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.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
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.
What makes the Rafale jets special
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
32 minutes ago
- The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid congratulates UAE's top school pupils
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday congratulated the top high school pupils in the Emirates. For public education, he commended Mouza Saif Abdullah Mohammed Al Mahrazi, of Al Dhahrah School in Dubai, Mohannad Hani Nabawi Mohammed, of Al Falah School in Abu Dhabi, and Mahra Abdullah Mohammed Alhamr Al Ali of Al Dhait Third Cycle Girls School in Ras Al Khaimah. For private education, Abdullah Samer Omar Hamadeh of Al Manhal International Private School in Abu Dhabi was praised, alongside Habiba Yasir Qudaih of Al Shorouq Private School in Dubai. While for applied technology high schools, it was Rawdha Yaqoub Salem Ahmed Al Mansouri of the Applied Technology High School in Al Ain, Abdullah Salem Ali Arhama Al Shamsi of the Applied Technology High School in Ajman and Humaid Adel Mohammed Abdullah Obaid of the Applied Technology High School in Sharjah. 'We congratulate our top high school students at the national level for their excellence,' Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X. 'Mouza, Muhannad, Mahra, Abdullah, Habiba, Rawdha, Abdullah and Humaid. They deserve to have their names mentioned because we are proud of them. 'And we congratulate their families, and we congratulate and take pride in all high school graduates in the United Arab Emirates, and we congratulate their families, fathers, and mothers. 'And we say to them; a bright future, God willing, awaits you in a glorious country that loves its children and delights in them.' Sheikh Mohammed added that the country's future is shaped by President Sheikh Mohamed and also acknowledged Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as Sheikha Mariam bint Mohammed for their work in the Education Council. Sheikh Mohammed also praised all teachers, administrators and educators across the Emirates and wished everyone a happy and relaxing summer holiday. Sheikh Abdullah said: 'We congratulate our sons and daughters, the students, on the occasion of the end of the academic year for their efforts, perseverance, and sincere desire to learn and develop. We also congratulate the top-ranked and outstanding students on their outstanding results, which reflect the extent of their diligence and ambition. 'We are proud of all our dear students, and we urge them to continue striving to achieve the highest results year after year,' he added. 'The learning journey never stops, and ambition knows no bounds.'
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
What's new in UAE this July: Visa-free travel, remote work, new health law
The UAE is rolling out several important changes this July that could impact every aspect of your daily life, from visa-free travel rules to how you work or run a business. Planning a summer trip? There are new visa rules you might want to know. Running a business? Emiratisation deadlines are here. And if you want to quit cigarettes, you will want to check the latest tobacco-free nicotine pouches that will be available soon. From health regulations to flexible work options and public health updates — here's a quick and easy guide to what's changing this month and how it might affect you. Visa-free travel to Armenia Armenia will offer visa-free entry to residents of the UAE starting July 1. Travellers' residency visas must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Previously, only UAE nationals could travel visa-free to the landlocked country, while residents were eligible for a visa on arrival. The new visa-free policy enables travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It applies to all passport holders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and to individuals holding a valid residency permit issued by any of the six Gulf countries. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Emiratisation deadline Private sector companies employing 50 or more workers have until Monday, July 1, 2025, to meet the mid-year Emiratisation targets. According to a final reminder issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), companies to ensure that at least 1 per cent of their skilled workforce comprises Emiratis for the first half of the year, part of the UAE's strategic national plan to increase Emirati participation in the private sector. Mohre will also check whether companies are meeting other related requirements, including registering Emirati employees with the social security fund and consistently paying the required contributions. Flexible summer schedules in Dubai Starting July 1, government employees in Dubai will shift to a four-day work week or reduced summer hours under the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative. The initiative aims to improve work-life balance and productivity, and it will run until September 12, 2025. Employees will be divided into two groups, with the first group expected to work eight hours from Monday to Thursday and enjoy Friday as a full holiday. Meanwhile, the second group will work seven hours from Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday. This is not the first time such an initiative has been announced. Last year, the Dubai government launched the campaign at 21 government entities from August 12 to September 30. Ajman will implement a new summer work policy for government employees this year, introducing remote work on Fridays and shortened weekly office hours, effective from July 1 to August 22, 2025, on Mondays. All public sector employees in the emirate will work remotely on Fridays, with weekday hours reduced by one hour. Employees will work from 7.30am to 2.30pm, Monday through Thursday. However, government entities have been directed to implement flexible internal arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services. A new UAE law coming into effect on July 29 will legalise the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches. The pouches are small, smokeless products that contain nicotine but no tobacco is being introduced to support individuals looking to quit smoking. Nicotine is an addictive substance. These pouches release dopamine, the 'feel-good hormone', which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, thereby aiding smoking cessation. New health law for Dubai Dubai has enacted a new law to curb the spread of infectious diseases that will come into effect in late July. It aims to minimise health risks by controlling the spread of communicable diseases and regulating travel for individuals with such conditions. Individuals infected with or suspected of having an infectious disease are required to avoid contact that could spread the illness. They must refrain from travelling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, without the approval of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The law also prohibits concealing infections or spreading them, whether intentionally or unintentionally. School summer holidays Schools in the UAE are gearing up for the long summer holidays, which typically begin in early July and last until the end of August. Most schools follow the academic calendar set by the Ministry of Education or respective educational authorities like KHDA (Dubai) and Adek (Abu Dhabi). As schools across the UAE begin their long summer break, working parents often lookout for summer camps to keep their children productively engaged during the two-month holiday. With families staying in the country to avoid peak travel costs or work commitments, summer camps have become a vital solution, offering children a structured environment to learn new skills and stay active. At the same time, many families also travel abroad to cooler climes, either to escape the sweltering summer heat or to spend time with relatives, making the most of the extended school break. The UAE enforced a ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12.30pm to 3pm daily for three months, starting June 15. This midday break initiative, introduced to protect workers during the country's peak summer heat, will continue through July until September 15, 2025. Companies found violating the rule face a fine of Dh5,000 per worker, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 if multiple workers are involved.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Dubai's biggest lender Emirates NBD to start charging for remittances to certain countries
Emirates NBD, Dubai's largest bank by assets, will start charging fees for international transfers made to certain countries through its app or online banking platform from September 1. The bank will charge a fee of Dh26.25 for remittances, including those made through DirectRemit, it said in an email to customers. DirectRemit is a platform that allows customers to transfer money via online or mobile banking in 60 seconds. However, transfers to India, Pakistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the UK will continue to be offered free of charge to all Emirates NBD customers, a bank representative clarified in a statement. "Additionally, Emirates NBD is expanding its DirectRemit offerings to over 30 new countries ... [and] customers will no longer be charged any correspondent bank fees [in addition to the Dh26.25 fee]," the representative said. The lender will also charge a fee of up to Dh26.25 for recalling and cancelling local and international transfers, it said. The move by the lender may prompt other banks to introduce fees on remittances and may be a boon for exchange houses that offer lower charges, analysts said. 'Introducing a Dh26.25 fee from September 2025 marks a shift, and as the largest local bank sets the tone, it's possible others may follow,' Dhruv Tanna, associate vice president at DIFC-based investment and wealth management firm Phillip Capital, told The National. Some lenders such as RAKBank already impose a fee for international transfers, charging Dh15.75 for the Philippines and Dh26.25 for India, according to its website. Mashreq bank has zero fees for Pakistan and India, but charges a flat fee of Dh26.25 for the Philippines, according to its website. Others such as FAB have zero transfer fees for instant transfers to countries including India, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, the UK and the EU, according to its website. International transfers are rarely entirely free as banks recover their costs indirectly, analysts said. "While some digital channels advertise zero fees, most banks have always made money either through transfer charges or by applying a margin to the exchange rate, or both," said Ben Bolger, founder of Squirrel Education, a company that teaches school children financial independence. Opportunity for exchange houses Exchange houses with more competitive fees are likely to benefit as banks impose charges on international transfers. 'For exchange houses, this presents a renewed opportunity to attract price-sensitive customers with lower transfer fees and competitive rates," Mr Tanna said. "Still, many mid-to high-income customers may continue to choose banks for the convenience, even with a nominal charge." Mr Bolger said that as banks adjust their terms, consumers could reconsider their options. "Exchange houses, which tend to offer more competitive rates and transparent pricing, may become increasingly attractive, despite the convenience of transferring money directly through your bank," Mr Bolger said. Emirates NBD's move to charge fees for remittances may prompt other lenders to follow suit, but it also "opens the door wider" for exchange houses and digital apps offering zero fees and better value, Jay Adrian Tolentino, a UAE-based financial coach, said. This will particularly benefit expats sending money to their home countries on a regular basis, he added. Based on World Bank data, remittances to low- and middle-income countries are expected grow by 2.3 per cent in 2024 and 2.8 per cent in 2025, reaching $690 billion in 2025.
