US soldiers stand at attention as they pay their respects to a fallen soldier in eastern Afghanistan on July 10, 2011. AFP
US soldiers stand at attention as they pay their respects to a fallen soldier in eastern Afghanistan on July 10, 2011. AFP
US soldiers stand at attention as they pay their respects to a fallen soldier in eastern Afghanistan on July 10, 2011. AFP
US soldiers stand at attention as they pay their respects to a fallen soldier in eastern Afghanistan on July 10, 2011. AFP

World

US

Afghanistan war veterans are devastated by Taliban gains

'It just makes me mad', says retired US lieutenant colonel

Willy Lowry
Willy Lowry

August 15, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Follow the latest updates on Afghanistan here

Twenty years of blood, sweat, death and destruction has culminated in the Taliban’s breathtaking recapture of Afghanistan.

It is a bitter pill for the nearly one million Americans who served in Afghanistan and the hundreds of thousands of veterans from other countries who joined the US in their two-decade war.

“It just makes me mad,” said John Baird, a retired lieutenant colonel in the US Army, who served in Kandahar between September 2012 and July 2013.

Mr Baird, 59, was the provost marshal of Kandahar for nearly a year, a position that is equal to chief of police.

When he thinks of his time in Afghanistan, his first thought is “stupidity", he told The National.

“It was almost like another Vietnam to me," Mr Baird said. "We didn't seem like we were going to win this war.”

Despite the Taliban’s rapid gains over the past several days, the administration of US President Joe Biden has maintained its commitment to have all US troops out of Afghanistan by August 31.

Mr Baird said that was a mistake.

“To me, right now would be the time to attack," he said. "I realise the Biden administration wants out but the Biden administration is making a bunch of mistakes. Right now is the time to attack."

That appears to be unlikely. On Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared on US TV defending the Biden administration's handling of the US withdrawal and assigned blame to the Afghan government and military.

“We had invested, over four administrations, billions of dollars, along with the international community in the Afghan security and defence forces, building a modern military with the most sophisticated equipment, 300,000 forces strong with an air force the Taliban didn't have, '' Mr Blinken told CNN.

“And the fact of the matter is, we've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country. And that has happened more quickly than we anticipated.”

While the speed of the Taliban’s takeover has startled many, it has also left some veterans dejected and wondering whether it was worth it.

“It's just surprising how fast this has unfolded,” said retired Canadian major general David Fraser, who led the Nato mission in Afghanistan’s south in 2006.

“[It happened with] spectacular speed and [is] illustrative of the weakness of the Afghan government versus the determination by the Taliban leadership, and how connected the Taliban leadership are with all the tribes.”

Afghan women, holding placards, gather to demand the protection of women's rights in front of the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Afghan women, holding placards, gather to demand the protection of women's rights in front of the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan.
A person holds the flag of Afghanistan during a protest against support for the Taliban, in Berlin, Germany.
A person holds the flag of Afghanistan during a protest against support for the Taliban, in Berlin, Germany.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid speaks at his first news conference in Kabul.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid speaks at his first news conference in Kabul.
Taliban fighters stand guard outside the Green Zone where most of the embassies are situated.
Taliban fighters stand guard outside the Green Zone where most of the embassies are situated.
Afghan security forces patrol on humvee vehicle along a road in Bazarak town of Panjshir province.
Afghan security forces patrol on humvee vehicle along a road in Bazarak town of Panjshir province.
Schoolgirls sit in a schoolyard in Herat.
Schoolgirls sit in a schoolyard in Herat.
Afghans wait outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country.
Afghans wait outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country.
A Taliban fighter raises their flag on a vehicle as they patrol in Kandahar.
A Taliban fighter raises their flag on a vehicle as they patrol in Kandahar.
French citizens and their Afghan colleagues wait to board a French military transport plane at the airport in Kabul after the Taliban's stunning military takeover of the Afghanistan.
French citizens and their Afghan colleagues wait to board a French military transport plane at the airport in Kabul after the Taliban's stunning military takeover of the Afghanistan.
French soldiers at the airport in Kabul as they arrive to help French citizens and their Afghan colleagues to flee after the Taliban takeover.
French soldiers at the airport in Kabul as they arrive to help French citizens and their Afghan colleagues to flee after the Taliban takeover.
A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft filled with about 640 Afghans fleeing to Qatar from Kabul, Afghanistan.
A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft filled with about 640 Afghans fleeing to Qatar from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Crowds on the tarmac of Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan. Several people were reportedly killed at the airport on August 16 as Afghans tried to hang on to a moving US military plane leaving the airport.
Crowds on the tarmac of Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan. Several people were reportedly killed at the airport on August 16 as Afghans tried to hang on to a moving US military plane leaving the airport.
A satellite photo shows swarms of people on the tarmac at Kabul International Airport, also known as Hamid Karzai International Airport. Afghans rushed on to the tarmac of the capital's airport on Monday as thousands tried to flee the country after the Taliban seized power with stunning speed.
A satellite photo shows swarms of people on the tarmac at Kabul International Airport, also known as Hamid Karzai International Airport. Afghans rushed on to the tarmac of the capital's airport on Monday as thousands tried to flee the country after the Taliban seized power with stunning speed.
A traffic jam outside Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan after Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar declared victory and an end to the decades-long war in the country. President Ashraf Ghani fled and conceded that the insurgents had won the 20-year war.
A traffic jam outside Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan after Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar declared victory and an end to the decades-long war in the country. President Ashraf Ghani fled and conceded that the insurgents had won the 20-year war.
Qari Muhammad Hanif, centre, director of the Taliban's cultural and Information department, talks to journalists in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
Qari Muhammad Hanif, centre, director of the Taliban's cultural and Information department, talks to journalists in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
Humvee vehicles from the Afghan Security Forces in Panjshir province, Afghanistan.
Humvee vehicles from the Afghan Security Forces in Panjshir province, Afghanistan.
Thousands of Afghans rushed to Hamid Karzai International Airport in an attempt to flee the Afghan capital, Kabul.
Thousands of Afghans rushed to Hamid Karzai International Airport in an attempt to flee the Afghan capital, Kabul.
Afghans on the tarmac at Kabul airport in Kabul after a swift end to the 20-year war in the country. Thousands of people mobbed the city's airport trying to flee the group's rule.
Afghans on the tarmac at Kabul airport in Kabul after a swift end to the 20-year war in the country. Thousands of people mobbed the city's airport trying to flee the group's rule.
A US soldier keeps close watch on Afghan passengers at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul. Thousands of people packed the airport trying to flee Taliban rule.
A US soldier keeps close watch on Afghan passengers at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul. Thousands of people packed the airport trying to flee Taliban rule.
Passengers sit inside a plane as they wait to leave the runway of Kabul after the stunningly swift end of Afghanistan’s 20-year war.
Passengers sit inside a plane as they wait to leave the runway of Kabul after the stunningly swift end of Afghanistan’s 20-year war.
People climb on top of a plane in Kabul.
People climb on top of a plane in Kabul.
People try to enter Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
People try to enter Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
People cross the boundary wall of Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country after rumours that foreign countries were removing people even without visas.
People cross the boundary wall of Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country after rumours that foreign countries were removing people even without visas.
Taliban fighters stand guard along a roadside near Zanbaq Square in Kabul.
Taliban fighters stand guard along a roadside near Zanbaq Square in Kabul.
A Taliban fighter sits on his motorcycle by a road in Shahr-e Naw, Kabul.
A Taliban fighter sits on his motorcycle by a road in Shahr-e Naw, Kabul.
Talibs patrol the streets of Kabul as the militants take control of Afghanistan. after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
Talibs patrol the streets of Kabul as the militants take control of Afghanistan. after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
Afghans gather on the asphalt at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul.
Afghans gather on the asphalt at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul.
Afghans gather by the runway in Kabul as US soldiers stand guard.
Afghans gather by the runway in Kabul as US soldiers stand guard.
Taliban fighters on a police vehicle outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Taliban fighters on a police vehicle outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Baradar Akhund, a senior official of the Taliban, with a group of men, makes a video statement.
Baradar Akhund, a senior official of the Taliban, with a group of men, makes a video statement.
Taliban fighters take control of the presidential palace in Kabul, after Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
Taliban fighters take control of the presidential palace in Kabul, after Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
Passengers from Kabul arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.
Passengers from Kabul arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.
Families on a motorway trying to flee Kabul.
Families on a motorway trying to flee Kabul.
Afghan security forces on patrol in Kabul.
Afghan security forces on patrol in Kabul.
People line up outside Azizi Bank to withdraw cash during a run on deposits.
People line up outside Azizi Bank to withdraw cash during a run on deposits.
Taliban fighters use a captured Afghan security forces vehicle at a checkpoint in Herat.
Taliban fighters use a captured Afghan security forces vehicle at a checkpoint in Herat.
Ahmadullah Muttaqi, centre left, the Taliban's director for information and culture, addresses journalists.
Ahmadullah Muttaqi, centre left, the Taliban's director for information and culture, addresses journalists.
Police officers conduct their duties after the Taliban took control of Kandahar.
Police officers conduct their duties after the Taliban took control of Kandahar.
People prepare to cross into Afghanistan, at Pakistan's Chaman border. Pakistani authorities reopened the border with Afghanistan on August 13 after it had been closed for several days.
People prepare to cross into Afghanistan, at Pakistan's Chaman border. Pakistani authorities reopened the border with Afghanistan on August 13 after it had been closed for several days.
Afghans wait in long lines for hours to get visas at the Iranian embassy, in Kabul.
Afghans wait in long lines for hours to get visas at the Iranian embassy, in Kabul.
Taliban fighters patrol after taking control of Jalalabad.
Taliban fighters patrol after taking control of Jalalabad.
Smoke rises near the US embassy in Kabul. Taliban fighters reached the outskirts of the Afghan capital on Sunday.
Smoke rises near the US embassy in Kabul. Taliban fighters reached the outskirts of the Afghan capital on Sunday.
Anti-missile decoy flares are used by US Black Hawk military helicopters, while a surveillance blimp flies over Kabul.
Anti-missile decoy flares are used by US Black Hawk military helicopters, while a surveillance blimp flies over Kabul.
An Afghan soldier keeps watch on a street in Kabul.
An Afghan soldier keeps watch on a street in Kabul.
Taliban fighters and local people gather in Jalalabad province, east of Kabul.
Taliban fighters and local people gather in Jalalabad province, east of Kabul.
Taliban fighters sit on an Afghan Army Humvee in Jalalabad province.
Taliban fighters sit on an Afghan Army Humvee in Jalalabad province.
Taliban fighters travel along a street in Jalalabad province.
Taliban fighters travel along a street in Jalalabad province.
A US Chinook military helicopter flies over the US embassy in Kabul.
A US Chinook military helicopter flies over the US embassy in Kabul.
Heavily armed Taliban fighters gather in eastern Laghman province.
Heavily armed Taliban fighters gather in eastern Laghman province.
Militants wave a Taliban flag from the back of a pickup truck in Jalalabad.
Militants wave a Taliban flag from the back of a pickup truck in Jalalabad.
Taliban fighters drive through the streets of Laghman province.
Taliban fighters drive through the streets of Laghman province.
People head to the departures area of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul as the Taliban approach the city.
People head to the departures area of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul as the Taliban approach the city.
A man sells Taliban flags in western province Herat.
A man sells Taliban flags in western province Herat.
Taliban fighters travel in an Afghan Army vehicle in Herat.
Taliban fighters travel in an Afghan Army vehicle in Herat.
Taliban forces patrol a street in Herat.
Taliban forces patrol a street in Herat.
Taliban militants raise their flag as they gather a day after taking control of key southern city Kandahar.
Taliban militants raise their flag as they gather a day after taking control of key southern city Kandahar.
Members of the Afghan security forces stand guard along the roadside in Panjshir province.
Members of the Afghan security forces stand guard along the roadside in Panjshir province.
Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani and acting defence minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi visit a military site in Kabul.
Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani and acting defence minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi visit a military site in Kabul.
Internally displaced families from northern provinces take shelter in a public park in Kabul.
Internally displaced families from northern provinces take shelter in a public park in Kabul.
Families that fled their homes because of fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security forces take shelter in a public park in Kabul.
Families that fled their homes because of fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security forces take shelter in a public park in Kabul.
Many of those seeking safety in Kabul have been sleeping on the streets.
Many of those seeking safety in Kabul have been sleeping on the streets.
Thousands of those internally displaced have been arriving in Kabul.
Thousands of those internally displaced have been arriving in Kabul.
Afghans have been waiting for hours in long queues outside the passport office in Kabul, with many people desperate to leave the country.
Afghans have been waiting for hours in long queues outside the passport office in Kabul, with many people desperate to leave the country.

Mr Fraser called the past few days “gut-wrenching". Today, his thoughts are on the men and women who served under him and especially those who never made it home.

“It's opened up many memories for the 40,000 Canadians who served there, the 158 men and women who had their lives taken," he told The National.

"There are probably families asking the question, 'Was it worth it?'”

That is the question Josh Makuch is asking himself. The retired captain in the Canadian Armed Forces served as a rifle platoon commander in Kandahar in 2009.

“It really does beg the question of what was the point of all this,” Mr Makuch told The National. “It feels terrible.”

The hardest part for him is knowing that Afghans who risked their lives to help him and his fellow soldiers face a dangerous and uncertain future in a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

“The end result is that there are people that supported us that are going to stay there, and they are probably going to be executed. So I feel deeply sad and disappointed about that,” Mr Makuch said.

The Canadian government has pledged to take in 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan, but has yet to offer a clear explanation as to how they intend to get the Afghans who worked with Canadian soldiers to safety.

“We will continue to work to get as many Afghan interpreters out as quickly as possible as long as the security situation holds,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday.

But Mr Makuch said the government had months to get the interpreters out before the situation unravelled and failed to do so.

While the past few days have been difficult for many veterans, some are finding solace in knowing that at last the US will finally be out of Afghanistan.

“I feel very confident that it's time for our troops to come home,” said Fausto Parra, a veteran who served in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division in 2003. Mr Parra is now a transition assistance adviser for other veterans.

He said it was time to focus on veterans' “well-being and their health".

Mr Parra believed the US succeeded in its ultimate mission, which was to eliminate Osama bin Laden.

“In my personal opinion, being that both wars were in my generation, we feel accomplished and successful because we were able to eliminate both our targets, which was at the time bin Laden, and then second, the focus on Saddam Hussein,” he told The National.

As the US rushes to get its remaining embassy staff to safety, for many the past few days have been reminiscent of the fall of Saigon in 1975.

And now, a whole new generation of American, Canadian and international veterans are left to wonder: “What was the point?”

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Aldar Properties Abu Dhabi T10

*November 15 to November 24

*Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

*Tickets: Start at Dh10, from ttensports.com

*TV: Ten Sports

*Streaming: Jio Live

*2017 winners: Kerala Kings

*2018 winners: Northern Warriors

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Plastic tipping points
MEYDAN CARD

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9.25pm The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,200m

10pm Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m

 

The National selections

6.30pm Majestic Thunder

7.05pm Commanding

7.40pm Mark Of Approval

8.15pm Mulfit

8.50pm Gronkowski

9.25pm Walking Thunder

10pm Midnight Sands

VERSTAPPEN'S FIRSTS

Youngest F1 driver (17 years 3 days Japan 2014)
Youngest driver to start an F1 race (17 years 166 days – Australia 2015)
Youngest F1 driver to score points (17 years 180 days - Malaysia 2015)
Youngest driver to lead an F1 race (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest driver to set an F1 fastest lap (19 years 44 days – Brazil 2016)
Youngest on F1 podium finish (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest F1 winner (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest multiple F1 race winner (Mexico 2017/18)
Youngest F1 driver to win the same race (Mexico 2017/18)

Last 10 winners of African Footballer of the Year

2006: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2007: Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla and Mali)
2008: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal and Togo)
2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2010: Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan and Cameroon)
2011: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2012: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2014: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2015: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund and Gabon)
2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City and Algeria)

The biog

Favourite car: Ferrari

Likes the colour: Black

Best movie: Avatar

Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy

UAE currency
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs

Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo

Gearbox: 7-speed automatic

Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 350Nm

Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km

Price: Dh235,000

INDIA SQUAD

Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami

While you're here
RESULTS

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Winner: Baccarat, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap (78-94) $60,000 1,800m
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7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 $200,000 1,600m
Winner: Heavy Metal, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

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8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 $200,000 1,800m
Winner: Promising Run, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor

9.25pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

10pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,400m
Winner: Oh This Is Us, Tom Marquand, Richard Hannon

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How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed

Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.

Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.

The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.

One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.

That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

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The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
  • Flexible work arrangements
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  • Mental well-being assistance
  • Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
  • Financial well-being incentives 
MATCH INFO

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Studying addiction

This month, Dubai Medical College launched the Middle East’s first master's programme in addiction science.

Together with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation, the college offers a two-year master’s course as well as a one-year diploma in the same subject.

The move was announced earlier this year and is part of a new drive to combat drug abuse and increase the region’s capacity for treating drug addiction.

Eyasses squad

Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)

Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)  

Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)

Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)

Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)

Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)

Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)

Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)

Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)

Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)

Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)         

Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

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Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

RESULTS
%3Cp%3E5pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20RB%20Sarab%2C%20Allaia%20Tiar%20(jockey)%2C%20Khalifa%20Al%20Neyadi%20(trainer)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E5.30pm%3A%20Mamsha%20Alkhair%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Mutaqadim%2C%20Ray%20Dawson%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al%20Hadhrami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E6pm%3A%20Emirates%20Fillies%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Prestige%20(PA)%20Dh100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Almotajalliah%2C%20Ray%20Dawson%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al%20Hadhrami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E6.30pm%3A%20Emirates%20Colts%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Prestige%20(PA)%20Dh100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Fadwaan%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Ahmed%20Al%20Mehairbi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7pm%3A%20The%20President%E2%80%99s%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20Dh2%2C500%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Mujeeb%2C%20Richard%20Mullen%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Ketbi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7.30pm%3A%20The%20President%E2%80%99s%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20Dh380%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Western%20Writer%2C%20Richard%20Mullen%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPurpl%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKarl%20Naim%2C%20Wissam%20Ghorra%2C%20Jean-Marie%20Khoueir%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHub71%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%20and%20Beirut%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2021%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%242%20million%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Towering concerns
MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
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Scorebox

Sharjah Wanderers 20-25 Dubai Tigers (After extra-time)

Wanderers

Tries Gormley, Penalty

Cons Flaherty

Pens Flaherty 2

Tigers

Tries O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly

Cons Caldwell 2

Pens Caldwell, Cross

Team Angel Wolf Beach Blast takes place every Wednesday between 4:30pm and 5:30pm

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
​​​​​​​Penguin 

Updated: August 16, 2021, 6:15 AM
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