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Sheikh Mohammed walks inside Dubai Metro station, greets guests at Atlantis the Royal

Sheikh Mohammed walks inside Dubai Metro station, greets guests at Atlantis the Royal

Khaleej Times29-07-2025
Commuters on the Dubai Metro were in for a royal surprise when none other than Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, was spotted casually passing through a station.
The UAE Royal was recently seen across the emirate—his latest appearance at Mall of the Emirates, where he strolled alongside staff along the mall's aisles.
Sheikh Mohammed's latest appearance at the Dubai Metro station gave public transport commuters an up-close encounter with the UAE Ruler.
Earlier this month, he visited a Dubai Tram station and waited patiently like any other passenger then rode the train.
In a video posted online, Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, is seen walking on travellators which metro riders take to reach the station.
Later on, the Ruler takes the electric escalator to go to the platform and wait for the train.
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Sheikh Mohammed then reaches the Sobha Realty Metro station on the metro red line. As with his other appearances this week, he was without armed guards, moving casually which is a striking contrast to many global leaders.
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During another visit to one of Dubai's many landmarks, Sheikh Mohammed walked inside Atlantis the Royal, cane in hand while greeting guests of the ultra luxury hotel.
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The building also encapsulates its coastal desert context by reflecting the unique colour of the Saadiyat Island sand in its glassfibre and reinforced concrete cladding panels, which are configured in Gehry Partners' signature patterned bond. *Were there any innovations in materials, engineering systems, or digital construction (for example, BIM, 3D modelling, prefabrication) employed to support the project's complexity? The use of AI and VR technologies has helped to streamline efficiency and ensure sustainability and overall quality of the construction. The use of 3D rendering software generates 3D models for advanced logistical planning, and the utilisation of progressive Lidar scanning and AI supports error detection methodologies to validate construction against approved engineering drawings. The trial of Robot Dog with Lidar scanning capabilities was also part of the team's effort to ensure a truly cutting-edge space. *What were the main construction challenges encountered in these projects? Each building presents its own unique challenges. Contemporary design software greatly assists in realising these complex forms and simplifying their load paths and compositions into structures that can be realised yet remain as inspiring as the intent. Numerous mock-ups were made during the design and delivery phases to test the visual impact, proof of concept and performance of each assembly. This enables the design team and all key stakeholders to test, comment and enhance the building design whilst also keeping the design integrity, delivery date and project budget intact. Each building has a different and unique palette of materials which complements the context and concept. *What measures have been taken to ensure long-term structural durability, especially in a coastal desert environment? The selection of construction materials has always had to consider the harsh marine context in which these buildings are located. This has affected the selection of the grade of the metalwork, timber density, durability and the thermal performance of the enclosures, etc. There has also been a conscious effort to resource local materials for sustainability and contextuality. The use of recycled materials (rebar, structural steel, etc) has improved emissions associated with embodied carbon. *How have sustainability considerations been embedded in the construction process and building design? Are there notable features that highlight the project's commitment to environmental responsibility? Sustainable features have been an integral part of the Zayed National Museum's design, to minimise the amount of energy required to illuminate and cool the complex. The latticed towers act as thermal chimneys that draw cool air currents through the museum naturally. Fresh air is captured at a low level and underground cooling pipes release it into the museum's lobby. The heat at the top of the towers draws up air vertically through the galleries due to the thermal stack effect. Air vents at the top take advantage of the negative pressure and draw the hot air out. Instead of artificial heaters, evacuated solar tubes are used to heat water by natural sunlight. Additionally, photovoltaic panels and heat exchangers are placed strategically to further minimise the complex's energy use. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi has been artfully moulded to ensure natural shade to guests externally. The building enjoys a 49.4 per cent reduction in external heat gains through passive measures such as a highly efficient building envelope. Since the museum will be home to exhibits with high sensitivity to temperature and humidity, this will ensure energy consumption is further reduced with provision for solar panels within the car park shade structures. Some 70 per cent of all timber used on the project is certified from sustainable sources. As much as 95 per cent of all paints, coatings and finishes in the interior spaces will be low emissivity or low VOC materials, in keeping with sustainability goals for the project. Similarly, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, constructed from materials including steel, concrete, wood and aluminium – sourced locally where possible – incorporates sustainable elements appropriate to the region. This includes the natural cooling and ventilation of the covered courtyards through a series of asymmetrical cones which surround the main building and serve as both entrances to the museum and outdoor exhibition spaces. *How was exhibition space flexibility and visitor flow considered in the design and construction of these museums? Exhibition space flexibility and visitor flow have been central to the design philosophy of all three museums. Each institution was envisioned as a dynamic cultural platform able to adapt to evolving curatorial needs and audience expectations. The architecture supports a wide range of exhibition formats, from permanent galleries to immersive, large-scale temporary installations. At Zayed National Museum, this includes the Al Masar Garden, an outdoor gallery space that allows for open-air exhibitions and activations, adding another layer of versatility and engagement. Visitor flow has also been thoughtfully considered to create intuitive, layered journeys that encourage exploration while ensuring comfort and accessibility. Ultimately, the goal is to offer inspiring experiences that are as seamless as they are memorable. *Looking ahead, how might the lessons learned and innovations developed during the construction of these museums influence future large-scale architectural projects in the UAE and beyond? What legacy do you hope these projects will leave for future generations? The construction of the museums on Saadiyat Cultural District has set a new benchmark for cultural architecture in the region, where innovation is guided by purpose, and design is deeply intertwined with narrative. These projects pushed boundaries in engineering, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration, offering invaluable lessons for future developments in the UAE and beyond. From integrating advanced climate-responsive design to fostering long-term partnerships between international experts and local talent, the district has become a model for how architecture can be both iconic and contextually meaningful. The lasting legacy we hope to leave is one of ambition with integrity, one where future architects, engineers, and cultural leaders are inspired to create spaces that don't just impress, but also unite, educate, and endure. *Is there anything else you'd like to share about the journey of bringing these iconic structures to life on Saadiyat Island? The journey of bringing Saadiyat Cultural District to life has been one of vision, collaboration, and deep cultural commitment. From the outset, it was never just about constructing iconic buildings, it was about honouring the legacy of Sheikh Zayed in creating a district that reflects the UAE's values of openness, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Each institution has been carefully conceived to serve a broader mission: to connect communities, inspire future generations, and place Abu Dhabi at the heart of the global cultural conversation. The process has involved world-renowned architects, curators, and cultural leaders working closely with local partners to ensure that the district is not only architecturally remarkable, but also deeply rooted in the UAE's identity and heritage. Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

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