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Al Etihad
18 hours ago
- Al Etihad
12 places to visit for free in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The best things in life are free in Abu don't have to break the bank to explore the UAE capital's museums, parks, nature and the city's most popular can also travel to tourist hotspots free of charge using the Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Abu Dhabi recommends these free activities suitable for the whole family. 1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's stunning architecture and celebration of cultural diversity make it a must-see for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi. Entry to the mosque, as well as the cultural tours offered by knowledgeable Emirati guides, is free of charge. 2. Al Jahili Fort If you're in the city of Al Ain, you must visit one of the UAE's largest forts, Al Jahili. Its lush gardens and exhibition halls are free to stroll through and enjoy. One of the exhibits is dedicated to explorer, Sir Wilfred Thesiger who crossed the Empty Quarter - the world's largest sand mass - twice in the 1940s. 3. Hudayriyat Island 4. Corniche Beach If you're looking for an inexpensive day at the beach, choose Corniche Beach. The beach is two kilometres of white sand and turquoise waters, lined with restaurants and cafes. There's also a family zone for groups of beachgoers. 5. Green Mubazzarah Escape to nature at Green Mubazzarah, located near the iconic Jebel Hafit in Al Ain. Pack a picnic basket and unwind in lush greenery, hot springs, and breathtaking mountain views. It's the ideal spot to enjoy tranquil quality time with loved ones. 6. Manarat Al Saadiyat Manarat Al Saadiyat is Saadiyat Island's art, cultural activity and community events centre. The centre's calendar is always packed with free exhibitions and events, as well as opportunities to create your own art. 7. Jebel Hafit Standing 1,249 metres tall, Jebel Hafit is Abu Dhabi's highest peak. From the top, savour majestic views of Al Ain, the perfect backdrop to photos. The peak is accessible by car for those looking for an easier route to the top. 8. Founder's Memorial The Founder's Memorial is a 30-metre high 3D art installation that depicts the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Take in the beauty of the surrounding gardens and immerse yourself in the history of the UAE. 9. Mangrove National Park Abu Dhabi's Mangrove National Park is your ideal refuge from the city's hustle and bustle. Indulge in a leisurely walk surrounded by beautiful nature and local wildlife. 10. Wahat Al Karama Located opposite Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Wahat Al Karama, a memorial that commemorates martyrs who gave their lives in service of their country. Arrive just before sunset to watch the daily Honour Guard march. 11. Shopping Whether you're wandering Yas Mall or The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, the malls of Abu Dhabi have everything from traditional market stalls to the world's most popular fashion brands. 12. Umm Al Emarat Park As one of the largest and oldest parks in Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Emarat is a must for families wanting to enjoy some fun in the sun. Explore the botanical garden, see the iconic shade house and stop by the animal farm to meet camels, baby goats, cows and ponies.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Death of Ukrainian F-16 pilot highlights perils of air defence, commander says
Service members of Honour Guard carry a portrait of Ukrainian military pilot Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, who died last Sunday operating an F16 fighter jet during a combat mission, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, during his funeral ceremony in Kyiv, Ukraine July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko KYIV (Reuters) -The death of an experienced Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot in battle against Russian drones shows the high-risk tactics Kyiv will increasingly adopt if it is unable to obtain critical new air defences, a senior commander said on Thursday. Dozens of people have been killed during intensifying Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, a trend officials have said will worsen if Kyiv's allies do not step up supplies of critical munitions. Oleh Zakharchuk, deputy commander of Ukraine's western air command, delivered the warning just days after the Pentagon said it was pausing some supplies of arms Ukraine needs to defend its cities. "Everyone must understand that there is no such thing as enough weapons," he said at the funeral for fighter pilot Maksym Ustymenko at the golden-domed St Michael's Monastery and Cathedral in Kyiv. "If we cannot use the missiles because we do not get them, then it will be very difficult." Ustymenko was killed on June 29 after shooting down seven Russian Shahed drones during a massive air strike that included hundreds of drones as well as missiles. Zakharchuk said the pilot first dispatched all the jet's air-to-air missiles, then resorted to firing his plane's cannons, which the commander described as a riskier tactic because it requires Ukrainian pilots to get close to the drones. "If we do not shoot down a Shahed and it falls on a settlement, on a building and people die, what should we choose?" he said. "Of course, we choose to destroy air targets despite how difficult and risky it is." The held-up U.S. package includes missiles carried by the F-16s. On Thursday, at least four people were killed in separate Russian air strikes on Poltava in central Ukraine and the southern port of Odesa. The Pentagon's pause, a decision it said was made to conserve U.S. stockpiles, also included precision munitions Ukraine needs to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that he hoped to talk with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Friday or in coming days about the decision. HONOURED IN CENTRAL KYIV Mourners descended on St. Michael's to honor Ustymenko, whose coffin was later carried to Independence Square in a sombre procession. Fighter pilots are typically revered in Ukraine for their role in fending off the increasingly heavy waves of air strikes that Russia has launched against Ukrainian towns and cities since late 2022. Ustymenko was among the first 12 pilots to train on the prized American-made fighter, which Kyiv began deploying last August, deputy Air Force commander Serhiy Holubtsov said at the ceremony. Zakharchuk said Ustymenko had logged hundreds of hours on Soviet-era aircraft before transitioning to the F-16. He also tested Gripen fighter jets in Sweden. (Writing by Dan Peleschuk, Editing by William Maclean)
