DUBAI // A senior US diplomat in Afghanistan has visited Emirati troops there, discussing their mission with Yusouf Saif Al Ali, the UAE ambassador in Kabul.
In pictures: On the frontline with UAE forces
Alex Gardiner, a former British SAS officer, recently joined what should have been a routine patrol in Helmand Province, before events took a grim turn.
More from Sound & Vision
Richard Olson, who until June of this year served as the American ambassador to the UAE, oversees development and economic affairs for the US embassy in Kabul. He praised the Emirati troops, who have served alongside the US-led international coalition in Afghanistan since 2003.
Their work has included using drones to identify roadside bombs and training the Afghan police force. They have a presence in the southern Helmand province, where much fighting with the Taliban has taken place.
As one of the few Muslim forces in Afghanistan, the Emirati troops have been valued for their closer understanding of local culture.
Over the years, they have largely kept a low profile. But two weeks ago, a 30-minute documentary called Winds of Goodness aired on television featuring their mission.
The UAE Government has also funded social services in Afghanistan, including a college named Zayed University, 11 schools, a library, six clinics and a hospital. Female Emirati doctors are staffed at some of the medical facilities to treat Afghan women and children.
The two countries are also discussing ways to build up civil aviation in Afghanistan. In a meeting last week with the Afghan minister who oversees this sector, the UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Al Mansoori discussed options such as training Afghan aviation staff in the UAE, and increasing the number of flights between the two countries.
chuang@thenational.ae
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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More from our neighbourhood series:
The biog
Born November 11, 1948
Education: BA, English Language and Literature, Cairo University
Family: Four brothers, seven sisters, two daughters, 42 and 39, two sons, 43 and 35, and 15 grandchildren
Hobbies: Reading and traveling
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments