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Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Metro Blue Line: First station, train capacity, key features explained
Dubai Metro is speeding towards its newest network, the Blue Line, with new details revealed Monday. With its futuristic design, the world's highest metro station, and the first Metro line crossing Dubai Creek, the anticipation is real. With just 4 years away to open, the new network links the Green Line and Red Line. It will connect residential areas to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes, and reduce traffic congestion by 20 per cent along the roads served by the Blue Line. It also connects to the Dubai Silicon Oasis, a major urban hub. The Dubai Ruler laid the foundation stone today, marking a new chapter in the emirate's transport sector. From route to design, parking to key elements; here's all you need to know. Stations, route The Blue Line will link to the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, and the Green Line at Creek Station. It consists of 14 stations, divided between two routes. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The first route, with 10 stations, starts from the Green Line's Creek station, and passes through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station. The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. The second route, with four stations, starts at Red Line's Centrepoint station, passes through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. Easing congestion, connecting communities The Blue Line is not just another innovation; it is strategically crafted to serve residents where they most need it. Reducing travel time, easing congestion, and connecting vital areas to each other, the new network seeks to make life easier for daily commuters — students being a key demographic. The Blue Line connects to Dubai Academy City, which is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, one of the emirate's major urban centres. The new line will cut traffic congestion on its served routes by 20 per cent. Providing a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas, travel will only take between 10 and 25 minutes. The 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. Size, passenger capacity The Dubai Metro Blue Line spans 30km, with 21km in its first route, and 9km in the second. With the completion of the project, Dubai's total rail network will expand to a total of 131 km, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains. It can carry a maximum of over 850,000 passengers per day, based on the scale of the stations. By 2030, riders are expected to reach 200,000 per day rising to 320,000 daily commuters by 2040. Naming rights, first station A station on the Blue Line could be named after your business. During the groundbreaking ceremony, it was announced that 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. The first station on the network is also the world's highest metro station, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the renowned American architectural firm behind Burj Khalifa. Integrating natural light through glass ceilings on towering walls, earthy tones, and a fusion of stone and metal, the design fuses the old and the new. Its innovative look embodies the Dubai vision of a 'gateway to the future.' Community oriented-features The stations have parking spaces, electric scooter racks, taxi stands, and areas for private car drop off and pick-up, along with accessible parking spaces for People of Determination. It also provides charging points for electric vehicles, and is designed to seamlessly integrate with other modes of transport. The Blue Line has nine elevated stations and five underground stations. The exterior design of the elevated stations was inspired by the shape of a seashell, while the interior design of the stations reflects seven thematic models: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Economic benefits By 2040, the project is projected to yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 (Dh2.60 in benefits for every Dh1 spent). The total anticipated benefits will exceed Dh56.5 billion by 2040. These benefits include substantial savings in time and fuel, reduced accident-related fatalities, and lower carbon emissions. The Blue Line is also expected to appreciate the value of land and properties near stations by up to 25 per cent. The network is also the first transport project in Dubai to fully comply with green building standards, achieving Platinum Category certification.
Bloomberg
19-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Dubai Holding Boosts Reit IPO Size to as Much as $584 Million
Dubai Holding boosted the size of the initial public offering of its residential real estate investment trust, seeking to raise as much as $584 million amid strong demand from domestic and international investors. The investment firm owned by Dubai's ruler had earlier planned to raise as much as $487 million from the IPO of Dubai Residential REIT, in what will be the emirate's first listing of the year.
Khaleej Times
20-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE foreign trade hits over Dh5 trillion in 2024; 49% increase from 2021
The UAE's foreign trade surged to Dh5.23 trillion in 2024, marking a remarkable 49 per cent increase from Dh3.5 trillion (USD 949 billion) in 2021. The milestone, based on the latest figures from the World Trade Organisation (WTO), was announced on Sunday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sharing the news on social media, Sheikh Mohammed wrote: 'The UAE's foreign trade volume reached Dh5.23 trillion in 2024, with a trade surplus exceeding Dh490 billion, making the country a lever for international trade.' Service exports played a significant role in the UAE's trade performance last year, totalling Dh650 billion, with digital services alone accounting for Dh191 billion — or 30 per cent of all service exports. "This growth in digital trade highlights the country's successful digital transformation and investment in innovation-driven sectors," Sheikh Mohammed added. Meanwhile, goods exports reached Dh2.2 trillion, representing a 6 per cent growth compared to the previous year. Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the UAE's dominant regional position, stating: 'The UAE now accounts for 41 per cent of the Middle East's total commodity exports, confirming its leadership as the region's primary trade centre.' The Dubai Ruler credited the UAE's achievements to its consistent policy of economic openness, international collaboration, and unrestricted movement of trade, capital, and people. "In a world facing major economic and trade challenges, the UAE has chosen from the outset an approach of openness, bridge-building, and freedom of movement of trade, money, and people. Today, it has become a bridge between East and West... and a global economic centre," he said. He also praised the efforts of President Sheikh Mohamed for sustaining the UAE's direction of economic advancement. 'Praise be to God, the achievement will continue,' he said. 'With the follow-up of my brother, the President of the State, we will preserve and enhance the gains.' The Dubai Ruler reaffirmed the UAE's ongoing strategy of openness and economic integration, adding, 'By maintaining our approach of openness, trade liberalisation, and building bridges, growth and leadership will remain our ally, God willing.' Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the UAE's rising global trade rankings. 'Driven by visionary leadership and a commitment to economic openness, innovation, and global integration, the UAE has solidified its status as a global trade hub,' he said. According to the minister, the UAE ranked 11th globally in merchandise exports and 13th in services exports last year, with a trade surplus of Dh492.3 billion. This included merchandise exports worth Dh2.22 trillion and services exports of Dh646.6 billion, with digital services making up Dh191 billion. 'These achievements stem from national efforts, flexible policies, and strong international partnerships. The UAE will continue to enhance its global role by facilitating trade, expanding collaborations, and integrating with global value chains," Al Zeyoudi added.
Khaleej Times
23-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Dubai businessman donates Dh3 billion to build hospital in memory of daughter lost to cancer
A local businessman has announced a donation of approximately Dh3 billion to the Fathers Endowment campaign launched by the Dubai Ruler on February 21. Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of the Azizi Group, donated the amount in memory of his daughter Farishta Azizi, who died after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The funds will be used to build a non-profit hospital in Dubai that will offer free and affordable care to cancer patients in the UAE. 'The hospital will also include a research facility which will help introduce the latest technology in cancer treatment here,' he said, speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the Arab Hope Maker 2025, which took place in Dubai on Sunday. 'People in the UAE will not have to go to Europe or any other place to get the best cancer treatment.' He said that construction of this hospital would begin this year and that similar hospitals would be constructed in several countries worldwide. The Fathers Endowment initiative by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honours fathers in the UAE by establishing a sustainable endowment fund, with proceeds dedicated to providing treatment and healthcare to people in need. The campaign's launch continues Sheikh Mohammed's established practice of launching charitable and humanitarian initiatives during Ramadan. An architect by training, Farishta Azizi was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. Even though she went into remission after initial treatments, the cancer returned aggressively. Speaking through a video played at the event, her brother and CEO of the Azizi Group, Farhad Azizi, said that the family were able to give the best care to Farishta. 'We were lucky enough to be able to give her the best medical care we could,' he said. 'But we know not everyone is able to afford to do that. So, we hope this donation will help those who need it the most.'
The National
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Sheikh Mohammed awards prizes to Arab Hope Makers 2025
The winners of the 2025 Arab Hope Makers award were announced at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on Sunday evening. Samar Nadeem, Ahmed Zainoun and Khadija Al Qarti will receive Dh1 million each in recognition of their humanitarian work. The award was established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to honour people in the Arab world who dedicate their lives to humanitarian work. Ms Nadeem, also known as Egypt's rose, provides a safe haven for abandoned and neglected elderly mothers. She offers them shelter and picks them up from the streets after they have been abandoned by their families. 'I always tell my kids, if I grow old and wear a nappy, don't leave me. It's only a matter of days before I go to God,' she said. 'I hope that anyone who has a parent on the street will take them in before I do. It doesn't mean that just because your parents are sick, you should abandon them. They are heaven on earth.' Mr Zainoun cares for Children of the Moon, who suffer from a rare disease where exposure to sunlight causes extreme damage. 'I never imagined that people lived in the dark. A child dies without anyone hearing a voice,' said Mr Zainoun, from Morocco. Mr Zainoun provides everything for them, including masks with a heat-protective layer, making it his mission to bring them out into the sun. Ms Al Qarti, also from Morocco, lost her husband to cancer, which inspired her to help people in any way she could. She opened her home to cancer patients, sheltering more than 120 women at a time. Over 15 years, her house became a haven for 60,000 women suffering from cancer – many despondent, and one suicidal. She took in 30 patients per day, providing them with food, drink, and a place to sleep for free. 'I have one door. God has many doors,' she said. Arab Hope Makers was established in 2017 by Sheikh Mohammed. It attracted more than 300,000 nominations during its first four events. The award was launched to celebrate people engaged in projects that improve and uplift society. Sheikh Mohammed said the fifth Hope Makers received more than 26,000 stories from young men and women. "Hope is the bridge that connects the reality we live in and the future we desire. We must contribute to building bridges for millions of young people so that they are not overcome by despair and hopelessness," said Sheikh Mohammed earlier this month. In December, the Dubai Ruler encouraged people to nominate themselves or others on the Arab Hope Makers website. At the end of last year, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, spoke of the importance of the award in showing charitable endeavours all over the region. "This initiative is a realistic call to combat despair and negativity by focusing on the positive within our Arab communities," Mr Al Gergawi said.
