
Saud bin Saqr receives Ambassador of Türkiye
The Turkish Ambassador expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah for the warm welcome and hospitality. He also praised the UAE's prominent regional and international stature, as well as the sustainable development witnessed across the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

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Time Out Abu Dhabi
an hour ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
GCC Railway Project: Route, launch date and all the latest
A massive regional rail project connecting the UAE with five nearby nations is set to change holiday plans in the future. As the UAE prepares to launch its highly anticipated national passenger train service next year, there's no better time to check on the progress of the GCC Railway Project. The project, first launched in 2009, will link the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council with a 2,117km railway. It will eventually mean that people in the United Arab Emirates can travel by train to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. A visa making it easier to travel between the GCC countries is set to be launched in the near future, and the GCC railway will, eventually, be a great way to see more of the region. Current plans are for the project to be completed by 2030, and we'll have a look at progress from each participating nation below. The GCC Railway Project route The proposed route will begin in Kuwait before passing through Dammam in Saudi Arabia. From Dammam, you'll be able to travel directly to Qatar, via the Salwa port, and Bahrain. From Saudi Arabia, you'll also be able to travel to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. And, once you're in the UAE, you'd then be able to connect with Dubai with Etihad Rail. The railway will then travel from the UAE down to the Omani capital of Muscat via Sohar. GCC Railway Project: Bahrain Credit: Shutterstock Bahrain will connect to neighbouring Saudi Arabia via the King Hamad Causeway project. The proposed King Hamad International Station will be located in the Ramli area of Bahrain. This station will connect to Bahrain International Airport and other commercial and residential areas in Bahrain through the proposed Bahrain Metro network. It will connect to the wider GCC Railway network via Dammam Railway Station across the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia. A dedicated maritime bridge will be constructed to connect the two countries. The causeway will span approximately 25km and consist of two rail tracks. GCC Railway Project: Kuwait Escape to Kuwait (Credit: Supplied) Kuwait will form the northern section of the GCC rail network. Shadadiya, approximately 25 kilometres south-west of the centre of Kuwait City, being the location for the main central station of the 111km railway line. Turkish company Proyapo Engineering and Consulting signed on as consultants for the first phase of the infrastructure project earlier in 2025. Kuwait's railway will run along the coastline and will be designed to facilitate travel at speeds of up to 200km/h for passenger trains. GCC Railway Project: Oman Muscat (Credit: Shutterstock) Oman has been working closely with the UAE on its railway network since 2022. And in 2024, Oman Rail and Etihad Rail launched the collaborative Hafeet Rail, which will connect the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi with Sohar in Oman. Hafeet Rail will span 303km and travel at speeds of up to 200km/h. This Hafeet Rail line will help Oman connect with the wider regional network. It will eventually connect more than 12 passenger stations and cities across both the UAE and Oman. GCC Railway Project: Qatar Doha In July of 2025, the Qatar Cabinet approved a draft general agreement to connect the GCC through a unified railway project. From Qatar, it will extend to the United Arab Emirates via Abu Dhabi, ultimately reaching Muscat, Oman. A dedicated maritime bridge will connect Qatar with Dammam in Saudi Arabia. The project is expected to connect well with the wider Doha Metro and Lusail Tram. GCC Railway Project: Saudi Arabia Dammam (Credit: Shutterstock) Saudi Arabia has a pre-existing national rail network already in place and is key to connecting its neighbouring nations in the wider GCC railway network. Dammam will act as the focal point for the regional railway, as trains will arrive from Kuwait in the north at the coastal Saudi city. From Dammam, there will be two maritime bridges constructed connecting Saudi Arabia to Qatar and Bahrain. Travellers will be able to take trains from Dammam to Riyadh and the rest of the national rail network. GCC Railway Project: UAE (Credit: Etihad Rail) The UAE's Etihad Rail is already in action as a freight service, with a passenger service set to launch in 2026. Spanning 900km, the passenger train service will connect 11 cities across the seven emirates in the UAE. The first passenger train station will be built in Sakamkam, Fujairah, at the heart of Fujairah city. It will stretch from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Living in the UAE Everything you need to know about traffic cameras in Abu Dhabi No, they're not just for speed When is the next public holiday? Here's when you'll have your next day off 5 unexpected Emirates ID perks you should seriously be using And yes, they all make our lives a little bit easier


Tourism Breaking News
5 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Mileo The Palm, Hotel and Residences to open by this September
Post Views: 73 Opening this September, Mileo The Palm, Hotel and Residences marks the arrival of a new kind of luxury in Dubai's iconic Palm West Beach. Home to 176 rooms and suites, Mileo The Palm, Hotel and Residences offers a variety of living experiences for both short and extended stays—ranging from Deluxe Studios (43– 49 SQ.M) to Two-Bedroom Apartment Suites (113–118 SQ.M). Many feature private balconies with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina skyline. Following the success of its flagship property in Mykonos, Mileo brings its signature serenity and sophistication that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly refined. More than a place to stay, Mileo is a sanctuary of refined living with elegant design, curated hospitality, and quiet rituals of care come together to create an enticing luxury experience. Every feature has been crafted to feel both personal and elevated. Interiors soothe. Service anticipates. The atmosphere is one of calm intention. 'Mileo The Palm is not simply a place to stay; it's a story waiting to unfold, one where every moment is considered, every space is intentional, and every guest feels like they belong. From the textures in the room to the warmth of our service, we've created a world that lingers in memory long after the stay,' said Hossam Nabil, General Manager of Mileo The Palm, Hotel & Residences Dubai. 'Our vision was never just about luxury, it was about creating a rhythm of experience, where thoughtful design and genuine hospitality come together to offer something quietly unforgettable,' Hossam added. Residential-style suites evoke the warmth of home, complete with fully equipped kitchens, ideal for extended stays. From thoughtful welcome rituals to Amouage bath amenities and Dyson hairdryers, every element reflects Mileo's devotion to quiet luxury. By day, Mileo embraces slow living by the sea. By night, it transcends into a vibrant rhythm of curated dining, crafted drinks, and rooftop soundscapes, a fluid blend of serenity and sensation from sunrise to sundown. From peaceful mornings to starlit evenings, Mileo is a lifestyle destination where every guest feels part of something quietly extraordinary. Dining at Mileo moves by the day with seven unique spaces that offers a variety of moods and flavours: • AY Restaurant is a sun-soaked, all-day dining favorite, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a laid-back setting. • AYA Rooftop is where skyline views, bold beats, and elevated dining come together for unforgettable nights. • CUT Caviar Bar offers a luxe pairing of fine caviar, small plates, and champagne in an intimate, elegant setting. • Papagalos Restaurant brings the warmth of Greek and Turkish cuisine to life through generous plates and shared moments. • Matcha 16 Café is a calm, design-led space offering premium matcha and moments of mindful pause. • Kai Sushi Bar delivers pristine cuts and sushi rolls crafted with precision and purity at its core. • FanZone Sports Bar is the front-row seat to every game with big screens, cold drinks, and all the right bites. • Cigara Lounge invites to slow down with rare cigars, aged spirits, and the quiet luxury of time. For quiet evenings in, in-room dining is available at any time, offering each suite to become its own tranquil escape. Families and wellness seekers will appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of a Kids Club, and a high-tech gym equipped with cutting-edge Technogym machines, while the Leo Z Barber Shop, electric vehicle charging stations, and valet service provide all the essentials for modern living. With over 200 parking spaces, the hotel is as welcoming to daily visitors as it is to long-term guests. Bold yet intimate. Worldly yet personal. Mileo The Palm, Hotel and Residences is more than a hotel—it is a place of quiet transformation. A haven on the water. A rhythm that stays with you.


Emirates Woman
5 hours ago
- Emirates Woman
Why the Gigi Rigolatto pop-up in Bodrum is a must-visit
Nazli Sonmez Vallee, Chief Brand Officer at Rikas Hospitality Group, shares how Gigi Rigolatto brings Italian glamour to the Aegean Sea. Describe the guest journey at Gigi Bodrum – what sets this summer pop-up apart from other luxury beachside concepts? Nestled inside the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Gigi welcomes you with a breathtaking view of the beach and the endless Aegean, a setting so dreamy it feels like you've slipped away into another world. Here, time doesn't tick – it flows. You arrive for a sun-kissed lunch, and suddenly it's sunset, a Bellini in hand, live music in the air, and dinner just beginning. Gigi is more than a destination, it's a state of mind, where every moment stretches, every detail is delicious, and the vibe is always Alla Grande. Before you leave? A stroll through the Gigi Boutique, of course. A little something to take the feeling home. How do you blend the DNA of Gigi – Italian flair and Parisian elegance – with the soul of Bodrum? Bodrum has a magic of its own – it's soulful, sun-drenched, effortlessly elegant. At Gigi, we embraced that spirit by creating a place that feels both glamourous and grounded. We brought Gigi's Italian flair and Parisian art de vivre, but let Bodrum lead the rhythm – long, leisurely lunches, golden light over the sea, a soundtrack of cicadas and clinking glasses. The materials, the mood, the energy – everything is designed to reflect the raw beauty and warmth of the Aegean, while staying true to Gigi's signature lifestyle. It's a cultural conversation between the Riviera and the Turkish coast – and it just works. Can you walk us through the culinary concept – what regions of Italy are most represented in the menu? Our menu is deeply inspired by Southern Italy, particularly the sundrenched flavours of the Amalfi Coast. You will find an abundance of fresh tomatoes, olives, buffalo mozzarella, and freshly caught seafood, alongside beloved classics like spaghetti alle vongole, eggplant parmigiana, and grilled whole fish. It's all about simple, rustic cooking – generous in flavor, rooted in tradition, and centered aroundfresh, high-quality ingredients. We want every dish to feel warm, vibrant, and authentically Southern Italian – the kind of food you'd enjoy at a family table by the sea. What was the creative brief for Bodrum, and how was it tailored to the landscape? The brief for Bodrum was to bring the spirit of Gigi's Mediterranean glamour into harmony with the natural beauty of the Turkish Riviera. We imagined a space that feels sun-washed, textured, and intimate – drawing from the raw elegance of Italian design while embracing the Aegean's warmth and openness. The architecture plays with contrasts: earthy materials and refined finishes, bold forms and soft lighting, always framing the sea and landscape like living artworks. The goal was to create a place that feels both rooted and elevated – where the atmosphere invites long lunches, slow sunsets, and shared moments, all in true Gigi style. Gigi has already made its mark in Paris, Saint-Tropez, and Dubai. What made Bodrum the next perfect destination? Bodrum has that rare balance of natural beauty, cultural depth, and effortless sophistication – it feels both vibrant and serene. Much like Gigi, it draws a cosmopolitan crowd that appreciates great food, beautiful design, and unforgettable moments. Perched on the Aegean, Bodrum is where long days melt into golden evenings, and that spirit of leisure and celebration aligns perfectly with Gigi's Alla Grande lifestyle. It was the natural next step – not just a location, but a feeling that mirrors everything Gigi stands for. Gigi isn't just a restaurant – it's a cultural experience. How do you curate the music, crowd, and mood? At Gigi, we create what we call 'Le sens de la fête.' Entering Gigi Rigolatto is like vibrating to the rhythm of a constantly reinvented Dolce Vita. The music is key: our playlist comes to life through talented live musicians, blending jazz, iconic songs from the '50s and '60s, and timeless hits from both Italian and international artists. It's not just the background, it's the atmosphere. Singers and musicians interact with the room, getting people to sing, sway, and celebrate together. The crowd is just as curated as the soundtrack – a mix of elegant locals, jet-set regulars, and curious travellers, all drawn by that signature Gigi energy. It's about setting a tone that's refined yet spontaneous, where the mood shifts with the sun and every moment feels like it could only happen at Gigi. How does the space at Mandarin Oriental enhance the Gigi experience – from views to vibe? The setting at Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum is pure magic – it's like Gigi was meant to live here. From the moment you arrive, you're met with panoramic views of the Aegean, golden light, and a breeze that carries the scent of summer. The architecture and natural surroundings elevate every detail of the Gigi experience – from long, leisurely lunches with sea views, to sunset aperitivos at the Bellini Bar, and dinners under the stars. It's intimate yet grand, grounded in the beauty of Bodrum but infused with Gigi's unmistakable flair. At Gigi Bodrum, you don't just dine, you escape. This is The High Summer Issue – where's your favourite place to escape the heat? If not at Gigi in Bodrum, then always our family house in Datça. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram