Sheikh Hamad al-Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, carved his name in the sand of al-Futaisi island with letters so large they can be seen from outer space, Arabian Business reported on Friday (July 21st).

Sheikh al-Nahyan spelled out the letters H-A-M-A-D, clearly visible to satellites and Google Earth maps. The letters measure 3.2 km across, with each letter nearly 500 metres high.

Al-Futaisi island is southwest of Dubai. The sheikh also has a car collection housed in a private museum.