Business

Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed launches UAE rail freight operations

Published

2 years ago

February 24, 2023

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Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched the cargo train operations of the national rail network from its operations control centre in Al Fayah region, Abu Dhabi, on Friday.

Praising the efforts of those involved, Sheikh Mohammed said “connecting the Emirates via a national railway network strengthens our capabilities and competitiveness, and consolidates our unity,” he said.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of Etihad Rail, said: “Emirati talents, with the support of the UAE leadership, have turned the dream of our founding fathers into reality. We succeeded in launching a railway network with international specifications that extends to about 900 kilometres across the Emirates. We announce the inauguration operation of the freight trains throughout the UAE with a fleet of 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons capable of transporting all types of goods.”

He pointed out that the completion of the network according to the schedule and the approved budget would not have been possible without the cohesion of the talented Emirati cadres.

The network contributes to supporting companies’ businesses and enhancing investment opportunities. The main line of the UAE National Rail Network extends from Ghuweifat on the border of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Fujairah, forming an essential part of the global supply network.

The stage one of the Network has been fully operational since January 2016, where the stage two of the project started in early 2020.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, opens the UAE’s freight train network, the latest stage of Etihad Rail, the country’s mega national network project. WAM

The UAE national railway network will contribute to supporting the national economy at a value of AED200 billion, and saving AED8 billion in the cost of road maintenance. The network’s tourism benefits are estimated at AED23 billion.

The project has contributed to supporting the local industry by assigning 215 companies and local entities. also, 70 percent of the building materials used in the project are produced by the local industry.

The project also supports the UAE’s sustainable development goals and contributes to achieving the UAE Net Zero by 2050, through reducing carbon emissions in the road transport sector by 21 percent, and reducing road transportation emissions per capita by 40 percent, by 2050.

The project has enlisted 11 contractors, 25 consultants, and 28,000 specialists. It took 133 million working hours to complete, and 40,000 approvals from 180 government agencies.

More than 1,000 operational documents have been produced, including instructions, handbooks, guidelines, policies, operating procedures, agreements, and others.

The UAE national railway network passes through a variety of geographical terrains, within a large-scale engineering plan that includes the construction of 593 bridges and crossings of all types, and 9 tunnels with a length of 6.5 km. It took 120 million cubic metres of excavation work to complete, to ensure the highest levels of vehicular traffic flow under the tracks of the railway network.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Announces Launch of National Railway Network#UAE #Dubai #AbuDhabi @HHShkMohd @Etihad_Rail pic.twitter.com/TmDe1meBMn

— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) February 23, 2023

The fleet of the most modern freight trains in the region includes 38 locomotives, with a capacity of 60 million tonnes of goods annually, and more than 1,000 multi-purpose vehicles.

Each goods transport’s locomotive operates with a power of 4,500 horsepower, equivalent to 3,400 kilowatts. It is one of the most powerful freight train engines in the Middle East.

The freight trains will run up to 120 km/h. The standard width of the rail is 1,435 metres, and it operates under the European ETCS level 2 signalling system. It has been specially designed to withstand the geographical nature, climatic conditions, high temperatures and humidity in the GCC region, to ensure high levels of performance, efficiency and sustainability.

The freight trains will connect four major ports. It will include seven logistics centres across the country, to serve trains and related businesses.

Staff Reporter

Announcements

Self.space puts the power of photography in your hands

Published

3 days ago

July 28, 2025

Sudhashree Dash

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Forget Snow White’s mirror — this one doesn’t compare, doesn’t critique, and answers only to you. Introducing self.space, a revolutionary sealed-room mirror photography studio that’s as private as your thoughts and as flattering as your best angle.

In a region where modesty and privacy are deeply valued, self.space is reimagining the photoshoot experience. No photographers. No spectators. No pressure. Just you and a smart mirror, inside a sound-insulated, self-directed studio designed for complete comfort and control.

Traditional photoshoots can feel intimidating — unfamiliar surroundings, judgmental eyes, and the pressure to perform. self.space changes that. Walk into a sleek studio, close the door behind you, and watch the privacy light switch on. Now it’s just you — free to pose, express, and capture your image on your terms.

“We found that people reject photos not because they lack beauty or talent — but because tension stays on their faces,” say co-founders Mitia Muravev (Founder & CEO) and Peter Bondarenko (Founder & CPO). “That tension is stronger in the Arab world, where privacy and modesty are part of daily life.” Mitia drives the brand’s vision and partnerships, while Peter leads the tech — from embedded cameras and edge AI to full-stack infrastructure. Together, they’ve created more than a photo studio — they’ve packaged confidence.

How it works:

Walk in – Door closes, privacy light turns on.
Capture – Use the remote to take unlimited shots.
AI Perfects – Instant, natural-looking touch-ups preserve your true look.
Gallery Ready – A secure link to your encrypted gallery is sent to your phone before you leave.

Whether you want professional portraits, personal mementos, or a quiet moment of self-reflection, self.space offers something rare: a private, pressure-free space to simply be yourself — and love what you see.

Business

UAE banks to ditch OTPs via SMS and email starting Friday: Here’s what you need to do

Published

5 days ago

July 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Starting Friday, July 25, UAE banks will begin phasing out those familiar one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS and email. Instead, you’ll need to verify all your financial and online transactions, including transfers within and outside the country, directly through your bank’s mobile app.

The change is part of a Central Bank of the UAE directive aimed at boosting digital banking security and making things smoother for customers.

According to an official circular, banks have been instructed to shift entirely to in-app authentication, requiring customers to enable the feature through their mobile banking applications.

The document notes: “Based on instructions from the Central Bank of the UAE, please note that the receipt of one-time passwords via text messages or email will be gradually phased out. Customers can now complete electronic transactions with ease via the smart application by selecting the ‘Authentication via App’ feature.”

So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to update your banking app and get familiar with app-based authentication, no more scrambling for SMS codes, and a whole lot more security.

Business

No more cash, no more queues: Dubai goes digital for cargo payments

Published

5 days ago

July 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

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If you’ve ever dealt with the back-and-forth of cargo payments, this news might make your day. Dubai-based Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with digital logistics payment platform PayCargo to introduce faster, smoother, and cash-free payment options to the UAE’s freight industry, eliminating delays and manual paperwork.

Digital payment platform PayCargo has officially launched operations in the UAE, and Emirates SkyCargo is the first carrier in the country to sign up. The move brings a new era of convenience for cargo customers, who can now make instant online payments via credit card or direct debit, and enjoy same-day or next-business-day cargo release.

The partnership marks a key step in replacing traditional manual systems, like cash payments and physical paperwork, which still dominate many freight operations across the region.

“Our goal is to provide customers with a reliable, efficient, and time-saving alternative to outdated systems,” said Eduardo Del Riego, President and CEO of PayCargo.”

The launch follows PayCargo’s strategic tie-up with Seed Group, part of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, which helped the US-based firm establish a footprint in the Middle East.

It also aligns with the UAE’s broader push to become a global leader in digital infrastructure and smart logistics. With Emirates SkyCargo on board, PayCargo’s entry sets the tone for a more connected, tech-enabled freight future in the region.