ABU DHABI // Just after first light yesterday, the convoy of military vehicles left Al Hamra base, not far from the Saudi border.
It had already woven its way home from Yemen, carrying soldiers at the end of their tour of duty and brave, frontline battles against the Houthi insurgents.
The troops, many proudly waving UAE flags from the roofs of their vehicles, have been relieved on rotation by a second force to continue battling the rebels as part of the Arab coalition.
A day of receptions was held for the heroes at Zayed Military City in Sweihan. They were shown on giant screens at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche and malls across the UAE.
The kilometres-long convoy was greeted along the route to Zayed Military City by Emiratis and expatriates, waving the country’s flag and cheering loudly.
They took the chance to express their joy by lining the route through towns such as Tarif and Mirfa in scenes broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV.
Emiratis held up pictures of sheikhs from around the UAE, including some of Founding President Sheikh Zayed.
People said they were proud and happy to see the men returning with victory after liberating provinces such as Marib and Aden.
As the convoy made its way down main streets, led by a man carrying the flag on horseback, schoolchildren handed roses to soldiers. Many other children wore military uniform.
Women lined the roads, throwing flower petals on to soldiers sitting on top of military vehicles.
The convoy headed to Sweihan to celebrate with the public just after noon.
At Zayed Military City, crowds were led by Rulers including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Brig Dr Khalifa Al Rumaithy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, explained the rotation of the troops.
“It is normal to rotate troops,” he said. “They are switched after there is an alternative team ready who know all of the strategies.
“The rotation is not a full one but it strengthens the military forces in Yemen, and the new soldiers have seen that more than 70 per cent of Yemen has been liberated so they are optimistic.”
Brig Dr Al Rumaithy said the UAE invested in its people more than in its weapons, which was a major reason for their success.
“The men coming in today are young and the victory in Bab Al Mandeb has shocked the western world because it showed how powerful the investment has been,” he said.
Brig Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Deputy Commander of Abu Dhabi Police, said it was a duty for Emiratis to stand by Yemenis.
“We must stand by our brothers, and what we have seen so far has portrayed the unity of the country and answers those sceptics about the UAE,” he said.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
How to volunteer
The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
The biog
Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball
Rankings
ATP: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,955 pts; 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,320; 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,475 ( 1); 5. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 5,060 ( 1); 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,845 ( 1); 6. Roger Federer (SUI) 4,600 (-3); 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,110 ( 2); 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,960; 9. John Isner (USA) 3,155 ( 1); 10. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,140 (-3)
WTA: 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 7,030 pts ( 3); 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 6,290 ( 4); 3. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,582 (-2); 4. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5,307 ( 1); 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,100 ( 3); 6. Angelique Kerber (GER) 4,965 (-4); 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,940; 8. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,430 ( 1); 9. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3,566 (-6); 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,485 ( 1)
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Profile of Whizkey
Date founded: 04 November 2017
Founders: Abdulaziz AlBlooshi and Harsh Hirani
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 10
Sector: AI, software
Cashflow: Dh2.5 Million
Funding stage: Series A
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
