Latest: UAE retaliates with strike on Houthi ballistic missile launcher
Two ballistic missiles aimed at Abu Dhabi were shot down in the early hours of Monday, the Ministry of Defence has said.
Authorities confirmed "that the attack did not result in any casualties, as the remnants of the intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles fell in separate areas around the emirate".
The ministry said the weapons were launched by the Houthi terrorist group, state news agency Wam reported.
Flashes were seen in the sky over the capital at about 4.15am, residents said.
The ministry said "it is ready to deal with any threats and that it is taking all necessary measures to protect the state from attacks".
Officials later said a UAE air force F-16 unit retaliated, destroying a mobile missile battery in Al Jawf outside the Houthi-controlled capital Sana'a.
Flights running as scheduled
In Abu Dhabi on Monday, pupils returned to schools as planned after several weeks of remote learning and the roads were busy.
At the airport, flights took off as normal on a busy Monday morning. Social media claims that the airport closed appeared to be entirely false.
There were no flights planned between 3.45am and 5.10am - and 17 flights took off between then and 9am as scheduled, the airport's live board showed.
Saudi Arabia takes down ballistic missile
In Saudi Arabia, the Coalition said it destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards the city of Dhahran Al Janub early on Monday.
Shrapnel from the intercepted missile landed in the city’s industrial zone and pictures of burnt vehicles were published by local media.
The attacks came just hours after the Arab League group of nations met in Cairo to call for the US to designate the Houthis a terrorist group.
The US administration said it is considering the move after blasts in the UAE on Monday, January 17, killed three oil company workers and injured six, in an attack condemned by world leaders.
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
