Latest news with #DubaiRuler


Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Sheikh Mohammed visits Mall of the Emirates, spotted in Dubai supermarket
Hitting the mall this weekend? You might just spot the Ruler of Dubai, just like these residents. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been visiting different parts of the emirate all week, surprising residents who catch a glimpse of him. Earlier, he was seen taking photographs with children and having warm conversations with residents while stepping out of a cafe in Dubai Mall. Not just that, the Ruler was also seen walking down the streets of the souk in Deira, despite the sweltering heat. This time, however, residents saw the leader walking past them in the aisles of Mall of the Emirates. On seeing him, one woman even shouted, "We love you!", a clear sign of how cherished he is by those who live here. Dressed sharply as always, the Ruler of Dubai walked with staff, a cane in hand. As with his other appearances this week, he was without armed guards, moving casually which is a striking contrast to many global leaders. Watch the video of him in the mall, below: Later, during the same mall visit, he was seen walking inside a supermarket, which appears to be a Carrefour. People could be seen stepping aside and taking photographs as they saw him pass by. Watch the video of him in the supermarket below: Earlier this week, he also travelled by the Dubai Tram, taking commuters by surprise. Many even pulled out their phones to capture the memorable moment. From malls and souks to trams and supermarkets, Sheikh Mohammed's presence this week has been a reminder of his deep connection with the people of Dubai. His spontaneous outings continue to inspire admiration, not just for his leadership, but for the humility and humanity he brings to it.


Khaleej Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'Goal to lead world trade': Dubai Ruler approves Mina Al Hamriya port expansion
Dubai Ruler approved a major project at Mina Al Hamriya to expand the port. This involves the construction of a 700-metre quay with a 12-metre draft, designed to accommodate larger vessels and expand the port's cargo-handling capability. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: 'We want Dubai to be the first choice for traders, the trusted route for commerce, and the most dynamic hub in the world's supply chains".


Gulf Insider
22-07-2025
- 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


Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE announces road closures amid construction for Etihad Rail, Dubai Metro Blue Line
With major public transport projects underway in the Emirates, authorities have announced closures of key exits and streets, with diversions conveniently created to ensure that traffic flow is not impeded. The Dubai Metro Blue Line and Etihad Rail are the two landmark projects that residents eagerly await, as they promise to decrease the country's dependence on private vehicles, and improve commute times. The two projects not only improve transport quality, but can also have an impact on residents' quality of life, freeing up time usually spent in traffic. Commuters have previously expressed grievances, with residents losing up to 'one day a month' stuck on the country's roads. Sharjah closures on Mleiha Road With Etihad Rail poised to connect all seven emirates, and link the country with the wider GCC region, road works have been in full swing in Sharjah. The national railway network will be a relief for Sharjah residents who often commute to other emirates, mostly Dubai, for work, and spend hours of their day in bumper-to-bumper traffic. To create the infrastructure needed for the landmark project, the emirate announced a 2-month closure of streets connecting Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, near University Bridge. The closure, which began on Tuesday, July 1, will last until Saturday, August 30. Mirdif closures in Dubai Dubai Metro Blue Line created a buzz when Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone for its first station, which is also the world's tallest metro station. Read the Khaleej Times report to take a look at the Emaar Properties station's stunning design. To enable the metro line to connect key areas in the emirate, traffic diversions have been announced at Mirdif. These are expected in two parts of the area: The roundabout intersection between 5th and 8th Street near City Centre Mirdif will be closed, with a diversion from 5th to 8th towards City Centre Mirdif, and vice versa from 8th to 5th Street towards Algeria Street. The RTA will be providing an alternative access road to the parking area for mall visitors, with a U-turn for residents near 'Ghoroob Square' for traffic flow coming from City Centre Mirdif Street. The new project is set to transport passengers across the bustling city from September 9, 2029. It is the first metro line crossing the Dubai Creek; the Blue Line will connect residential areas to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes, and reduce traffic congestion by 20 per cent. A Khaleej Times report reveals all you need to know about the Dubai Metro Blue Line. Closures in Academic City With the Blue Line set to connect to Dubai Academy City, which is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029, construction works are ongoing in the area. The diversions include closing 63 Street in both directions in front of the German Internartional School, with access to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street and providing alternative entry and exit points for the school. The Blue Line project also serves the aspirations of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to create a '20-minute city.' This concept ensures that more than 80 per cent of essential services are within a 20-minute travel time for residents.


Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Sheikh Mohammed visits Dubai Metro station to review progress
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently paid a visit to one of the city's metro stations to personally oversee the progress of ongoing development and operational work. In a video shared by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Instagram, Sheikh Mohammed — who also serves as the UAE's Vice-President and Prime Minister — is seen standing on the metro platform, engaging with officials and observing the facility firsthand. It was unclear which station the Ruler visited or whether he rode the Metro. Take a look at the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© اÙ�طرÙ� Ù�اÙ�Ù�Ù�اصÙ�اذØ� دبÙ� (@rta_dubai) Sheikh Mohammed at the metro Sheikh Mohammed has previously been spotted in the metro. In 2023, he was seen seated in the metro's gold cabin towards the utmost end, accompanied by his entourage. He enjoyed the view of buildings passing by as the train approached Dubai Mall metro station. It was also the Dubai Ruler who tapped the first Nol card to officially commence Dubai Metro's operations back on September 9, 2009, when the project was inaugurated. At 9.11pm on that day too, Sheikh Mohammed and hundreds of VIPs as well as the media, boarded the train. The first stop was Dubai International Financial Centre, where the UAE Royal stepped off and placed a golden commemorative coin. Dubai Metro is considered the cornerstone of the city's public transport network. It is the world's longest driverless metro rail system. The emirate is currently building Dubai Metro's third line, the Blue Line, which is set to transport passengers across the bustling city from September 9, 2029. On June 9, Sheikh Mohammed laid the foundation stone for the first Metro station of the Blue Line. Emaar had secured the naming rights for the first station, Emaar Properties, for ten years, starting from its official inauguration in 2029. The next phase will include announcements regarding naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line.