After taking off from Dubai International Airport, UPS Airlines Flight 6 develops an in-flight fire in the cargo hold and crashes near Nad Al Sheba, killing both crew members on board.

Beslan school siege results in over 330 fatalities, including 186 children.

In Belfast, Protestant loyalists begin a picket of Holy Cross, a Catholic primary school for girls.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, an international bill of rights for women, is instituted by the United Nations.

Viking program: The American Viking 2 spacecraft lands at Utopia Planitia on Mars.

Qatar becomes an independent state.