The Emirati air force is one of the world’s most capable, a senior US security official said on Tuesday at the conclusion of a joint American-Israeli visit to the UAE.
Speaking at Al Dhafra airbase on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said the “reputation of the Emirati armed forces has gone worldwide".
“It is one of the most capable forces in the world and we are proud to partner with you and serve side by side with you," Mr O’Brien told UAE officials as he toured the base with senior White House adviser Jared Kushner.
The two men were among American and Israeli officials on board the historic first El Al flight that arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday from Tel Aviv.
It was the first such trip since the UAE and Israel agreed in August to work towards normalising relations in a deal brokered by the US.
As part of the accord, Israel will halt all annexation of Palestinian territories in exchange for establishing diplomatic ties with the Emirates.
A statement on Monday by the three countries said that the accord is "a courageous step towards a more stable, integrated and prosperous the Middle East".
Falah Al Qahtani, a senior Emirati military official, received the visiting delegation at Al Dhafra base. The site is also used by the American military to operate advanced F-35 fighter jets and other assets in the region.
Mr O'Brien said that the US expected a "significant security aspect" in the Israel-UAE normalisation process although details have remained vague.
Mr Kusher shook hands with the US and Emirati pilots gathered for the event. He also left a written message at the base.
"May the relationship with America continues to grow and together, through strength, will benefit as we bring more peace and prosperity to the Middle East and beyond!" he wrote.
The El Al flight was set to depart shortly after the airbase visit, concluding the first direct round trip by a commercial passenger aircraft between the UAE and Israel.
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THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
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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
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Saudi National Day
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The biog
Hometown: Cairo
Age: 37
Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror
Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing
Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition
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Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
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EA Sports FC 25
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
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Apps: 186
Goals: 127
Assists: 31
Wins: 117
Losses: 33
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Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
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PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
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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
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- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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Plastic tipping points
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10pm – Fatboy Slim
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Explained
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
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