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5 Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi by airBaltic.

abu dhabi

The Latvian airline will continue to perform regular flights between the two cities also during the
next winter season, with flights restarting on October 28, 2018. The most attractive prices for the
tickets on next winter’s flights are now available on www.airbaltic.com. airBaltic has gathered five
tips that will inspire you to plan a trip to Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi, perched between the stunning clear waters of the Arabian sea and the ever-changing
orange sands of the Western deserts, is known far and wide for its brilliant shopping opportunities,
Ferrari World, the most exhilarating water parks, exquisite restaurants and, of course, the Formula
1 itself. However, it hasn’t always been glitzy and modern – Abu Dhabi started out from very
humble beginnings. airBaltic introduces the taste of the traditional side of Abu Dhabi with these five
amazing experiences when visiting Abu Dhabi.

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1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a great place to
begin your trip to Abu Dhabi and learn a little its culture, heritage, history and traditions. The
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic buildings: 82 domes, 1000
columns, 24-carat gold chandeliers and a capacity of 40 000 worshippers make it one of the
largest in the world. The mosque bears the name of the founder of the United Arab Emirates,
Sheikh Zayed, who was also laid to rest here. If you’re keen on exploring this truly traditional
highlight of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors daily from 9am to
10pm (except Friday mornings).

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2. An Oasis in the desert. A day trip to the Oasis city of Al Ain is well worth the effort. Al Ain is fed
by natural springs and set among a date palm oasis, just a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi. The
garden city is also Sheikh Zayed’s hometown, and you can visit his childhood home, Al Jahili
fort. Constructed in 1890 to defend the city and protect the palm groves within, set in beautifully
landscaped gardens, it houses a tourist centre and a terrific photo exhibition by the British
explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger that offers a fascinating insight into the UAE life in the 1940s.

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3. Abu Dhabi’s special home for Falcons. Falconry is close to the heart and heritage of many
Emiratis, and is still a popular pastime for many. Traditionally, falcons were an important part of
the desert life, as these birds were trained to become excellent hunters. Today, it’s just a
recreational sport, but the skills and training of the birds are the same as in the past and are
passed down through generations. Having said that, a stop at the Abu Dhabi Falcon hospital is
a must. Opened in 1999, it has cared for over 42 000 falcons. Join a two-hour tour to see the
falcons up close, visit the hospital to see where the injured birds are treated or have come to
receive a falcon pedicure, watch these majestic birds soar in the open air aviary and take home
a souvenir photo with a falcon perched on your arm.

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4. Desert Dune Bashing. Locals will tell you that you should never miss the chance to go on a
safari through the vast empty Western Desert. This is one of the most popular adventures for
tourists and locals, a mixture of fun and adventure, plus it serves as a lesson on the local
culture. You can choose to travel through the sands on a camel or in an air-conditioned 4×4.
Various safari options are available for half and full day tours, and staying the night in a luxury
desert camp is also a brilliant way to enjoy the Arabic hospitality and gaze at the most amazing
sky you have ever seen.

5. Have a Pearl of a Time. A great way to explore the warm clear waters of the Arabian Sea is to
set off on a pearling journey aboard the Jalboot, a traditional sailing vessel known in Arabia as a
Dhow. Once on the boat, you’ll be overwhelmed by the local hospitality and begin your journey
with a leisurely cruise along the coast of Abu Dhabi, with superb views of the city. Watch out for

herons, flamingos and other sea birds that make this unique area their home. While comfortably
seated on traditional cushions enjoying locally made Arabic coffee and dates, your Emirati guide
will tell you stories of how their forefathers spent their days diving for oysters in the hope of
finding the elusive and valuable pearls to trade. After a diving demonstration, you’ll be
encouraged to try your hand at opening a few oyster shells. Then search the oyster for a pearl,
which of course will be yours as a memory of your day if you are lucky enough to find it. The
pearling journey takes about two hours and departs daily.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aviation

Emirates denies report of near-miss air collision with Ethiopian Airlines

Emirates denies report of near-miss air collision with Ethiopian Airlines

Emirates has firmly refuted social media reports suggesting a near-miss air collision with an Ethiopian Airlines flight, asserting that there was no compromise to aircraft safety during the specified time and airspace.

In a statement issued by an Emirates spokesperson, it was emphasized that all Emirates aircraft are equipped with capabilities to ensure safe separation and distance during operations.

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The controversy arose when Somaliland Civil Aviation and Airports Authority initially attributed the incident to conflicting instructions from Mogadishu Control, alleging that Emirates flight UAE722 and Ethiopian Airlines flight ETH690, both cruising at 37,000 feet, were on a collision course. However, Emirates has rebutted these claims, maintaining that their aircraft were never in jeopardy.

According to the incident report released by Somaliland authorities, the potential collision occurred on Sunday, March 24, 2024, around 12:43 East Africa Time. The report detailed how conflicting instructions from Mogadishu Control led to the convergence of the two flights.

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Swift action by Somaliland’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) averted disaster, as the pilots of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX promptly ascended to 39,000 feet, creating a safe distance between the two aircraft. Somaliland’s ATC, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Airlines crew, played a crucial role in preventing a potential catastrophe.

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Aviation

HAL’s Indigenous Tejas MK-1A completes its first maiden flight

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons - Air Marshal GS Bedi's Perspective

The inaugural flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced iteration of the LCA Mk-1 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru Today.

Over the past several days, the Defence PSU HAL has been conducting various taxi trials in preparation for this milestone.

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The maiden flight lasted 18 minutes and marked a triumph for the project. The Mk-1A boasts several enhancements, including digital radar warning receivers, an advanced AESA radar, improved beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and external self-protection jammer pods.

The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A aircraft features a larger cockpit canopy, enhancing the pilot’s outside visibility and facilitating better movement of their helmet. Additionally, the air intake has been redesigned to supply faster airflow to the engine, enhancing performance. Modifications to the vertical radar in the tail section have been made to improve control during turns. Overall, these upgrades elevate the aircraft’s standards compared to previous versions, providing increased comfort and functionality.

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Under a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore signed in 2021, HAL is mandated to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets between March 2024 and February 2028. This follows the completion of the order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets valued at Rs 8,802 crore, of which 32 single-seat fighters and two twin-seat trainers have already been delivered.

The IAF, which currently operates two Tejas squadrons named ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, has deployed one squadron in the southwestern sector. Recognizing the significance of the Tejas in bolstering its fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, the final clearance from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is pending before the order can be placed.

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With the IAF grappling with a decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 against the required 42 to effectively counter threats from China and Pakistan, the Tejas assumes a crucial role in filling this gap. Despite initial skepticism, the Tejas has evolved into a flagship platform for India, garnering attention and accolades at numerous defense and aerospace exhibitions worldwide.

However, it is essential to note that the IAF recently experienced its first loss of a Tejas Mk 1 fighter aircraft due to an air crash on March 12.

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Aerospace

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

The first aerial refuelling test of South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.

Refueling from a Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KC-330 aircraft off the southern coast, the Boramae fighter jet took off from Sacheon Airbase, some 183 miles southeast of Seoul. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) hailed this development, which represents a significant advancement for this state-of-the-art aircraft.

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The successful aerial refueling test corresponds with a staged production plan intended to ease worries brought forward by the feasibility assessment carried out a year ago. The research recommended cutting production to just 20 units and made additional test suggestions. A DAPA official continues to state that after discussions with pertinent agencies, plans are in place to conclude verification testing by June of this year and complete a contract for the remaining 20 units by February of the following year.

The kf 21, which has been compared to the Turkish KAAN and the Indian AMCA, has a more stealthy airframe than fourth-generation aircraft, but it is not yet capable of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. However, in the future, modifications such as internal weapons bays might force South Korea to reclassify it as a fifth-generation fighter. Even while South Korea has made significant strides towards constructing the KF-21, other countries, including Turkey and India, are also stepping up their efforts to push plans for creating fifth-generation fighter jets.

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As an initial phase, KAI boramae intends to manufacture a two-seat variant of the kai kf 21 boramae equipped with manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. According to current plans, the Block 2 kf 21 fighter is slated for an upgrade to a low observability (LO) configuration, elevating it to the status of a fifth-generation fighter.

Additionally, KAI has put forward a proposal for the development of a Block 3 kf 21 boramae fighter jet, categorized as a sixth-generation fighter. This iteration would be larger, boasting enhanced stealth features and capabilities. It would incorporate more potent engines and operate within a comprehensive ‘system of systems’ framework, integrating with unmanned effectors for increased effectiveness.

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With the KF-21’s production set to start later in the year, DAPA intends to finalise an agreement with KAI by the beginning of 2024. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is expected to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.

The whole production plan for 40 kf21s has been approved by the Defence Project Promotion Committee, with an estimated cost of 7.92 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) between now and 2028.

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Aviation

Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival

Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival

In a shocking turn of events, a passenger jet was nearly blinded by the intense beams of hundreds of laser pointers wielded by festival-goers at a pyrotechnics festival in Tultepec, Mexico.

The harrowing incident unfolded last weekend during the National Pyrotechnic Festival, an annual celebration showcasing Mexico’s rich tradition in fireworks production and usage.

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Video footage captured the moment when a passenger jet, en route to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, soared above the festival grounds. As the aircraft approached, the sky became illuminated with a multitude of green laser beams, creating an eerie glow around the plane.

https://twitter.com/fl360aero/status/1770277290695385593

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The sight was both astonishing and terrifying, as the lasers posed a serious risk to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Social media erupted with condemnation towards the festival-goers, labeling their actions as idiotic and dangerous.

Social media erupted with condemnation as the video spread rapidly, with users expressing outrage at the dangerous behavior of the festival attendees. Many denounced the act as foolish and illegal, highlighting the potential consequences of such reckless actions.

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It is currently unclear if the police are investigating the video or if the airline targeted has complained to air safety officials.

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