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Saudi Space Agency Launches 'Space Future Center' to Strengthen Innovation in Space Sector

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field. (SPA)
The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field. (SPA)
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Saudi Space Agency Launches 'Space Future Center' to Strengthen Innovation in Space Sector

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field. (SPA)
The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field. (SPA)

The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) announced on Sunday the launch of the Space Future Center, the first of its kind within the network of Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers affiliated with the World Economic Forum.

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field.

The center introduced its board of directors, comprising a distinguished group of international experts. Leading the board is Chairman of the Space Future Center and Deputy Minister of Economy and Planning Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi. Other prominent members include Managing Director of the World Economic Forum Eng. Ammar Nagadi, CEO of the World Economic Forum Jeremy Jurgens, CEO of the Neo Space Group Martijn Blanken, Co-Founder and CEO of Axiom Space Kam Ghaffarian, and Founder of Spaceport Sarabahi Susmita Mohanty. The board’s membership reflects the expertise and strategic vision necessary to achieve the center's ambitious goals.

Al-Tamimi emphasized that the center represents a significant addition to the global space sector. He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening a sustainable space economy, advancing knowledge, and fostering international partnerships.

The launch of the center will boost Saudi Arabia’s role both regionally and globally, enabling humanity to responsibly explore and capitalize on the opportunities offered by space, he stressed.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader ambition to become a leader in space exploration and innovation, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of the rapidly evolving space industry.

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Germany Goes Nuts for Viral 'Dubai Chocolate’

Pieces of Dubai chocolate with gold leaf are pictured at Abu Khaled Sweets oriental pastry shop in Berlin's Wedding district on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
Pieces of Dubai chocolate with gold leaf are pictured at Abu Khaled Sweets oriental pastry shop in Berlin's Wedding district on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
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Germany Goes Nuts for Viral 'Dubai Chocolate’

Pieces of Dubai chocolate with gold leaf are pictured at Abu Khaled Sweets oriental pastry shop in Berlin's Wedding district on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
Pieces of Dubai chocolate with gold leaf are pictured at Abu Khaled Sweets oriental pastry shop in Berlin's Wedding district on November 14, 2024. (AFP)

When Ali Fakhro lays out a row of pistachio-filled chocolate bars in the morning at his bakery in Berlin, he knows they will be gone in a matter of hours.

Inspired by the viral success of the crunchy delicacy known as "Dubai chocolate", Fakhro, 32, hunted down a recipe and began making his own version two months ago.

"On the first day I made 20 bars, but they went fast. The next day, I made 50 -- all gone too," he said.

So-called Dubai chocolate was invented in 2021 by British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda, who is based in Dubai.

The chunky treat consists of a blocky, hand-decorated chocolate bar with various quirky fillings -- the signature flavor being a rich pistachio cream.

The treat went viral when TikTok food influencer Maria Vehera posted a video of herself eating a bar in her car, which has since been viewed more than 100 million times.

The real thing is only available to local customers in limited quantities, but the trend has led to an explosion of copycat versions of the chocolate around the world.

Shop owner Ali Fakhro prepares Dubai chocolate at his Abu Khaled Sweets oriental pastry shop in Berlin's Wedding district on November 14, 2024. (AFP)

- Queueing in the cold -

Fakhro, who runs Abu Khaled Sweets in Berlin, experimented "several times" with different recipes before finally landing on the right ingredient to give the pistachio cream its famous crunch -- a finely shredded Middle Eastern pastry known as kataif.

Germans have been scrambling to get their hands on the chocolate with bars selling for over 100 euros ($104) on the internet.

Last week, a 31-year-old man was caught by customs attempting to smuggle 45 kilograms of the sweet treat into Germany from Switzerland.

When Swiss manufacturer Lindt launched its own version of the Dubai chocolate in Germany this month, customers queued for hours in the cold to get their hands on a bar.

At up to 20 euros per bar, the delicacy is far more expensive than your average chocolate bar -- but that didn't seem to be putting anyone off.

"I waited 10 hours. I've been here since midnight just to taste this chocolate," 18-year-old student Leon Faehnle told AFP outside a Lindt shop in Stuttgart.

Customers line-up in front of a branch of chocolate producer Lindt before the sale of 100 Dubai Chocolate bars starts in Stuttgart, southern Germany, on November 15, 2024. (AFP)

- 'Easy money' -

Lindt launched the chocolate in Germany with 1,000 numbered bars in 10 shops, a spokesman for the group told AFP, and is planning a similar launch in Austria on November 30.

Dubai chocolate has also been a hit in France, with a version by chocolatier Jeremy Bockel on show at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris earlier this month.

Yannick Burkhard, 21, queued for three hours in Stuttgart to get his hands on the chocolate -- but is not planning to eat any of it himself. Instead, he will sell it on the internet.

"I would never pay that much for this. It's quick and easy money," he said with a smile.

"This bar cost 15 euros, but it can sell for almost 100 euros... There are lots of offers on eBay, up to 300 euros," said a customer who gave his name only as Lucas, 24.

Faehnle had a more wholesome plan for his bars as he exited the shop in Stuttgart beaming with pride at his purchase.

"Now I'm going to go home and share them with my grandparents," he said.