The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a temporary staircase at Exit 1 of the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station as expansion work continues at one of the busiest stations on the Dubai Metro network.

Key points:

• Temporary access: The staircase at Exit 1 is now in use during construction.
• Passenger guidance: Commuters should follow the signposted routes/maps to reach the station. RTA staff are available on-site to assist passengers.
• Road closure: Earlier this month, the access road used by buses and taxis at the station was temporarily closed and is expected to remain closed until the end of 2026 to support the expansion project.
• Traffic management: RTA says an integrated traffic management plan is in place to maintain safe and efficient access to public transport.

Station expansion highlights

The project is designed to significantly improve capacity and passenger flow:

• Hourly capacity: Increasing from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers (about a 65% increase).
• Daily capacity: Up to 220,000 passengers.
• Station size: Expanding from 6,700 sq m to 8,500 sq m.

Planned improvements include:

• Enhanced station entrances and pedestrian bridges.
• Larger concourse and platform areas.
• Additional escalators and elevators.
• Separate entry and exit gates to reduce congestion.
• More fare gates.
• Expanded retail/commercial areas.
• Better integration with buses, taxis, and other transport modes.

The expansion is expected to ease congestion during peak periods, including New Year’s Eve and major public holidays, when the station experiences exceptionally high passenger volumes.

The UAE has unveiled what it says is the world’s first fully integrated AI-powered judicial platform, marking a major step in the country’s drive to modernise its justice system through artificial intelligence.

The platform is designed to help judges and legal professionals work more efficiently by analysing case files, searching laws and court precedents, and generating legal insights. Officials stressed that AI will not replace judges, with all final rulings remaining under human oversight.

Innovation will make justice faster

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, described the launch as another global achievement for the country.

In a post on X, Sheikh Mansour said the platform reflects the UAE’s belief that innovation can create a faster and more efficient justice system while strengthening the country’s position as a global leader in government and judicial excellence.

What the AI platform can do

The system integrates AI across several stages of judicial proceedings, including:

• Analysing case files and legal documents.
• Searching legislation and regulations.
• Retrieving and comparing court precedents.
• Generating legal reports and recommendations.
• Assisting with drafting legal documents.
• Speeding up case processing.

Officials said the technology is intended to support judicial decision-making, not replace it.

Combining AI-powered functions

While courts in several countries already use AI for tasks such as legal research and case management, the UAE says this is the first platform to combine multiple AI-powered judicial functions into one integrated system.

The initiative is expected to:

• Reduce litigation times.
• Improve court efficiency.
• Cut administrative workloads.
• Strengthen investor confidence.
• Enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.

Safeguards remain in place

Officials said protecting judicial independence remains a priority.

The platform has been developed with safeguards around data privacy, cybersecurity, transparency and accountability, with judges retaining full authority over every final decision.

The launch builds on the UAE’s broader digital transformation of the justice sector, which has already introduced remote court hearings, digital litigation services and AI-powered legal assistance.

Abu Dhabi Police have warned residents to stay alert as online fraud and financial scams tend to increase during the salary payment period.

Authorities said fraudsters are taking advantage of payday by using fake advertisements, phishing links and fraudulent offers to steal money and personal information.

What to watch out for

According to police, scammers are posing as legitimate businesses and organisations to trick victims through:

• Fake property rental and sale listings.
• Bogus residency and visa services.
• Fraudulent job and labour recruitment offers.
• Fake insurance products.
• False advertisements for vehicles allegedly seized by Abu Dhabi Customs.
• Fake investment opportunities.
• Counterfeit event tickets.
• Websites impersonating government agencies and well-known organisations.
• Requests to download remote access apps.
• Demands for advance payments or deposits for goods, services, training courses or fake certificates.

How to stay safe

Abu Dhabi Police urged residents to:

• Never share bank account details, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs).
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unsolicited offers.
• Verify sellers before transferring money or paying deposits.
• Use only official websites and mobile apps for government services.

Residents who suspect they have been targeted by fraud are encouraged to report incidents through the Aman service.