A TIE fighter crashed in Dunes, a very hot storm trooper and a very pleased Simon Pegg: a closer look at how Abu Dhabi plays in the San Diego Comic-Con behind-the-scenes footage from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The clip opens with a wide shot of a clapper board against the backdrop of the Abu Dhabi desert. The latest trailer also opened with shots in Abu Dhabi, and it’s beginning to look like the vast sandy expanse is set to be one of the big new stars of the latest instalment.
We’ve already seen a crashed Imperial Star Destroyer in the sand in the trailer, and now it looks like there’s a TIE fighter crashed somewhere in the dunes too. From what we see in the clip, this appears to be a scale model, but that shouldn’t stop fan boys heading out towards Liwa to see if they can pick up any remnants from the crash site.
The new Storm Trooper uniforms have been exciting fans for a while now, since the first images were leaked. John Boyega took time out at the panel session to sarcastically offer his gratitude to director Abrams: “I’d just like to thank JJ Abrams for filming in Abu Dhabi in the desert and making me wear a storm trooper outfit,” the British actor joked.
JJ Abrams addresses the crew in the Abu Dhabi desert on day one of the shoot. The goose bumps are tangible as this seminal new movie finally starts to roll.
Meanwhile, back at the movie’s Pinewood HQ, prop builders work on building an X-Wing. Abrams has been keen to use real props and sets in the new movie, putting the unpopular green screen techniques of the prequel trilogy to rest and returning to the feel of the original movies.
It was also revealed during the panel that, as persistent rumours have suggested, Simon Pegg will play a part in the new film. Although that is confirmed by the latest footage of a costume-wearing Pegg, all know so far is that he will play “a creature”. The celebrity Star Wars fan is clearly pleased with his latest role, however. Pegg says in the clip: “My whole life has led to this moment. I’m in heaven.”
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
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Abu Dhabi World Pro 2019 remaining schedule:
Wednesday April 24: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-6pm
Thursday April 25: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-5pm
Friday April 26: Finals, 3-6pm
Saturday April 27: Awards ceremony, 4pm and 8pm
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US' most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was first created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out projectiles, namely ballistic missiles, as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles both inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 93 miles above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then deployed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
