Emirates Press

SICHUAN: The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has announced that its new large drone model, the HH-100, has entered the flight-test phase and will soon carry out its first flight. This development marks a significant milestone for China’s aircraft manufacturing industry and its growing presence in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market.

As per a report from China Daily, the HH-100 commercial unmanned cargo aircraft successfully concluded its last high-speed autonomous taxiing trial at Beichuan Yongchang Airport in Sichuan province. Throughout the test, the HH-100 prototype showcased its capability to taxi at elevated speeds and raise its nose wheel slightly, confirming the efficacy of the model’s autonomous taxiing control system.

The HH-100, developed by AVIC Xi’an Aircraft Industry, boasts impressive capabilities. With a maximum takeoff weight of 2 metric tons, the drone can fly 520 kilometres with a payload of 700 kilograms and even farther with lighter payloads. The twin-engine model has
been designed to achieve a maximum cruising speed of 300 km per hour and a ceiling altitude of 5,000 metres.

Dong Jianhong, the chief designer of the HH-100, highlighted the drone’s versatility, stating that it can serve a wide range of businesses, including short-range cargo transportation, fire monitoring and suppression, delivery of emergency supplies, and cloud seeding. The drone’s low procurement, operation, and maintenance costs, coupled with its high payload capacity and domestically sourced components, make it an attractive option for various industries.

China’s relaxation of low-altitude airspace control and the continued growth of its online shopping industry have created numerous opportunities for the development of drones. Many of China’s large couriers, such as China Post and SF Express, as well as online retailer JD, have been investing in delivery drones for years, aiming to leverage the country’s expertise in drone systems to build efficient and cost-effective fleets.

The global trend of ut
ilizing drones for delivery services is evident, with companies like Amazon and DHL Express also developing and testing drones for trial runs. As the technology continues to advance, it is expected that more businesses will adopt drone-based solutions to enhance their logistics operations and meet the growing demands of time-sensitive consumers.

The HH-100’s entry into the flight-test phase signifies China’s commitment to advancing its UAV technology and its potential to become a major player in the global drone market. The success of this project could pave the way for further innovations in the field and contribute to the transformation of various industries in the region and beyond.

Source:Emirates News Agency

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Northern Gaza on April 7, said CENTCOM late Sunday.

In a statement, CENTCOM indicated that to provide essential relief to civilians in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict.

“The combined joint operation included Jordanian-provided food and three U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft. The U.S. C-130s dropped over 38,000 meal equivalents, providing life-saving humanitarian assistance in Northern Gaza. To date the U.S. has dropped 739 tons of humanitarian assistance.” It went on to say that the Department of Defense humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing US and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering.

“These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries,” it concluded.

The US administration continues to reiterate its commitment to humanitarian aid for Gaza, a step continuously thwarted by the Israeli occupation via pre
venting aid from entering.

The UN said that aid obstruction will caused a famine in Gaza.

Source:Kuwait News Agency

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is offering intelligent solutions and secure digital services, particularly to support government entities serving visitors of the Two Holy Mosques, especially during the Umrah season.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), these efforts complement SDAIA’s commitment to advancing research in data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance services at the Two Holy Mosques, aligning with its mandate to deliver data-related capabilities and foster innovation in AI.

SDAIA aims to integrate with government entities serving Umrah performers and visitors to provide them with excellent services, following the directives of the wise leadership. This includes aligning with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Programme, part of Saudi Vision 2030.

To facilitate visitors of the Two Holy Mosques, SDAIA has integrated services from various government entities into the “Tawakkalna” application, available in seven languages in 77 countries worldwide
. These services include issuing Umrah permits, checking weather conditions, determining the Qibla direction, and specifying prayer times.

Recognising the importance of AI technologies, SDAIA collaborates with relevant entities to enhance services provided to Umrah performers and worshippers, including crowd management and monitoring at entry points.

Through its “Baseer” platform, SDAIA offers technological products developed with national algorithms to organise crowds, manage movement flow, and provide advanced data analytics dashboards for real-time analysis.

SDAIA also supports entry points by providing human resources and technological devices, implementing preventive maintenance, and training personnel on devices, systems, and updates to enhance operations at border crossings.

Source:Emirates News Agency

German Army, The Bundeswehr, commenced Monday a mission deploying thousands of its troops to Lithuania, NATO’s northeastern borders, as part of the military alliance’s efforts in fending off any possible attack from the east.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistoriusa, in a statement, hailed this significant step pointing out that it is Germany’s first time deploying troops since the end of the Second World War.

Minister Pistoriusa explained that the operation, relocating some 4,800 servicemen, will extend until the year 2027, adding that ensuring the operation’s success entails making necessary changes and providing proper infrastructure for the forces and their families.

Source:Kuwait News Agency

ABU DHABI: Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination participated in the second edition of the “Ramadan Together” initiative, launched by the Emirates Blood Donation Association, continuing the campaign launched last year.

The initiative aims to raise awareness among drivers before Iftar, urging them to adhere to traffic rules by following speed limits, maintaining safe distances while driving, and paying attention when approaching pedestrian crossings at intersections and traffic signals to reduce accidents under the slogan “Drive safely to arrive safely”.

This initiative is also part of the association’s strategic plan, which encourages individuals of all ages and diverse institutions in their services to the community and volunteer work, celebrated annually during Ramadan, coinciding with Zayed Humanitarian Day, a day on which the UAE commemorates the anniversary of the death of its founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, honouring his legacy in humanitarian and charitable work.

The init
iative aims to distribute approximately 250,000 Iftar meals at three traffic intersections in Al Ain and Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi.

Over 50 volunteers participated in this initiative at each intersection, in addition to volunteers from various regions, where the daily number of volunteers reaches 450, and volunteers from participating institutions.

The association and the volunteer team undertake several initiatives to pack boxes throughout the month to allow senior citizens, children, and people of determination to participate in this initiative under conditions that consider their health status and capabilities while ensuring their safety.

In conjunction with several events during March, symbolic gifts were distributed to drivers on Happiness Day, Mother’s Day, World Down Syndrome Day, and World Autism Day.

Abdullah Al-Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organisation, emphasised that people of determination are an important part of society, and their contribution to this humanitarian work throug
h volunteering is appreciated.

He praised the objective of the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Emirates Blood Donation Association and the organisers of the initiative for their cooperation with the organisation, indicating that it seeks to instill good morals and love for charity in the hearts of its members.

On his part, Dr. Ali Al-Ansari, President of the Emirates Blood Donation Association, stated that this work represents collaboration and concerted efforts of several entities coming together to deliver what we offer today to society.

Dr. Al-Ansari also praised the significant support provided by Agthia, Rabdan Academy as a strategic partner, Abu Dhabi Police, the Community Development Department, the Family Care Authority, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, and Target Sport Company as partners in this work.

Source:Emirates News Agency

KIGALI: Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State, met with Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, during his visit to the capital, Kigali.

At the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Shakhboot conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his wishes for continued security, stability and peace for Rwanda and its people.

The meeting discussed various aspects of the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways to develop and enhance cooperation at all levels, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.

For his part, President Paul Kagame expressed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his wishes for continuing progress and prosperity for the United Arab Emirates and its people.

On the other hand, and on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Shakhboot attended the 30th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The ceremony was atte
nded by a number of heads of state and government, as well as representatives of international and regional organisations.

On this occasion, the Rwandan President announced the start of a national week of mourning. Then, the President of Rwanda, along with a number of the attending state guests, laid a wreath at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and learning dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

In a speech during the ceremony, the Rwandan President said that this solemn anniversary is a time to remember the innocent victims, and celebrate Rwanda’s remarkable progress through reconciliation and national rebuilding.

The Rwandan President expressed his thanks and appreciation to the members of the delegations that came to express their solidarity with Rwanda on the occasion of this solemn anniversary.

Sheikh Shakhboot said on this occasion that the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi carries important implications for instilling the values of
tolerance, coexistence and acceptance of the other without discrimination across the world.

He affirmed that the message of the United Arab Emirates, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, carries forward peace, tolerance and hope to the whole world.

The minister praised the role of the Republic of Rwanda in promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence, while working to establish peace and stability and support the aspirations of peoples for a decent life and prosperity.

The participation of Sheikh Shakhboot in this occasion embodies the UAE’s commitment to the principles of unity, reconciliation and coexistence, and confirms its continuous efforts to support stability and prosperity in the region.

Source:Emirates News Agency