A great year for the UAE

In this past year, the UAE has seen great development through its scientific, economic and social achievements. Here is a look back at some of the UAE’s best moments in 2018:

ALSO READ:

These are the UAE Public Holidays expected in 2019

10 New Year’s resolutions to make if you live in Dubai

Women to make up 50% of the UAE Federal National Council

Earlier in December, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler of the UAE, passed a new law which will allow women to occupy 50 percent of the country’s Federal National Council in next year’s election. This marked a historical win for Emirati women, as the role of the FNC is to bring issues concerning Emirati citizens to the council for debate.

UAE passport number 1 in the world

It was a momentous occasion for the country when the UAE passport was named the “most powerful passport in the world.” Rising from number three in the world, it surpassed the German and Singaporean passports which currently hold the second highest position.

Launch of satellite Khalifasat

Back in October, the UAE launched the first 100 per cent Emirati-made satellite. Khalifasat was successfully launched into space from Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan in October. Furthermore, the Mohmaed Bin Rashid Space Centre took to Twitter to share emotional video from the launch.

Announcement of first UAE astronauts

In September, the UAE declared the selection of the first Emirati astronauts, who will take part in a 10-day journey, as part of a Russian mission to the International Space Station in 2019. The selected astronauts are Hazza Al Mansouri, 34, and Sultan Al Nayadi, 37, from Abu Dhabi.

Dubai International Airport milestone

December 20 marked the arrival of the billionth passenger to travel through Dubai International Airport. The passenger reached Dubai after a 14-hour flight from Orlando, Florida, recording a landmark moment for the airport.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid took to Twitter to announce the achievement, saying Dubai had reached a “new phase in its journey towards a bright future”.

Addition of new attractions

Dubai kicked off 2018 with the addition of a new landmark, the “Dubai Frame Project.” The new touristic attraction, which gives visitors a view of both old and new Dubai, cost over AED200 million. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi opened the “Warner Brothers World Abu Dhabi,” which is an indoor amusement park.

– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook 

Media: Getty, Twitter