< Previous50 Vol. 25/09, August 2024 Space Race Ca n Eu ro pe an d the UA E lea d the glo bal spa ce race ? Ther e’s certain ly a real opportunity for it Space Race 50 Vol. 25/09, August 2024 ABE_2509_50-53_Space Race_13340504.indd 5024/07/2024 18:39arabianbusiness.com51 Space Race BY JEAN-FRANÇOIS MORIZUR CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF CAILABS, AND BOGDAN GOGULAN, CEO AND MANAGING PARTNER OF NEW SPACE CAPITAL Since the launch of its National Space Policy in 2017, the UAE has made monumental strides towards establishing itself as a genuine world leader in the development of a comprehensive space technology ecosystem. It has set itself some ambi- tious goals, from creating a human settlement on Mars by 2117 to reshap- ing its global telecommunications infrastructure. And by doing so, it is solidifying its growing reputation as a key player in the ‘new space race’. Why is space so important to the UAE? As part of its steady transition away from oil and gas, a robust space industry is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it’s an excellent way of driving economic diversification, reducing reli- ance on oil and gas by fostering a high- tech sector that can spur innovation and Space Race arabianbusiness.com51 create jobs. Secondly, being among the global leaders in space enhances the nation’s global prestige and soft power, while also inspiring future generations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engi- neering and Maths) fields. More imminently, space technologies address pressing challenges like food security by enabling advanced agricul- tural practices through satellite monitor- ing of crops, soil, and weather, and by managing natural resources efficiently. Space investments also aid in climate change adaptation, a key motivator for a nation looking to decarbonise its own economy. Stronger communications and defence technologies, like photonics, which enables laser communication, are also integral to enhanced global connec- tivity and national security in a time of immense geopolitical instability. ABE_2509_50-53_Space Race_13340504.indd 5125/07/2024 09:3852 Vol. 25/09, August 2024 Space Race In short, the UAE’s emphasis on space exploration is a two-pronged stra- tegic move to both secure a slice of the burgeoning space market and tackle critical and shared national challenges. The UAE is not the only country prioritising space. Many nations are doing it as part of their national strategy. But that doesn’t mean all countries are in the same position with regard to developing their space sectors. Some markets are significantly stronger than others in terms of scaling capacities, for instance, whereas others boast more mature ecosystems for innovation. A near-perfect example of these differences can be seen if we compare Europe to the UAE. Both can legiti- mately be called world leaders in what they do in space, but they’re nonetheless located at opposite ends of the space sector continuum. An underexplored notion to date is the potential synergy between both regions – in other words, how they might collaborate for mutual benefit. Together, they have enormous untapped potential. Europe’s fragmentation and simul- taneous homogeneity and heterogeneity has made it a powerhouse of innovation, and today it has unrivalled expertise in developing cutting-edge space technol- ogies, exemplified by the extraordinary advances it has made in fields like satel- lite communications, photonics, and Ear th Obser vation. It’s also a key supplier of the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the space sector. The UAE’s Space Ambitions Yet the UAE boasts a remarkable ability to scale space infrastructure and its National Space Policy has already shown its enormous efficacy. Govern- ment-backed accelerators like Hub 71, which fosters international collabora- tion at the level of emerging technology, are excellent indicators of the UAE’s commitment to cultivating and scaling solutions to the challenges it seeks to solve – food security, drought, the Space investments also aid in climate change adaptation, a key motivator for a nation looking to decarbonise its own economy ABE_2509_50-53_Space Race_13340504.indd 5224/07/2024 18:39arabianbusiness.com 53 Space Race warming planet, geopolitical instability – all of which have a stake in space. One recent manifestation of the UAE’s forward-thinking mentality and ambition was the deployment of the first Quantum Optical Ground Station in the Arab world – ADQOGS – in Abu Dhabi. This optical ground station will enable significant developments in the field of photonics, the application of light (photons) and its interaction with matter. It also represents a step towards building out a laser infrastructure for communications and defence purposes. However, the success of its deploy- ment depends, in large part, on its find- ing a steady stream of commercial part- ners with deep experience in this highly specialised field. With Europe leading the way in photonics capabilities, and start-ups emerging out of world-leading academic institutions from Cambridge and Zurich to Ile de-France and Delft, the region is an ideal supplier to the UAE of industry experts and innovators able to ‘plug in’ to the nation’s existing and growing space infrastructure, furthering its own domestic and international objectives. A partnership between the UAE and Europe would also provide European companies, who are struggling to raise funds, with the ability to commercially scale their operations – something chron- ically lacking in European domestic markets due to poor investor appetite. What is true of photonics is also true of Earth Observation, which is proving to be essential in the development of a trans- parent, accurate and real-time source of climate data ranging from carbon and methane emissions to deforestation rates and the spread of wildfires. Europe’s space industry boasts the most advanced Earth observation plat- forms – platforms which process tera- bytes of satellite imagery using AI to report on various ‘vital-sign’ indicators of the planet. This can be attributed largely to its proactive stance on climate change and the role of space as a medium for growing ESG awareness and ensuring compliance. The application of Earth observa- tion tools to the food security and agri- cultural sectors is already being probed in depth within Europe’s space ecosys- tem but companies operating in this domain will similarly face a lack of fund- ing available to them, forcing them to move into foreign markets, with the US being a primary target. Given that the UAE offers a simi- larly robust scaling infrastructure, has governmental support and stands to benefit hugely from European space technologies both in terms of its national objectives and its long-term goal of lead- ing the charge into deep space, a closer relationship between both markets is extremely attractive. There’s a real opportunity here. Both Europe and the UAE host some of the greatest minds in global space. European companies can benefit hugely from the space infrastructure the UAE has managed to develop; the UAE can benefit from access to enormous deep-tech expertise and innovative spirit. And together, they can take on – and solve – some of the biggest challenges facing us today. Space investments also aid in climate change adaptation, a key motivator for a nation looking to decarbonise its own economy ABE_2509_50-53_Space Race_13340504.indd 5325/07/2024 09:3954 Vol. 25/09, August 2024 Technology A fter dedicating a month to wearing the WHOOP 4.0, I’ve come to a realisation – this isn’t your average run-of-the-mill fitness tracker. As someone who enjoys staying active but isn’t exactly training for the Olympics, I found myself constantly questioning whether this device is truly suited for the average fitness enthusiast. Let’s dive deep into what makes the WHOOP 4.0 stand out, for better or worse. THE GOOD The WHOOP 4.0 excels at what it sets out to do – tracking recovery and strain, insights which I believe would be par ticularly useful for serious athletes. The device uses a proprietary algorithm to calculate a daily strain score (0-21) based on cardiovascu- lar load and a recovery score (0-100 Is it worth the hype for the average gym-goer? We find out BY TALA MICHEL ISSA percent) that considers resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep performance. During my testing, I found these metrics to be surprisingly accurate and unrivalled – there’s nothing quite as comprehensive as this in the market. On days when I felt particu- larly tired, my recovery score was indeed lower, and the strain score accurately reflected the intensity of my workouts. This level of insight could be game-changing for those who are serious about optimising their training and avoiding overexertion. The sleep tracking is nothing short of impressive. It offers detailed breakdowns of sleep stages and qual- ity, going far beyond the basic sleep duration tracking found in many other devices. It not only tracks time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep but also factors in sleep consistency and efficiency. TECH REVIEW WHOOP 4.0 ABE_2509_54-57_Tech Review Whoop_13340499.indd 5424/07/2024 17:57arabianbusiness.com55 Technology One feature I particularly appreci- ated was the sleep coach, which recommends optimal bedtimes based on your recent strain and sleep debt. This personalised approach to sleep optimisation felt genuinely helpful, especially during weeks when my schedule was hectic. I was initially sceptical about wear- ing a screen less fitness tracker 24/7, but the WHOOP 4.0’s design quickly won me over. At just 1 inch wide and weigh- ing a mere 1 ounce, it’s remarkably unobtrusive and comfortable enough to wear all day and night. The lack of a screen contributes to its sleek appear- ance and makes it look more like a styl- ish wristband than a tech gadget. The waterproof construction (up to 10 metres for 2 hours) means you never have to take it off, even while swimming or showering. This continuous wear is crucial for the device’s monitoring approach, ensuring you never miss a beat in your health tracking. The battery life of the WHOOP 4.0 is a standout feature, lasting about four to five days on a single charge. This is particularly impressive given its 24/7 monitoring capabilities. But what really sets it apart, in my opinion, is the portable battery pack and its clever charging solution. The battery pack can be slid onto the device while you’re wearing it, allowing you to charge on the go with- out inter r upting data collection (though it might overheat a little bit). This unique approach to charging meant that I never had to worry about taking off the device and potentially missing out on valuable data. The device shines in its ability to provide detailed insights into recovery, sleep, and overall strain on the body w is t cle the allo ou (th ABE_2509_54-57_Tech Review Whoop_13340499.indd 5524/07/2024 17:5856 Vol. 25/09, August 2024 Technology Beyond just activity tracking, the WHOOP 4.0 offers a more comprehen- sive approach to health monitoring. It measures respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature, giving you a more holistic approach to your health. During my testing period, I found the respiratory rate tracking particularly interesting. While I thankfully didn’t experience any health scares, knowing that the device could potentially detect early signs of respiratory issues added an extra layer of reassurance for me. The companion app is well-designed and very intuitive, presenting complex data in an easily digestible format. I appreciated how it broke down my daily and weekly performance with insights into how various factors affected my recovery and strain. The ability to log activities, food intake, and other lifestyle factors helps provide context to the physiological data. Over time, I began to see patterns emerge between my habits and my performance metrics, which was genu- inely enlightening. For those who love to dive deep into their data, WHOOP offers extensive data export options. It also integrates with popular platforms like Strava and Apple Health which makes it easier to consolidate your fitness data across multiple platforms. THE NOT-SO-GOOD While the screen less design contributes to the WHOOP 4.0’s sleek appearance and extended battery life, it’s also one of its biggest drawbacks. I found myself constantly reaching for my phone to check my stats, which became tedious over time. For those used to glancing at their wrist for quick updates on steps, Its advanced metrics, continuous monitoring, and focus on recovery make it a powerful tool for those pushing their physical limits WHOOP 4.0 offers detailed breakdowns of sleep stages and quality, going far beyond the basic sleep duration tracking found in many other devices ABE_2509_54-57_Tech Review Whoop_13340499.indd 5624/07/2024 17:58arabianbusiness.com 57 Technology myself wondering how to act on the information I was receiving. It took time to understand how to balance my strain and recovery scores effectively. For those not used to this level of data analysis in their fitness routine, there might be a significant learning curve. THE VERDICT After a month of use, I’ve concluded that the WHOOP 4.0 is a niche product best suited for serious athletes or those deeply invested in optimising their performance and recovery. Its advanced metrics, continuous monitoring, and focus on recovery make it a powerful tool for those pushing their physical limits. The device shines in its ability to provide detailed insights into recovery, sleep, and overall strain on the body. For athletes looking to fine-tune their train- ing and avoid overtraining, the WHOOP 4.0 could be an invaluable tool. However, for the average fitness enthusiast, the subscription cost and the specialised focus might not justify the investment. In the end, whether the WHOOP 4.0 is worth it depends entirely on your fitness goals and how much you value the specific data it provides. For elite athletes, data-obsessed fitness buffs, or those dealing with specific health concerns, it could be a game-changer. For the rest of us, those who enjoy staying active but aren’t training for major competitions, there might be more suitable and cost-effective options out there. While the WHOOP 4.0 offers an impressive array of features and insights, its specialised focus and subscription model may be more than what the average fitness enthusiast needs or wants to invest in. Ultimately, my month with the WHOOP 4.0 left me impressed with its capabilities, but questioning its necessity for my personal fitness jour- ney. It’s a powerful tool – no doubt, but one that may be best suited for those who can fully gain from its advanced features, and are willing to commit to both the financial cost and the time investment required to make the most of its insights. time, or notifications, this might be a significant adjustment. I began to understand why many people who use the WHOOP often wear another wear- able or smartwatch on their other wrist. The absence of a screen also means you can’t get real-time feedback during workouts without pulling out your phone, which can be inconvenient, espe- cially during outdoor activities. While the device excels at tracking recovery and overall strain, I found its post-workout statistics less comprehen- sive than other fitness devices I’ve used. After a workout, I missed being able to quickly check familiar metrics like calo- ries burned, intensity minutes, or steps taken – data points that I’ve come to rely on with other trackers to properly gauge the effectiveness of my exercise sessions. But I believe the biggest hurdle for many potential users will be the subscrip- tion model. After the initial free period, the annual membership cost of $239 feels steep, especially when compared to other fitness trackers that offer similar features without/cheaper ongoing fees. This pricing structure might be justifiable for professional athletes or serious enthusiasts who can make use of the highly-advanced insights to improve their performance. However, for the average user looking to stay fit and healthy, it’s a considerable investment that may be hard to justify. For the average person looking to track steps, calories, and basic sleep patterns, the WHOOP might be overkill. Its focus on recovery and strain is impressive but potentially unnecessary for those not engaged in intensive train- ing regimens. The absence of built-in GPS and the lack of step counting might also be deal-breakers for some users. If you’re someone who motivates yourself by hitting a daily step goal, you’ll need to look elsewhere or use a second device. While the data provided is compre- hensive, interpreting it and making meaningful changes to your routine requires a level of commitment and understanding that casual users might find overwhelming. During my first week with the device, I often found The absence of a screen means you can’t get real-time feedback without pulling out your phone THE GOOD Accurate recovery and strain tracking Comprehensive sleep analysis Comfortable, unobtrusive design Lightweight and waterproof Long battery life and innovative charging solution Holistic health monitoring Intuitive companion app Extensive data export options Highly personalised THE NOT SO GOOD No screen for quick stats Requires frequent phone checks Limited real-time workout feedback Expensive subscription model May be overkill for casual users No built-in GPS No step count Steep learning curve for data interpretation Lacks basic fitness tracker features ABE_2509_54-57_Tech Review Whoop_13340499.indd 5724/07/2024 17:5858 Vol. 25/09, August 2024 Starting a business in Dubai Dubai offers many opportunities thanks to its location, business-friendly policies, and economic landscape. Here’s a quick guide to help you get set up Identify your business type. Options include mainland, free zones, and offshore. Refer to the Depar tment of Economic Development (DED) for permissible activities. Select a unique trade name, compliant with UAE naming rules. Obtain DED approval to avoid conflicts with existing trademarks. Apply for a commercial, industrial, or professional license based on your activity. Submit the application form, shareholder passport copies, and a business plan to the DED or free zone authority. Lease office space in the mainland or free zones. Ensure it meets regulatory standards. Free zones may offer Flexi-desk or virtual office solutions. Choose between an LLC, Sole Proprietorship, Branch Office, or Free Zone Enterprise. Note that an LLC on the mainland requires a local sponsor, holding 51 percent of shares. Secure an office space Get a business license Register your business name Choose a business activity Select a business structure ABE_2509_58_5 things_13340501.indd 5824/07/2024 17:52Next >