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Spotlight on women’s achievements at Abu Dhabi’s Forbes Summit
High-achieving women from around the world, including political advisors, investors, entrepreneurs and media personalities, spoke about their achievements, experiences and ideas at the Forbes 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi.
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the Summit is being organised by Forbes and is taking place until March 9 with talks, panel sessions and networking events taking place at multiple locations across Abu Dhabi, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed University, as well as virtually.
Attendees and speakers at the event include Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, celebrity and TV media personality Tyra Banks, ARK Invest founder and CEO Cathie Woods, and beauty influencer and entrepreneur Huda Kattan.
Noura Al Kaabi said, “The UAE prides itself on an impressive list of outstanding women and female leaders whose work has been praised globally. Thanks to our leadership, Emirati women are advancing with confidence and strength, and the government is driving this through systematic policy changes to achieve tangible results.”
Moira Forbes, executive vice president, Forbes Media and Publisher, ForbesWomen, said, “As women stand at a critical inflection point globally, the first-ever 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi brings together a community of powerful women and visionaries who are architecting a better future that can move the world forward.”
The summit will take place in Abu Dhabi annually until 2024 and continue to provide a platform for successful and extraordinary women to share their stories.
The UAE-Oman railway project, officially known as Hafeet Rail, has reached 40 % completion, marking a major milestone in one of the region’s most ambitious transport initiatives.
Once operational, the cross-border rail line will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, while journeys from Al Ain to Sohar will take only 47 minutes.
First modern cross-border train in the region
Announced in 2023, the project is a joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, and Mubadala.
Spanning 303km, the railway will be the first modern cross-border train in the Arab world, carrying both passengers and cargo between the UAE and Oman.
Route and speed
The line will run from the UAE’s existing rail network in Al Wathba to Sohar’s port, passing through varied terrain including deserts, valleys, and mountains alongside Jebel Hafeet.
- Train speed: up to 200 km/h
- Route length (main section): approx. 238km
- Travel time: significantly reduced between key cities
Major engineering works
The project includes:
- 2,500m of tunnels through mountainous terrain
- 21 overbridges and 39 underpasses
- Viaducts and bridges to ensure smooth, uninterrupted rail flow
These features will help maintain efficient travel across challenging landscapes.
Freight services between nations
Beyond passenger travel, Hafeet Rail is expected to create an integrated logistics network, strengthening trade and economic ties between the UAE and Oman. Freight locomotives will be used to power cargo services across the network, helping to strengthen regional logistics, trade flows, and supply chain efficiency between the two Gulf countries.
The project is valued at around $3 billion and is expected to play a major role in enhancing connectivity and economic integration across the region.
While construction is progressing across multiple locations, no official completion date has yet been announced.
His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the launch of the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a major new infrastructure project set to expand the emirate’s transport network.
The 24-kilometre line, with an estimated cost of Dh 34 billion, will pass through 15 key strategic areas, serving around 1.5 million residents and connecting to 55 major real estate developments currently under construction.
Key route and connectivity
The new line will run from Al Ghubaiba in the north to Jumeirah Golf Estates, linking historic and emerging parts of the city.
- Total stations: 18
- Fully underground line
- Intersections with existing Red and Green Metro Lines
- Integration with Etihad Rail passenger stations in Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates
Boost to metro network
The Gold Line will increase the Dubai Metro’s overall length by 25%, significantly improving connectivity across the city.
The project is scheduled for completion on September 9, 2032.
Sheikh Mohammed said the project is part of Dubai’s ongoing ambition to become the world’s best city to live in, with continued investment in infrastructure and mobility.
The new line is expected to play a key role in reducing congestion, improving travel times, and supporting urban growth across Dubai.
Inside the UAE-Oman Hafeet Rail project now 40% complete
New Dubai Metro Gold Line to expand network by 25%
