Against the backdrop of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex), taking place in the UAE capital this week, the US has unveiled a bold and inspiring new plan. Lt Gen Charles Hooper, the director of America's Defence Security Co-operation Agency, announced on Sunday that a new joint military hospital is to be built in Abu Dhabi. Modelled on the Landstuhl hospital, which opened in Germany in the 1950s and remains the largest American military medical facility outside the US, the institution will save the lives of American and Emirati troops deployed in the region.
This project will be funded by the UAE and staffed by US medics, but it is much more than a simple joint exercise between two long-standing allies. Designed to provide its invaluable services to members of the armed forces for many years to come, the hospital will also send an important message to the world. In entrusting the UAE with the welfare of its wounded service personnel, America clearly views the nation as a haven of peace and stability in a region fraught with conflict.
It is also but one of the many international defence deals that have been made at Idex this week. On the opening day alone, the UAE Armed Forces signed a total of 33 contracts, worth Dh5 billion. As the defence spending of Arabian Gulf nations is forecast to reach $17 billion by 2023 – a rise of 15 per cent, based on today's figures – it is clear that Idex has a crucial role to play, cementing foreign alliances and acting as an important venue for trade.
In its 25th year, Idex also forms part of the UAE's drive to develop a full-fledged defence sector, which is essential to both economic diversification and national security. Take, for example, Emirati companies such as Caracal, which started out as a small arms manufacturer and has rapidly become a major supplier to the UAE Armed Forces and a number of Asian countries. International deals are also important vehicles through which to build knowledge in Arab nations. To this end, the French shipbuilder Naval Group has included plans for technological transfer as part of its recent deals with Egypt. The group's partnership with Saudi Arabian Military Industries will also enable the nation to build its own warships in the near future. Responding to growing defence spending in Mena countries, Idex has clearly established the UAE as a key player in the defence industry and a secure and transparent arena to do business in.
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Company profile
Date started: January, 2014
Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe
Based: Dubai
Sector: Education technology
Size: Five employees
Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.
Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
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THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
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