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50 more trains to join Dubai Metro

A new set of trains with new features and greater capacity will join Dubai Metro to serve the existing two lines, as well as the still-under-construction Route 2020, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Saturday.

Joining the 79 trains that currently serve the red and green lines, the 50 new trains will be part of the Dubai Metro fleet, 35 of which will serve the existing lines, while 15 will operate on Route 2020.

The new trains will be manufactured by French firm Alstom, which also built the trains for Dubai Tram, and will feature an exterior similar to existing trains but the interior will be whole lot different, with plenty of passenger-friendly features including more seating and standing space, better handles, a new improved luggage compartment and many more.

The statement came following a visit by a high-level RTA team to France. The team included Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA; Ahmad Behroozian, CEO of RTA’s Licensing Agengy, Abdul Mohsin Ebrahim, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, and others.

The delegation checked on the progress of manufacturing, besides reviewing the latest developments in transit modes and smart systems in a bid to realise the 10 X initiative of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The initiative aims to sustain the competitive edge of Dubai, while preparing the city for the future through innovative ideas and solutions that are 10 years ahead of other cosmopolitan cities.

“The RTA has introduced some additions and modifications to the interior design of the metro carriages, such as dedicating the last carriage for ladies and children and leaving part of the first carriage for the Gold Class and other carriages for Silver Class,” said Al Tayer.

He added that the seats will be transversal in the Gold Class, and longitudinal in the Silver Class and in the Ladies and Children Carriage.

Though, the specifications of the interior will change, Al Tayer said that the exterior design of will remain as it is to maintain the design identity of the Dubai Metro and the colours the public is familiar with.

“Changes include revamping a few things without affecting the identity through new designs for the handles, lighting, and locations of digital signage (VBSD). They also include an illuminated dynamic map for the metro route and stations, using [an] LED power-saving lighting system, and modifying the design of the luggage compartment to make it usable by standing commuters,” said Al Tayer.

The improvements, according to Al Tayer, will also cover the shape and the number of handles, the use of modern digital display systems, the distribution of seats at the two sides of the train, in addition to increasing the gangway connecting between carriages.

The new carriages are also customised for ease of use by People of Determination and will allow for the smooth boarding and alighting of riders.

Work on the 15km-long Route 2020 began in the fourth quarter of 2016, with piling and casting of concrete pillars currently underway.

“Work [on] Route 2020 project is progressing according to the approved schedule and the achievement rate has exceeded 12 per cent. The contractor is currently inserting piles at a depth of 25 to 30 metres, and work has started in casting [the] concrete pillars of the metro viaduct. This stage would be a milestone in the progress chart of the project, marking the emergence of the project components, which would be visible to road users and inhabitants of nearby areas,” said Al Tayer.

Beginning from Nakheel Harbour and Tower station, the Dh10.6b route passes through areas like The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Gold Estates and Dubai Investments Park, passing along Mohammad Bin Zayed road and ending at the site of Expo 2020, with the provision to extend up to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Served by seven stations, including an interchange station, one station at the Expo site, three elevated stations and two underground stations, the route has a capacity to accommodate 46,000 riders per hour in both directions.

The route is expected to serve 125,000 riders per day in 2020, carrying 35,000 passengers to the Expo on weekdays and 47,000 passengers on weekends, which is likely to be 20 per cent of the total daily visitors to Expo 2020.

The existing lines of the metro currently carry 550,000 passengers daily.

Smart technologies

During the French visit the RTA delegation also explored the latest technologies in transportation and smart systems.

Among the things explored are Transit-Oriented Development projects, the latest technologies in variable signage, as well as the Bluely frim’s smart car-sharing and smart rental of electric vehicles.

The delegation also inspected the autonomous bus manufactured by Navya and attended a briefing about the smart solutions and systems offered in the bus, which accommodates 12 riders.

Among the other options reviewed are the driverless tram and the electric bus (APTIS), characterised by a low integrated floor and seamless panoramic 360° views. The bus features simple maintenance processes, a longer lifespan, and saves 25 per cent of the space need for turns at curves due to 4-wheel steering, rendering them better for use in cities.

Read more: https://goo.gl/PkDGMF

Huge three-day sale in Dubai starts today

Calling all shopaholics and bargain hunters, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), is back with another 72-hour flash sale as part of its annual citywide summer celebration.

The 72 Hour Sale will offer savings on a range of furniture and homeware from leading brands. The sale will run from July 17 to July 19.

Additional discounts will also be offered by select retailers.

This offer is applicable at the following malls:

-The Dubai Mall

– City Centre Mirdif

– Ibn Battuta Mall

– The Beach

– Oasis Centre

– Mall of the Emirates

– Dubai Festival City

– Al Ghurair Centre

Sale at these outlets:

– Home Box

– Pottery Barn

– Pottery Barn Kids

– IDdesign

– West Elm

– MUJI

– Jashanmal

Highlights of this year’s DSS include the Six-Week Sale, weekly 72-Hour Sale, weekly Friday Surprise and the Grand Finale Sale.

Shoppers can get 30 to 75 per cent off throughout the six-week DSS period as top global brands will be offering big discounts across various malls and shopping centers in Dubai.

Read more: https://goo.gl/9k2L6Y

You can walk over the new golden bridge in Dubai skies by year end

There is a golden bridge in Dubai skies and you can walk over it by the end of the year!

A senior Dubai Municipality official on Sunday confirmed to Gulf News that the Dubai Frame, the 150 metre-high, 193 metre-long golden tower featuring a glass bridge in Zabeel Park, will be open before the end of this year.

Dawood Al Hajri, assistant director-general for Engineering and Planning Sector, said this after visiting the Dh160m project to overview its latest updates and work progress.

Work in progress at the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park. On completion, it will become a landmark building in Dubai.

“Everything is going according to the schedule. The building is going to be one of the landmarks in Dubai and it will attract a lot of tourists. We will open it by the end of the year,” he told Gulf News.

In the making since 2013, the iconic tower is designed to frame the emirate, giving a 360 degree view of new and old Dubai’s skylines on either side of it.

When asked about previous reports citing an opening date of Dubai Frame in October this year, Al Hajri said he was not aware of any such announcement. Asked if Dubai Frame is likely to open on the 46th UAE National Day in December, the official said he could “only confirm it would open before the end of the year.”

He also confirmed that the ongoing dispute over the design of the structure will not affect the opening.

“That [the case] is with the legal department and I can’t talk about it.

But that has nothing to do with the opening,” he replied when asked if the case against the municipality would affect the opening of the much awaited project.

This is the first comment from Dubai Municipality about the case filed against it by Mexican-born architect Fernando Donis whose initial design reportedly inspired the structure.

According to a report in New York Times on March 8, Donis has filed a suit in US federal court against the Dubai Municipality and ThyssenKrupp Elevator for copyright violations.

His design was chosen as the concept design for the project after it won a contest jointly organised by the municipality and ThyssenKrupp in 2009.

  First look video

The municipality also released a video of the current status of the tower during the officials’ visit, featuring the first visuals of its interior. Mohammed Al Mutaiwei, assistant director general of the Municipality for the Communications and Community Sector, and other senior officials also visited the project.

The video of their visit showed the tower covered with golden cladding in the glass bridge on top and inner side of both the vertical shafts. The design of the golden cladding is inspired by the Expo 2020 logo.

The reception lobby and two other areas with modern and traditional architectural designs were also shown after the officials went up the escalator. According to a previous statement issued by Dubai Municipality, the Frame will have interior spaces on the ground floor (the horizontal rib bottom of the frame) for exhibitions, which will display details of old Dubai in pictures and show how the city evolved since the sixties and how it is now.

The ground floor ends at the main panoramic elevator, which goes up through the rib of the Frame to get to the top floor.

At the top, visitors will have a bird’s-eye view of old Dubai as they look towards Al Karama, Umm Hurair, Bur Dubai and Deira. As they turn around, they will see the high-rise towers and development projects of new Dubai in contrast.

Read more: https://goo.gl/NELCFg

Another Pinoy designer opens shop in Dubai

After Michael Cinco and Ezra Santos, another Filipino designer has entered Dubai’s fashion scene.

Jef Albea, who has created gowns for local celebrities like Maja Salvador, Lea Salonga, and Zsa Zsa Padilla, has opened a shop in Dubai.

According to a report by Gulf News, Albea considers Dubai his “second home.”

“My inspiration to pursue my career is basically because of Dubai. I promised myself that I will come build my own [shop here] when I am ready. Fate has led me [here]; this is the right time,” he told Gulf News.

“We have a list of clientele and they are very excited about our creations. Orders are flowing in, like wedding gowns! We are very confident and motivated to show the Emirati women our passion and dedication to create haute couture,” he added.

Albea said he is inspired by his friends and fellow designers, Cinco and Santos. He hopes to have the chance to design a gown for pop star Madonna, saying she is “an icon of style.”

When asked to give advice to budding designers, he replied: “Never stop learning. Never spend a day without learning something new. Never end a day without trying something new. Every day is a learning stage. And always believe that everything will come to you, just believe in the right timing.”

Read more: https://goo.gl/V8R6wc

8 unique things in Dubai, away from the hype

Away from your regular trip to the mall and movie night, Dubai is a city that can offer diverse underground activities.

Here are some places in Dubai that are worth trying:

1. Al Qudra Lake

Located in Saih Al Salam desert and Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Lake is comprised of many splendid man-made lakes. It is home to a diverse group of geese, ducks, swans, and over 130 other bird species.

It is a great place for family picnics, bike rentals, wildlife observation, and of course, camping.

At sunset, it transforms into a spot that’s perfect for barbecues and games. So, gather a few friends, stock up on firewood, and enjoy the sounds of the fire and laughter.

2. Al Maha Resort

If you’re looking for a private and relaxing getaway then Al Maha Desert Resort is definitely the place for you.

One of this resort’s many plus points is that guests often get to see desert animals, like gazelles, oryxes, and falcons roaming freely.

3. Karak

Daily coffee consumers know the pain of spending half their salary on the energizing portion, but for only two dirhams a cup, Karak offers some of the best coffee in town without breaking the bank! 

You can find Karak in Al Ismaily Cafeteria in Bur Dubai, Modern Cafeteria in Hor Al Anz, Dar Malik Al Karak in Sharjah, and Al-Farwaniya Cafeteria in Jumeirah.

4. Burj Park

Located in Downtown Dubai, Burj Park is one of the many spots where your pooch can enjoy a walk and make new friends.

A spectacular view of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain are a great bonus!

5. Bu Qtair

If you’re looking for glitz and glamor this probably isn’t the place for you.

Bu Qtair is one of Dubai’s hidden gems; humble, generous, homey, with a weekend backyard BBQ. Located at Umm Suqeim, this fish shack offers two local fish dishes: Hamour or Sherif.

Prawns are also on the menu!

Be sure to get there as early as possible though, or you will be stuck waiting in a long queue. It’s open daily from 11.30 am to 11.30 pm.

6. Learn about the history of coffee

Dubai’s Coffee Museum, located at Al Fahidi Historical District, is a café, shop, and cultural experience all at once.

There, you can taste different types of coffees, learn about their origin, the tools used to roast and brew them, as well as the various cultures associated with each and every style.

If you’re interested in mastering the art of making your own coffee at home, you will find all sorts of books on everything from home-roasting to coffee recipes.

7. XVA Art Hotel

If there’s one thing Dubai is not short of it’s hotels, but XVA Art Hotel is definitely in a league of its own.

Located in the heart of Al Fahidi Historical District, XVA Art Hotel was once a home, which was later on turned into a  boutique hotel with 14 rooms and an award-winning vegetarian restaurant.

It is the perfect place to escape the chaotic summer season. The hotel is also home to the XVA Cafe, one of Gordon Ramsay’s favorite spots in Dubai – and we all know how hard he is to please.

8. Cinema Akil

This independent film theater, located at Alserkal Avenue, holds screenings for many classical and modern films that are probably on your must-watch list.

Cinema Akil has got it all; the only difference is that it has less CGI flicks and more cultural and artistic movies.

Read more: https://goo.gl/xS1mX6

Dubai tourist mistakes this police station for a hotel

Charmed by the state-of-the-art glass covered building, an Arab tourist approached Al Muraqqabat Police Station thinking it was a hotel. He wanted to book two rooms for a month when a cop has politely told him: “Sorry sir, this is not a hotel; this is a police station,” to the surprise of the man.

The tourist, accompanied by his wife, had arrived in Dubai to spend the summer vacation in the emirate, according to a report by the Arabic daily, Al Ittihad.

The tourist was astonished to see the swankiness of a police station and was surprised by the structure, surrounded by green landscape. His surprise was cut short when cops helped him find a hotel.

In comments to the incident, Ali Ibrahim Al Falasi, general coordinator for the quality offices at Dubai Police, said that this incident confirmed the changing prototype image of the police stations. “The oasis-like green lush with colourful flowers spread positivity among police officers as well as breathe happiness in the lobbies and offices.”

“Big changes have taken place in the Dubai Police Headquarters for creating a positive work environment that encourage police personnel to feel happy while discharging their duties,” said Sheikh Mohammed Al Mulla, director of total quality at Dubai Police. “Police officers feel happy and relaxed, and in turn, visitors and customers will not feel scared while communicating with them.”

Read more: https://goo.gl/WNYjT1

Dubai Properties distributes 6600 meals to staff accommodations

Dubai Properties, a leading Dubai-based real estate master developer and asset manager distributed over 6,600 meals at staff accommodation in Al Quoz, Dubai Investment Park and Muhaisnah. Demonstrating the company’s solidarity with and appreciation for the efforts of the labourers, more than 70 employees and members of the management team braved the summer heat and volunteered their time to help serve food to thousands of blue collar workers.

Titled, ‘Embracing the Spirit of Giving’, the initiative is in line with Dubai Properties’ sustained efforts to support the UAE’s Year of Giving that aims to enable less privileged communities through charitable efforts and acts of kindness.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdulla Lahej, Group CEO of Dubai Properties, said: “Dubai Properties is pleased to lead this noble initiative. Aligned to the leadership’s Year of Giving initiative, we consider this a gesture of our gratitude and an essential part of our corporate responsibility. We salute the workers whose efforts have played a significant role in the development of Dubai and the wider UAE.”

Read more: https://goo.gl/yASe7Z

Dubai hotel will have an indoor rain forest8

When looking for a hotel room, it is important to consider amenities. Continental breakfast, a nice pool, free Wi-Fi, copious amounts of beer, etc. But a hotel in Dubai has thought of one perk that you probably never thought to look for in a hotel: a rain forest.

Yes, you read that right. ZAS Architects is building a hotel in Dubai that will come complete with a 75,000-square foot rain forest, because living in nature while not actually living in nature appears to be all the rage these days.

The Rosemont will also feature a trampoline park, a bowling alley and an infinity glass-bottom pool on the 25th floor for those of you who aren’t afraid of heights. But the jungle is what has been getting the most press while people await the 2018 opening of the hotel.

According to Business Insider, the rain forest will be in the “podium” section of the hotel that will serve as a base for the two towers. When you first get there, you will be greeted by a roof over the entrance that will have 4-D projections of various scenes, including a jungle, to get you all hyped up for the real thing.

And yes, this is the real thing. The rain forest will be filled with actual rain forest plants.

So, let’s take a tour of this place. Or at least, the designers’ renderings of this place.

“You’ll have dense trees, canopies, some sun coming through, and during the summertime we will use the recycled condensation from the towers to have the mist coming down from the trees to cool down the air,” ZAS Dubai managing partner DJ Armin told the Huffington Post.

Armin told the Post there will be tickets available to the public even if they aren’t staying at the hotel, and there will be a man-made beach and pool in the jungle.

Oh yeah, and if you have been looking closely at the pictures, you may have also noticed the GIANT DINOSAUR.

Now, I’m assuming here that we have not yet reached Jurassic Park status yet and those are fake dinosaurs. But hey, by the time this thing is finished in 2018, you never know what kind of technology could be available to us.

If you are planning a trip to the Middle East, you may want to put the Abraj Kudai on your visit list. The hotel, which is being built in Saudi Arabia, will be the world’s largest with 70 restaurants and 10,000 rooms.

Owned by the Saudi Ministry of Finance, the hotel will 12 separate towers of rooms and arguably more places to eat than most moderately-sized towns. Unsurprisingly, the hotel will feature helipads and will allegedly contain a full-size convention center.

Read more: https://goo.gl/PX8a1g

Mohammad Bin Rashid visits Dubai's Waterfront Market

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Friday toured the Waterfront Market at Hamriya port.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, was present.

Shaikh Mohammad acquainted himself with the market’s various sections, and followed-up on the delivery of the highest standard of services and logistics facilities for customers and fish vendors.

The Vice-President also inspected the dock for fishing boats and water taxis, and inquired about preparations for receiving boats, and water taxis that provide tourists and shoppers easy access to the market.

He expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the market, which is fully air-conditioned and overlooks Gulf waters, making it a shopping and tourist destination.

Shaikh Mohammad emphasised the importance of closed shopping centres that meet the needs of the public in all sectors, and provide leisure areas for families and children. He added that the market reflects the civilised and historic image of the city of Dubai through careful urban planning that brings together the past and present, and also prepares for the future.

Also present during Shaikh Mohammad’s tour were Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, and other officials.

Read more: https://goo.gl/EH9dX5

Dubai to Put Self-Driving Police Vehicles on Streets

Dubai is the commercial capital of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf. But officials want to turn it into the world’s “smartest” city.

Earlier this year, Dubai announced plans to be the world’s first city to use self-flying taxis. In June, it placed the first robot police officer at shopping centers and places popular with visitors.

Dubai police officials now say they plan to deploy self-driving vehicles to patrol city streets by the end of the year.

A signing ceremony at Dubai Police General Headquarters. From left to right: Brigadier Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, OTSAW CEO Ling and Dubai Regional Director of IE Singapore, Nael Islam. (Dubai Police Communications

Dubai will be the first in the world to deploy the O-R3 vehicle, according to the Singapore company that builds it. The company, OTSAW Digital, recently signed an agreement with the Dubai Police force to supply the driverless robots.

The vehicles look a lot like most other automobiles, but are much smaller. They are equipped with cameras, machine learning tools and 3D technology to help them operate independently. The robots automatically charge themselves when power gets low.

The vehicle’s cameras can scan faces and record registration information to check for criminals and possible illegal activity. A police official said the robot can recognize people in any area. It will be used to “identify suspicious objects” and follow suspects.

“We seek to augment operations with the help of technology such as robots,” said Dubai’s police chief. “We always search for the best technology to serve our police work for a safer and smarter city.”

The O-R3 can communicate with computers at police centers in different locations. The patrolling robot is able to send data and video to the centers, where operators can control the vehicle remotely.

The vehicles can also work together with drones that can be launched from the back of the robot. The drones can then follow the vehicle and provide support from the air.

The CEO of OTSAW Digital, Ting Ming Ling, says the use of such vehicles is designed to help humans with their jobs, not replace them.

“Ultimately, robots exist to improve the quality of human lives – where men take on high value jobs while robots perform the low skilled ones,” he said.

Read more: https://goo.gl/zcmD3Y