KT's 38th Anniversary: Milestones through the years

ROYALS WELCOME-FEB. 25, 1979
Britain's Queen Elizabeth's landmark visit to the UAE in 1979. The Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip, ande was accorded a cermonial welcome. She was received by president Shaikh Zayed, Shaikh Rashid and other Shaikhs. In Dubai, she visited the Municipal Building where she was presented the 'key' to the city. She later attended service at the Holy Trinity Church in Bur Dubai. Shaikh Rashid hosted a dinner for the Royal couple in the evening.
FINANCIAL POWERHOUSE-NOV. 13, 2005
The Dubai International Financial Centre inaugurated by General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defence Minister and president of DIFC. Strategically located, it provides a stable and secure platform for businesses and financial institutions to tap into emerging markets of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. It's the ideal hub to access the Middle East's rapidly growing demand for financial and business services.
ROAD TO DEMOCRACY-DEC. 17, 2006
Results of country's the first Federal National Council elections announced. Amal Abdullah Juma Karam Al Qubaisi is the first woman elected to the FNC, from Abu Dhabi. Al Qubaisi goes on to become the first woman speaker of the FNC in 2016. "I owe my success to my deep belief in Allah the Almighty, to the support I received from members of the electoral colleges in Abu Dhabi and to the sincere and realistic promises I gave during my campaign," she said on her appointment.
TEACH THE CHILDREN-SEP. 20, 2007
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launches the Dubai Cares campaign, a new charity initiative during the holy month of Ramadan to help educate one million children in developing countries. It's mission is to increase children's access to quality primary education through programs that eliminate the underlying obstacles that prevent children from going to school.
HELP AT HAND-Jan. 21, 2008
Arab Foundation for Social Charity launched. Shaikh Mohammed makes the announcement during a meeting with Arab leaders on the sidelines of a conference on Arab philanthropy. "At a time when the UN is struggling to achieve its Millennium Development Target of attaining universal primary education by 2015, the charity drive has been able to raise a whopping Dh 3.4 billion to help educate one million children in various parts of the world," said our report.
ABU DHABI TAKES OFF-JAN. 3, 1982
Abu Dhabi International Airport opens. Gulf Air is the first carrier to land at the airport. Senior officials receive passengers who arrrive on the inaugural flight. Today, Abu Dhabi Airports has expanded its portfolio of assets to include Al Ain International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Sir Bani Yas Island Airport and Delma Island Airport, along with a group of companies with diversified activities that are essential to the growth of the aviation industry in the UAE.
HELLO EMIRATES-OCT. 24, 1985
Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Crown Prince of Dubai launches Emirates. After the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony, Shaikh Maktoum inspects a A-300 aircraft, which bears the UAE flag. With a fleet of more than 230 aircraft, Emirates now flies to over 140 destinations in more than 80 countries around the world, and the network is expanding constantly. Over 1,500 Emirates flights depart Dubai each week.
EYE IN THE SKY-JULY 31, 2009
DubaiSat-1 is launched from a former military base to become the first national satellite in space. The satellite carries a high resolution camera which will be used to aid disaster relief. The satellite observes the earth at a Low Earth orbit (LEO) and generates high-resolution optical images at 2.5m in panchromatic and at 5m in multispectral bands. These images provide decision-makers in the UAE with a valuable tool for a wide range of applications including urban planning.
METRO MOMENT-SEP. 10, 2009
Dubai Metro opens. Shaikh Mohammed and hundreds of VIPs and media board the train at the Mall of the Emirates station for its inaugural run. The Dubai Metro is one of the few driverless passenger trains in the world and the first phase too four years to build. The Metro is a clean and efficient modern transport system that is still expanding in the Emirate, according to its website. The system courses through life in Dubai. Feeder buses connect to the  network.
AIR POWER-Jan. 30, 1989
The biggest aviation event in the Middle East, the Dubai Airshow, opens. Shaikh Mohammed bi Rashid Al Maktoum, then defence minister, inspects 28 aircraft at the event. The record-breaking Dubai Airshow is one of the largest and most successful shows in the world, connecting aerospace professionals across all areas of the industry to facilitate successful global trade. The 2015 edition of the Dubai Airshow saw over 1,103 exhibitors representing 61 countries.
SPACE BECKONS-APRIL 24, 2011
Abu Dhabi steps into space with its first satellite launch using an Ariane 5 rocket carrying Yahsat. The launch is from the European Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) is a private joint stock company that is fully owned by Mubadala, the investment arm of the Government of Abu Dhabi. Yahsat helps connect to more 140 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe , Central and South West Asia with its array of satellites.
BEST FOOT FORWARD-MARCH 15, 2012
The UAE football team qualifies for the Olympic Games for the first time in the country's history with a 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan. The national team has also won the Gulf Cup of Nations on two occasions - in 2007 when they bagged the title for the first time in their history and then in 2013.  They finished third in the recent Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup and will be hosting the next edition in 2019.
OIL'S WELL-July 16, 2012
Abu Dhabi can now export more than 1.5 million barrels of crude oil through Fujairah - bypassing the Strait of Hormuz - as the emirate launches its new oil pipeline. It will help reduce pressure on Abu Dhabi's existing oil terminals - Jebel Dhanna and Al Ruwais ports - while reducing shipping congestion through the Strait of Hormuz, thus saving insurance costs and reducing haulers' journey time. The 48" diameter onshore pipeline is designed to transport 1.5 million barrels of crude daily.
PEOPLE'S COUNCIL-Feb. 16, 1996
The late Shaikh Zayed wants the Federal National Council to play a more active role in the nation's affairs during his meeting with the speaker of the time, Al Haj bin Abdulla Al Muhairbi. The Federal National Council (FNC) is the UAE's advisory council. It was formed under the Provisional Constitution in 1971 as a permanent component of the country's governing structure, which also includes the Supreme Council of Rulers, the President, Cabinet and Judiciary. It has 40 members.
QUIET START-Feb. 16, 1996
The report on the first Dubai Shopping Festival was carried on  The UAE page (now Nation). A quiet start to what is now the largest such festival in the region, which attracts millions of visitors who power the hospitality industry. Every year the festival delivers something interesting for everyone. It's a shoppers' paradise, kids Disneyland, art lovers horizon and food festival rolled into one. The city is decked up during this time of the year. There's an air of celebration all around.
BUILDING BLOCKS-May 21, 1996
The Constitution is here to stay. The word provisional is deleted from the text, and Abu Dhabi is confirmed as the capital of the country. The document elaborates on the major social and economic pillars of the federation and stresses on public rights, responsibilities and freedoms. It explains legislation as well as financial affairs of the federation, duties of security forces, and powers of the federation and member emirates.
MAN OF THE PEOPLE-June 7, 2001
Shaikh Zayed pardons 6,000 prisoners, but what catches the eye on Page 1 is his visit to Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, where he mingles with the crowds. "There is no glory without the glory of the country and its citizens. We have to be proud of our forefathers, who were able to face the harshness of life with a strong will and dedication to shape a better collective future," he said. He was a man ahead of his time and said the country must not rely on oil alone as its main source of income.
CITY OF THE FUTURE-March 4, 2014
Dubai announces new residential city for Emiratis, which will be self-sufficient in terms of resources, transport and energy, said to be the first of its kind in the world. Dubai Smart Sustainable City is one of many Dubai Municipality projects worth Dh20 billion that are approved by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. An estimated 160,000 people will live in this self-reliant city.
Flight status-Nov. 4, 2003
Etihad is born. Though a late starter in the aviation sweepstakes, it will go on to join the ranks of Emirates and Qatar Airways. It was established by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003. It cbegan operations in November 2003 and has developed into one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation. The airline seeks to reflect the best of Arabian hospitality - cultured, warm and generous - as well as enhance the prestige of Abu Dhabi as a centre of hospitality.
Shopping marvel-Nov. 4, 2008
Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall, opens it doors to the world. The mall house 1,200 outlets. It is home to just about every major fashion brand in the world. With a 440,000 square feet Fashion Avenue, which is recognised as the largest collection of fashion brands under one roof anywhere in the world, the mall is set to become the next style capital of the world. The Avenue comprises of high and mid-fashion retails outlets that pay homage to haute couture.
Tall wonder-Jan. 5, 2010
Volumes have been written and spoken about the iconic tower. It has been viewed by millions. The Dubai brand gets a boost with the opening of the skycraper. According to its website, not only is the Burj he world's tallest building, it has also broken two other impressive records: tallest structure, previously held by the KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, and tallest free-standing structure, previously held by Toronto's CN Tower.
New connections-April 3, 2013
Work on the Dubai Water Canal begins. It will connect Business Bay with the Arabian Gulf passing through the heart of Dubai. The project will cost $2 billion. Three years on, the project is more than half complete, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said. It will also comprise a three-storey shopping mall with a rooftop park. Pedestrian bridges have been built on Shaikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road. Shaikh Mohammed also reviewed designs and models for The Walk of Dubai Water Canal.
Dream run-Sep. 28, 2014
Alia Mohammed Saeed Mohammed offers prayers after winning gold in the women's 10,000m race in the 17th Asian Games at the Incheon Asiad Stadium. Alia led a breakaway trio with five laps to go, comfortably holding off China's Ding Changgin and Ayumi Hagiwara of Japan to claim the country's first gold of the Games. This is the second medal for the UAE's at the 17th Asian Games, with Shaikh Juma bin Dalmook Al Maktoum winning the bronze medal in the double trap shooting event.
Father figure-June 24, 2015
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with orphaned children at the Family Village. This Village accommodates up to 120 orphaned children and has full-time caregivers who will look after a group of children, giving them all the love and care they require. The village provides a community living atmosphere to enable children to grow up and be contributing members of society.
Hate's off-July 21, 2015
There will be no tolerance for hate in the UAE under a new law. Those spreading hate will be slapped with fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh2 million. They will also be jailed for six months to 10 years depending on the nature of the crime. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Twitter accounts: "The new law guarantees freedom of individuals against religious intolerance and hate crimes."
This country cares-Feb. 3, 2015
It's official. The UAE is the world's largest aid donor, giving away Dh 21.65 billion, according to 2013 figures. More than 140 countries benefitted from country's foreign aid disbursements, including developing nations in Africa. The country has been keen on supporting countries in the Middle East and North Africa region who have been affected by turmoil, including Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Jordan, the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon.
Women 'cab' drive-Jan. 1, 2007
Ladies-only taxi service launched with 100 women drivers to ensure the safety and privacy of women. The facility is also available to families. Women cabbies drivers undergo work training routines with Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), including learning how to operate the taxi's electronic system, studying the tourist destinations in Dubai, customer service techniques, getting equipped with the Al Ameen System - specifically on maintaining safety of passengers and drivers.
PORT OF CALL-Dec. 13, 2012
Khalifa Port is inaugurated. The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, says infrastructure work should be speeded up. Located in Taweelah, midway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the deep water port is the first semi-automated container port in the region. It is located on a reclaimed island with an offshore area of over 2.7 square kilometers and a basin of 16.5 meters depth. Nine Super Post Panamax Quay are part of the port's state-of-the-art infrastructure.
VICTORY FOR VETTEL-Nov. 2, 2009
German driver Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull wins the season-ending Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The Yas Marina track has been a permanent fixture on the F1 schedule since 2009, with all six Abu Dhabi Grands Prix to date held on the visually spectacular circuit. It is by no means the newest circuit in F1 however: in fact four other venues have been newly introduced to F1, and two revamped circuits have returned, since F1 travelled to Abu Dhabi.
Open for business-Mar. 27, 2000
The Dubai Financial Market opens for trading. Investors are welcome. On December 27, 2005, the Executive Council of Dubai decided to transform the DFM into a public shareholding company with a capital of Dh8 billion divided into eight billion shares, and 20% of the capital, equal to 1.6 billion shares, was offered through an IPO. The public offering was met with great demand that exceeded all expectations, with subscriptions totalling to Dh201 billion.