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Emirates 24/7
an hour ago
- Politics
- Emirates 24/7
UAE leaders condole with Saudi King on passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on the death of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to the Saudi King. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
an hour ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Calidus showcases advanced defence technologies at IDEF 2025
Calidus Holding Group, a UAE-based defence company, is participating in the 17th edition of the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), held at the Istanbul Expo Center in Türkiye from 22nd to 27th July. The company is exhibiting under the UAE National Pavilion, which is organised and overseen by the Tawazun Council for Defence and Security Empowerment. Calidus' participation at IDEF 2025 is its largest and most diverse to date, featuring more than 15 advanced products and technologies displayed on a dedicated platform under the UAE National Pavilion. The Group aims through its participation to showcase its capabilities in the defence industry and represent national products on international platforms, reflecting the progress and development of the UAE's defence sector, which now rivals global counterparts. Among the key highlights at the exhibition are the MATV armoured combat support vehicle with the Al Heda missile launch platform, six different models of the Al Heda missile system, a scaled model of the CLS military vehicle manufacturing line, a cockpit simulator for the B-250 aircraft, as well as scaled models of the B-250 light attack aircraft and the B-250T advanced trainer. Calidus is also showcasing its solutions in subcomponent manufacturing. The company is also highlighting its capabilities in electro-optical (EO) systems, including infrared technologies. These systems are a critical element in modern defence applications, enabling highly accurate detection and tracking across various environments, including low-visibility conditions. The systems combine thermal imaging, optical sensing, and laser rangefinding to deliver advanced situational awareness that enhances operational effectiveness and targeting accuracy. As part of its upcoming showcase, Calidus will present a specialised model of its locally produced military chassis, designed for armoured tactical vehicles. This structure is engineered for high durability and can withstand heavy loads and harsh operating conditions, with configurable options to support combat support needs including armour systems, weapon integration, and mine resistance. Dr. Khalifa Murad Al Blooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, said the Group's participation under the UAE National Pavilion is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance defence industrial collaboration, share expertise, and build partnerships with global companies and institutions. It is also an opportunity to present technological capabilities that reflect the progress of the UAE's defence industry and strengthen its international presence. He added, 'Through this participation, we aim to amplify the UAE's visibility via Calidus' advanced defence products, explore promising opportunities through direct engagements with leaders and industry representatives, and present our innovative, proudly homegrown solutions designed to meet national needs and expand into global markets. We also seek to reinforce local supply chains to support strategic autonomy and self-reliance in this vital sector.' He explained that Calidus focuses through its exhibition and conference participation on technology transfer to keep pace with global advancements, showcasing national defence products driven by innovation, AI integration, and regional and international expansion—strengthening the UAE's position as a global hub in the defence manufacturing sector. He reaffirmed that Calidus' extensive participation at the exhibition reflects its commitment to offering integrated defence solutions and UAE-made innovations that support the vision of building a sustainable defence industry. These efforts are backed by ambitious plans to launch next-generation systems powered by artificial intelligence, all designed, developed, and assembled in the company's facilities by Emirati professionals.
News18
an hour ago
- Climate
- News18
Kerr County Flood Devastation: Missing Count Plummets to Just 3 After Hill Country Floods
ollowing the catastrophic July 4 flash floods in Texas Hill Country, Kerr County officials report that the missing count has dramatically dropped to just 3, down from nearly 160 initially. The disaster—driven by a record-breaking 30‑ft surge in the Guadalupe River—resulted in 107 deaths in Kerr, with 135 statewide. Rescue efforts involved over 1,000 responders, aided by international teams. A state legislative session is now set to address warning and preparedness failures. News18 Mobile App -
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Indonesian Ferry Engulfed in Flames: Hundreds Evacuated, At Least 5 Dead Near Sulawesi
A passenger ferry identified as the KM Barcelona V plunged into chaos off Sulawesi on July 20, sending hundreds into the sea as flames and black smoke engulfed the vessel near Talisei Island. At least 5 people, including a pregnant woman, died; 284 passengers and crew were rescued by navy ships and local fishermen. The exact total onboard remains unclear. Authorities are investigating the cause amid growing concern over Indonesia's lax maritime safety. News18 Mobile App -
France 24
an hour ago
- Sport
- France 24
Venus Williams, 45, to end 16-month layoff in Washington
The 45-year-old American overcame a serious health scare last year and after enjoying a visit to Wimbledon decided to accept a wildcard into the US capital tournament, the first hardcourt tuneup for the US Open. "I think I know what I want to do, but I don't always want to talk about it," Williams said. "I'm just here for now. And who knows? Maybe there is more. I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I'm focused just on this." Williams will open against 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns, ranked 34th in the world. Stearns won her only WTA title last year on clay at Rabat. The older sister of 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams has not played since a first-round loss at Miami last year. "My personal goal is to have fun I think right now and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself," Venus Williams said. "I don't know if I define success at this moment in any sort of way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process. That's not easy to do, especially after a layoff. So those are my goals." Venus Williams, the 2000 Sydney Olympic singles champion, has won five Wimbledon singles titles and two US Open crowns. The most recent of her 49 WTA titles came in 2019 at the Taiwan Open. That was the last year she played a full tour schedule. "I definitely feel I'll play well," Williams said. "I'm still the same player. I'm a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand. "So it's about hitting big and actually putting it in. So this will be my effort. Put it in the court. That's my main goal." A year ago, tennis was far from the most important thing on her mind. "Yeah, my health journey was very scary. You know, this time a year ago I was preparing to go to surgery," she said. "There was no way for me to play tennis or play the US Open... I was just trying to get healthy. "In this last year, I have been through a lot physically, so to come back and be able to play and hopefully enjoy myself is a great opportunity." 'Fun of the challenge' Williams was feeling well enough to accept a wildcard and a visit to Wimbledon added some inspiration. "I had been hitting the ball and of course I love the game and the hard courts. It's my favorite surface, what I feel comfortable on. so all those different factors," Williams said of her choice to play in Washington. "When I went to Wimbledon this year, I was there for a day and it was so beautiful and exciting. I remembered all the times that I had, and of course the adrenaline, all those things. "I think just the pure fun of playing the game, the fun of the challenge, overcoming. Those things are very exciting." The seven Slam singles titles by Williams match the rest of the Washington field, which includes four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka of Japan. © 2025 AFP
