The undisputed success of the Idex 2021 arms fair in Abu Dhabi should help to silence campaigners who maintain a constant barrage of criticism against the international arms trade.
Groups such as the UK-based Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) are constantly criticising governments for hosting arms fairs around the world, while at the same time mounting a continuous campaign to halt arms sales.
For example, during protests organised by CAAT against the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair outside the Excel centre in east London in 2019, more than 100 demonstrators were arrested as they sought to prevent the largest event of its kind in Europe from being held.
The fundamental problem with many anti-arms campaigners is that they completely misunderstand the underlying principle that governs most arms sale
But their protests were in vain, and the conference, which attracted an estimated 35,000 delegates and exhibitors, was deemed to be a great success.
For, as this month’s equally high profile event in Abu Dhabi has demonstrated, arms fairs are about a great deal more than securing contracts for new arms purchases.
They provide a unique networking opportunity, where representatives from friendly nations can come together and discuss issues of mutual interest, thereby helping to improve global security, rather than undermining it as some CAAT campaigners often claim is the case.
For the fundamental problem with many anti-arms campaigners is that they completely misunderstand the underlying principle that governs most arms sales, which is to help countries to better protect their interests and defend themselves against potential aggressors.
Certainly, the great advantage of an event like Idex 2021, which has developed into the region’s biggest-spending defence conference, is that it enables delegates and officials to acquaint themselves with the very latest developments in defence technology.
Thus, at this month’s event a wide variety of the latest defence equipment was on show, including unmanned and autonomous weapons that can be operated from boats to sophisticated surveillance systems.
There were also more conventional items of weaponry on display, such as the latest incarnation of the iconic Russian-made Kalashnikov assault rifle, the AK-19, which was making its global debut at Idex, with crowds of people gathering around the stand to view a weapon that looks uncannily similar to the original AK-47 first produced in the 1940s.
Apart from highlighting the rapidly changing nature of defence technology, Idex also reflected profound changes that are taking place in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Idex also reflected profound changes that are taking place in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East
The fact, for example, that Israeli companies were represented for the first time at the event illustrated that, at a time of heightened tensions in the region, it was still possible to replace decades of hostility with peaceful collaboration.
Certainly, with Iran continuing to make threatening noises about its nuclear ambitions, there is a pressing need for countries throughout the globe to work more closely together to safeguard their mutual security interests.
It is for this reason that events like Idex, which provide the environment in which important new relationships can be forged, deserve to be recognised for the positive contribution they make to enhancing global security, instead of being subjected to the ill-founded criticism of the anti-arms campaign lobby.
Result
UAE (S. Tagliabue 90 1') 1-2 Uzbekistan (Shokhruz Norkhonov 48', 86')
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
The biog
From: Upper Egypt
Age: 78
Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila
Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace
Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
Results:
6.30pm: Handicap | US$135,000 (Dirt) | 1,400 metres
Winner: Rodaini, Connor Beasley (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap | $135,000 (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
7.40pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (T) | 2,000m
Winner: Spotify, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: UAE Oakes | Group 3 | $250,000 (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile | Group 2 | $250,000 (T) | 1,600m
Winner: Mythical Image, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.20pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
Winner: Major Partnership, Kevin Stott, Saeed bin Suroor
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
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MATCH INFO
Manchester United v Manchester City, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match is on BeIN Sports
