Khor Fakkan, June 4, 2004 (WAM) – President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai and then toured parts of Sharjah as part of his fraternal visits and consultations with the rulers of the Emirates.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed toured a number of vital development projects and tourist attractions in Khor Fakkan and Al Dhaid cities in the Sharjah emirate while stopping for pictures with the members of the public.
The tour included Al Dhaid Fort, which dates back to 1820, witnesses the ancient history of the Al Dhaid city. It also included a number of vital development projects in Khor Fakkan city, such as Al Rafisah Dam, which is one of the newest tourist destinations and environmental landmarks in the country.
He also toured the new Khor Fakkan Road, which is deemed an important vital artery linking the regions of Sharjah and passing through various historical and natural areas.
UAE President was accompanied by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
Earlier in the day, he started his trip with meeting the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai at the Zabeel Palace. They exchanged cordial talk and wished continued welfare, development and progress for the nation, while reviewing a number of issues related to enhancing the comprehensive development drive that the country is witnessing.
Affirming that the UAE is forging ahead with confident steps towards delivering the future for its people and generations to come, the rulers affirmed that the UAE citizens are the mainstay of the national development drive, noting that ensuring their quality of life, social welfare and economic well-being, fulfilling their ambitions, investing in their capabilities and unleashing their potential across various sectors will remain on top of the UAE national priorities.
In this respect, they noted that late Sheikh Zayed and late Sheikh Rashid had dedicated their lives to serving their homeland and fulfilling the ambitions of their people, affirming that nation-building and ensuring a decent life for the UAE people were at the heart of the Founding Fathers’ concerns out of their solid belief in the vital role played by the UAE citizens in ensuring sustainable development and preserving national gains.
Dubai International Airport is rolling out a new fast-track service that allows passengers to breeze through passport control without stopping for traditional identity checks. The service, launched at the First and Business Class lounges in Terminal 3, uses cutting-edge AI and facial recognition technology to streamline the immigration process.
Here’s how it works
Passengers who opt for the ‘Unlimited Smart Travel’ service will have their identity verified using pre-registered facial data, allowing them to skip document checks altogether. Cameras in the lounge capture their faces from various angles, quickly confirming their identity as they walk through. The system can process up to 10 passengers simultaneously, meaning much faster passage through the gates.
The initiative builds on the success of the Smart Tunnel system, first introduced in 2020, which allowed passengers to complete passport control in seconds. With this new upgrade, the process is even more efficient, cutting wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Hi-tech features
Currently, the service is available only for departing passengers, but plans are in place to expand it to arriving travellers in the future. All passengers need to do is register once, and their facial data is saved for future use, making each trip quicker and easier.
With the number of travellers expected to rise, this innovation is designed to keep things running smoothly, improving both speed and customer satisfaction. It’s a significant step toward making Dubai International Airport one of the most tech-forward and efficient airports in the world.
The UAE experienced hot and sunny weather on Wednesday, April 23, with temperatures rising across all emirates.
In Dubai, the temperature reached 38°C, with clear skies and plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Residents are advised not to venture out in the sun during peak hours and opt for shaded areas or cooled public spaces during the day.
Abu Dhabi saw similar conditions, hitting 37°C. Authorities reminded people to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Fujairah recorded a high of 33°C. While it was still hot, the eastern city felt slightly cooler due to the sea breeze from the Gulf of Oman.
Ras Al Khaimah and other northern emirates also reported temperatures around 38°C to 40°C.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts a slight drop in temperatures tomorrow, with similar sunny conditions expected across the country.
Parking in some of Dubai’s busiest residential neighbourhoods, including Al Karama and Qusais, has become more expensive.
Parkin PJSC, the emirate’s largest public parking operator, announced yesterday revised parking tariffs for several key areas across the city. The new rates, which fall under Zones W and WP, were shared via the company’s official account on the social media platform X.
Motorists will now face updated charges in areas such as Al Karama (318W), Al Qusais First (32W), Madinat Dubai and Al Melaheya (321W), as well as Al Kifaf (324WP).
New Parking Tariffs
In Al Kifaf (Zone WP), now classified as a premium parking zone, motorists will be charged:
Dh6 per hour during peak hours (8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm)
Dh4 per hour during off-peak hours (10am to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm)
Premium zones, identified by signage and codes such as ‘345CP’, are typically located in high-demand areas near public transport stations. These areas feature enhanced parking infrastructure and stricter enforcement.
Meanwhile, standard zones, which include Al Karama (318W), Al Qusais First (32W), Madinat Dubai and Al Melaheyah (321W), will maintain a flat rate of Dh4 per hour, with no variation based on time of day.
New System to Manage Demand
The changes come as part of Dubai’s newly introduced variable parking tariff system, rolled out on April 4, aimed at easing congestion and better managing parking demand across the city.
Under the new framework:
Peak hours are from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm
Off-peak hours are from 10am to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm
Parking charges are applicable from 8am to 10pm, with free parking on Sundays and public holidays
Motorists are advised to check signage or use the Parkin mobile app to stay updated on zone classifications and tariffs to avoid fines.
