Month: November 2021

DUBAI, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, issued Decision No. (2) of 2021 on the formation of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Club for People of Determination.

The Board will be chaired by Thani Juma Berregad Al Falasi, while Mohammed Abudlkarim Julfar will serve as Vice Chairman. Other members of the Board include: Hassan Almazrouei, Muna Khalifa Hammad, and Raisa Al Falasi.

The Board serves for a renewable term of four years. The Decision is effective from its date of issuance, and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Dubai Club for People of Determination, which operates under the umbrella of Dubai Sports Council, aims to rehabilitate people of determination both physically and mentally to empower and enable them to participate in sports, cultural and social fields.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, EDGE Group, an advanced technology group for defence and beyond, today launched a series of new additions to its product portfolio of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). QX-5 and QX-6, modern vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones, and Rash 2H, a high-precision guided munition system – all designed and manufactured in the UAE – were unveiled on the first day of Dubai Airshow 2021, which is underway at Dubai World Central until 18 November.

The unveiling of the Class-1 UAVs took place at the EDGE pavilion in the presence of Faisal Al Bannai, CEO and Managing Director of EDGE, and Ali Al Yafei, CEO of ADASI.

Speaking on the occasion, Faisal Al Bannai said: “New, intelligent and autonomous systems are at the core of EDGE’s drive for innovation and new capabilities, which is reflected in the Group’s on-going R&D investments in this domain.”

He added: “We continually strive to maintain an edge in unmanned capabilities and the unveiling of new additions to the QX and Rash families, with the first prototypes of these ranges launched only nine months ago, highlights our commitment to bringing new advanced products and technologies to market with speed.”

Ali Al Yafei, CEO of ADASI, said: “As a leader in developing autonomous systems, ADASI is transforming future missions with its continuous advancement in unmanned technology. Our aim is to redefine operational capability by enabling high-risk missions and expanding operational reach. The launch of our new products at this year’s Dubai Airshow demonstrates our sheer dedication to achieving this goal.”

Built for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) applications, border security and other military operations, QX-5 is a fixed VTOL UAV that is designed for an extended endurance of 16 hours, with a 25 kg payload capacity. Featuring advanced autopilot and communication systems, the tactical drone can be utilised in multiple mission scenarios.

Similarly, QX-6 is a VTOL UAV featuring cutting-edge autopilot and communication systems to perform missions autonomously without the need for remote control. QX-6 has an extended payload of 150kg to enable it to deliver cargo to remote and inaccessible locations. Depending on payload configuration, the system has an endurance of up to four hours, and can be leveraged for both military and commercial applications.

Rash 2H is a cost-effective, high-precision guided munition system capable of swiftly engaging small-to-medium-sized threats. Featuring the highest payload in the Rash family, the system is ideal for patrol missions, border security, and targeting high-value threats. Owing to its laser designation system, Rash 2H ensures accurate target acquisition and tracking for both day and night operations.

Sister EDGE company, HALCON, unveiled the Hunter 10 – Tube Launched Drone (10kg), featuring a take-off weight of 47kg that can be fired from the back of an armoured/artillery vehicle. It carries a payload of 10kg, flying at a maximum altitude of 2,500m. The drone is suitable for recon and attack missions, operating at a cruising speed of 60 knots, with an endurance of 40 minutes. It features a wingspan of 4.2 metres, length of 3.4 metres, and is run by an electric engine. Its Hunter 10 – Tube Launcher weighs 58kg.

The Hunter 5 – Tube Launched Drone (5Kg) was also unveiled at the Dubai Airshow, possessing a take-off weight of 16kg. It carries a payload of 5kg, flying at a maximum altitude of 1,500m. The drone is suitable for recon and attack missions, operating at a cruising speed of 40 knots, with an endurance of 30 minutes. It features a wingspan of 2.4 metres, length of 1.9 metres, and is run by an electric engine. Its Hunter 5 – Tube Launcher weighs 17kg.

Commenting on HALCON’s new array of advanced drones, Saeed Al Mansoori, CEO of HALCON said: “HALCON as an EDGE company places a strong emphasis on innovation and future-proofing our product range. These UAVs represent the continuing commitment to provide clients with the most advanced platforms that support their evolving mission critical needs, and we are proud to have the ability to do so from our base right here in the UAE.”

EDGE used its headlining participation at Dubai Airshow to also showcase the Hunter (Hand Launched Drone – Rotary), which possesses a take-off weight of just 2kg and can be placed into fight by hand. The drone carries a payload of 400g, flying at a maximum altitude of 500m. It operates at a cruising speed of 25 knots, is 200mm long, and features twin rotary blades spanning approximately 500mm, which run off an electric engine. The Hunter has a flight endurance of 30 minutes, with a communications range of 5km MITL.

A final UAV unveiled at the Dubai Airshow was the Reach-S, which is a fixed wing drone possessing a take-off weight of 400kg and can carry a payload of up to 120kg. It can attain altitude of 19,000 feet, reaching a cruising speed of 80 knots. The drone has a wingspan of 10m and a length of 5.5m, featuring a Rotax 912 engine that provides 24 hours endurance. Reach-S has a communications range of 200km, and is suitable for recon and transportation missions with its reusable functionality.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) will be hosting the DFSA Cyber Risk Forum on 16th November 2021. The virtual forum aims to raise awareness about cyber risks and promote cybersecurity maturity amongst companies operating in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The event is intended for everyone involved in, or responsible for, cyber risk management, including board members, senior management, IT professionals, cyber security experts, and risk and compliance officers.

This is the second edition of the event, first launched in November 2020, which reinforces the DFSA’s goal to promote the continued development of cyber risk capabilities in the DIFC, in line with the UAE’s National Cybersecurity strategy. The two-and-a-half-hour-long forum will include presentations and panel discussions from industry experts speaking about zero-trust architecture, the rising cyber threat to digital supply chains, the cyber threat landscape, and what financial institutions should be doing to prevent and respond to ransomware attacks.

Speakers at the forum will include specialists from the DFSA, Mastercard, Standard Chartered, Deloitte, SentinelOne, HelpAG, Citibank, the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Kaspersky, Mandiant and Axon Technologies.

F. Christopher Calabia, Chief Executive of the DFSA, said: “Rapid growth in the digital economy makes cybersecurity a shared priority for every organisation. Events such as the DFSA’s Cyber Risk Forum emphasise the importance of partnership and collaboration across the industry and with supervisors. We encourage everyone in the DIFC involved in this subject to join us to share insight into emerging issues and best practices for mitigating cyber risks.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today received defence ministers of countries participating in the Dubai Airshow 2021. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also attended the reception.

Welcoming the official delegations taking part in the Airshow, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said this year’s edition is taking place at a time where the aviation industry is regaining its growth momentum following a challenging period in the last two years. Wishing attendees a successful participation, His Highness said the Airshow offers an exceptional opportunity to share path-breaking innovations and technologies and discuss new ideas that can shape the industry’s future.

The reception was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; and Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces.

“We welcome delegations from over 140 countries attending this edition of the Dubai Airshow, which will help the global aviation industry chart a new course for itself in the post-pandemic phase. The event brings global aviation decision makers together to discuss fresh initiatives for the industry’s growth and development,” His Highness said.

“We have an opportunity to work together to speed up the recovery of the sector and explore new collaboration opportunities that will help it tide over the impact of recent global challenges. Our objective is to harness aviation technologies to help create a brighter future for humanity,” His Highness added.

Sheikh Mohammed also expressed his pride in the UAE and Dubai’s hosting of the mega global event, which reflects the country’s ability to provide a safe and secure environment for global events.

His Highness, along with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Algerian Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Aimene Benabderrahmane, attended aerobatic displays presented by five teams representing the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and India.

Apart from the dignitaries, the aerobatic displays were also attended by a number of senior officials and military commanders of participating nations.

Dubai Airshow is the largest event of its kind in the aviation industry held after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the biggest in the history of the event, featuring 1,200 exhibitors. The event features a wide range of technical solutions that support the recovery of industry in the wake of the pandemic. Dubai Airshow 2021 also includes a new dedicated startup event, VISTA, a platform for innovators, creators and market disruptors to display the latest technologies.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun) announced today it had signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to purchase 100 VRT500 helicopters from Aeroter at a total value of Euros 216.9 million (Approx. AED913 million), for use across some government entities.

The delivery of the 100 helicopters is expected by the end of 2023.

Ahmed Ali Al Harmoodi, Chief Acquisition Management officer of Tawazun, said the LoI comes as part of Tawazun’s new mandate of managing the UAE’s strategic procurement and acquisition process.

He revealed that the LoI also entails setting up of a helicopter service center in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with an Emirati Company. “Supported by the SDF, Aeroter is currently engaged in talks with a number of national companies on forming a strategic partnership to operate and manage the center,” he added.

Al Harmoodi further stated that the strategic deal will result in the transfer of capabilities and operations to the UAE, in alignment with Tawazun’s commitment to enable the industry for future growth and to support the country’s strategic investments.

Abdulla Nasser Al Jaabri, Deputy Chairman of Aeroter, said: “We are pleased to close this contract for VRT’s single light engine helicopter, which is characterized by various design advantages in terms of safety, performance and cost-effectiveness, to meet the customers’ expectations.”

Alexander Okhonko, Chief Executive Officer of Aeroter, said, “We are very pleased with this strategic partnership and we look forward to entering the UAE market, which we see as our launching pad to new markets in the Middle East & North Africa and other markets of the world.”

“VRT helicopters have a unique set of capabilities and designs for use in urban environments, medical and VIP transport, passenger support, crop spraying, aerial construction, seismic support, firefighting and other oil and gas operational activities,” he added.

Aeroter is a leading player in helicopter industry, with capability to design and manufacture modern helicopters, including VRT 500, a light single-engine, seven-seat helicopter, perfectly suited for emergency and security transport.

Strategic Development Fund, the investment arm of Tawazun Holding, is focused on financial return and economic impact within UAE’s strategic sectors, through equity investment in local and international partnerships and developmental funding towards UAE’s private sector.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, separately received Florence Parly, French Armed Forces Minister, and Murat Bektanov, Kazakh Minister of Defence, in the presence of Matar Salem Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, and several senior officers and officials from the ministry.

The meetings took place in Al Bowardi’s office at Dubai Airshow 2021.

Al Bowardi welcomed the guests and discussed the friendship and cooperation between the UAE and their countries, most notably in the areas of defence and the military.

Dubai Airshow 2021 is an opportunity to meet and explore the latest technologies and innovations in the aviation sector, and is a platform for attracting the largest international companies in the aviation, space and defence sectors, he added.

The two visiting ministers stressed the keenness of their countries to strengthen their bilateral ties with the UAE, most notably in the areas of defence and the military, and lauded the organisation of Dubai Airshow 2021, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Emirates News Agency