This week, the world's militaries and defence companies have descended on Abu Dhabi for the International Defence Exhibition and Conference. In many ways, the event has presented a unique opportunity for the top brass to explore, discuss and adopt the latest trends in the sector, and for innovative companies to showcase their products and solutions.
Innovative and cutting-edge technologies have taken centre stage with use-cases for solving some of the biggest issues that currently shroud the world of defence, security and aerospace. A prime example of this has emerged when looking at how militaries produce pilots.
The training of military aviators is undeniably complex and expensive, and so is the management of pilot inventory. If an air force turns out too many or too few pilots, its operational readiness can be hindered. In some cases, this imbalance can take years to rectify.
Since the end of the Cold War, air forces have found it difficult to hit that sweet spot of having the optimum number of airmen and airwomen that they actually need. During the Cold War, many air forces were able to balance the optimum number due to the size and scale of the militaries they were required to maintain. But when the collapse of the Soviet Union led to a period of relative peace and stability, global priorities shifted from collective security to international co-operation. Many militaries faced budget cuts and restructuring, which caused an imbalance in pilot numbers that has ever since been difficult to rectify.
In recent years, the production and retention of pilots have become critical issues. The industry outlook for commercial pilot demand for 2020-2029 estimates that there will need to be more than 260,000 new personnel over the next 10 years. Airlines have traditionally sought military pilots because of their high-quality training and reduced flight time requirements. And even though the Covid-19 pandemic has stalled their exodus from the military to civil aviation sector, this will be a short-term pause. In the not-too-distant future, militaries will again find that pilots are leaving faster than they can be replaced.
A 2018 report by the Government Accountability Office in Washington noted that the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps had fewer pilots than available positions. This gap was largely attributed to reduced training opportunities and increased attrition of fighter pilots, but also other factors, such as the lack of availability, serviceability and sustainability of aircraft. This has been the case with other large militaries as well, including in Europe and Asia.
To plug this gap, these militaries need to drastically curb the time it takes to train their pilots. Thankfully, cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality and adaptive learning systems, can provide a tangible solution. How? Well, these technologies allow aspiring pilots to practise and perform in a virtual world with greater frequency, thereby shortening the traditional training time.
Operators must therefore be willing to embrace these new technologies if they want to produce pilots faster, better and more efficiently. This is exactly what the US Air Force is doing as part of its Pilot Training Transformation initiative.
Another sore point is that existing pilot training techniques are no longer adequate for today’s needs. Decades ago, flight simulators helped revolutionise pilot training. Today, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) has emerged as the next big technological breakthrough.
The past few years have seen VR/AR applications and immersive training devices becoming increasingly more powerful and considerably better at advancing proficiency much earlier in the pilot-training process. The latest generation VR/AR headsets, for instance, enable aspiring pilots to fully immerse themselves in a cockpit of an aircraft and the high-fidelity virtual world around them. In fact, students sometimes get so absorbed that they reach out and try to grab something in the virtual cockpit, forgetting that it is not actually there.
VR/AR has come a long way. Combined with other digital technologies, such as data analytics and VR-enhanced courseware, it can streamline a pilot's training journey from day one until they earn their wings. Students are afforded the opportunity to practise with greater frequency and do so in a much more engaging virtual environment. The obvious benefit of immersive training – one built on a foundation of data analytics and supported by AI – is that the timeline for producing pilots can be much shorter while the output is better prepared pilots.
Virtual reality is here to stay, and as it further matures, it will become a fundamental part of the pilot training experience
When it was originally proposed, many in the industry denounced VR/AR as nothing more than video games on steroids. However, the technology is gaining mainstream acceptance as a credible part of next-generation military pilot training, as evidenced by the US Air Force’s programmes. The Royal Air Force in the UK is also in the early stages of trials with these systems.
While we must acknowledge that VR/AR should not replace simulators or actually piloting an aircraft, its effectiveness has already been proven. The technology is here to stay, and as it further matures, it will become a fundamental part of the pilot training experience. Military operators should be willing to embrace it because an investment in VR/AR is an investment in the future of aviation and the next-generation military aviators.
Thibaut Trancart is the CAE's Middle East managing director
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Match info
Bournemouth 1 (King 45 1')
Arsenal 2 (Lerma 30' og, Aubameyang 67')
Man of the Match: Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal)
Match info
Arsenal 0
Manchester City 2
Sterling (14'), Bernardo Silva (64')
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The biog
Favourite Emirati dish: Fish machboos
Favourite spice: Cumin
Family: mother, three sisters, three brothers and a two-year-old daughter
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Fixtures
Sunday, December 8, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v USA
Monday, December 9, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – USA v Scotland
Wednesday, December 11, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v Scotland
Thursday, December 12, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v USA
Saturday, December 14, ICC Academy, Dubai – USA v Scotland
Sunday, December 15, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v Scotland
Note: All matches start at 10am, admission is free
Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
The Cockroach
(Vintage)
Ian McEwan
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
Profile Box
Company/date started: 2015
Founder/CEO: Mohammed Toraif
Based: Manama, Bahrain
Sector: Sales, Technology, Conservation
Size: (employees/revenue) 4/ 5,000 downloads
Stage: 1 ($100,000)
Investors: Two first-round investors including, 500 Startups, Fawaz Al Gosaibi Holding (Saudi Arabia)
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
Book%20Details
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EMILY%20IN%20PARIS%3A%20SEASON%203
%3Cp%3ECreated%20by%3A%20Darren%20Star%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Lily%20Collins%2C%20Philippine%20Leroy-Beaulieu%2C%20Ashley%20Park%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202.75%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Favourite things
Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery
Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount
University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China
Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai
Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China
Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
