Month: November 2021

DUBAI, EDGE Group entity, HALCON, a regional leader in the production and supply of precision-guided weapons, has announced the successful achievement of a series of major developments for its SkyKnight air defence missile system, which include the completion of the system’s naval missile concept design.

The updates were provided at the Dubai Airshow 2021, where HALCON detailed the significant progress being made to SkyKnight, which was first unveiled at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in February. The first-ever UAE designed and manufactured counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missile system, SkyKnight was purposely designed to counter the full spectrum of modern threats, providing early warning signals and precise surface-to-air intercept capabilities.

A SkyKnight naval launcher design and prototype is on display at Dubai Airshow 2021, showcasing the expanding range of applications of the air defence missile system.

Development of the actual SkyKnight system commenced in August 2020 with a full strength team. Key milestones achieved in the last 12 months extend to the first missile tests out of a canister; full system requirement reviews for user needs and system design; subsystem design; and wind tunnel test model design and manufacturing.

Commenting on the progress to date, Saeed Al Mansoori, CEO of HALCON, said: “The development of SkyKnight in its own right, and its inclusion in Rheinmetall AG’s Skynex air defence system are significant milestone developments for the UAE’s defence sector. To then go on to chart the impressive progress we are under the programme is extremely gratifying and speaks to the talent of our team, EDGE’s ability to act with pace and agility, and the benefit of partnering with established global players.”

The first prototype parts for SkyKnight were made by the special manufacturing group at HALCON earlier this year, with a second missile firing scheduled to take place before the end of the year. All of the subcontractors on the programme are identified and registered, permitting system integration work to commence in earnest.

Dr. Gerrit Viljoen, Chief Technology Officer of the Missiles & Weapons cluster at EDGE, commented: “SkyKnight is a significant and complex undertaking, which requires all the skill, knowledge, and expertise we can bring to bear in order for it to be successful. We believe we possess those elements and more, and shall continue working diligently on building a system that has international appeal and will help build on EDGE’s and the UAE’s export credentials and manufacturing prowess.”

As previously announced, EDGE, parent company of HALCON, had been developing a short-range air defence system, as had Germany-based Rheinmetall AG, which was actively seeking a missile system to form part of its Skynex air defence system. The companies decided to jointly offer a solution, with HALCON providing SkyKnight, the missile system to the highly regarded Oerlikon Skynex air defence system

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Digital Dubai’s flagship DubaiNow application was highlighted as prominent use case for people-centric innovation during the Opening Keynote of the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2021 – the largest and most prominent international event of its kind that brings together Chief Technology Officers and leading executives from across the global IT sector.

The showcase at the Symposium shed light on the DubaiNow application as an example of collaborative success for more than 30 government and private sector entities who worked together to offer top-quality city services for Dubai’s citizens and residents, allowing them to easily avail over 130 services from a single platform.

Statistics compiled by Digital Dubai revealed that the DubaiNow application had performed outstandingly over the past two years, setting a record in total amounts collected through transactions. The app had processed 7 million transactions worth AED4 billion in the last two-year period. The amount recorded in the last two years is equal in value to all transactions made on the app in the four years before that period. This reflects the growing confidence users have in the DubaiNow app as an easy-to-use and reliable government service platform in Dubai.

The figures also reflect how Dubai’s robust digital infrastructure was prepared not only for ensuring business continuity but also for the accelerated digital adoption the emirate saw following the onset of the pandemic. DubaiNow is an example of the vision of the emirate’s leadership to embrace innovation as the key driver of development and the comprehensive initiatives it has taken to enhance its future readiness.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “Since its launch in 2015, the DubaiNow application has embodied the concept of ‘customer centricity’ and teamwork, the latter of which saw teams from various government and private sector entities come together to develop the app. This, in turn, reflects our commitment to integrating and connecting different city entities on a single, streamlined digital platform.” Al Mansoori thanked all government entities who contributed to DubaiNow’s success. “I am confident that the team who made this success happen is well on its way to bigger accomplishments that will firmly position Dubai as a global capital of innovation,” he asserted. “The tremendously positive international feedback we have received regarding the DubaiNow app is a reason for us all to be proud – most notably the highly positive reviews the project generated at the recent Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2021, where hundreds of leaders in the global tech industry converged. We are always happy to see Dubai’s success stories inspiring others around the world, further advancing the UAE’s global standing.” “We are determined to keep moving forward with our collective efforts and as one team to expedite Dubai’s digital transformation, enhance Dubai’s global ranking on performance indicators across various sectors, and provide customers with value-added services that enhance their happiness and quality of life in Dubai, in line with directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai,” further said.

“Dubai’s experience is a clear example of the need to proactively prepare for the future, anticipate challenges, and develop solutions for them early on,” HE Al Mansoori noted. “The emirate is an example of the great potential that lies in partnering with the private sector to fulfil our objectives, establish a digital economy and society, and build a smart and sustainable city of the future.” Chief Technology Officers convened at the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2021 to discuss leading strategic and tech developments that are driving the digital transformation process and enhancing its role in shaping the future of IT and business. The DubaiNow app was named as one such development; the all-in-one platform for city services is a global success story and a powerful digital solution that makes people’s lives easier and happier in Dubai.

DubaiNow was launched to make life easier for customers and enhance their wellbeing, providing them access to all city services through one application. The number of entities taking part in the initiative has grown significantly in the past few years, as did the number of services available on the app. Users can now avail over 130 services from more than 30 government entities and private companies, covering 12 different categories: Bills, Mobile, Driving, Housing, Residency, Health, Education, Police, Travel, Islam, Donations, and General.

DubaiNow’s contactless city services reduce the number of times individuals need to visit customer service centres annually from 23 to just nine. This enables users to save time and access city services on the app, including paying bills and fines; recharging Salik and Nol; renewing vehicle registration; paying mobile parking fees; filling up with fuel at ENOC stations; managing residence for spouses and children; requesting academic records, travel and dependents reports; flight tracking; issuing digital business cards and much more.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, said the Dubai Airshow has played a key role in bringing together the civil and military aviation industry to generate new ideas and solutions that promote the development of the sector. The 2021 edition of the global event is a unique opportunity for the aerospace industry to map a fresh strategy for the renewal and accelerated growth of the aviation sector, two years since the onset of the pandemic.

Sheikh Hamdan commended the preparations for the event and the comprehensive efforts made to ensure the safety of its 1,200 exhibitors and civil and military delegations representing 148 nations. The Dubai Airshow features the display of more than 175 of the world’s most advanced civil and military aircraft.

His Highness’s remarks came as he welcomed heads of delegations of 110 nations attending the 17th edition of Dubai Airshow, represented by defence ministers and leaders of air forces. The event, taking place at the Al Maktoum International Airport, will run until 18 November.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed toured the exhibition and visited a number of stands and pavilions, accompanied by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Also present during the tour was HE Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai, and a number of senior officials.

He was briefed about the products and services displayed at the exhibition including the latest technologies in civil and military aviation. Outside the exhibition venue, His Highness saw the display of the Cessna 182 Skylane airplane, and the fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-75.

His Highness was also taken on a tour of the static display of the Emirates A380 and was briefed about the airline’s recently introduced Premium Economy Class cabin and refreshed interiors and enhancements across all cabins onboard. The Airbus A380 on display was emblazoned with the unique ‘United Arab Emirates 50’ livery, celebrating the Golden jubilee of the UAE.

His Highness also saw the display of Boeing’s 777X9 wide-body aircraft, the most fuel-efficient twin-engine commercial jetliner in aviation history. Another stop on his His Highness’s tour was the display of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II, the fifth-generation long-range stealth strike fighter.

At the indoor exhibition area of Dubai Airshow, he visited the stand of UAE-based EDGE Group, one of the top 25 military suppliers in the world that develops disruptive defence solutions. His Highness also visited the stands of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Aerospace Industries, which are participating for the first time in the Dubai Airshow.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Major General Saeed Al Shehhi, Commander of the UAE Land Forces, today received, in his office at Dubai Airshow 2021, Jed Royal, Deputy Director of the U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

During the meeting, both sides discussed their cooperation and exchanged views on several topics of mutual concern.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has signed a MoU with Volga-Dnepr Group, a Russian airline holding company, to provide logistics services and air cargo solutions for the UAE satellite programme.

Headquartered in Moscow, Volga-Dnepr is a world leader in the global market for the movement of oversize, unique and heavy air cargo. Its core business activities are charter cargo operations using Antonov An-124 and IL-76TD-90VD heavy transporters and scheduled cargo operations using Boeing 747 and Boeing 737 freighters.

The deal was signed by Salem AlMarri, Deputy Director General, MBRSC and Artemiy Ivanovskiy, General Manager, Volga-Dnepr Group, Dubai Office in the presence of Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director General, MBRSC at the Dubai Airshow 2021.

Founded in 2006, MBRSC is home to the UAE National Space Programme. The Centre builds and operates earth observation satellites, offering imaging and data analysis services.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) today announced the launch of Dubai Edition, a podcast programme focused on sharing compelling stories from Dubai.

The initiative was announced on the sidelines of Dubai PodFest, the first event of its kind dedicated to podcasting in the region, held at the Dubai Press Club.

Dubai Edition will host officials from the Government of Dubai as well as various figures from the cultural and creative sectors who will share inspirational stories and discuss Dubai’s aspirations for the future. The show will feature short episodes and discuss issues that are of interest to society members.

Dubai Edition, which was conceived as part of GDMO’s efforts to embrace the latest advancements in the media sector, aims to share the unique stories of achievement, innovation and creativity emerging from the emirate with a global audience.

Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said: “The launch of Dubai Edition reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to embrace the latest digital advancements. The programme will serve as a key platform for knowledge-sharing and open dialogue while also communicating Dubai’s inspirational stories to a wide range of podcast listeners.”

In the coming period, Dubai Edition will feature a variety of interviews and talk shows with prominent figures in the Dubai community, organised by Dubai Press Club and Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office.

Source: Emirates News Agency