DUBAI // Emirati engineers will be assembling 26 anti-mine command vehicles to deliver accurate and long-range firepower.
According to a contract between the UAE-based International Golden Group (IGG) and BAE Land Systems on December 2011, the Agrab RG31 armoured utility vehicles are to be produced by the UAE as early as next year.
“We have delivered a few fully assembled vehicles already but are doing this with our partner IGG as part of our partnership and the future development of the industry in the region and UAE,” said Natasha Pheiffer, BAE Land Systems’ director of business development and communications.
The 4x4 armoured and mine-protected vehicle with all-steel welded armour is fitted with a 120mm super rapid advanced mortar system that is mounted on the RG31 vehicle and an ammunition-handling system that can deliver 46 mortar rounds.
It is designed to have a three-man crew with the ability to deploy and deliver firepower in less than one minute.
Ms Pheiffer said that “semi knock-down kits” will soon be sent to the UAE for final assembly.
“Semi knock-down kits are basically when we pack everything here, they are manufactured in South Africa and we send everything in a box.
“Our vehicles are the base platform and there are many other partners involved with IGG that provide, for example, the electrical systems and the mortar system,” she said.
The UAE Special Operations Command operates RG31 Mk5 command vehicles.
Ms Pheiffer said that a team of Emirati engineers has visited South Africa to see how the vehicles are built.
“Emirati engineers have been fully involved and running the programme from the start and are dealing not only with the platform vehicles but also all the other systems that would be included in them,” she said.
Fadel Al Kaabi, chief executive of IGG, said they have worked with BAE Systems’ Land Systems South Africa business for many years as a prime contractor.
“We are looking forward to a long and successful future providing combat-proven mine and armour-protected systems to forces in the Middle East,” he said.
There are more than 2,500 RG31s in service around the world.
amustafa@thenational.ae
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Spare
Profile
Company name: Spare
Started: March 2018
Co-founders: Dalal Alrayes and Saurabh Shah
Based: UAE
Sector: FinTech
Investment: Own savings. Going for first round of fund-raising in March 2019
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Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
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3. Welterweight 77kg
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Omar Ramadan (EGY) v Abdimitalipov Atabek (KGZ)
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Yousef Al Husani (UAE) v Mohamed Allam (EGY)
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Jaures Dea (CMR) v Andre Pinheiro (BRA)
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Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Juscelino Ferreira (BRA)
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