Latest: Defiant Ukraine flies the flag at Abu Dhabi defence fair
One of the world’s largest defence fairs has opened in Abu Dhabi.
About 130,000 visitors from 65 countries are expected to attend the five-day International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex).
Now in its 30th year, the event is expected to be attended by about 1,350 companies, 350 delegations and scores of military personnel, officials and decision-makers.
By 9am on Monday, the first day, attendees were inspecting rows of armoured vehicles, drones, guided missiles and the latest defence technology and systems.
The UAE has the largest pavilion this year and the country's defence conglomerate, Edge, has a line-up of 11 new unmanned and autonomous products and systems.
They include unmanned aerial combat vehicles and logistic support and air traffic management systems.
The move comes as the UAE ramps up its “Operation 300bn strategy”, which seeks to increase the contribution of the local industrial sector to the country's gross domestic product to Dh300 billion ($81.68 billion) by 2031, from Dh133 billion in 2021.
Russia, which launched its invasion of Ukraine about a year ago, will also be represented at Idex.
There are also talks, displays and a dedicated start-up area for defence companies.
The event runs alongside the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition, which features naval vessels from eight countries.
Five famous companies founded by teens
There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:
- Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate.
- Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc.
- Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway.
- Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
- Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
UAE Tour 2020
Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km
