Connect with us

News

Dubai Harbour welcomes 100% renewables-powered Swiss vessel

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai Harbour, an extraordinary seafront district, welcomed the Swiss experimental vessel powered solely by renewables, Porrima, to its marinas on March 17, 2022, as part of its worldwide journey across five continents called the Blue Odyssey.

Choosing Dubai Harbour for its second world destination, the first-of-its-kind solar, wind and hydrogen-powered ship has travelled more than 11,000km without stopping since departing Osaka, Japan, on December 18, 2021.

Dubai Harbour – recently voted as the winner of the World’s Best New Cruise Development at the 1st Annual World Cruise Awards 2021 – is home to the region’s largest marina and features Bay Marina, Dubai’s first dedicated superyacht marina which can accommodate yachts up to 160m in length. Dubai Harbour is also home to Palm View Marina and Harbour Marina offering 556 berths for yachts up to 40 meters and a curated mix of restaurants, cafes, and retail offerings.

Upon arrival at Dubai Harbour, the Porrima berthed at Harbour Marina in front of the Yacht Club building before unveiling a suite of renewable technologies that have been proven on board. It will invite the youth to join the ‘Blue Campus’ to learn the skills and build the talent around the showcased next-generation solutions to sustainable ocean industries and resource preservation.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dubai Harbour (@dubaiharbour)

Abdulla Binhabtoor, chief portfolio management officer, Shamal Holding, the company which owns Dubai Harbour, said, “We are excited to welcome the Porrima to Dubai Harbour for its third odyssey around the globe. It is exciting to see how the intersection of technology and sustainability come together to help tackle the environmental challenges that we face today. The Porrima brings sustainable mobility to the forefront, and we are committed to accelerating action to preserve a healthy planet for generations to come.”

The journey, which aims to arrive at its destination after a refit with 12 novel technologies in time for the opening of the Expo 2025 Osaka, will see the vessel dock at ports around the world to demonstrate how to tackle problems such as pollution and climate change through the use of commercially viable renewable technologies.

The project comes in response to a call to action from the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, which invites initiatives geared towards realising ‘an ideal future society.’ Porrima – named after the Roman goddess of the future – was the first in the world to circumnavigate the globe using only solar energy under its previous name, ‘Planet Solar’. Now, using solar, wind and hydrogen, the 36-metre 100-tonne vessel also utilises artificial intelligence and technologies inspired by nature. Just as lungs remove the CO2 from our blood, the same technique is used to clean seawater, isolate and destroy microplastics, making Porrima the only vessel in the word certified to produce and consume hydrogen on board.

The creator of the enterprise is the serial entrepreneur, economist, and author Gunter Pauli, who sets out to inspire the next generation with competitive and commercially viable renewable technologies and techniques. He said, “We need to wake up the entrepreneurs of the future, and I believe Dubai is the right place for this. The innovation and adoption of the kind of technologies that we are showcasing on the Porrima will have a fundamental role to play in the realisation of many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – and provide a blueprint for creating an ideal future society.”

News

Eid travel guide UAE: Free parking, buses and metro timings explained 

Published

on

Spread the love

Planning to head out this Eid? Whether you’re visiting family, going mall-hopping or planning a road trip, here’s your all-in-one travel guide across the UAE.

Abu Dhabi: Free parking, no toll fees

In Abu Dhabi, travel just got easier:

  • Free public parking from March 19–22
  • No Darb toll charges during the same period
  • Paid parking resumes March 23

Perfect for stress-free city driving during Eid.

Sharjah: 3 days of free parking

In Sharjah:

  • Free parking on first 3 days of Eid
  • Paid zones still apply in some smart parking areas

Sharjah: More buses, less waiting

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority is rolling out:

  • 4,600 intercity bus trips
  • Buses every 5 minutes during peak hours
  • Extended hours at Al Jubail Bus Station

Ideal if you’re travelling between emirates without driving.

Dubai: Metro, malls and movement

In Dubai:

  • Dubai Metro and public transport will run on extended Eid schedules
  • Expect heavy crowds near malls, beaches and tourist hotspots
  • Plan trips early or travel during off-peak hours

Dubai: Beach and traffic tips

  • Some beaches are family-only zones
  • Parking near popular areas will fill up fast
  • Use public transport where possible

Taxis across UAE

Across all emirates:

  • Taxis available 24/7
  • Options include family taxis, ladies-only and accessible vehicles
  • Expect higher demand during peak Eid hours

Travel tips 

  • Leave early to avoid traffic
  • Use transport apps for live updates
  • Always check parking signs (especially in Sharjah & Dubai)
  • Travel late evening for less congestion

This Eid, getting around the UAE is easier, with:

  • Free parking in Abu Dhabi & Sharjah
  • More buses and reduced wait times
  • Extended metro and taxi services

So whether you’re heading to a mall, beach or another emirate, you’re covered.

Continue Reading

News

Eid Al Fitr in UAE: Abu Dhabi announces free parking and toll waiver

Published

on

Spread the love

If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this Eid, here’s some great news.

Authorities have announced free public parking and suspended toll charges across the emirate during the Eid Al Fitr holiday, making travel easier and more affordable for residents.

Free parking

Under the “Mawaqif” system, public parking will be free from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22.

Paid parking will resume on Monday, March 23.

Truck parking at Musaffah M-18 will also be free during the holiday period.

No Toll

The Q Mobility has confirmed that Darb toll gate fees will be completely suspended during the same period.

That means:

  • No toll charges from March 19 to 22
  • Regular charges return on March 23

Customer Centres closed

Customer Happiness Centres will remain closed during the Eid break and will reopen on March 23.

However, residents can still access services 24/7 through:

  • TAMM platform
  • Darb mobile app
  • Official websites and helpline

Whether you’re heading out for Eid prayers, visiting family, or exploring the city, this temporary waiver means:

  • Lower travel costs
  • Easier movement across the city
  • Less stress during busy holiday days

Continue Reading

News

Eid Al Fitr in UAE: Sharjah announces free parking for 3 days 

Published

on

Spread the love

Good news if you’re driving around Sharjah this Eid.

The Sharjah Municipality has announced that public parking across the emirate will be free on the first, second and third days of Eid Al Fitr, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the celebrations without worrying about parking fees.

What drivers need to know

The free parking applies to most public spaces, giving drivers more flexibility during the busy holiday period.

However, the Municipality has clarified that:

  • Smart parking zones are not included
  • Some areas will remain paid even during Eid

To avoid fines, motorists are advised to check signage carefully, especially the blue information boards that indicate paid zones.

With malls, parks and beaches expected to be crowded during Eid, free parking comes as a welcome relief for families heading out to celebrate across the emirate.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/