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Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed launches UAE rail freight operations

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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.

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.

Automobile

Relief for UAE motorists as fuel prices drop in May

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Motorists across the UAE can expect some relief at the pump this month, as the UAE Fuel Price Committee has announced lower fuel prices for May 2025. The revised rates, which come into effect from May 1, show a noticeable drop across all fuel types compared to April.

Fuel Prices for May 2025 (price per litre):

  • Super 98 petrol: Dh2.57
  • Special 95 petrol: Dh2.46
  • E-Plus 91 petrol: Dh2.38
  • Diesel: Dh2.63

These rates reflect a 16 fils reduction per litre across the board, bringing some financial relief to daily commuters and businesses reliant on transport.

The monthly fuel price updates in the UAE are linked to global oil market movements. This latest decrease aligns with a recent drop in international crude oil prices and is aimed at keeping domestic fuel costs stable.

The updated prices include the 5% VAT and are applicable at all fuel stations across the UAE. The next fuel price update is expected at the end of May.

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BEYOND Expo 2025 marks 5th anniversary with launch of global expansion platform for Asian tech companies

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As it celebrates its fifth anniversary, BEYOND Expo 2025 has announced a major initiative aimed at increasing the international growth of Asian tech companies. The newly launched BEYOND BGlobal Network is designed to help Asian companies expand internationally by offering year-round support, global market insights, and access to strategic networks.

With many Asian businesses looking beyond domestic markets for long-term growth, the BGlobal Network aims to address the specific challenges of international expansion, such as localisation, cross-border operations, and global brand positioning.

“Globalisation is more than just entering new markets, it’s about creating meaningful, sustainable connections,” said Jason Ho, co-founder of BEYOND Expo. 

“The BGlobal Network connects Asian companies with key local players, resources, and expertise to help them thrive on the world stage.”

A Milestone Launch at BEYOND Expo 2025

The BEYOND BGlobal Network will officially launch during the closing ceremony of BEYOND Expo 2025 on May 24 at the Venetian Macao Cotai Expo. The ceremony will also feature a special edition of Fund at First Pitch, where selected startups will present their global ambitions to a panel of celebrity athletes and investors.

“As we celebrate five years of BEYOND, the BGlobal Network represents a bold next step in empowering regional innovation,” said Dr. Gang Lu, co-founder of BEYOND Expo. 

“This initiative is designed to help high-potential companies navigate their global journeys with confidence.”

Connecting Asian Talent to the World

The BGlobal Network provides member companies with access to a wide network of decision-makers across industries, ranging from global retailers and e-commerce platforms to venture capital firms, financial institutions, and localisation experts. It also opens opportunities for collaboration with global influencers and strategic partners, helping companies boost visibility and build brand equity overseas.

Throughout BEYOND Expo 2025, the initiative will be spotlighted through dedicated sessions such as the BGlobal Summit, the Global Investment Summit, and the BEYOND Wealth Summit. Sector-specific programming will explore topics including AI, HealthTech, FinTech, Robotics, Mobility, ClimateTech, and SportsTech.

Five Years of Cross-Border Impact

Since its launch in 2021, BEYOND Expo has become a leading platform for connecting innovation hubs across Asia with global markets. The 2025 edition is expected to attract over 30,000 attendees from more than 120 countries, with participation from startups, multinational corporations, investors, and media.

“The BGlobal Network reflects our commitment to helping Asia’s most ambitious companies turn possibility into impact,” said Jason Ho.

Looking Ahead

More than just a tech showcase, BEYOND Expo 2025 aims to serve as a launchpad for global success. With the introduction of the BGlobal Network and a strong focus on international collaboration, this year’s event sets the stage for a new era of cross-border innovation.

To learn more about the BEYOND BGlobal Network or register for BEYOND Expo 2025, visit www.beyondexpo.com.

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BEYOND Expo 2025 to ‘unveil possibilities’ as Asia’s premier tech summit 

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BEYOND Expo 2025 is set to return to The Venetian Macao from May 21 to 24 with a forward-looking theme — ‘Unveiling Possibilities’. This premier technology and innovation event will spotlight how uncertainty can spark opportunity, bringing together global leaders in tech, business, and finance to explore innovative ideas that are shaping the future.

With over 1,200 expected exhibitors, 30,000 attendees, and 300 international speakers, BEYOND Expo 2025 will offer a platform for global collaboration across sectors including technology, healthcare, sustainability, and investment.

“BEYOND Expo is more than just an exhibition, it’s a dynamic ecosystem where global innovators converge to shape the future,” said the organisers. 

“This year, we’re focused on translating uncertainty into action and potential.”

This Year’s Highlights:

  • Three Dedicated Exhibition Zones:
    ConsumerTech, ClimateTech, and Healthcare will anchor the expo, featuring breakthrough products and solutions from leading global companies and startups.
  • High-Level Summits:
    The ConsumerTech Summit, ClimateTech Summit, Healthcare Summit, and Global Investment Summit will host discussions on industry transformation, AI, sustainability, and future funding.
  • Cross-Regional Forums:
    Spotlighting emerging innovation ecosystems, sessions like the Asia-Latam Tech Forum, Asia-Euro Tech Forum, and Middle East Tech Forum will foster global exchange.
  • Thematic Sessions:
    The BEYOND Wealth Summit, SheTech Summit, and Founder Forum will explore family offices, female-led innovation, and entrepreneurial journeys in Asia and beyond.
  • Fund At First Pitch:
    A platform connecting promising startups with global investors. In 2024, the initiative attracted over 150 startups and 100 investment institutions, resulting in 50+ successful matches.
  • BEYOND Awards:
    Recognising excellence across four categories, ConsumerTech, ClimateTech, Healthcare, and Impact, the awards will spotlight companies and technologies shaping the future.
  • Lifestyle and Networking Events:
    The “TFC” (The Fun Continues) series will return with curated cultural, social, and sports activities, including a gala dinner, yoga sessions, and charity tournaments.

Since launching in 2021, BEYOND Expo has emerged as a premier platform for business, tech, and policy leaders across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. In 2024, 40 per cent of exhibitors were international, with more than 200 global media outlets in attendance.

“BEYOND Expo 2025 aims to connect visionaries from around the world to unlock the next wave of innovation,” said event co-founder Dr. Gang Lu. 

“We invite everyone, from Fortune 500s to startups, to take part in this journey.”

Early bird registrations and booth reservations are now open. Visit www.beyondexpo.com or email BD@beyondexpo.com for more details.

Opening/Closing Ceremonies and Industry Summits: 

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