logo

Sheikh Mohammed's Surprise Visit on the Dubai Tram

Gulf Insider22-07-2025
Some Dubai Metro and Tram commuters were treated to a surprise sighting recently, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid a visit to one of the city's Tram stations.
A video shared by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) showed Sheikh Mohammed standing on the Tram platform and engaging with officials. The visit formed part of his ongoing efforts to personally oversee the development and operational progress of Dubai's public transport systems.
Several residents managed to catch a glimpse of the Dubai Ruler during his journey, with photos and videos of the encounter circulating across social media.
Since its launch in 2014, the Dubai Tram has transported more than 60 million riders. The 42 minute route connects Al Sufouh Station to Jumeirah Lakes Towers Station, serving 11 stations along Al Sufouh Road. It links key districts including Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and Dubai Marina and is fully integrated with the Dubai Metro system.
In 2024, the RTA announced that it is exploring the introduction of a trackless tram system in eight locations across Dubai. This proposed mode of transport would be self-driving, electric-powered, and rail-free instead guided by camera-based lane tracking technology that follows a virtual path.
Hands-on leadership: Sheikh Mohammed's continued use of public transport
This isn't the first time Sheikh Mohammed has opted for public transport. Known for his hands-on approach to leadership and quality assurance, he was seen riding the Dubai Metro in 2023 as well. In fact, in 2020, he officially inaugurated the Route 2020 extension, a key line connecting the city directly to the Expo 2020 site.
صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد ال مكتوم، نائب رئيس الدولة رئيس مجلس الوزراء حاكم دبي (رعاه الله)، خلال تجوله في دبي مستخدماً مترو دبي.HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, tours #Dubai using #DubaiMetro. pic.twitter.com/xjuJT6OAM7 — RTA (@rta_dubai) July 14, 2023
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, also took the Metro back in 2020 to mark its 11th anniversary, sharing his journey online and highlighting the importance of sustainable urban mobility.
Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohammed laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro's upcoming Blue Line, a transformative project aimed at enhancing connectivity across the city. Once complete, the Blue Line will include the world's highest metro station, a notable milestone in Dubai's ongoing transport expansion.
Spanning 30 kilometres, the Dubai Metro Blue Line will comprise 14 stations, with 15.5 kilometres of track running underground and 14.5 kilometres above ground. It will also feature key interchange points with the existing Red and Green Lines. According to the RTA, the Blue Line is expected to be operational by 2029.
Also read: Emirates Adds Third Daily Dubai-Mauritius Flight
Source Gulf News
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From Mecca To Medina: Saudi Arabia Recreates The Prophet's Migration For Visitors
From Mecca To Medina: Saudi Arabia Recreates The Prophet's Migration For Visitors

Gulf Insider

time30-07-2025

  • Gulf Insider

From Mecca To Medina: Saudi Arabia Recreates The Prophet's Migration For Visitors

Saudi Arabia will welcome 300,000 visitors this November for an unprecedented cultural and spiritual experience tracing Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) historic migration route from Mecca to Medina. The ambitious project, 'In the Prophet's Steps,' has already attracted over one million registrations globally, with 300,000 selected for the inaugural season by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). GEA Chairman Turki Al Sheikh said the overwhelming response reflects the deep global interest in this immersive initiative, which aims to bring to life one of the most significant events in Islamic history. Using advanced technology, the project reconstructs the 470-kilometre Hijrah route, 305 kilometres of which are walkable, allowing visitors to follow the Prophet's footsteps through restored landscapes and historical sites. Forty-one landmarks along the route have been rehabilitated, supported by eight stations and five interactive hubs narrating key moments of the migration. A dedicated Migration Museum will further enrich visitors' understanding. To enhance the overall experience, the route includes 30 restaurants and 50 shops, with capacity to host up to 12,000 visitors per day. 'This project is a testament to our leadership's commitment to preserving Islamic heritage,' said Turki Al Sheikh. 'It offers an opportunity to explore the landmarks of the Hijrah and reflect on its enduring lessons.' Interest has been especially strong in Indonesia, with international rollouts planned for Malaysia, Turkey, and India. By 2030, the initiative aims to welcome five million visitors annually. To ensure comfort and safety along the rugged terrain, specially designed 4×4 vehicles will transport visitors, while new technology has reduced the journey to the Cave of Thawr—a key Hijrah site—from a strenuous two-hour climb to just three minutes. Combining historical authenticity, immersive storytelling, and modern amenities, In the Prophet's Steps offers a deeply moving and accessible experience of the Prophet's migration, illuminating its profound spiritual and human values for a global audience.

Sheikh Mohammed's Surprise Visit on the Dubai Tram
Sheikh Mohammed's Surprise Visit on the Dubai Tram

Gulf Insider

time22-07-2025

  • Gulf Insider

Sheikh Mohammed's Surprise Visit on the Dubai Tram

Some Dubai Metro and Tram commuters were treated to a surprise sighting recently, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid a visit to one of the city's Tram stations. A video shared by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) showed Sheikh Mohammed standing on the Tram platform and engaging with officials. The visit formed part of his ongoing efforts to personally oversee the development and operational progress of Dubai's public transport systems. Several residents managed to catch a glimpse of the Dubai Ruler during his journey, with photos and videos of the encounter circulating across social media. Since its launch in 2014, the Dubai Tram has transported more than 60 million riders. The 42 minute route connects Al Sufouh Station to Jumeirah Lakes Towers Station, serving 11 stations along Al Sufouh Road. It links key districts including Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and Dubai Marina and is fully integrated with the Dubai Metro system. In 2024, the RTA announced that it is exploring the introduction of a trackless tram system in eight locations across Dubai. This proposed mode of transport would be self-driving, electric-powered, and rail-free instead guided by camera-based lane tracking technology that follows a virtual path. Hands-on leadership: Sheikh Mohammed's continued use of public transport This isn't the first time Sheikh Mohammed has opted for public transport. Known for his hands-on approach to leadership and quality assurance, he was seen riding the Dubai Metro in 2023 as well. In fact, in 2020, he officially inaugurated the Route 2020 extension, a key line connecting the city directly to the Expo 2020 site. صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد ال مكتوم، نائب رئيس الدولة رئيس مجلس الوزراء حاكم دبي (رعاه الله)، خلال تجوله في دبي مستخدماً مترو دبي.HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, tours #Dubai using #DubaiMetro. — RTA (@rta_dubai) July 14, 2023 Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, also took the Metro back in 2020 to mark its 11th anniversary, sharing his journey online and highlighting the importance of sustainable urban mobility. Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohammed laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro's upcoming Blue Line, a transformative project aimed at enhancing connectivity across the city. Once complete, the Blue Line will include the world's highest metro station, a notable milestone in Dubai's ongoing transport expansion. Spanning 30 kilometres, the Dubai Metro Blue Line will comprise 14 stations, with 15.5 kilometres of track running underground and 14.5 kilometres above ground. It will also feature key interchange points with the existing Red and Green Lines. According to the RTA, the Blue Line is expected to be operational by 2029. Also read: Emirates Adds Third Daily Dubai-Mauritius Flight Source Gulf News

Dubai's Emirates Airline To Enable Crypto Payments
Dubai's Emirates Airline To Enable Crypto Payments

Gulf Insider

time13-07-2025

  • Gulf Insider

Dubai's Emirates Airline To Enable Crypto Payments

Dubai's international airline Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with to integrate Pay into the airline's payment infrastructure, with implementation expected next year. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group, the airline announced on Wednesday. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates' deputy president and chief commercial officer, and Mohammed Al Hakim, president of UAE operations. 'This strategic move is in line with Dubai's vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation while at the same time providing our customers with greater flexibility and choice in how they transact with Emirates,' Kazim said. Beyond payment integration, the two companies will collaborate on promotional campaigns to raise awareness and drive user adoption once the service goes live. A spokesperson confirmed to Cointelegraph that the integration is set for the last quarter of the year. 'The initial phase will focus on technical readiness, compliance alignment, and customer experience mapping,' the spokesperson said. Furthermore, Emirates and will determine whether the rollout will begin on select routes, regional markets, or through a global launch, with pilot phases likely to precede wider implementation. The spokesperson also confirmed that crypto payments from customers will be converted instantly to fiat (AED) using real-time exchange rates at the point of transaction. 'Emirates will not hold any cryptocurrency on its books; settlements will occur in AED, ensuring compliance and minimal FX exposure,' they said. also said it continues to explore regional and international airline integrations as part of a broader travel and commerce strategy. 'The goal is to build a universal crypto travel layer bringing seamless, secure, and compliant payment experiences to travelers across air, retail and hospitality sectors.' The integration comes amid Dubai's push to lead in crypto, as the city seeks to establish itself as a primary hub for blockchain and digital asset projects. Backed by regulatory clarity and a pro-innovation environment, several industries in the emirate, from real estate to telecommunications, have already opened their doors to cryptocurrency payments. Earlier this year, Tether partnered with UAE-based Reelly Tech to expand the use of its USDt stablecoin in real estate transactions. The deal allows buyers to use USDt to purchase property through 30,000 Reelly Tech agents globally. Last month, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the financial regulator in charge of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), approved Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin. DIFC companies can now use the RLUSD stablecoin for various virtual asset services. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre free zone has attracted over 600 crypto companies, with more firms flocking to the Dubai International Financial Centre and One Central district as the country positions itself as a leader in digital finance. Dubai's real estate market reached new highs in May, with sales totaling 66.8 billion dirhams (around $18.2 billion) across 18,700 transactions, a 44% increase in value year-on-year. The surge came amid an accelerating push into real estate tokenization. In May alone, multiple initiatives, including a $3 billion RWA deal involving MultiBank Group, real estate giant MAG and blockchain infrastructure provider Mavryk, were launched by government and industry players. On May 19, the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, Dubai's crypto regulator, updated its guidelines to include provisions for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. Lawyer Irina Heaver told Cointelegraph these rules give issuers and exchanges a clear path to launch and trade tokenized real estate assets.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store