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Sheikh Mohammed announces massive ‘Dubai Walk’ project to make city pedestrian-friendly

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After Dubai’s aim to become a bicycle-friendly city, the emirate announced an extensive plan to make an integrated walking network on Saturday, December 7.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took to X to inform residents of the development of walkways spanning 3,300km in a project named ‘Dubai Walk’.

This massive project, set to begin in two areas – Museum of the Future and Al Ras – is an effort to make the city pedestrian-friendly all year long. Corridors and areas between buildings will feature innovative cooling solutions.

Aside from the pathways, it also includes the construction of 110 pedestrian bridges and tunnels, 112km of waterfront pathways, 124km of green walking trails, and 150km of rural and mountainous pedestrian paths.

Initial pathways

The initial implementation of the project will take place at two iconic locations, which will give pedestrians a glimpse into the the past and the future of the city.

1. Museum of the Future:

The pathways will showcase the emirate’s futuristic vision and will include a 2km-long bridge, a climate-controlled walkway, open spaces, and commercial areas.

This pathway will connect major hubs, including the Dubai World Trade Centre, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and metro stations.

2. Al Ras:

This location will take pedestrians back to the past with a 15km trail. It will bring historical and waterfront areas to life while also incorporating green spaces and public displays.

3-phase implementation plan

The ‘Dubai Walk’ project will roll out in three phases, focusing first on key areas such as Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Mizhar 1, and later expanding to 160 neighbourhoods. It will include pathways for neighbourhoods, urban areas, and tourist spots.

Three main bridges will be built, these are:

1. A bridge on Al Ittihad Street connecting Al Nahda and Al Mamzar.

2. A bridge on Tripoli Street linking Al Warqa and Mirdif.

3. A bridge on Dubai-Al Ain Road connecting Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubailand.

The plan aims to establish more than 6,500km of interconnected pathways through the emirate – of which 3,300km will be created, while 2,300km of pathways will be rehabilitated by 2040. After 2040, additional pathways spanning 900km will be built.

Smart app to be launched

A new smart application will also be launched, encouraging residents and visitors alike to walk. The application will track their walking route, steps and duration and will incentivise users for walking.

Users of the application can get points for walking and redeem them for discounts or credit in an e-wallet. The app will also inform users about local attractions, like art displays and events, making it a valuable tool for encouraging walking.

Redefining mobility

Redefining the concept of mobility, Sheikh Mohammed said that this is an effort to build a model for a city “where people live the best, happiest, most comfortable, healthy, and balanced lives.”

The Ruler added, “In the coming years, residents of Dubai will be able to move around by walking, cycling on dedicated tracks, using the city’s extensive road and bridge network, riding the metro with its new lines, taking water taxis, or even flying taxis on designated aerial routes.”

The project is in line with Dubai’s 20-minute city plan, where by 2040, residents will be able to access daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes by foot or bicycle.

India

Dubai-bound plane makes emergency landing after smoke alert

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A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Dhaka to Dubai made an emergency landing at Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in India after the pilot received a smoke alert from the aircraft’s hold. Officials later confirmed that no fire was found.

Flight BG 347, carrying 396 passengers and 12 crew members, was diverted to Nagpur on Thursday night as a precaution. The pilot, alerted by a fire alarm, immediately informed the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) and the System Operations Command Centre (SOCC). A full emergency was declared, and the flight landed safely at 10.45 pm.

The aircraft was moved to an isolation bay, where all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. Fire safety teams from the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) were deployed as per protocol. A thorough inspection of the aircraft and its cargo hold was conducted, but no signs of fire or smoke were detected.

“We deployed a team of firefighters as soon as we received the alert. Following safety protocols, necessary precautions were taken, but no fire was reported,” said Bhimrao Chandankhede, Chief Fire Officer.

To minimise disruption, Biman Bangladesh Airlines arranged an alternative flight for the passengers, ensuring they could continue their journey to Dubai later that evening.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the smoke alert as part of standard safety procedures.

(Inputs from The Indian Express)

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Business

UAE’s high-tech Dh500 note wins ‘Best Banknote’ award for 2025

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The UAE has once again set a new standard in currency innovation. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has won the Best New Banknote Issue for 2025 for its Dh500 note, securing the top spot in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

The award was announced during the High Security Printing EMEA conference in Basel, Switzerland, held in early February 2025.

A Design Rooted in Sustainability and Innovation

This newly recognised Dh500 Dirham is more than just currency—it’s a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology in banking. Crafted from polymer, the note is not only more durable and longer-lasting than traditional paper notes but also fully recyclable, reducing environmental impact.

On the front side, the note showcases the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, a symbol of the UAE’s vision for a greener future. The reverse side features the Museum of the Future, along with iconic landmarks like Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa, emphasising the UAE’s balance between heritage and progress.

Security Features & Inclusivity

With state-of-the-art security features, including 3D designs and the region’s largest surface-applied foil stripe, the banknote is among the most secure in the world. It also incorporates Braille symbols to ensure accessibility for visually impaired individuals.

Banknotes accessible to all

Speaking about the win, Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of Banking Operations & Support Services at CBUAE, said: “Winning this award is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and innovation. We are proud to lead the region in introducing banknotes with advanced security features and materials that minimise environmental impact. Additionally, our commitment to inclusivity ensures that our banknotes are accessible to everyone, with Braille symbols aiding visually impaired users.”

With this award, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in financial innovation and sustainability — one banknote at a time.

(Inputs from WAM)

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Business

Grocery prices under watch: UAE’s smart system tracks prices of everyday essentials

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Ever wondered if you’re paying a fair price for groceries? The UAE government has just made it easier to keep an eye on the cost of everyday essentials with the launch of its National Digital Platform — a real-time price tracker for key consumer goods across the country.

Fair price on eggs, dairy, rice and other items

This new platform will monitor the prices of must-have grocery items like oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat across various retailers.

The system has been designed to ensure transparency, help officials track price changes, and prevent unfair pricing by comparing costs against official price ceilings.

Why it matters

Speaking about the initiative, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, emphasized that this move is part of the country’s broader commitment to consumer protection, a stable market, and a thriving economy.

It also aligns with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which focuses on strengthening the nation’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

With real-time monitoring and stricter price control, this platform is set to make shopping fairer and more transparent for everyone—ensuring that prices stay reasonable and consumers get the best value for their money.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this platform will work and how shoppers will benefit from the system.

(Inputs from WAM)

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