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Dubai launches novel Rail Bus

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The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled its innovative ‘Rail Bus’ today (February 10, 2025) at the World Government Summit in Dubai. Designed to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, the new service can accommodate 40 passengers, offering a fast and efficient travel experience.

A rail bus is a lightweight passenger vehicle designed to run on railway tracks. This innovative, eco-friendly transport option will provide a greener, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional modes of travel.

In January of last year, the RTA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rail Bus Inc. from the US during the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) to develop a cutting-edge rail bus system. The system is designed to travel along a bridge fitted with solar panels, generating the electricity required to power the entire operation.

Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, emphasized that these agreements are part of RTA’s strategic vision to collaborate with top-tier companies and specialized entities to discover and adopt the latest advancements in transportation. He also mentioned that RTA is actively investigating various innovations, including the world-first Floc Duo Rail system.

The new system features double tracks for swift, efficient movement of driverless, electrically-powered units. It adapts to demand, using shorter units during off-peak times and longer ones during peak hours. Additionally, the system operates on a bridge with solar panels, harnessing solar energy to power the service, while offering lower costs than similar systems.

Hatim Ibrahim, CEO of Rail Bus Inc., highlighted that the collaboration with RTA sets new standards for sustainable mobility in Dubai. This partnership underscores a shared vision to revolutionize urban transport through eco-friendly, cutting-edge technology, advancing Dubai’s smart city goals.

As a trainee reporter and creative lead, I focus on curating engaging content and managing the social media presence for the company. I aim to connect audiences with relevant, impactful news through multiple digital platforms.

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Dubai-India Travel: Several flights cancelled as Air India cuts services amid safety concerns

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Planning to fly from Dubai to India soon? Check your flight status before heading to the airport. 

Air India has advised travellers to confirm in advance following the cancellation of several flights, including those from Dubai. 

The move is part of a broader cutback in international operations, as the airline conducts safety inspections across its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The inspections follow a recent tragic crash involving one of the aircraft.

Among the cancelled international routes are:

  • AI906 (Dubai–Chennai)
  • AI2204 (Dubai–Hyderabad)

Passengers flying on other airlines and looking to connect to their hometowns via Air India should be aware of the suspension of domestic and other international routes, such as:

  • AI308 (Delhi–Melbourne)
  • AI874 (Pune–Delhi)
  • AI456 (Ahmedabad–Delhi)
  • AI2872 (Hyderabad–Mumbai)
  • AI571 (Chennai–Mumbai)

The cancellations come after Air India announced a 15 per cent cut to international flights operated by its widebody aircraft, effective until at least mid-July. The airline said this temporary reduction is necessary due to ongoing safety inspections following the tragic crash of flight AI171 last week.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner heading from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people on board and approximately 30 people on the ground. Only one person on the aircraft survived. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

In a statement, Tata Group-owned Air India said that 26 of its 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft have passed inspections and have returned to service. The airline said the cuts are meant to ensure stable operations, improve efficiency, and minimise passenger inconvenience.

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One visa, 6 countries: UAE confirms game-changing Schengen style GCC tourist pass

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Pack your bags, jet-setters. The Gulf is about to become your next ultimate multi-stop getaway, no extra paperwork needed.  A UAE minister has officially confirmed that a Schengen-style unified tourist visa for all six GCC countries is finally happening.

“The single GCC visa has been approved and should be rolled out soon,” revealed UAE’s Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri at a press event.

That means with one visa, you’ll be able to hop between Dubai’s skyscrapers, Oman’s mountains, Qatar’s museums, Bahrain’s beaches, Saudi Arabia’s mega projects, and Kuwait’s culture scene, all in a single trip.

Say Hello to the GCC Grand Tours Visa!

Nicknamed the “GCC Grand Tours Visa”, the new system is being compared to Europe’s Schengen visa, and yes, it’s that big of a deal.

Forget applying separately for each country. This new visa will give you free rein across the Gulf, making travel cheaper, faster, and way more fun.

Work Hard, Play Harder

Experts say the visa could spark a leisure boom, where business travellers stay longer to explore the region. Think quick meetings in Riyadh, followed by a weekend in Dubai or Muscat.

Plus, it’s expected to supercharge:

  • Tourism across all six countries
  • Job creation in hotels and travel
  • Billions in tourism spending
  • New resorts and attractions on the way!

Gulf Tourism Is Already on Fire

The Gulf isn’t just bouncing back from the pandemic — it’s booming:

  • 68.1 million visitors in 2023
  • $110.4 billion in tourism revenue
  • 42.8% increase in arrivals vs pre-Covid

In the UAE, tourism supported 833,000 jobs in 2022, and this number is expected to reach 1 million by 2030.

Dubai’s Still the Star of the Show

Dubai is leading the regional tourism charge with 7.15 million visitors in just the first four months of 2025, up 7% from last year. And once the unified visa kicks in, expect those numbers to skyrocket.

When Can You Use the Visa?

While there’s no official launch date yet, the visa has cleared its biggest hurdle, government approval. It’s now in the hands of the Ministry of Interior and key stakeholders.

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Middle East

UAE steps up airport emergency plan amid regional airspace closures

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As regional airspace disruptions affect flight paths across the Middle East, the UAE has swiftly activated an emergency operations plan to keep airport services running smoothly and ensure traveller safety.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it has increased staffing across all UAE airports, deploying qualified teams around the clock. These efforts are part of a coordinated response to recent airspace closures in neighbouring countries that have forced airlines to reroute flights.

To minimise disruption, the ICP is working closely with strategic partners and airport operators to fast-track procedures, provide real-time updates to passengers, and ensure immigration and customs processes continue seamlessly.

Authorities have also rolled out support services for delayed travellers, including logistics assistance and access to information desks.

“The safety and service experience of passengers remain our top priority,” the ICP said in a statement, urging travellers to stay updated through official channels.

The UAE’s swift action underlines its commitment to operational readiness and reinforces its reputation as a global travel and logistics hub, even in the face of unexpected regional challenges.

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