Aviation

Why did the UAE place the largest Rafale order?

Why is there no two-seater Rafale variant for the naval version?

The UAE ordered 80 Rafale fighter jets and 12 military helicopters from France on Friday, bolstering economic and political ties with France through a 17 billion euro ($19.20 billion) arms purchase.

The largest-ever foreign sale of the French warplane was inked as French President Emmanuel Macron began a two-day trip to the Gulf, where he would also visit Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE will become 6^th international operator of the Rafale aircraft. In 2018 Qatar is ordered 36 rafael aircraft as of now February 2020, 25 were delivered.

The Rafale order is the largest placed for the aircraft on a global scale since it entered service in 2004.

By purchasing the Dassault Rafales, the UAE is following in the footsteps of Gulf rival Qatar, which has purchased 36 of the planes, and Egypt, which ordered 24 in 2015 and 30 earlier this year.

The F4 model planes will be delivered beginning in 2027, after a €2-billion development programme that is expected to be completed in 2024.

It is the biggest bulk purchase of the Dassault-made Rafale, other than by the French army, and comes after deals in Greece, Egypt and Croatia this year.

12 Caracal helicopters were also ordered by Abu Dhabi. It’s the French code name for the H225M, the Super Puma’s multirole military version.

The Rafale will replace the Mirage 2000 fleet, but it is unlikely to replace the American-built F-35, according to defense sources, as the UAE continues to hedge its security with two key suppliers, France and the United States.

What makes Dassaults Rafale fighter jet so special?

Nonetheless, the agreement might be interpreted as a sign of impatience as the US Congress considers whether or not to approve an F-35 purchase due to worries about the UAE’s relationship with China, notably the country’s use of Huawei 5G technology.

“Despite the UAE’s main role in the atrocity-plagued military operations spearheaded by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, France is proceeding with these purchases,” Human Rights Watch said in a statement. “The French president should condemn the breaches of human rights in these three countries.”

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Because of the fight in Yemen between a Saudi-led coalition and Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, which has turned into one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, Paris has been under increasing pressure to reconsider its military supplies.

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Aviation

Qatar Airways’ AI Campaign Lets Passengers Star in Their Own Film

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways has introduced a groundbreaking global film, ‘AI Adventure,’ which leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance its dedication to creating unparalleled, immersive experiences for its customers.

In a pioneering move, the campaign allows viewers to star in the film using advanced AI technology that integrates their likeness into the storyline. This innovative approach underscores the airline’s commitment to placing its customers at the center of its experiences.

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The campaign offers viewers the chance to choose from various scenes and assume leading roles within the film. The advanced AI ensures that the characters accurately reflect the viewer’s appearance, adjusting to their facial features and skin tone.

To experience the emotive AI adventure, visit flyqatar.com or watch the film on the Qatar Airways YouTube channel.

For those interested in booking a journey with Qatar Airways, the new campaign highlights the ease of making Qatar Airways reservations and Qatar Airways ticket booking.

To explore more, you can use Qatar Airways booking services or check out options with QR airlines.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, commented: “At Qatar Airways, we aim not just to meet but to exceed customer expectations by anticipating their needs and creating deeply resonant experiences.

This new brand campaign is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”

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Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, added: “Our latest campaign, featuring unprecedented AI capabilities in the airline industry, highlights our innovative spirit and customer-focused approach.

It transforms every journey into a unique adventure, proving that dreams have no limits.”

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mr. Babar Rahman, stated:

“This campaign exemplifies our vision as a leader in innovation. By offering a personalized brand experience where everyone can star, we’ve created meaningful connections with our audience, ensuring each moment is memorable.”