'We are always looking for opportunities to train with the Emirates,' said Col Rupert Robson.
'We are always looking for opportunities to train with the Emirates,' said Col Rupert Robson.
'We are always looking for opportunities to train with the Emirates,' said Col Rupert Robson.
'We are always looking for opportunities to train with the Emirates,' said Col Rupert Robson.

UK attaché says UAE plays crucial role in Afghanistan


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ABU DHABI // UAE armed forces play an "absolutely essential" role in supporting UK troops in Afghanistan, particularly by locating roadside bombs, according to a British military official. Emirati troops, who operate with the British in the Helmand province, discovered more than 50 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during their last six-month deployment in the country, said Col Rupert Robson, the defence attaché at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

"The Emirates is doing a brilliant job," Col Robson said. "One of the successes they've had is with detecting IEDs which may have otherwise killed coalition forces. They are contributing hugely and having tangible success." The UAE Army uses unmanned aircraft to detect whether earth has been moved to plant an IED, then alerts other forces to dispose of the device, said Col Robson, who took up his position in November.

Last year, 512 international troops died in Afghanistan, including 280 killed by IEDs. Britain has deployed 200 counter-IED specialists already this month after going through the bloodiest year for its troops since the Falkland's war. The violence shows no signs of abating. On Monday, Taliban gunmen and suicide bombers launched a brazen attack on government buildings in Kabul, with large explosions and four hours of gun battles rocking the capital. At least 12 people were killed and 71 injured in the attack.

The UAE has said it has about 250 troops in Afghanistan, where they have been stationed since 2003. Helmand, a Taliban stronghold, is one of the most dangerous parts of the country. Two British soldiers were killed by an IED while on patrol there on Monday. The Emirates also offers support by allowing coalition forces to use its sea ports and airports. "The Emirates very kindly allows us to use its facilities to transit through to Afghanistan - airports to land at and ports to maintain ships," Col Robson said.

"They are in exactly the right part of the world. It's obviously key; we couldn't do what we are doing in Afghanistan at the moment without the help of the UAE." Col Robson said he hopes military relations between the countries would be strengthened through joint exercises and training. "We are always looking for opportunities to train with the Emirates because our histories as two armies go back a long way," he said. "One of the reasons we want to reinforce these links is because of the absolutely essential role the Emirates plays in supporting our forces in Afghanistan."

In February, 120 British Marines will join the same number of Emirati naval personnel for a three-week training exercise on the coast near Al Hamra. Several British ships on patrol in nearby waters will assist with the exercise, in which a mix of UAE and British forces will attempt to land on an "enemy" beach in a manoeuvre similar to the D-Day landings. "The Emiratis are attempting to enhance their amphibious capacity," Col Robson said. "This will be a big test of co-ordination. It's a very complicated exercise."

Last summer, the Air Force took part in the prestigious Red Flag war games with the US in the Nevada desert, another example of the country's drive to develop its military capacity. Other areas of military co-operation between the UK and UAE include loan servicemen - when military officers work with the armed forces of an ally to help build their capabilities. Britain currently has five servicemen on loan to the UAE in training or advisory roles. They wear Emirati uniforms and answer to the Emirati chain of command.

"It's a small contribution but it's pretty important," Col Robson said. lmorris@thenational.ae

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ESSENTIALS

The flights 
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
 

The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.

Short-term let permits explained

Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.

Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.

There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.

Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets