5 incredible pictures that show how Dubai Metro has changed over the years
Getting us all from A to B, the lines are a popular method of getting around the city, and a whopping 260 million passengers used it in 2023.
Now a staple of Dubai, Dubai Metro officially turned 15 years old in September 2024, so of course, that means cracking out the photo album and taking a look back to yesteryear.
First launched in 2009, the line was trialed in August before welcoming its first paying passengers on September 9.
The Dubai Metro Red Line under construction in 2007 (Credit: Imre Solt)
Covering 74.6km, the route encompasses both the red and green lines, running from Jebel Ali all the way to Rashidiya near Dubai International Airport.
In the coming years, the Dubai Metro will also welcome a brand new route, the Blue Line, stretching throughout new parts of the city by 2029.
Dubai Metro trial session running in August 2009 (Credit: Marwan Naamani/.Getty Images)
Dubai Metro Jebel Ali station under construction (Credit: Imre Solt)
As well as getting passengers to their destinations in good time, the Dubai Metro stations are pretty impressive too.
In case you didn't know, as of 2025 you can do everything from making your orange juice to taking a business meeting in one (we're not kidding).
Dubai Metro flyover under construction in 2007 (Credit: Supplied)
What's next for the Dubai Metro?
Set to serve the city for many years to come, the Dubai Metro is planned to have 140 new stations by 2040, according to recent announcements.
Dubai Metro plans for expansion (Credit: Government of Dubai)
The expansion project was announced as part of the Executive Council of Dubai's plans to develop the areas surrounding Dubai Metro stations, reducing the impact of carbon emissions in the emirate to 16 tonnes per capita and bringing more economic opportunities to the city.
The plan also aims to boost populations around stations and add more residential, commercial, office, and service spaces around Dubai Metro stations.
Also introducing the Blue Line, areas such as Marsa, Dubai Creek and Silicon Oasis will finally have their own route, before connecting with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station and the Green Line at Al Khor Station.
In other Dubai news
17 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1960s to today
Then vs now
What can we expect on Palm Jebel Ali? Dhs810 million marine work begins on long-running project
It will be twice as big as Palm Jumeirah
Dubai's next 'it' neighbourhood — and where to get the best value for money (according to an expert)
Your guide to the hottest spots in town
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Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Wales Online
Brits start missing home comforts just five days into holidays says study
Brits start missing home comforts just five days into holidays says study A study of 2,000 holidaymakers reveals that, on average, travellers begin to miss home just five days into their holiday Holidaymakers start to miss home after just a few days (Image: Getty Images) Are you someone who can easily leave your home for two weeks, provided you've packed your Marmite and tea bags? Or do you find yourself longing for your own pillow, the comfort of your sofa, and the familiar greenery of home as soon as your plane touches down abroad? Take our latest quiz to determine just how much of a homebody you truly are. It follows a survey of 2,000 holidaymakers which has revealed that, on average, travellers start to miss home just five days into their holiday. Kellie Wyles from DFS, who commissioned the study, stated: "For many, coming back from holiday is the best bit, because nothing comes close to those home comforts." "It's often assumed that a holiday is the ultimate form of relaxation, but after dealing with airport stress and luggage concerns, coupled with not having our own space, many begin to yearn for their home comforts," added Kellie. The study found that nearly half of people miss their home comforts when they're away on holiday. In an attempt to make themselves feel more at home, 31 per cent of people take tea bags with them and 27 per cent bring their own towels. Some holidaymakers even pack their own pillows. Article continues below Consequently, 52 per cent said one of the best aspects of going on holiday is returning to their home - and a quarter confess to feeling melancholy at the thought of being away from it. However, this happiness may be fleeting as tasks such as laundry and unpacking are among the first chores to be tackled upon returning home. The study, carried out via OnePoll, disclosed that three quarters of respondents believe there's no place like home, with four in ten wishing they could transport their home to their holiday destination if possible. Moreover, 71 per cent have scheduled weekends of doing nothing just to spend more time at home, with 43 per cent taking leave from work solely to enjoy their own home. Article continues below Kellie Wyles added: "It is a good thing that so many see the home as a place of relaxation and recuperation. We know that our customers' homes are a real reflection of their lives, families and personalities. It's really no wonder we feel so attached to our homes and miss them while we're away." THE TOP 20 THINGS BRITS MISS WHEN ON HOLIDAY:
Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Wales Online
Budget-friendly seaside escape has beach, huge promenade, and best pier in Wales
Budget-friendly seaside escape has beach, huge promenade, and best pier in Wales Dubbed 'The Queen of the Welsh Resorts' this traditional seaside town has long attracted tourists to its breezy shores The town has managed to retain its traditional coastal charm and still features grand Victorian buildings, a long promenade, and a classic pier that's the longest in Wales (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) With just a few weeks left of the summer holidays there's no better time to squeeze in a budget seaside break – but where to choose? In Wales we are blessed with many coastal villages and towns with each offering beaches, ice cream, and activities to keep the kids entertained. One town in particular offers an affordable escape and has been undergoing a significant reinvention focused on revitalising its traditional seaside offerings. Llandudno, dubbed 'The Queen of the Welsh Resorts' on the north Wales coast, has long attracted tourists to its breezy shores. It has a long history that stretches from Neolithic settlements to Bronze Age copper mining. In 1848 architect Owen Williams planned it as a seaside resort. The arrival of the railway in 1858 made it easier for people to travel there and it quickly became a popular holiday spot for wealthy wellness seekers. Happily the town has managed to retain its traditional coastal charm and still features grand Victorian buildings, a long promenade, and a classic pier that's the longest in Wales. While prices have risen since the Victorian era Llandudno is still a budget-friendly destination with a range of affordable hotels (Image: Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images) While prices have risen since the Victorian era Llandudno is still a budget-friendly destination with a range of affordable hotels, guesthouses, and cottages. If you look at prices on sites like and kayak you can find hotels for £83, houses for £66, and cottages for £90. Prices do of course depend on things like the size of the accommodation and length of stay. Among the available hotels at the resort are The Lawton Court Hotel, which has previously been named number one in the world in the best service category in the previous Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. The Elm Tree Hotel, situated less than 500ft from Lawton Court, was named the world's best-rated bargain hotel. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . The seafront is the centre of the town and several properties are located on the two-mile curving Victorian promenade that runs through most of Llandudno's North Shore. The seafront is the centre of the town (Image: Google) The road, collectively known as The Parade, has a different name for each block and many of Llandudno's hotels are built on these parades and crescents. There are also a number of boutique shops, independent restaurants, churches, and museums to explore on the promenade and across the town. Adjacent to the parade is the North Shore Beach, which is Llandudno's primary beach. It is the larger of the two beaches here and is sheltered by two headlands – Great Orme and Little Orme. While it might not be the sandiest of beaches in Wales it is one of the more traditional with a promenade, pier, boat rides, deckchair rentals, donkey rides, ice creams, live music from the bandstand, and a Punch and Judy show. Llandudno pier and promenade (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live) Established in 1860 this is Britain's oldest-running Punch and Judy show. It is performed by the fifth generation of the Codman family using the original hand-carved and painted puppets made from driftwood from the beach. If you want to swim or sunbathe on the beach there are some sandy sections but towards high tide it is mainly pebbles. The main draw here is the impressive Llandudno pier. Stretching 700m into the Irish Sea from the North Wales mainland Llandudno Pier is the longest pier in Wales and one of the longest in the UK. This year it won the prestigious Pier of the Year award voted by the members of the National Piers Society. The win is even more special as the historic structure, built between 1876 and 1878, was badly damaged during Storm Darragh in December 2024. A pier hut was blown across the boardwalk causing major damage to slate roofs on other shacks. As a result parts of the pier were closed for months. Stretching 700m into the Irish Sea from the North Wales mainland Llandudno Pier is the longest pier in Wales (Image: Portia Jones ) It's now open to the public and buzzing with attractions, arcade rides, stalls, and a big wheel. The Deck Arcade, housed in the original Victorian bandstand at the pier head, offers games and spectacular views of Llandudno Bay. Leisure Island is the main arcade at Llandudno Pier and has a prize shop where you can exchange your tickets for a variety of treats. For food the Pier Grill & Ice Cream Parlour is located at the start of the pier and serves classic burgers, chips, and ice cream. Stroll the wide boardwalk and you'll also find a traditional sweet and rock shop, cheese stall, and Welsh gin and whisky kiosk. For epic sunsets and cocktails call into the Ocean Bar. Located at the end of the pier with epic views of Llandudno Bay and Great Orme you can sip ice-cold beers and colourful cocktails while enjoying live music during the summer. Fairground rides on Llandudno Pier (Image: Andrew Forgrave/North Wales Live) Along the pier, promenade, and main beach there are also other beaches in this area that you can explore. While the popular North Shore Beach draws considerable crowds Llandudno also features another sandy stretch that remains a 'hidden gem' for countless visitors. Tucked away on the far side of the headland lies West Shore Beach, an isolated cove fringed by undulating dunes. This serene spot offers a peaceful contrast to the animated North Shore Beach making it perfect for those yearning for a quiet retreat from Llandudno's primary tourist hotspots. The beach was also named one of the UK's best beaches. Travelodge's survey described Llandudno beach as "one of the most beautiful spots in north Wales" framed by undulating sand dunes and the Great Orme headland. The hotel chain says its placement on the quieter side of the town means it offers a "peaceful retreat from the bustle of the pier and arcade". "You can marvel at breathtaking views of Conwy Bay and estuary and even see the Snowdonia (Eryri) mountains on a clear day," it adds. West Shore beach at Llandudno (Image: Jeff Buck/Wiki) Across the town and surrounding headlands there are plenty of other attractions and natural sights. The Home Front Museum tells the story of civilian life in the Second World War and for whisky connoisseurs you can try a cheeky Welsh tipple at the new Penderyn Distillery site. On the one-hour tour you can discover the history of Penderyn, the building, and how the whisky is made. Then you can sample the whisky in the tasting bar. Masterclasses are also available. For food in lovely surroundings head to Dylan's Llandudno – one of five locations of the family-run restaurant chain known for using locally-sourced produce and seafood. Inside the restaurant you'll find gorgeous décor including a huge low-relief map which nearly covers one wall upstairs. Sculpted by Jane Evans the map is based on the work of Thomas Condor in 1784 titled New and Correct Map of North Wales. Moules mariniere at Dylan's Llandudno (Image: Mark Williams) For lunch the Loaf Coffee and Sandwich Bar serves artisanal coffees as well as delicious freshly-made soups and sandwiches. Definitely try their Welsh rarebit or hand-battered cod and chips. For ice cream visit Welsh institution Parisella's. Situated in the Happy Valley area of the town it was recently named by The Times as one of the tastiest seaside ice creams in the UK. After food why not explore the rest of the town? The best place to take in all the sights is the Great Orme tramway and cable car, which houses the Llandudno Snowsports Centre at the top. The Great Orme Tramway first opened in 1902 and is Britain's only cable-hauled public road tramway. The Tramway climbs a mile high up the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve. The unique journey begins at Victoria Station and ends at the Halfway Station exhibition. One of the best things to do here is to take a historic tram trip up the Great Orme. (Image: Portia Jones ) You can change trams there and continue your journey to the Great Orme summit. This striking limestone headland has a prehistoric story buried beneath its heather-clad slopes. In the 12th century the Welsh poet Gwalchmai ap Meilyr referred to it as Cyngreawdr Fynydd. Its English name, Great Orme, comes from the Old Norse word for sea serpent and is likely inspired by the headland's curving serpentine shape as it juts into the sea. It's famously home to the Great Orme Kashmiri goats whose ancestors once roamed the mountains of Northern India, Ladakh, Kashmir, the Iranian plateau, or the Afghan highlands. While the two-mile-long Great Orme is also best known for its vintage tram and spectacular views from the 679ft (207m) summit it has a hidden history you might not be aware of. Rising above the traditional seaside town of Llandudno the Great Orme is a striking limestone headland with a prehistoric story buried beneath its heather-clad slopes (Image: Getty) This nature reserve headland is home to miles of underground copper mines, estimated to have produced enough copper to make nearly 2,000 tons of bronze. More than five miles of explored tunnels and passageways are here. In 2005 the Guinness World Records team awarded them the title of The Largest Prehistoric Copper Mines in the World. Today these copper mines are an unusual but fascinating tourist attraction. While some sections of this historic mine are closed to the public a section is open for self-guided tours, which are part of the Bronze Age mining experience that the kids will love. The Great Orme Mine tour takes around 45 minutes and includes the visitor centre, an introductory film, and a walk through eerie tunnels mined more than 3,500 years ago. Here you can imagine what conditions might have been like for miners back then in low-lit tiny tunnels that were at risk of flooding. The Orme Copper Mines (Image: John Lawson) A surface walk follows that traverses the smelting shelter and opencast mine, the oldest part of the site, mined in excess of 4,000 years ago. The 200m underground and dog-friendly visitor route takes you down two levels of the mine accessed via a series of slopes and staircases. The temperature in the mine varies between 5°C and 8°C so make sure you wrap up before you head underground. Make sure to pop into the visitor centre, which has a model of a village depicting life in the Bronze Age. You can also look at original 4,000-year-old Bronze Age artefacts and a selection of Bronze Age mining tools. Current ticket prices are £33.50 for a family ticket and you can find more information on their website. Another way to reach the Great Orme and mines is via the cable car system. Opened on June 30, 1969, the Llandudno Cable Cars are the longest passenger cable car system in Britain. As the Llandudno Cable Cars glide silently from Happy Valley to the summit of the Great Orme, 679ft up, you can take in the jaw-dropping panoramic views. Need to know Where is it? Llandudno is on the north coast of Wales tucked between the Great Orme and Little Orme headlands. Getting there by car Llandudno is well-connected by road. From the M56 take the A55 expressway across north Wales – it's a scenic drive. From Manchester or Liverpool it's about one and a half to two hours depending on traffic. There's plenty of parking in and around the town centre and seafront. From Cardiff the drive should take four and a half hours. Getting there by train Article continues below Easy peasy. There's a direct line to Llandudno from places like Manchester and Llandudno Junction (which links to the main north Wales line). The station is right in the heart of town so you can step off and be on the pier within minutes. Use transport apps to plan your journey.
Scotsman
15 hours ago
- Scotsman
Property Tax: Rachel Reeves eyes new Stamp Duty shake-up
New plans could soon mean selling your home leaves you with less in your pocket 🏡 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering replacing stamp duty with a new tax on home sales Homeowners selling properties worth over £500,000 could face a levy, instead of buyers paying upfront stamp duty A £600,000 home sale could mean a tax bill of around £3,240; £1.2m could cost about £8,500 The plan is aimed at easing costs for buyers, particularly first-time buyers, and could pave the way for wider council tax reform Any changes would be announced in the Autumn Budget, expected in late October or early November 2025 Selling your home could soon come with a new tax bill attached, as the Treasury weighs up a radical overhaul of the way property is taxed in the UK. According to reports, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is 'looking at' scrapping the existing stamp duty system – where buyers pay a levy when purchasing property – and replacing it with a tax on sellers of homes worth more than £500,000. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Currently, stamp duty kicks in on properties costing over £125,000, with buyers footing the bill Under the proposals being considered, this responsibility would shift to homeowners, who would pay a government-set rate when they sell up – but only if their property is worth above the £500,000 threshold. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves during a visit to Studio Ulster on August 12, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland (Photo: Oliver McVeigh - Pool/Getty Images) | Getty Images What could change? Details remain under discussion, but one model floated by former government adviser Tim Leunig would see a levy of 0.54% on the sale price of homes over £500,000, plus a 0.278% supplement on values above £1 million. That would mean: Selling a £600,000 home could cost you around £3,240. A £1.2 million sale could trigger a tax bill of around £8,500. This would replace stamp duty for buyers of owner-occupied homes. Second homes and buy-to-lets, however, may remain under a separate system. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If Rachel Reeves pushes ahead, homeowners and buyers in England and NI would be directly affected. But Scotland uses the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), and so changes wouldn't apply there unless the Scottish Government decided to introduce similar reforms to LBTT. Why is this being considered? The move would aim to make it easier for people to buy their first home, by removing one of the biggest upfront costs of moving. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It could also create a model for broader reform, with the possibility of replacing council tax with a property-based levy in the medium term. The Treasury insists no decision has yet been made. A spokesperson said the focus remains on 'growing the economy' and keeping taxes on working people 'as low as possible', pointing to existing pledges not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT. What does it mean for you? If you own a home worth more than £500,000, this change could mean factoring in a tax bill when you eventually sell. While the rate looks lower than stamp duty on equivalent purchases today, sellers may feel the sting of losing a chunk of their proceeds. Buyers, meanwhile, could find moving less expensive, especially first-timers, who often struggle to save for both a deposit and stamp duty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When is the Autumn Budget? Reeves is expected to outline any concrete tax changes at a future Budget. The Autumn Budget 2025 has not been officially scheduled yet, but following tradition, it is most likely to be delivered in late October or early November 2025. It is broadly expected to fall between October 28 and November 4. For now, homeowners and buyers alike will be watching closely, as this shift could reshape one of the biggest financial transactions of our lives.
