• Charles Dufour of Cebair, with the Chimera, an anti-drone system. Victor Besa / The National
    Charles Dufour of Cebair, with the Chimera, an anti-drone system. Victor Besa / The National
  • Idex 2021, the first major in-person exhibition held in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, opened its doors on Sunday morning. Victor Besa / The National
    Idex 2021, the first major in-person exhibition held in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, opened its doors on Sunday morning. Victor Besa / The National
  • Abdulelah Al Mohaimeed, of Wahaj of Saudi Arabia, shows his company's 50-calibre heavy machine gun, at Idex 2021 in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Abdulelah Al Mohaimeed, of Wahaj of Saudi Arabia, shows his company's 50-calibre heavy machine gun, at Idex 2021 in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Saeed Al Mansoori examines a Glock 9mm pistol at at Idex 2021. The event features up to 1,000 defence companies. Victor Besa / The National
    Saeed Al Mansoori examines a Glock 9mm pistol at at Idex 2021. The event features up to 1,000 defence companies. Victor Besa / The National
  • A model of the NHIndustries NH90 multi-role military helicopter on display at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    A model of the NHIndustries NH90 multi-role military helicopter on display at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • Visitors view a Desert Sting-16 missile, built by UAE defence conglomerate EDGE, at Idex 2021. About 15 per cent of the 1,000 companies represented at event are Emirati. Victor Besa / The National
    Visitors view a Desert Sting-16 missile, built by UAE defence conglomerate EDGE, at Idex 2021. About 15 per cent of the 1,000 companies represented at event are Emirati. Victor Besa / The National
  • Idex 2021 is the first major in-person exhibition in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. International attendees do not need to quarantine, but must undertake regular PCR tests. Victor Besa / The National
    Idex 2021 is the first major in-person exhibition in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. International attendees do not need to quarantine, but must undertake regular PCR tests. Victor Besa / The National
  • Strict anti-coronavirus measures are in place at Idex 2021, including reminders for visitors to adhere to social distancing. Victor Besa / The National
    Strict anti-coronavirus measures are in place at Idex 2021, including reminders for visitors to adhere to social distancing. Victor Besa / The National
  • A robot mops the floor as visitors explore the 35,000 square metres of exhibition space at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    A robot mops the floor as visitors explore the 35,000 square metres of exhibition space at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • Omar Al Matrooshi and Rashed Al Raess hold 9mm pistols made by Austrian manufacturer Glock. About 800 international companies are attending Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    Omar Al Matrooshi and Rashed Al Raess hold 9mm pistols made by Austrian manufacturer Glock. About 800 international companies are attending Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • Omar Al Matrooshi and Rashed Al Raess examine Glock 9mm pistols at Idex 2021. There are 12 exhibition halls at the event. Victor Besa / The National
    Omar Al Matrooshi and Rashed Al Raess examine Glock 9mm pistols at Idex 2021. There are 12 exhibition halls at the event. Victor Besa / The National
  • Visitors examine sniper rifles made by UAE arms manufacturer Caracal, at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    Visitors examine sniper rifles made by UAE arms manufacturer Caracal, at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • A close-up view of a 100-kilogram laser/satellite guided bomb at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    A close-up view of a 100-kilogram laser/satellite guided bomb at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • Organisers expect 70,000 visitors to attend Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    Organisers expect 70,000 visitors to attend Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • Visitors adhere to strict social distancing at Adex 2021, the first major in-person exhibition in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Victor Besa / The National.
    Visitors adhere to strict social distancing at Adex 2021, the first major in-person exhibition in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Victor Besa / The National.
  • A visitor arrives at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National.
    A visitor arrives at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National.
  • Visitors attending Idex 2021 in Abu Dhabi. The biennial event was first held in 1993. Victor Besa / The National
    Visitors attending Idex 2021 in Abu Dhabi. The biennial event was first held in 1993. Victor Besa / The National
  • Strict social distancing measures are being implemented at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    Strict social distancing measures are being implemented at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • Exhibitors at Idex 2021 range from the manufacturers of armoured vehicles to cybersecurity companies. Victor Besa / The National
    Exhibitors at Idex 2021 range from the manufacturers of armoured vehicles to cybersecurity companies. Victor Besa / The National
  • The total value of deals the UAE is expected to sign this year is likely to be similar to the levels of 2019, organisers have said. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    The total value of deals the UAE is expected to sign this year is likely to be similar to the levels of 2019, organisers have said. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The UAE Armed Forces awarded Dh5.03 billion in contracts on the first day of Idex, with the lion’s share of the deals going to local companies. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The UAE Armed Forces awarded Dh5.03 billion in contracts on the first day of Idex, with the lion’s share of the deals going to local companies. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Participants at this year's Idex are focusing on cyber security, autonomous weapons, and using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence in defence applications and safe-guarding supply chains during the global health crisis. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Participants at this year's Idex are focusing on cyber security, autonomous weapons, and using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence in defence applications and safe-guarding supply chains during the global health crisis. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

UAE

Idex 2021: How the region's biggest-spending defence event was made possible

Daily PCR tests for delegates and exhibits spread over 12 halls played a crucial part

John Dennehy
John Dennehy

February 24, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Soldiers in pristine uniforms studied the latest Russian rifles, arms agents pitched for sales, while business deals were struck over coffee in a quiet corner of the exhibition halls.

Remote working, it was said, transformed how the world conducts business since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out last year.

But Idex 2021 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) has proved that Zoom is no match for face to face.

The mammoth defence exhibition is the largest in the region and showcases the latest in military hardware. The UAE Armed Forces awarded Dh5.03 billion ($1.37bn) in contracts on the first day alone. But it is also the first in-person event to be held in the capital since the pandemic broke out last March.

We feel really safe and that's mandatory for doing business

Saeed Al Mansoori, director of Idex, has been working 14-hour days, seven days a week, to ensure the exhibition is a socially distanced success.

"It put pressure on us but we were determined to deliver," he told The National, regarding the challenges of safely staging an exhibition amid the coronavirus crisis.

“We wanted to deliver something the whole world could learn from. We want people to enjoy the show and go home safe and healthy. For me it would be painful to see anyone get hurt or sick. As of now, we are keeping everyone healthy.”

Strict measures were in place across 35,000 square metres of exhibition space running through the 12 exhibition halls. International attendees did not have to follow the mandatory 10-day quarantine in place in Abu Dhabi but all those attending had to take several PCR tests, including one every 48 hours to access the event.

Daily tests for attendees are available in 19 hotels in the Adnec area.

  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, meets Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Defence Minister of Greece, at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, meets Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Defence Minister of Greece, at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Edward Lister, the British Prime Minister's special envoy for the Gulf, and Air Marshal Martin Sampson, defence senior military Adviser to the Middle East and North Africa at the British Ministry of Defence, at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Edward Lister, the British Prime Minister's special envoy for the Gulf, and Air Marshal Martin Sampson, defence senior military Adviser to the Middle East and North Africa at the British Ministry of Defence, at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Gen Birhanu Jula, chief of General Staff of Ethiopian National Defence Force, at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Gen Birhanu Jula, chief of General Staff of Ethiopian National Defence Force, at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Khaldoon Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and chief executive of Mubadala Investment Company, attend a meeting at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Khaldoon Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and chief executive of Mubadala Investment Company, attend a meeting at Idex. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed tours the 2021 International Defence Exhibition and Conference at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Seen with Ramzan Kadyrov, President of Chechnya. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed tours the 2021 International Defence Exhibition and Conference at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Seen with Ramzan Kadyrov, President of Chechnya. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Dignitaries stand during the UAE national anthem, during the opening ceremony of Idex at Adnec. Saleh Al Saeari / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Dignitaries stand during the UAE national anthem, during the opening ceremony of Idex at Adnec. Saleh Al Saeari / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed stands during the UAE national anthem, during the opening ceremony for Idex. Seen with Ramzan Kadyrov President of Chechnya. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed stands during the UAE national anthem, during the opening ceremony for Idex. Seen with Ramzan Kadyrov President of Chechnya. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed attends the opening ceremony of Idex. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed attends the opening ceremony of Idex. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Volunteers walked through the halls enforcing distancing, hundreds of stickers dictated how people entered and exited while sanitiser and masks were strictly enforced. Anyone who left a mask drop for even a few seconds were swiftly warned by staff.

“Six months ago, things were unpredictable and changing. The facilities the government has built since March made us confident we could do it,” said Mr Al Mansoori, referring to the UAE-wide PCR testing facilities and vaccine deployment.

After the dignitaries made their tour of the halls on Sunday, the exhibitors and attendees got down to business.

Unmanned and autonomous weapons from boats to surveillance systems dominated the display. Waging military warfare in the 21st century seems to increasingly mirror a simple games console that wouldn’t look out of place in your own home.

“It’s my fifth Idex and I can see how companies keep on innovating especially in homeland security and defence,” said Charles-Hubert Dufour, of French anti-drone maker Cerbair.

Mr Dufour's company was showcasing the Chimera, a portable drone hunter that can bring down a small unmanned object. “We feel really safe and that’s mandatory for doing business.”

But these advanced weapons sat alongside more typical pieces of military kit such as the AK-19 assault rifle from legendary Russian arms company Kalashnikov.

The AK-19 is making its global debut at Idex and people crowded around the stand to get a glimpse of the gun that looks uncannily similar to the original AK-47 first produced in the 1940s.

The Russian exhibits were among the most popular, along with Emirati defence group Edge. The 25-company strong Edge launched a series of new products on Sunday alone including new unmanned aerial vehicles.

"It was fantastic to be back doing business," said Alan Peaford, editor of Arabian Aerospace, looking at the Edge stand.

“So much depends on face to face meetings,” he said.

“There seems to be a total commitment throughout Abu Dhabi to make this happen and to keep us safe. A lot of international visitors that I have spoken to have commented on the pleasant surprise of how well we have been able to operate despite the restrictions.”

By 5pm the halls had grown quiet. Many had gone to take the free PCR tests, while others mused on the hard deals won and lost on the first day of an event that seemed to lift the global Covid-19 gloom.

“All the feedback I received today has been good,” said Mr Al Mansoori.

“We had 5,000 plus workers to make sure this show is safe, perfect and people are healthy. It has been perfect.”

INDIA SQUAD

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Siraj and Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Pension support
  • Mental well-being assistance
  • Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
  • Financial well-being incentives 
Alan%20Wake%20Remastered%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERemedy%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Microsoft%20Game%20Studios%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%204%20%26amp%3B%205%2C%20Xbox%3A%20360%20%26amp%3B%20One%20%26amp%3B%20Series%20X%2FS%20and%20Nintendo%20Switch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here
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

List of alleged parties
  • May 15 2020: Boris Johnson is said to have attended a Downing Street pizza party
  • 27 Nov 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
  • Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson 
  • Dec 13 2020: Mr Johnson and his then-fiancee Carrie Symonds throw a flat party
  • Dec 14 2020: Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative Party headquarters 
  • Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
  • Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party 
RIVER%20SPIRIT
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeila%20Aboulela%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Saqi%20Books%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont

Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950

Engine 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km

RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3E6pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Marfa%20Deira%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Dirt)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wadheha%2C%20Bernardo%20Pinheiro%20(jockey)%2C%20Majed%20Al%20Jahouri%20(trainer)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E6.35pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20Creek%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBarq%20Al%20Emarat%2C%20Bernardo%20Pinheiro%2C%20Ismail%20Mohammed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.10pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMina%20Hamriya%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh95%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tahdeed%2C%20Dane%20O%E2%80%99Neill%2C%20Michael%20Costa%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.45pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mina%20Rashid%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C900m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeyaasi%2C%20Xavier%20Ziani%2C%20Salem%20bin%20Ghadayer%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E8.20pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAl%20Garhoud%20Sprint%20DP%20World%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20Dh132%2C500%20(D)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mouheeb%2C%20Ray%20Dawson%2C%20Michael%20Costa%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E8.55pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mirdiff%20Stakes%20Jebel%20Ali%20Port%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(TB)%20Dh120%2C000%20(D)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seyouff%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Michael%20Costa%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E9.30pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jebel%20Ali%20Free%20Zone%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh95%2C000%20(D)%202%2C000m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAjuste%20Fiscal%2C%20Jose%20da%20Silva%2C%20Julio%20Olascoaga%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

THE SPECS

Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury

Engine:  3.6L V-6

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 310hp

Torque: 367Nm

Price: Dh280,000

The%20specs%20
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Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

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Towering concerns
While you're here
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

RESULTS

West Asia Premiership

Thursday
Jebel Ali Dragons 13-34 Dubai Exiles

Friday
Dubai Knights Eagles 16-27 Dubai Tigers

UAE