Latest news with #الإمارات
Gulf Business
a day ago
- General
- Gulf Business
Traffic alert: Dubai's RTA to implement a 2-month diversion on E311 from June 28
Image: RTA/ X Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced it will implement a two-month traffic diversion at the Al Barari Underpass on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), starting at midnight on June 28. The move is part of a broader infrastructure initiative to improve rainwater and groundwater drainage and resurface roadways. Motorists are being directed to reroute via the Dubai–Al Ain Bridge for U‑turns toward Jebel Ali, or the Global Village Underpass and Umm Suqeim Street intersection for U‑turns toward Sharjah to avoid delays . لتنفيذ أعمال نظام تصريف مياه الأمطار والمياه الجوفية وإعادة رصف الإسفلت، سيتم تطبيق تحويلة مرورية عند معبر الجمال البراري بشارع الشيخ محمد بن زايد، لمدة شهرين متتاليين بدءًا من تاريخ 28 يونيو 2025، مع توفير طرق بديلة، عبر جسر دبي العين الواقع على شارع الشيخ محمد بن زايد حيث سيمسح… — RTA (@rta_dubai) Other traffic diversions across the city Diversions are also planned at other major underpasses city‑wide, including Mudon Underpass on Emirates Road and Umm Al Daman Underpass on the Dubai–Al Ain Road, both starting June 28. All projects are scheduled to last for two months to coincide with peak seasonal rainfall preparation efforts . A traffic diversion will be implemented at Mudon Underpass on Emirates Road for two months starting 28 June 2025. The works include rainwater and groundwater drainage system upgrades along with road resurfacing. Commuters can use the alternative routes via Underpass 7 (U-turn… — RTA (@rta_dubai) تحويلة مرورية عند معبر الجمال أم الدمن بشارع دبي – العين، بدءًا من 28 يونيو 2025 ولمدة شهرين متتالين، بهدف تنفيذ أعمال نظام تصريف مياه الأمطار والمياه الجوفية وإعادة رصف الإسفلت. يمكن للسائقين استخدام الطريق البديل، عبر جسر أم النهد التقاطع 4 على شارع دبي العين حيث سيتاح لهم… — RTA (@rta_dubai) Read: D
Arabian Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE tourism hits record $70bn in 2024, ranks among world's top 7 for visitor spending
The UAE's travel and tourism sector recorded a landmark year in 2024, contributing AED257.3bn ($70.1bn) to the national economy — 13 per cent of the country's GDP, according to a new report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a remarkable 26 per cent jump from pre-pandemic 2019 levels, placing the UAE among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the achievements had surpassed countries which had a head start of centuries. UAE tourism boom Sheikh Mohammed said: 'In a new indicator of the strength and diversity of our national economy, the WTTC report highlights the exceptional achievements of the UAE tourism sector. 'International visitor spending exceeded AED217bn last year, with domestic tourism expenditure reaching AED57bn. 'The UAE ranks among the world's top seven destinations for international tourist spending, surpassing countries that have been in this industry for centuries.' 'We welcome tourists, delight in attracting investors, embrace talent, and build the best environment for living, tourism, and visitation. Welcome to the world.' في مؤشر جديد على قوة وتنوع اقتصادنا الوطني .. أشار تقرير المجلس العالمي للسفر والسياحة إلى انجازات استثنائية لقطاع السياحة الإماراتي .. حيث بلغ إجمالي انفاق الزوار الدوليين أكثر من 217 مليار درهم خلال العام السابق … بالإضافة لإنفاق سياحي محلي بلغ 57 مليار درهم … دولة الإمارات… — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) June 26, 2025 The report revealed that international visitor spending reached AED217.3bn ($59.2bn) in 2024, up 5.8 per cent from 2023 and 30.4 per cent higher than in 2019. Meanwhile, domestic tourism spending also surged to AED57.6bn ($15.7bn) — a 41 per cent increase over 2019 figures. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the UAE's success in turning tourism into a cornerstone of economic diversification, thanks to major investments in infrastructure, cultural offerings, and service quality. Al Marri said: 'Just days ago, the UAE achieved a historic milestone in the tourism sector with the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). 'Today's WTTC results reaffirm the wisdom of our leadership's vision in enhancing the competitiveness of our tourism sector, creating employment opportunities for Emiratis, and further cementing our position as a global tourism powerhouse.' 'These achievements underscore that the UAE tourism sector is confidently progressing toward the goals set out in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. 'The strategy aims to increase the sector's contribution to the national GDP to AED450bn ($121.5bn) and raise the number of hotel guests to 40m annually by the next decade.' The report also highlighted that leisure tourism accounted for 84.7 per cent of total tourism expenditure in the UAE in 2024, while business tourism represented 15.3 per cent. This demonstrates the sector's adaptability and its ability to balance both recreational and commercial tourism demands. Moreover, the breakdown of spending showed that 79 per cent of total tourism expenditure came from international visitors, while 21 per cent was attributed to domestic tourists. In 2024, the UAE welcomed tourists from a wide range of markets, with the top contributors being: India: 14 per cent UK: 8 per cent Russia: 8 per cent China: 5 per cent Saudi Arabia: 5 per cent Rest of the world: 60 per cent This diverse visitor mix reflects the effectiveness of flexible tourism policies and global outreach strategies. Despite rapid growth, the UAE has maintained its environmental commitments: Tourism accounted for just 13.3 per cent of national carbon emissions in 2023 Women made up 16.3 per cent of the sector's workforce Youth (ages 15–24) represented 9.7 per cent of tourism jobs Tourism also contributed $8.6bn in tax revenues, or 5.4 per cent of total government revenue, highlighting its fiscal importance. Worldwide, the travel and tourism sector contributed $10.9tn to global GDP in 2024, with 356.6 million jobs created. The WTTC projects that figure to reach $11.7tn in 2025, driven by pent-up demand, infrastructure investment, and a shift toward sustainable travel.
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi conducts first autonomous drone parcel delivery trial
Abu Dhabi has completed its first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries, marking a development in the emirate's logistics sector. The trial involved aviation technology firm LODD and 7X, the investment holding group overseeing logistics and express delivery provider EMX. Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) provided support for the initiative. 'ADIO is proud to champion the development and rollout of cutting-edge logistics technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global innovation hub. This pilot is a powerful example of the kind of local partnerships and forward-thinking strategies that drive long-term economic and infrastructure value for the Emirate,' Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, said in a statement on Wednesday. الرحلة التجريبية لتوصيل الطرود بطائرة درون، والتي انطلقت من مدينة خليفة إلى نقطة محددة في أبوظبي باستخدام نظام توصيل آمن قائم على طائرات الدرون، أسهمت في التحقق من الكفاءة التشغيلية لهذه المنظومة، بما يرسّخ ريادة أبوظبي في مجال تطوير بنية تحتية لوجستية ذكية ومتطورة ذاتية التشغيل. — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 25, 2025 LODD and 7X complete pilot flight for drone deliveries in Abu Dhabi 'Autonomous drones introduce a transformative layer to urban delivery networks. With one operator able to manage multiple deliveries simultaneously, the system brings a new level of scalability and responsiveness to the logistics chain. We're proud to work with 7X, ADIO, the GCAA, and the Integrated Transport Centre to advance this technology in the UAE,' Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD said. The pilot flight took place in Khalifa City, where a drone transported a simulated package from a local post office to a designated drop zone using a winch-based delivery system. The trial operates under the strategy of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), which aims to develop and adopt smart and integrated mobility solutions in Abu Dhabi with ADIO's support. 'This milestone reflects our continued commitment to pioneering next-generation logistics solutions that align with the UAE's vision for smart mobility. By integrating autonomous aerial technology into EMX's national logistics ecosystem, we are enhancing operational reach and speed, and building a more adaptive, future-ready network capable of meeting the evolving demands of commerce and connectivity,' Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X added. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre provided oversight for the initiative. The programme forms part of ADIO's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, which enables smart mobility solutions. The initiative supports Abu Dhabi's efforts to localise production, develop infrastructure, and establish its position as a hub for innovation and industries. LODD and 7X continue to collaborate with regulators and industry partners to refine procedures, ensure regulatory compliance, and gather operational insights to support wider rollout. The collaboration between private partners and regulators aims to refine systems, ensure compliance, and support expansion. The pilot represents the first phase in a strategy to deploy drone-based logistics services across Abu Dhabi. 'Ensuring the safety and security of our airspace remains a top priority for the Integrated Transport Centre. We continue to advance the regulatory frameworks necessary to support the safe and effective integration of unmanned aerial systems into Abu Dhabi's wider transport ecosystem,' Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of the Aviation Transport Division at the Integrated Transport Centre said. 'This pilot trial reflects the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and represents a concrete step toward the future of smart aerial mobility in the emirate. We are committed to providing a secure and adaptive regulatory environment that keeps pace with innovation and empowers the adoption of emerging technologies. This enhances Abu Dhabi's global competitiveness and reinforces its position as a leading hub for sustainable mobility and future-focused technologies,' he added.
Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai traffic: RTA launches road projects for smooth rides
Image credit: WAM (Picture used for illustrative purposes) Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a series of major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and enhancing road safety across key areas in the emirate. Read- As part of its strategic plan to improve the road network's efficiency and cater to the city's growing population, RTA will implement temporary traffic diversions, construct new bridges and tunnels, and upgrade critical intersections. في إطار جهودها المستمرة لتطوير البنية التحتية المرورية وتعزيز كفاءة شبكة الطرق، أنجزت — RTA (@rta_dubai) Temporary traffic diversion on Al Qudra Road Starting June 22, 2025, Under this diversion plan, the traffic signal at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and the road connecting Arabian Ranches to Dubai Studio City will be removed. Traffic will be rerouted away from the intersection, creating a free-flowing corridor between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street. Additionally, two new signal-free U-turns will be constructed to facilitate smooth traffic movement and minimize delays. The RTA is urging motorists to plan their trips ahead of time, depart early, and avoid peak hours whenever possible during the diversion period to ensure a smoother journey. Major intersection upgrades in Jumeirah and Al Mina areas In another infrastructure milestone, RTA has completed improvement works at the intersections of Jumeirah Street and Al Mina Street with Sheikh Rashid Street. This project is part of a broader initiative to ease traffic congestion in central areas and improve travel time across multiple directions. The upgraded intersections feature a series of bridges and tunnels spanning more than 13 kilometres, designed to serve over one million residents in the area. The improvements are expected to increase the vehicle capacity from 6,400 to 24,000 cars per hour, a near fourfold boost. The enhancements will also significantly reduce travel time in the corridor, from 32 minutes to just 12 minutes, improving connectivity and commuter experience in and around Dubai's coastal districts. تواصل إليكم تفاصيل مشروع تطوير شارع الجمايل (جرن السبخة سابقًا) الذي أنجزته الهيئة ليخدم أكثر من 9 مناطق سكنية وتطويرية، أهمها أبراج بحيرات… — RTA (@rta_dubai) Development of Al Jamayel Street In line with its vision for a seamless, connected Dubai, the RTA has launched the development of Al Jamayel Street, formerly known as Garn Al Sabkha Street. The road stretches across seven kilometres, linking key residential and commercial hubs including Jumeirah Lakes Towers, The Gardens, and Al Furjan. The project is designed to enhance road efficiency along the service routes parallel to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, one of Dubai's busiest transport arteries. By improving surface intersections and expanding key roads, the RTA aims to enhance mobility for both residents and daily commuters. As part of the upgrades, four new bridges spanning a total of 2,874 metres will be constructed. These bridges are expected to increase road capacity to 17,600 vehicles per hour, significantly easing congestion during peak times. In terms of travel time, the project promises substantial reductions: From Al Jamayel Street to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road: reduced from 20 to 12 minutes From Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Al Yalayis Street: reduced from 21 to 7 minutes
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arabian Business
UAE announces mandatory Arabic lessons for all private schools from 2025 kindergarten
The Ministry of Education has approved mandatory guidelines for teaching Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies in kindergarten classes across all private schools in the UAE. The new requirements will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic year and apply to every private school in the country, regardless of curriculum. The initiative targets strengthening national values among children from kindergarten age, with the aim of developing a generation that demonstrates pride in national identity, proficiency in Arabic and understanding of UAE family, social and environmental values, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement. أعلنت وزارة التربية والتعليم عن اعتماد دليل ضوابط إلزامية تدريس اللغة العربية، والتربية الإسلامية، والمفاهيم الاجتماعية لمرحلة رياض الأطفال على مستوى المدارس الخاصة بالدولة، على أن يتم تطبيقها اعتباراً من العام الدراسي 2025/2026. — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 22, 2025 UAE private schools face new requirements for Arabic, Islamic Studies teaching The Ministry stated the guidelines align with its vision of enhancing national identity through early education. Officials emphasised the commitment to developing programmes that build children's reading, writing and national identity skills from the foundation years to support later educational development. Private schools will receive instructional frameworks and learning outcomes for all three subjects before the 2025/2026 academic year begins. The Ministry will conduct advisory visits to schools during the initial implementation phase. Regular inspections will begin in the 2026/2027 academic year, carried out in partnership with local educational authorities to verify compliance with the guidelines. Arabic language instruction will be mandatory for all students, starting with 200 minutes weekly (40 minutes daily) in 2025/2026. This will increase to 300 minutes weekly (60 minutes daily) by 2027/2028. Qualified early childhood teachers will deliver Arabic lessons using approved educational resources and age-appropriate methods designed for both native and non-native speakers. Meanwhile, all Muslim students in kindergarten will receive Islamic Studies instruction for 90 minutes per week. Schools can structure this as either three 30-minute sessions or two 45-minute sessions weekly. Private schools must also incorporate concepts covering family, UAE geography, UAE environment, social values and key social topics into kindergarten education. The Ministry specified these concepts should be presented through simplified, play-based learning approaches integrated into daily routines both inside and outside classrooms.
