p>\n

1.1 million<\/p>\n

The number of followers that Michael Cinco\u2019s Instagram account has garnered.<\/p>\n

Types of bank fraud<\/p>\n

1) Phishing<\/p>\n

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.<\/p>\n

2) Smishing <\/p>\n

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through \u201ctext spoofing,\u201d so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.<\/p>\n

3) Vishing<\/p>\n

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.<\/p>\n

4) SIM swap<\/p>\n

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.<\/p>\n

5) Identity theft<\/p>\n

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.<\/p>\n

6) Prize scams<\/p>\n

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.<\/p>\n

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsWhat is a robo-adviser?<\/p>\n

Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor\u2019s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.<\/p>\n

These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.<\/p>\n

Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can\u00a0buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.<\/p>\n

Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.<\/p>\n

Liverpool’s all-time goalscorers <\/p>\n

Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228<\/p>\n

The lowdown<\/p>\n

Bohemian Rhapsody<\/p>\n

Director: Bryan Singer<\/p>\n

Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee<\/p>\n

Rating: 3\/5<\/p>\n

Five ways to get fit like Craig David (we tried for seven but ran out of time)<\/p>\n

Start the week as you mean to go on. So get your training on strong on a Monday.<\/p>\n

Train hard, but don\u2019t take it all so seriously that it gets to the point where you\u2019re not having fun and enjoying your friends and your family and going out for nice meals and doing that stuff.<\/p>\n

Think about what you\u2019re training or eating a certain way for \u2014 don\u2019t, for example, get a six-pack to impress somebody else or lose weight to conform to society\u2019s norms. It\u2019s all nonsense.<\/p>\n

Get your priorities right.<\/p>\n

And last but not least, you should always, always chill on Sundays.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A space manufacturing facility capable of producing 50 satellites a year has opened in Abu Dhabi. Orbitworks, a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":130344,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[7893,111,139,69,147,392,1177,427,4719,8519],"class_list":["post-130343","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-space","tag-abu-dhabi","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-science","tag-space","tag-standard","tag-story","tag-uae","tag-uae-desk-team"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130343","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=130343"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130343\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/130344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=130343"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=130343"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=130343"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}