Latest news with #UAE-French
The National
18-03-2025
- Business
- The National
Telegram's Pavel Durov ‘feels great to be home' in Dubai
Telegram founder and technology entrepreneur Pavel Durov said he is back in the UAE while an investigation continues in France related to his messaging platform. 'As you may have heard, I've returned to Dubai after spending several months in France due to an investigation related to the activity of criminals on Telegram,' he posted to his channel on the messaging app. 'The process is ongoing, but it feels great to be home." Mr Durov is a Russian who has dual UAE-French citizenship. Mr Durov was arrested in August shortly after landing at Le Bourget airport outside Paris and faced charges related to illegal activity and lack of content moderation that potentially fuelled nefarious behaviour on Telegram. He was released from custody shortly after being arrested in France, but until now was not able to leave the country. The Telegram platform is used by between 950 million and a billion people, according to the company. It made its debut in 2013, and boasted privacy and encryption features that helped it to gain popularity. In Mr Durov's home country of Russia, the platform also came under scrutiny for some of those privacy policies, prompting him to leave. Iraq's Telecoms Ministry temporarily blocked Telegram in 2023, citing national security fears. The popular messaging app has since been operated out of Berlin, London, Singapore and most recently, Dubai. "Most of the developers behind Telegram originally come from St Petersburg, the city famous for its unprecedented number of highly skilled engineers," reads Telegram's website. "We're currently happy with Dubai, although are ready to relocate again if local regulations change." Since coming under scrutiny and investigation in France, Telegram has amended and removed various privacy policies on its website. 'I want to thank the investigative judges for letting this happen, as well as my lawyers and team for their relentless efforts in demonstrating that, when it comes to moderation, co-operation and fighting crime, for years Telegram not only met but exceeded its legal obligations,' Mr Durov wrote on his channel.
Sharjah 24
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Khalifa bin Tahnoon affirms strong UAE-French relations
Strengthening UAE-French relations During the meeting, Sheikh Khalifa and Ambassador Niemtchinow discussed several issues of mutual interest, emphasizing the strong and deep-rooted bilateral relations between the UAE and France. Both sides expressed their commitment to further enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
Dubai Eye
30-01-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE receives first batch of Rafale fighter jets
The UAE has received the first batch of 80 French Rafale F4 fighter jets, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday, as the Gulf country moves to boost its defence capabilities. 'We will continue to search for new technologies that double the strength of our forces to serve our interests,' the Minister of State for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel al-Mazrouei, said. Worth 16.6 billion euro, the deal is 'one of the most prominent defence deals in the history of UAE-French relations,' the Ministry said. The Dassault-built Rafale is a French twin-engine fighter jet that has also recently been supplied to Qatar, Egypt, India, and Greece. The deal with the UAE was signed in December 2021, marking the largest defence contract for France in terms of quantity and value. Under the agreement, Dassault will provide comprehensive support packages, including logistical support, training for pilots, and weapons systems integration. 'With the support of the French authorities, Dassault Aviation is committed to providing the United Arab Emirates, today and tomorrow, with cutting-edge capabilities that contribute to safeguarding its sovereignty and its influence as a major international power,' Dassault aviation said. Ce premier Rafale au standard F4 pour les Émirats Arabes Unis est le résultat de la forte détermination et de la grande efficacité des ingénieurs émiriens et français. Il témoigne du haut niveau de coopération entre les deux Nations. — Dassault Aviation (@Dassault_OnAir) January 29, 2025 This acquisition was part of a broader strategy by the UAE to modernise its military capabilities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of regional air power. The Rafale F4 is expected to complement the country's existing F-16 and Mirage 2000 fleet, as the country seeks to acquire F-35 aircraft from the United States.
Gulf Insider
30-01-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE Receives First Batch Of French Rafale Fighter Jets In 'Historic Deal' Worth Dh63.5 Billion
The first batch of 80 Rafale fighter jets from France has been handed over to the UAE as part of a 'historic deal' that reflects the strategic partnership between the countries, it was announced on Thursday. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) received the jets — which are among the most advanced in the world — from French company Dassault Aviation. This historic Rafale deal, worth 16.6 billion euros (about Dh63.5 billion), is one of the most prominent defence deals in the history of UAE-French relations. It includes the production of 80 fighter jets equipped with the latest defence technologies. The acquisition of this type of aircraft comes as part of a comprehensive plan to modernise the UAE's defence capabilities, in line with security changes and challenges at the regional and international levels, the MOD said. The aircraft were received during an official ceremony in Paris, attended by Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, along with other top Emirati and French officials. 'Our armed forces, thanks to the unlimited support of President Sheikh Mohamed, have achieved a qualitative leap in terms of equipment and modernisation, making them among the most efficient and prepared forces in the region and the world,' Al Mazrouei said. The strategy of the armed forces focuses on the careful acquisition of advanced weapons and equipment, aligned with the evolving dynamics of future conflicts and technological advancements, he added. The Rafale aircraft have proven their efficiency in many military operations around the world, said Maj-Gen Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, commander of the Air Force. The UAE's acquisition of these jets supports the building of advanced and integrated armed forces and enhances the state's plans to develop the capabilities of its air force and air defence systems. The Rafale aircraft are characterised by technologies that enable the implementation of multiple missions such as reconnaissance and attacking land and sea targets with high accuracy, making them a qualitative addition to the UAE Air Force, said Maj-Gen Al Shamsi. The agreement included an integrated training programme to qualify pilots and technicians. Al Shamsi said this historic deal came as a result of a careful study of global defence markets and intensive negotiations to obtain the best types of aircraft and air defence systems. The UAE Armed Forces will continue their efforts to develop their defence systems and provide them with the latest military technologies, he added. in line with current and future security challenges, pointing out the ministry's commitment to searching for new technologies and products that double the striking power of the Air Force, in a way that serves national interests and enhances the UAE's position as a leading defence force.
TAG 91.1
30-01-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE receives first batch of Rafale fighter jets
The UAE has received the first batch of 80 French Rafale F4 fighter jets, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday, as the Gulf country moves to boost its defence capabilities. 'We will continue to search for new technologies that double the strength of our forces to serve our interests,' the Minister of State for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel al-Mazrouei, said. Worth 16.6 billion euro, the deal is 'one of the most prominent defence deals in the history of UAE-French relations,' the Ministry said. The Dassault-built Rafale is a French twin-engine fighter jet that has also recently been supplied to Qatar, Egypt, India, and Greece. The deal with the UAE was signed in December 2021, marking the largest defence contract for France in terms of quantity and value. Under the agreement, Dassault will provide comprehensive support packages, including logistical support, training for pilots, and weapons systems integration. 'With the support of the French authorities, Dassault Aviation is committed to providing the United Arab Emirates, today and tomorrow, with cutting-edge capabilities that contribute to safeguarding its sovereignty and its influence as a major international power,' Dassault aviation said. Ce premier Rafale au standard F4 pour les Émirats Arabes Unis est le résultat de la forte détermination et de la grande efficacité des ingénieurs émiriens et français. Il témoigne du haut niveau de coopération entre les deux Nations. — Dassault Aviation (@Dassault_OnAir) January 29, 2025 This acquisition was part of a broader strategy by the UAE to modernise its military capabilities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of regional air power. The Rafale F4 is expected to complement the country's existing F-16 and Mirage 2000 fleet, as the country seeks to acquire F-35 aircraft from the United States.
