Saudi Pavilion Officially Launched at Airshow China 2024

The Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024 includes several government entities alongside GAMI.  SPA
The Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024 includes several government entities alongside GAMI. SPA
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Saudi Pavilion Officially Launched at Airshow China 2024

The Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024 includes several government entities alongside GAMI.  SPA
The Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024 includes several government entities alongside GAMI. SPA

The Saudi pavilion has been officially launched at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2024), one of the world's largest aviation events taking place from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, China.
Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali participated in the launch of the Saudi pavilion, accompanied by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, and several officials, international investors, and decision makers in the aviation and space sectors, SPA reported.
Al-Ohali emphasized that "this strategic participation, occurring for the first time in China, aims to enhance the Kingdom's global presence in the military industries sector and to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing economies among the G20 nations. Furthermore, it seeks to establish fruitful international partnerships to empower and develop the military industries sector, while also promoting the Kingdom's message of welcoming investors from around the world. Additionally, it aims to highlight the key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 within the military sector."
The Saudi pavilion, organized by GAMI, showcases military products and equipment, particularly in the aviation sector. It highlights the latest developments and achievements of government entities and national companies specializing in military industries, as well as the efforts made to enhance national military manufacturing capabilities aimed to localize over 50% of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030.



Visibility Drops in Parts of Delhi as Pollution Surges

Indian people walk as the city is covered in smog near Rajpath in New Delhi, India, 13 November 2024.  (EPA)
Indian people walk as the city is covered in smog near Rajpath in New Delhi, India, 13 November 2024. (EPA)
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Visibility Drops in Parts of Delhi as Pollution Surges

Indian people walk as the city is covered in smog near Rajpath in New Delhi, India, 13 November 2024.  (EPA)
Indian people walk as the city is covered in smog near Rajpath in New Delhi, India, 13 November 2024. (EPA)

A toxic haze enveloped India's national capital on Wednesday morning as temperatures dropped and pollution surged, reducing visibility in some parts and prompting a warning from airport authorities that flights may be affected.

Delhi overtook Pakistan's Lahore as the world's most polluted city in Swiss group IQAir's live rankings, with an air quality index (AQI) score of more than 1,000, considered "hazardous", but India's pollution authority said the AQI was around 350.

Officials were not immediately available to explain the variation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the pollution had reduced visibility to 100 meters (328 feet) in some places by around 8 a.m. (0230 GMT).

"Low visibility procedures" were initiated at the city's Indira Gandhi International Airport, operator Delhi International Airport Limited said in a post on social media platform X.

"While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected," the authority said.

CAT III is a navigation system that enables aircraft to land even when visibility is low.

The IMD said the city's temperature dropped to 17 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday morning from 17.9C on Tuesday, and may fall further as sunlight remains cut off due to the smog.

Delhi battles severe pollution every winter as cold, heavy air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from farm fires set off illegally in the adjoining, farming states of Punjab and Haryana.

Previously, authorities have closed schools, placed restrictions on private vehicles, and stopped some building work to curb the problem.

The city's environment minister said last week that the government was keen to use artificial rain to cut the smog.

Pakistan's Punjab province, which shares a border with India, has also banned outdoor activities, closed schools, and ordered shops, markets and malls to close early in some parts in an effort to protect its citizens from the toxic air.