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‘Without Expo, weekends won’t be the same anymore’
Six months is a long time to get addicted to something. No wonder, Dubai residents got hooked on Expo. It served as their best getaway – more like a jaunt – especially during weekends.
With withdrawal symptoms kicking in after the curtains came down on Expo, residents will have to seek out new indulgences (read events and places) to whet their appetite for pleasure. This will be the first weekend without Expo.
We talked to a few people to know how they are planning to spend the weekend – minus the Expo. And as expected, we found them pining for Expo.
Vanshika Jashani, a school teacher and a frequent visitor to the Expo, said she used to detox from her work by visiting the world’s biggest fair. Now, with Expo gone, she will go back to the entertainment modes she resorted to before.
She says, “Weekends won’t be the same anymore. For the last six months, we never thought of looking for any sort of activity over the weekend. Expo was the one and only destination for us. But, from this week, we will again have to go to the malls or kids play area for our weekly entertainment.”
Her pensive sigh while she talked revealed how much the people of Dubai are missing Expo and sure, it’s going to take a lot of time to get used to the void.
Anuradha Prakash, another Dubai resident, said she was reeling under withdrawal symptoms after Expo drew to a close.
She said, “During Expo, we visited all live musical shows and even got to see international stars up close. Now, the weekends are going to be laidback and slow and will get over as we binge watch TV series.”
The Expo was what many dub as “once-in-a-lifetime event”.
Dubai is a hub of entertainment and has a lot to offer. We are certain it’s going to get easy as the days go by. Dubai with its vibrance will replace Expo nostalgia with fresh fun, cause the city exceeds expectations and always finds a way out to cheer up people.
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%
