MBRSC announces details of launch of Etihad-SAT
The satellite, developed in partnership with the Republic of Korea's Satrec Initiative, is scheduled for launch in the first week of March 2025 aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA.
Etihad-SAT represents a significant milestone in MBRSC's Satellite Development Programme, as it is the first satellite equipped with SAR imaging technology. The advanced capability will enhance the centre's Earth observation capabilities by providing high-resolution images in all weather conditions, while further advancing the UAE's expertise in satellite technology.
Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said, "The launch of Etihad-SAT reflects the UAE's commitment to strengthening its capabilities in the space sector by adopting the latest advancements in satellite development. Adding a SAR satellite to our fleet expands our ability to provide solutions that support our journey toward a knowledge and innovation-based economy."
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, said, "Etihad-SAT is the result of our collaboration with Satrec Initiative as part of a knowledge-transfer programme," adding that the satellite will support many vital sectors in the UAE.
The development of Etihad-SAT began two years ago as part of a knowledge transfer programme in collaboration with Korea's Satrec Initiative.
The satellite offers three imaging modes: spot mode (high-resolution imaging for small areas), scan mode (wide-area coverage for large regions) and strip mode (extended observation for longer regions).
Once deployed, Etihad-SAT will join the UAE's current fleet of satellites, significantly enhancing MBRSC's remote sensing capabilities. MBRSC will oversee the satellite's operations, ensuring rapid data exchange and processing with the support of artificial intelligence.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Crypto Insight
26 minutes ago
- Crypto Insight
How to book a flight with crypto in the UAE: Step-by-step guide
Airlines and travel agencies, including Emirates, Air Arabia, Travala and Alternative Airlines, now support cryptocurrency payments for bookings, targeting tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads. Travelers can pay with Bitcoin, Ether, stablecoins and other digital assets via checkout or gift cards, depending on the platform. The UAE's initiatives, such as Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), could help expand crypto-powered services like flight tickets and loyalty programs. Travelers should monitor exchange rates, choose regulated platforms and maintain transaction records for a smooth booking experience. The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a torchbearer in cryptocurrency adoption, with travel being the latest sector to embrace this trend. In July 2025, Emirates signed an agreement with to allow passengers to pay for flights and in-flight purchases using cryptocurrencies. The move reflects the UAE's efforts to attract tech-savvy tourists, digital nomads and residents who value secure and flexible payment options. As more travelers choose to pay with digital currencies, integration of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, Tether, USDt and more. This article briefs you about platforms enabling you to purchase crypto flight bookings. It explains the step-by-step process to make these bookings and provides tips for making an optimum deal. Platforms in the UAE that accept flight bookings The UAE has set up an advanced financial ecosystem with regulations supporting crypto. The aviation and travel industries are also part of this trend, and you can book flights with cryptocurrency with several airlines and travel agencies. Here is a review of key platforms and agencies accepting cryptocurrencies with flight bookings, comparing their fees, supported digital currencies and overall user experience. Emirates Airlines Overview: Emirates, the UAE's flagship airline, has collaborated with to enable cryptocurrency payments through Pay, scheduled to launch in 2026. Emirates, the UAE's flagship airline, has collaborated with to enable cryptocurrency payments through Pay, scheduled to launch in 2026. Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, Cronos and stablecoins like USDT and USDC, with plans to support over 30 currencies. BTC, ETH, Cronos and stablecoins like USDT and USDC, with plans to support over 30 currencies. Availability: Payments will cover flights and extra services across Emirates' routes, such as upgrades and duty-free items. Air Arabia Overview: Air Arabia, a Dubai-listed budget airline, accepts AE Coin, a dirham-backed stablecoin, for bookings. Using one stablecoin simplifies payments for local users familiar with digital AED. Air Arabia, a Dubai-listed budget airline, accepts AE Coin, a dirham-backed stablecoin, for bookings. Using one stablecoin simplifies payments for local users familiar with digital AED. Supported cryptocurrencies: AE Coin only; AE Coin is a stablecoin issued by AED Stablecoin. AE Coin only; AE Coin is a stablecoin issued by AED Stablecoin. Availability: Bookings are available across Air Arabia's Middle East, North Africa and Asia networks. Did you know? In 2014, Latvian airline airBaltic became the world's first airline to accept Bitcoin for flight bookings. This move paved the way for global carriers like Emirates and platforms such as Travala to integrate cryptocurrency payments. Travala Overview: A blockchain-based booking platform covering flights, hotels and experiences, popular in the UAE for its extensive crypto support. A blockchain-based booking platform covering flights, hotels and experiences, popular in the UAE for its extensive crypto support. Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB and AVA (Travala's token). BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB and AVA (Travala's token). Availability: Global travel services. Alternative Airlines Overview: This online travel agency allows bookings with over 650 airlines, including Emirates and Etihad, and is a favorite among crypto users. This online travel agency allows bookings with over 650 airlines, including Emirates and Etihad, and is a favorite among crypto users. Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, XRP, Litecoin, Cardano, Dogecoin, USDT and more. BTC, ETH, XRP, Litecoin, Cardano, Dogecoin, USDT and more. Availability: Offers global bookings, including those of UAE-based airlines. Destinia Overview: A worldwide travel agency supporting crypto for flights, hotels and car rentals, offering flexible payment options for UAE travelers. A worldwide travel agency supporting crypto for flights, hotels and car rentals, offering flexible payment options for UAE travelers. Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, USDT and other major cryptocurrencies. BTC, ETH, USDT and other major cryptocurrencies. Availability: Global bookings, including UAE-based airlines. How to make a crypto payment for booking a flight Airlines in the UAE don't take direct crypto payments; instead, they collaborate with a crypto service provider to facilitate crypto payments for them. You can make a crypto payment via the checkout or a gift card. Via checkout: To use cryptocurrency at checkout, choose the crypto payment option on the booking platform. This method is simple, secure and supported by many travel agencies and airlines. To use cryptocurrency at checkout, choose the crypto payment option on the booking platform. This method is simple, secure and supported by many travel agencies and airlines. Via gift card: Some platforms allow indirect crypto payments through digital gift cards. Purchase a travel gift card and apply the gift card balance to your booking as a payment code or credit. Did you know? Travala reported a 46% increase in crypto bookings from January 2023 to January 2024. This surge reflects a growing demand among travelers seeking flexible, borderless payment options while bypassing hefty credit card fees and traditional banking hurdles. Step-by-step guide for booking a flight via checkout with crypto payment Here is a guide on how to book a flight via checkout with crypto payment. The guide uses Travala for illustrative purposes. Step 1) Choose a crypto-friendly travel platform: Select a platform that supports cryptocurrencies for booking flights in the UAE. Select a platform that supports cryptocurrencies for booking flights in the UAE. Step 2) Select flight details: Enter your destination, travel dates and preferences on the platform. Filter options to find the best flight for your needs. Step 3) Proceed to payment and select the cryptocurrency option: At checkout, choose the cryptocurrency payment option from the available methods. Travala, for instance, offers options like cryptocurrency transfer, and Binance Pay. Step 4) Connect crypto wallet: Select the appropriate crypto payment tab and tap 'Complete reservation.' In the case of Travala, you could tap Cryptocurrency Transfer, or Binance Pay and initiate the payment process. Step 5) Authorize payment: Log in to your crypto wallet, verify the amount and authorize the transaction securely to confirm payment. To authorize, you could use the notification sent to your wallet or scan a QR code shared by the agency or airlines using your wallet. Log in to your crypto wallet, verify the amount and authorize the transaction securely to confirm payment. To authorize, you could use the notification sent to your wallet or scan a QR code shared by the agency or airlines using your wallet. Step 6) Receive e-ticket: Receive your e-ticket via email or on the platform. Tips for flight booking with cryptocurrencies Using cryptocurrency to pay for flights is convenient, but taking certain precautions ensures a smooth and worry-free experience. Consider the following before finalizing your booking: Review transaction fees and exchange rates: Check the costs of a cryptocurrency transaction and compare them to traditional payment options. Check the costs of a cryptocurrency transaction and compare them to traditional payment options. Ensure platform reliability and security: Select airlines or agencies that use trusted, regulated payment gateways for secure transactions. Select airlines or agencies that use trusted, regulated payment gateways for secure transactions. Track cryptocurrency market fluctuations: Make payments when prices are stable to avoid unexpected expenses due to volatility. Make payments when prices are stable to avoid unexpected expenses due to volatility. Maintain transaction records: Keep copies of receipts, blockchain transaction IDs and booking confirmations for reference in case of refunds or disputes. Did you know? Many service providers prefer stablecoins like USDT and USDC over BTC or ETH. Stablecoins reduce volatility risks and settle quickly, offering a reliable alternative to traditional payments. Future of cryptocurrency in UAE air travel The UAE swiftly adopted cryptocurrency in its travel industry, focusing on digital innovation. Major airlines and platforms, such as Emirates, Air Arabia, Travala and Alternative Airlines, now accept crypto payments, promising greater convenience for travelers. With a regime that supports crypto enterprises, acceptance of crypto is sure to grow. Steps like Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) reflect the UAE's commitment to deeper crypto integration with various life activities. These efforts could enable new services, such as crypto-based loyalty programs, blockchain-streamlined visa processing and decentralized travel insurance. Crypto-powered travel hubs may emerge, offering seamless ticket booking, in-destination payments and automated compliance via blockchain. As regulations strengthen and technology advances, the UAE is poised to lead crypto-driven travel, delivering secure, innovative and efficient travel experiences. Source:
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
Emirates NBD sees over Dhs5bn in trades after year of zero-fee local equities offer
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye, said customer trades on its zero-transaction-fee local equities platform have surpassed Dhs5bn in the 12 months since it launched. The initiative, introduced on August 26, 2024, allows investors to trade UAE-listed equities commission-free via the bank's digital wealth platform ENBD X. The bank said more than 300,000 commission-free trades have been executed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Nasdaq Dubai since launch, with access to over 150 UAE-listed equities. The mobile banking app ENBD X integrates banking, investment and advisory services, and offers features such as customisable price alerts, real-time investing and fully digital onboarding. Emirates NBD's zero-fee local equities offer received a strong response Marwan Hadi, group head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, said: 'We are pleased to see an outstanding response to the zero-transaction-fee trading initiative that we launched on our digital wealth platforms, accessible via ENBD X. 'One year on, our customers have embraced purposeful investment by investing in local equities. As a leading national bank, we are proud to transform how people invest, by providing an inclusive, accessible, transparent and affordable platform, while also supporting local businesses.' He added that innovation remained a core focus, with ongoing enhancements to ENBD X and the development of new products and services to meet evolving customer needs. Last year, Emirates NBD also launched fractional bonds on ENBD X as part of efforts to broaden access to financial markets. Read:
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Emirates 24/7
MBRSC launches new gaming Bachelor's program
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai (AUD) has announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development. Set to commence in the 2025-26 academic year, the programme is designed to equip students with both the creative and technical skills required to succeed in the fast-growing global gaming industry. The programme was developed in collaboration with the University of Southern California's (USC) School of Cinematic Arts — one of the world's top-ranked schools and home to North America's leading gaming programme — offering students a curriculum on par with the best globally. The initiative is supported by the Dubai Media Council as part of its mandate to strengthen the city's position as a focal point for media innovation. The introduction of the programme also aligns with the Council's wider strategy to develop specialised media talent and enhance Dubai's leadership in digital entertainment and interactive content, a goal reinforced by the recent establishment of the Dubai Films and Games Commission under the Council's umbrella. The new degree programme allows students to choose between two concentrations, one creative and the other technical. The Game Design concentration focuses on storytelling, world-building, visual aesthetics, and user experience while the Game Development concentration covers programming, software tools, game engines, and immersive technologies. Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy & Performance, Dubai Media Council, said: 'This initiative aligns with our vision to position Dubai as a global leader in media innovation. By supporting the development of world-class academic programmes in collaboration with leading institutions, we are fostering the creation of a future-ready media industry driven by homegrown talent. The new Bachelor's programme also contributes to the Council's vision of developing Dubai into a global hub for gaming and strengthening the city's role in shaping the future of emerging media sectors. Our goal is to create new growth pathways for emerging talent and foster an ecosystem where creative professionals, technology experts, and innovators can thrive, helping ensure that Dubai not only keeps pace with global media trends, but actively helps define them.' Sophie Boutros, Executive Director, Mohammad Bin Rashid School for Communication at AUD, said: 'The introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development marks another important milestone in our mission to prepare students to excel in a rapidly changing media landscape. We are proud to receive the support of the Dubai Media Council and collaborate with the USC's School of Cinematic Arts on this important initiative. By combining creative training with cutting-edge technical knowledge, the programme will help equip a new generation of talent with the competencies needed to shape the next wave of immersive entertainment and interactive content. The new Bachelor's programme will give students in the region the tools and skills to thrive as innovators in the gaming sector.' Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development will gain the skills to design engaging gameplay experiences, develop functional and optimised games using industry-standard tools, and apply narrative and artistic techniques to enhance player immersion. They will also gain experience in multidisciplinary collaboration, game production, and ethical and commercial aspects of the industry.
