Free WiFi among other upgrades at Dubai marine transport stations
The first phase of the project has been completed to support "a smoother, more convenient marine transport experience for all", the authority said on Friday, July 18.
The newly upgraded five stations — Marina Promenade, Marina Terrace, Marina Walk, Marina Mall, and Marina Mall 1 — will be fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern facilities and services.
This project is part of RTA's broader strategy to modernise the city's marine transport infrastructure and elevate service standards.
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Economy ME
29 minutes ago
- Economy ME
4 million visitors validate Dubai's Museum of the Future as cultural landmark
Dubai's Museum of the Future has reached an extraordinary milestone, welcoming over 4 million visitors from across the globe since its official inauguration on February 22, 2022. This remarkable feat solidifies the museum's reputation as one of the foremost cultural and scientific landmarks worldwide, ranking among the most frequented destinations both regionally and internationally. Achieving this milestone in under four years highlights the museum's growing allure as an exceptionally distinctive venue that seamlessly integrates science fiction, immersive experiences, and visionary foresight within a cohesive framework of knowledge and culture. The museum truly reflects Dubai's vision and mission to lead in future foresight. The Museum of the Future continues to serve as a global hub for innovation and forward-thinking, acting as a unifying platform for changemakers, thought leaders, and experts, while also being a pivotal driver of scientific and technological advancement on a global scale. His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, chairman of the Museum of the Future, remarked that the museum's record visitor count is a vivid representation of the exceptional vision held by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This vision aims to establish Dubai as a global hub ffor the future, a destination welcoming creators, scientists, and innovators from around the globe. Reviving Arab civilization His Excellency elaborated: 'The Museum of the Future embodies the ambition of Dubai to become a global capital for designing and shaping the future; a beacon of hope that unites optimists and aspirants from all cultures and nationalities. The museum is not merely an architectural monument; it is a platform for empowerment and capacity-building, aiming to ignite the spark of inspiration in those who aspire to shape the future by posing big questions and anticipating possible answers.' His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi also stated: 'The Museum of the Future is a vibrant centre for knowledge and thought, striving to enhance cultural and intellectual exchange and to revive the civilisational role of the Arab region in shaping the future of humanity. The museum will continue to make impactful contributions in supporting Dubai's and the UAE's future strategies across various fields, whether through its dialogue platforms, knowledge programs, or global partnerships with prestigious institutions and research centres.' 'We believe that the future is not something to be waited for but rather created. From this perspective, the Museum of the Future embraces the culture of future foresight that has transformed the UAE into one of the world's most advanced countries in less than fifty years. Like our city Dubai, the museum will remain a symbol of tolerance, coexistence, openness, creativity, and innovation, attracting diverse cultural, philosophical, and social perspectives to establish a future rooted in the values of the UAE and the Arab world, and inspired by the journey of humanity,' His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi concluded. Read more: Dubai's Museum of the Future launches interactive activities for Eid al-Adha 2025 celebrations Diverse events and conferences Located in the heart of Dubai, the Museum of the Future is a distinguished destination for government officials, decision-makers, experts, intellectuals, and hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It serves as a global platform for converging visions and ideas, as well as a permanent venue for dialogue regarding the challenges and opportunities facing the future of humanity. Since its inauguration, the museum has hosted 423 events, conferences, forums, and seminars, covering a broad spectrum of topics such as AI, sustainable cities, and the future of education, health, economy, work, and technology. These events have also explored the arts and numerous other fields, all with a focus on placing humanity's well-being at the forefront. International delegations and state visits The Museum of the Future has firmly established itself as one of Dubai's leading cultural landmarks and a premier destination for visitors worldwide. It has also become a key site for leaders, officials, and dignitaries during their visits to the UAE. Over the past year alone, the museum has welcomed a variety of international dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Lebanon, vice president of Tanzania, the deputy prime minister of Belgium, prime minister of Vietnam, and former president of the Republic of Liberia. The museum's guests have included His Excellency Andry Rajoelina, president of the Republic of Madagascar; His Excellency Félix Ulloa, vice president of the Republic of El Salvador; His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, prime minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic; and Her Excellency Željka Cvijanović, chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Museum of the Future also welcomed 610 international media delegations, who covered its extensive range of activations, experiences, and events, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping discussions about the future. It attracted visitors from over 180 nationalities, reinforcing its function as a cultural and interactive bridge between individuals from around the world. Throughout the year, the Museum of the Future continues to assert its position as a dynamic platform, hosting a diverse array of unique events and initiatives that examine future challenges from scientific, humanitarian, and technological perspectives. The Dubai Future Forum stands out among these initiatives, being the largest global gathering of futurists. It has attracted more than 3,650 experts from over 100 countries, serving as a platform for exchanging visions on the future paths of vital sectors. Engaging future thinkers The Museum of the Future hosts dozens of conferences, events, and global gatherings annually, including notable activities as part of the 'Dubai AI Week,' which occurred last April under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation Board of Trustees. This event attracted more than 30,000 participants and experts from around the globe, alongside the largest global technology firms and the most promising startups. The 2025 edition of 'Dubai AI Week,' organised by the Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence, is an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. It featured 10 major events across the city, over 250 panel discussions and workshops, and witnessed the launch of more than 30 initiatives, partnerships, and agreements between government entities, the private sector, investors, and startups. The Museum of the Future has introduced a series of intellectual lectures titled 'Lessons from the Past at the Museum of the Future.' Throughout 2025, the world-renowned historian and researcher, Dr. Roy Casagranda, has been delivering lectures that draw upon his extensive expertise in the history of civilisations and his unique ability to present past narratives in an inspiring manner. This initiative aligns with the museum's commitment to enhancing its role as a platform for intellectual innovation, sustainable learning, and future foresight. The new program, consisting of over 10 exclusive lectures, aims to explore key milestones in history interactively, highlighting aspects that can be effectively utilized and invested in. Both the 'Future Talks' and 'Future Experts' series are central to the museum's annual agenda. Held regularly, these sessions address cutting-edge topics like AI, sustainability, education, the arts, and the economy, featuring a select group of international thinkers, decision-makers, and experts. Exploring careers of tomorrow In a distinctive intellectual and cultural setting, the Museum hosts the 'Ramadan Majlis,' which brings together a distinguished group of experts and thinkers for discussions that delve into the role of values in shaping the future. These discussions center on how ethical principles can guide the development of modern technologies, aiming to foster a more humane and responsible future. The Museum is dedicated to empowering younger generations with future readiness skills through programs like the annual 'Future Heroes Summer Camp.' This initiative offers children and young adults a unique opportunity to explore the future through hands-on workshops and immersive experiences, equipping them with the creativity and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. The museum also conducts a series of workshops focused on future-oriented careers that align with the latest professional trends. These workshops emphasize specialized sectors such as agri-tech, vertical farming, and sustainability careers, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the skills needed in an ever-evolving world. The museum's hosting of the international Gaming Matters event marked a significant milestone in exploring the future of the video games industry. It convened leading global companies such as Epic Games and Walt Disney, along with experts and designers from the esports sector, to exchange insights on future trends in this rapidly growing field. Gateway to the future for everyone The Museum of the Future embodies Dubai's ambitious spirit, where creativity and innovation know no limits. It represents the convergence of the past, present, and future in an extraordinary architectural landmark designed to reflect human progress and serve as an open platform for imagination, experience, and discovery. With over 4 million visitors, the museum demonstrates that it is not just a unique architectural icon but also a vibrant space for engaging with and shaping the future within an inspiring environment that celebrates the human mind and its capacity for imagination and transformation. Dubai's rising visitor numbers Dubai's evolving destination offering, propelled by significant public-private partnerships and enhanced through a formidable global marketing strategy, led to the city welcoming 9.88 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2025—a 6 percent increase compared to the same timeframe in 2024, as reported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) . According to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai received over 19 million visitors in 2024, reinforcing the city's continuing status as a top global tourism and business hub. The Museum of the Future contributes significantly to Dubai's cultural tourism sector, accounting for a notable portion of visitor engagement in experiential and futuristic tourism offerings. The Arab World Innovation Index 2024, issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with the Global Innovation Index (GII) initiative, highlights the UAE as the leading country in the Arab region for innovation investment and output, with Dubai recognized as a nucleus for innovation hubs and future-oriented institutions like the Museum of the Future. UAE's global innovation standing Moreover, the Global Innovation Index 2024 report by WIPO details that the UAE ranks in the top 50 most innovative countries worldwide, with significant improvements in technological readiness and knowledge absorption, areas that institutions like the Museum of the Future actively promote through their programs and partnerships. The Museum also collaborates with renowned international organizations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) on various initiatives aimed at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), utilizing foresight, technology, and innovation as core strategies to address global challenges. The Impact Report 2024 from the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the Museum of the Future, provides insights into its contribution towards nurturing innovation ecosystems, with over 700 startup incubations and accelerations facilitated through its connected platforms, a 25% increase compared to the previous year. In addition, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) recognized the Museum of the Future in 2023 for achieving record annual visitor numbers within its category of educational and scientific visitor attractions in the Middle East, highlighting its role as an unparalleled cultural and scientific venue that merges entertainment with education.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Shamal Holding, Cheval Blanc announce region's first maison in Dubai
DUBAI: Shamal Holding, the Dubai-based investment firm shaping some of the city's most distinctive destinations, today announced a new project in partnership with Cheval Blanc, the LVMH hospitality brand celebrated for its art of emotional luxury. Opening in 2029, the project will mark the debut of a Cheval Blanc maison in Dubai – a discreet private island escape offering a rare blend of intimacy, architectural elegance, and beachfront living. Set within a preserved coastal landscape and surrounded by the Arabian Gulf, the development will pair Cheval Blanc's signature refinement with Shamal's bold vision for elevated placemaking. The maison will feature 30 suites and 40 private pool villas, each reflecting Cheval Blanc's unique design philosophy: contemporary yet timeless, immersive yet serene. A limited number of branded beachfront residences will offer an extraordinary opportunity for ownership – combining elegant, understated design with seamless access to the full suite of Cheval Blanc services. Every space will be crafted with intention, honouring the island's natural setting while elevating the experience of modern luxury. Architecture and interiors will embody the maison's quiet sophistication – an aesthetic of light, flow, and unforced beauty. Anchored in Cheval Blanc's ethos of art de recevoir, the retreat will offer personalised wellness rituals, elevated dining journeys, and curated lifestyle moments designed to inspire connection, presence, and tranquillity. This development forms part of Cheval Blanc's selective international expansion strategy with the ambition to create distinctive destinations that reflect the brand's commitments while meeting the expectations of its most discerning guests. It also marks an exciting step forward for Shamal as it continues to curate and develop exciting firsts for the region, reinforcing Dubai's position as a destination for exceptional, world-class experiences in line with Dubai's 2030 vision.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Cruises cheaper than flights? Why UAE residents are opting for sea travel
Cruise holidays are becoming popular with UAE travellers over this summer and beyond. While some chose unique experiences, others opt for ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive packages, which allow them to have a more intimate holiday. 'During the summer, we are seeing many families from the UAE and GCC region opting for cruise holidays, mostly in Europe, Far East and Caribbean,' said Mohamed Kasim from Akbar Travels. 'Most of the people from the region opt for cruises lasting between seven and ten days and it is almost always booked by families, not people who are single.' He said that vessels that offer distinct entertainment options are more popular than others. 'Cruises like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas of Royal Caribbean have been extremely popular this season,' he said. The former cruise boasts of one of the largest waterparks at sea while the latter tends to be a more budget-friendly option. A spokesperson for Celestyal cruises, which homeported out of Abu Dhabi and Doha for the first time from December 2024 to March this year said that the demand had far exceeded their expectation from the region. 'We had set an occupancy target of 60 per cent,' said Janet Parton, regional Vice President of Business Development at the company. 'However, we were completely full on the majority of our cruises. So the response has been phenomenal and we are already getting bookings for our next season.' She added that however, the GCC region were a 'late booking' market, with many choosing to book at the last minute Luxury cruises Among cruise holidays, the luxury cruises vertical is one that is seeing an increase in demand. According to Lakshmi Durai, CEO of CruiseXplore, there are several reasons why people prefer luxury cruises. 'People travel a lot, and they are always looking for something unique and different,' she said. 'Luxury cruises have smaller ships which allow them to visit destinations that larger cruise ships may not be able to navigate. They are very boutique and the travellers are pampered. There are some cruises that offer very unique experience.' In this year's State of the Cruise Industry report by Cruise Lines International Association, the luxury cruise travel market has tripled globally since 2010. Saleh Mohamed from Elevate Cruises explained why people prefer luxury cruises. 'They come in smaller sizes with lesser number of people and all amenities inclusive,' he said. 'Last year, we handled the Tauck cruise which was like a small yacht of 160 passengers but with a crew of almost 200 people to give personalised care for passengers. There were about 15 travel experts to accompany people during their excursions. So luxury cruise liners do out-of-the-box, unique experiences with an incredible level of service.' Earlier this year, Saud Hareb Almheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead, Dubai Department of Economy, and Tourism (DET) told Khaleej Times during the Arabian Travel Mart that luxury cruises were 'a growing trend' both globally and locally. 'People are realising that if they go on a luxury cruise, it gives them a way to experience unique onshore excursions or different ports,' he said. 'On a normal cruise ship, there are sometimes more than 6,000 guests which means that people have to queue up to use the amenities. On luxury cruises, people wouldn't have to wait in queues.' Value for money According to Saud, value for money has been the 'foundation' of cruising. 'People are able to visit so many destinations within a short period of time without having to get on a plane and without having to unpack and pack multiple times,' he said. 'People will pay a premium for just that experience.' Lakshmi added that cruises are more affordable as compared to land holidays. 'The cruise package has a lot of inclusions,' she said. 'WiFi, all meals, entertainment on board, unique destinations and more. If you break it down to a per night rate, a similar land vacation will cost much more than a cruise. That is one of the reasons why it is becoming more popular.' Experiential cruises One cruise that has seen a lot of interest from the region is the Hurtigruten experiential cruise in Norway — a 130-year-old delivery service that used to get produce and post to the north of the country. Hurtigruten was converted into a cruise experience and has become popular for the experience it offers. 'We have small ships accommodating up to 500 people that run along the coast of Norway throughout the year,' said Carla Hines. 'We work with local suppliers, pick up fresh fish and vegetables from certain ports and engage with the local community. The food on the cruise is completely Norwegian and freshly cooked and the waste on the ship is composted. We are very sustainable. Depending on the season, we have different activities like hustle sledging, kayaking and hiking.' Lakshmi added that other popular experience cruises included cruises to the Arctic circle and Antartica. 'Some of these are ice breaker cruises that sail into poles,' she said. 'Roughly about 100 people are on these cruises, and they have expedition experts on the ship who take the guests out into the poles to explore.' Saleh added that the newly launched Aroya Cruise from Saudi Arabia was also gaining popularity. With halal food, prayer rooms and shisha decks, he explained that the cruise targeted a wide Muslim audience.
