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Dubai Ruler lays foundation stone for new Dubai Metro Blue Line, world’s tallest station unveiled

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A bold new chapter in Dubai’s transport story began this week as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a transformative project set to connect nine major districts and move over 300,000 passengers daily by 2040.

During a special ceremony held on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the grand vision and infrastructure plans behind the 30-kilometre extension, which will feature 14 new stations and 28 trains, officially launching on September 9, 2029.

One of the most striking moments of the day came with the unveiling of the design for the Emaar Properties Station, set to become the world’s highest metro station at 74 metres. Designed by global architecture giants Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM),  the masterminds behind the Burj Khalifa and Chicago’s Willis Tower, the station will resemble a golden cylindrical gateway, reflecting Dubai’s future-forward vision.

A Metro Line with History and Ambition

The event also featured a tribute to the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whose early aspirations for a railway line in Dubai were showcased in a nostalgic photo gallery, including rare images of his train travels in the UK, the original inspiration for the Dubai Metro.

The Dh20.5-billion Blue Line project, awarded to a consortium of Mapa, Limak, and CRRC, is expected to serve over 200,000 riders by 2030, with that number climbing to 320,000 daily passengers by 2040.

Built to ease congestion and enhance urban mobility, the Blue Line will cut traffic by 20% in the areas it serves, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which anticipates more than one million residents in these zones.

A Gateway to the Future

Covering 11,000 sqm, the new Emaar Properties Station will accommodate up to 160,000 passengers a day, designed to blend into the city’s evolving skyline while setting new global standards for urban transport.

“This isn’t just a metro line,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement, “it’s a promise for the future, connecting people, districts and dreams.”

Stay tuned as Dubai redefines what a modern city on the move looks like.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Dh1,000 fine and 4 black points: Dubai Police issue warning on sudden swerving

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Dubai Police have issued a renewed and stern warning to motorists regarding the dangers of sudden swerving, labelling the manoeuvre as a primary catalyst for fatalities and severe collisions on the emirate’s high-speed roads.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, highlighted that while missing an exit or attempting a quick overtake may seem minor, the resulting “side-impact collisions, loss of vehicle control, and rollovers” are often life-altering.

The split-second danger

Recent monitoring by Dubai Police has recorded a surge in incidents where drivers changed lanes without indicators or ensured the road was clear. On high-speed corridors, these actions leave zero reaction time for surrounding motorists.

“Arriving late is far better than not arriving at all,” said Major General Al Mazrouei. “Missing an exit never justifies putting lives at risk. We urge the public to remain calm, use indicators correctly, and avoid impulsive decisions behind the wheel.”

The cost of a sudden turn

To deter risky behaviour, Dubai Police reminded the public of the strict penalties under Article 29 of the Federal Traffic Law. Motorists caught swerving suddenly face:

  • A Dh1,000 fine.
  • Four black points added to their traffic file.

Community vigilance: We are all police

Road safety is a shared responsibility. The public is encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviour via the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app or by using the “We Are All Police” service by calling 901.

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Middle East

The Philippines guarantees unemployment cash benefits for Middle East overseas workers amid regional crisis

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As a 14-day ceasefire brings a temporary lull to regional conflict, the Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines has issued a major reassurance to its 540,000+ active paying OFW members across the Middle East. SSS President Robert Joseph de Claro confirmed today that digital infrastructure remains fully operational, ensuring that displaced workers can access critical “Unemployment Benefits” and pension services regardless of the security situation on the ground.

Who qualifies?

With over 4,300 Filipinos already repatriated as of April 6, the SSS “Unemployment Benefit” serves as a vital bridge for those involuntarily separated from their jobs. To qualify, OFW members must meet the following:

  • Age: 60 years old or below.
  • Contributions: At least 36 monthly contributions, with 12 months paid within the 18 months immediately preceding the job loss.
  • Certification: Involuntary separation must be certified by the DMW (formerly POEA).
  • Timeline: Applications must be submitted via the My.SSS portal within one year of separation.

Recognising the difficulty of physical travel during the current conflict, SSS has launched a breakthrough Facial Authentication with Liveness Check for its pensioners. This allows retirees in the Middle East to complete their Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) via smartphone, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates.

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Heading to Abu Dhabi this weekend? What motorists need to know about road closures 

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Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a series of temporary traffic modifications and partial road closures affecting major arteries in the capital starting today, Friday, April 10, through Monday, April 13, 2026.

The scheduled works will impact Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20), key routes connecting Khalifa City and Zayed City. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and plan for potential delays.

The closure schedule:

To minimise weekday disruption, the closures are concentrated over the weekend:

  • Friday, April 10 (2pm – Monday, April 13 (5am): The right lane on Al Fursan Street heading towards Abu Dhabi will be closed. Traffic flow will be maintained on the remaining open lanes.
  • Saturday, April 11 (12am) – Sunday, April 12 (11pm): A full closure of entry and exit points on Al Fursan Street will be in effect.

Guidance for motorists

Abu Dhabi Mobility has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan. While diversions will be clearly marked with directional signage, authorities recommend the following:

  • Plan in advance: Use navigation apps to check for real-time congestion before departing.
  • Alternative routes: Utilise surrounding roads, including the main Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20) corridor, to bypass the affected zones.
  • Safety first: Adhere to posted speed limits within diversion zones to ensure the safety of road crews and fellow drivers.

These measures are part of ongoing scheduled works designed to improve the capital’s infrastructure and long-term traffic efficiency.

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