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UAE defence entities gain edge with IDEX agreements

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President Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan visits the IDEX along with Sheikh Mansour Al Nahyan, right, in Abu Dhabi. Reuters

The UAE signed defence deals worth 8.14 billion dirhams ($2.22 billion) on the second day of IDEX in Abu Dhabi, with the bulk of the business signed with a state-owned firm, a government defence acquisitions agency said.

Abu Dhabi defence firm EDGE, whose book value last year was roughly $5 billion, won the biggest deal, a 4.7 billion-dirham contract for its subsidiary Halcon to supply Desert Sting P5 systems, Tawazun Council said in a statement. Halcon also signed a 1.1 billion-dirham deal for its Hunter systems.

UAE pacts with local companies were worth 7.6 billion dirhams, while contracts with international firms totalled just 543 million dirhams, Tawazun said. This occurred despite a heavy presence of foreign firms at this year’s International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), including major companies from the United States and Europe.

Another EDGE subsidiary, ADASI, clinched a 1.33 billion-dirham deal for its Shadow system. “We had a total of $5 billion worth of booked orders last year,” EDGE Chairman Faisal Al Bannai told Reuters, adding that roughly $1.4 billion were export orders to roughly nine or 10 countries.

EDGE has clients in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe, he said. EDGE’s Halcon is now selling a UAV named Reach-S for $1.1 million, which “is a 70% reduced price,” Al Bannai said, adding EDGE wants to “disrupt” the industry.

He said the firm is also selling loitering drones for $29,000, versus what he said is an industry average of between $140,000 and $170,000.

“Today some of the highest-demand products due to what’s happening around the world are loitering drones … and UAVs,” Al Bannai said.

Anton Pashynskyi, chief business development officer at Ukraine state-owned Ukroboronprom, said the UAE and other Gulf countries could learn from Ukraine’s experience in facing Iran-made drones.

“We are fighting not only with Russian equipment. We are fighting also against Iranian equipment,” he said. Ukraine had a small presence inside the main hall of IDEX, near other European countries. Russia had a much larger presence, though in the naval section of the exhibition.

— Reuters

Journalist for 25 years with leading publications in India and UAE such as The National, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Indian Express and former Sports Editor of eIndia.com. Now managing editor of Headline.ae, part of MEMc (https://www.memc.co)

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Dubai Welcomes Kabaddi with a Spectacular Exhibition Match

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The Real Kabaddi League (RKL), known for redefining grassroots sports in India, is set to captivate the Gulf region with an exhilarating Kabaddi exhibition match at Al Ahli Sports Club, Dubai, at 6 PM onwards. This highly anticipated event will feature two specially created dummy teams—Indian Warriors and Gulf Gladiators, showcasing raw and emerging talent on an international platform.

Supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the event symbolizes a monumental step in introducing the traditional Indian sport to a global audience, particularly the Gulf region. With a blend of sportsmanship, entertainment, and education, this evening is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of Kabaddi.

The evening kicks off with a breathtaking Arabic Emirati performance, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural exchange.
A high-energy dance performance post-match (by Zara Khan) will close the event on a vibrant note.

Bollywood legend Suniel Shetty and Indian Wrestler Sangram Singh will lend their star presence, elevating the event’s appeal.

To familiarize Gulf audiences with Kabaddi, RKL has developed animated explainer videos that simplify the sport’s rules in an engaging format, ensuring everyone in attendance can fully immerse themselves in the action.

True to its mission, RKL will showcase young and raw Kabaddi players, making this match a gateway for unexplored talent to shine on a global stage.

Lavish Choudhary, Co-Founder in RKL, emphasized: “The aim behind RKL is always to promote young, raw, and rural unexplored talent and give them a stage to shine.”

Shubham Choudhary, Founder of RKL, added: “This exhibition match serves as the base ground for the Kabaddi sport to enter Gulf countries, and I believe people are going to love it.”

The match will be broadcast live on the Real Kabaddi League’s YouTube channel, enabling fans worldwide to experience the unmissable action. The event is open to all sports enthusiasts, welcoming everyone intrigued by Kabaddi’s dynamic energy and team spirit.

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Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup; 2030 edition to span three continents

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World soccer’s governing body, FIFA, has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2034, while the 2030 tournament will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with special celebratory matches in three South American countries. The announcement was made on Wednesday by FIFA President Gianni Infantino following an extraordinary virtual Congress.

Both tournaments were awarded through uncontested bids and confirmed by acclamation. “We are bringing football to more countries, and the number of teams has not diluted the quality. It has actually enhanced opportunities,” said Infantino, highlighting the expanded global reach of the tournament.

The 2030 World Cup will be a landmark event, taking place across six nations and three continents. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will serve as the primary hosts, while Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will hold celebratory matches to mark the centenary of the inaugural World Cup, hosted by Uruguay in 1930.

While Argentina and Spain have previously hosted the tournament, Uruguay will host again for the first time in a century. Portugal, Paraguay, and Morocco will join the World Cup’s history as first-time host nations.

In 2034, Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation to host the FIFA World Cup, following Qatar’s 2022 edition. This milestone further cements the region’s growing influence in the world of football.

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Ring in the New Year on Dubai’s waters: Abra, Taxi & Ferry with Atlantis views

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As Dubai residents and tourists gear up to celebrate New Year, they can ring in 2025 with celebrations in the waters of the emirate.

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has announced special offers and exclusive services during the New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, on marine transport means including the Dubai Ferry, the Abra, and the Water Taxi.

Passengers can enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa, Bluewaters, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Towers. Residents can cruise into 2025 aboard the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra, with the backdrop of the Dubai coastline, adorned with hotels, heritage areas and landmarks such as The World Islands.

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