Announcements
UAE defence entities gain edge with IDEX agreements
Published
2 years agoon
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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)
Announcements
UAE sends 90 metric tons of urgent relief supplies to Sudan
Published
5 days agoon
September 3, 2024By
SudhashreeOn the directions of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Humanitarian (DXB-H) has facilitated urgent relief supplies to Chad’s capital, Ndjamena, to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region.
In a swift response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, a Boeing 747 cargo flight departed from Al Maktoum International Airport on Saturday, August 31, at 9:00 am carrying 90 metric tonnes of essential medical supplies, shelter materials, and relief items provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These critical resources are expected to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region.
Announcements
Global Village announces opening date for Season 29
Published
5 days agoon
September 3, 2024By
SudhashreeSeason 29 of Global Village will kick off on October 16, 2024, the outdoor destination announced. The season will run until May 11, 2025. The popular destination remains closed during the summer months. This year, Global Village is expanding its offerings, featuring more cultural representations, never-before-seen entertainment, and exciting infrastructure upgrades.
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Visitors to the family-friendly destination can experience a diverse range of performances, shopping, and dining experiences from cultures around the world.
Opening more than 25 years ago, the destination set a new record of over 10 million visitors in its 28th season, the longest season to date, hosting 27 pavilions representing over 90 cultures from around the globe, as well as 3,500 shopping outlets and 250 dining options.
The destination is expecting millions of visitors from around the globe to gather for the park’s attractions during the upcoming season.
Announcements
Gaming meets speed: Ferrari launches first-ever esports arena in Abu Dhabi
Published
1 week agoon
September 1, 2024By
SudhashreeFerrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-themed park, has once again redefined entertainment by launching the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to become the go-to destination for racing enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike.
The newly unveiled Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, thoughtfully designed to cater to a broad audience. Fourteen simulators are dedicated to adult racers, while six are specifically designed for younger guests, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors of all ages.
The arena also includes three specialised F1 simulators, offering participants the exhilarating experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car and racing on legendary F1 Grand Prix circuits, including the Yas Marina Circuit. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Ferrari World Esports Arena offers access to the Gran Turismo simulators as part of the theme park ticket until the end of the year. The exclusive F1 simulators are available for an additional fee, starting from Dh60 per race.