Abu Dhabi Tops Global Rankings for Fastest Internet Connection

Abu Dhabi continues to add to its growing list of global achievements! Already known as the safest and wealthiest city in the world, and recognized as one of the best places to work, the capital has now claimed the top spot for internet speed globally. According to Kearney’s Global Cities Index, Abu Dhabi’s outstanding digital infrastructure has positioned it as the leading city for fast internet, a feature residents may take for granted but is now globally recognized.

Kearney’s report, which ranks major cities based on their connectivity and global influence, introduced a new focus this year on internet speed under the Information Exchange dimension. This highlights the growing importance of digital services, which are rapidly overtaking traditional goods in the global economy. While New York took the overall title for best global city, Abu Dhabi—along with Dubai—secured the top spot for the fastest internet.

The internet speed rankings saw New York come in second, while London, a frequent global frontrunner, surprisingly dropped to 97th place. Other cities in the top 10 for internet speed included major American hubs as well as Shanghai, Singapore, Beijing, and Bangkok.

This latest recognition places Abu Dhabi among an elite group of global cities, further showcasing its dedication to delivering top-tier digital services to both residents and visitors. With its seamless internet connectivity, the capital continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in modern, forward-thinking urban living.

Sting Set to Ignite Abu Dhabi with “STING 3.0” World Tour on April 3, 2025

The legendary 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting is bringing his highly anticipated “STING 3.0” World Tour to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on April 3, 2025. Accompanied by long-time collaborator guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, this concert promises an unforgettable evening filled with electrifying hits and rare tracks from Sting’s extensive discography.

Tour Highlights and Musical Journey

Having kicked off in Europe earlier this summer, the tour is now making waves in North America, where it has received rave reviews for its intimate performances. Critics have lauded Sting’s ability to seamlessly connect his iconic work with The Police alongside his successful solo projects, showcasing his innovative musical approach that resonates deeply with fans.

In addition to fan favorites, attendees can look forward to new music, including Sting’s latest single, “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart),” released on September 5, which will likely feature in the setlist.

Ticket Information

Pre-sale tickets will be available for members of Sting’s Fan Club starting October 23 at 12 PM local time through sting.com. Live Nation’s pre-sale will follow on October 24, with general ticket sales opening on October 25. Ticket prices start at AED 395, offering fans an opportunity to experience an unforgettable night of music.

Mark your calendars for this exclusive event, as Sting’s return to Abu Dhabi promises to be a highlight for music lovers across the region.

Al Khail Road Development Project Completed: Travel Times Reduced by 30%

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed the Al Khail Road Development Project, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the emirate’s road network. This project, now fully operational, promises to reduce travel times by 30% and improve traffic flow for approximately 1.5 million residents.

Key Features of the Project

The Al Khail Road Development Project involved the construction of five bridges stretching over 3,300 meters and the widening of roads across 6,820 meters. These enhancements are designed to accommodate a higher volume of traffic, increasing the capacity of key intersections and bridges to manage up to 19,600 vehicles per hour.

Strategically located along Al Khail Road, the project covers seven critical areas: Al Jaddaf, Business Bay, Zabeel, Meydan, Al Quoz 1, Ghadeer Al Tair, and Jumeirah Village Circle. RTA officials have confirmed that the developments effectively resolve traffic bottlenecks at crucial interchanges, ensuring smoother, free-flowing traffic on one of Dubai’s busiest arterial roads.

Infrastructure Improvements by Location

  1. Zabeel: A new 700-meter bridge connects Oud Metha Street and Financial Centre Street to Al Khail Road, with a capacity of 4,800 vehicles per hour.

  2. Meydan: A 610-meter, two-lane bridge connects Meydan Street to Al Khail Road, accommodating 3,200 vehicles per hour. An additional 1,550 meters of road was improved in this area.

  3. Al Quoz 1: The project includes a 650-meter bridge and 2,170 meters of road widening, enhancing traffic capacity by 3,200 vehicles per hour.

  4. Ghadeer Al Tair: A 640-meter bridge has been constructed alongside 1,350 meters of road improvements to enhance traffic flow.

  5. Jumeirah Village Circle: A 700-meter bridge and 900 meters of road upgrades have been added to facilitate traffic towards Hessa Street.

  6. Al Jaddaf: A new lane was introduced, increasing traffic capacity by 2,000 vehicles per hour.

  7. Business Bay: An additional lane of 435 meters was introduced to improve access to the Business Bay area.

Accelerated Timeline and Workforce Commitment

The RTA implemented an accelerated construction strategy, successfully shortening the project timeline from 18 months to just nine. Over 5,000 engineers and laborers were employed daily, operating 650 machines to complete the project, which accumulated six million hours of work.

The completion of the Al Khail Road Development Project marks a strategic upgrade in Dubai’s infrastructure, enhancing traffic safety and capacity while ensuring smoother journeys for motorists throughout the city. This project is part of a broader initiative to bolster Dubai’s road network, serving as a vital support corridor to major highways such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr Set for Dubai Showdown Against Esteghlal After Venue Change

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr teammates are headed to Dubai this week for a crucial Asian Champions League match against Iran’s Esteghlal, following a last-minute venue switch by the Asian Football Federation. Originally scheduled to take place in Tehran, the game was moved due to safety concerns and will now be held at Sheikh Rashid Stadium, home to Dubai’s Shabab Al-Ahli, on Tuesday, October 22, at 5 pm GST.

This high-profile fixture promises to be an exciting clash, featuring some of the biggest names in football. Al Nassr’s squad includes former Premier League stars such as Sadio Mané, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozović, while Esteghlal can count on the talents of Gaël Kakuta and Didier Ndong.

Tickets for the match are in high demand, with only VIP tickets priced at Dhs5,000 still available on Platinum List. Esteghlal, as the designated home team, will have most of the stadium’s sections reserved for their fans, including sections 1 through 7, along with Premium and VIP areas. Al Nassr supporters, on the other hand, will be seated in sections 8, 9, and 9A.

Both teams are aiming to secure a top spot in the group to advance to the next round of the Asian Champions League, where the best teams from West Asia will compete for a place in the knockout stage. Al Nassr currently sits on four points after two matches, while Esteghlal has three points, having won their opener 3-0 against Al-Gharafa but falling short in their second match against Al-Sadd.

This match is part of the group stage that includes some of the best teams from the region, such as UAE Pro League champions Al Wasl and reigning Asian champions Al Ain. After the group stage concludes, the top eight teams will move forward to the knockout round, ultimately leading to a final between the best teams from West and East Asia.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a match has been relocated to Dubai recently. A World Cup 2026 qualifier between Iran and Qatar was also moved to Sheikh Rashid Stadium due to similar concerns.

For fans eager to watch this exciting fixture live, limited VIP tickets are still available. The match kicks off at 5 pm on October 22 at Sheikh Rashid Stadium in Al Qusais.

Date: Tuesday, October 22
Location: Sheikh Rashid Stadium, Al Qusais
Tickets: Dhs5,000 (VVIP tickets only) available at platinumlist.net

 

Dubai’s Skyline to Feature Unique ‘One-Apartment-Wide’ Skyscraper: The Muraba Veil

Dubai is set to unveil yet another striking piece of architecture with the announcement of the “unusually narrow” Muraba Veil skyscraper. Developed by Dubai property firm Muraba and designed by the Spanish architecture firm RCR Arquitectes, the tower will soar to 73 storeys and reach a height of 380 meters.

What makes this skyscraper particularly eye-catching is its slender width of just 22.5 meters, equivalent to the size of a single apartment. The Muraba Veil will house 131 exclusive residences, offering a range from two-bedroom to five-bedroom units, along with an array of amenities including a wellness spa, restaurant, gallery, padel court, and a private cinema.

Prices for these luxurious flats will start at Dhs18 million. In their statement regarding the building, designers noted that it will rise elegantly above the dunes of Dubai, creating a striking visual contrast amidst the city’s architectural landscape.

Described as “awe-inspiring yet understated,” the Muraba Veil will present a breathtaking spectacle, enhancing Dubai’s already vibrant skyline. The building features a “Veil” crafted from bespoke stainless steel mesh, which is porous and responsive, allowing it to reflect the varying shades of the sky while diminishing the structure’s visual impact.

The design emphasizes a narrow profile achieved through cutting-edge engineering, drawing inspiration from centuries-old domestic architecture that prioritizes human needs for refuge, privacy, and a connection to nature. The interiors will reflect traditional Arabian aesthetics, incorporating shade and greenery that leads to an inner courtyard.

Each of the 131 residences will occupy the entire width of the building, ensuring deep, spacious rooms that provide protection from external heat and ample relaxation space. The skyscraper will be strategically located along Sheikh Zayed Road, offering stunning views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

While no completion date has been announced yet, Muraba and RCR Arquitectes are committed to taking their time to ensure the project meets their high standards. Rafael Aranda, Founder of RCR Arquitectes, emphasized the importance of designing buildings that resonate with the local culture and environment, stating, “We are passionate about ensuring our buildings are responsive to the place, that they belong to the site and the native landscape where they are situated.”

You can now pay RTA Fines in Installments

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the pilot launch of the Tabby payment facilitator service in collaboration with Dubai Government’s Finance Department. This new service enables customers to pay their electronic transaction fees in 4-month installments through smart kiosks.

Customers can utilize this service to pay traffic fines, as well as vehicle registration and driving license renewal fees, in manageable installments. The RTA has deployed smart kiosks at over 21 locations, including the RTA’s main building, customer happiness centers, service provider centers, and various sites throughout Dubai.

In related news, Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouie, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, has issued a warning about the dangers of stopping suddenly in the middle of the road. Under federal traffic law, such an action incurs a fine of Dhs1,000 and six black points.

Al Mazrouie cautioned that stopping in the middle of the road due to vehicle malfunctions, running out of fuel, or having a flat tire poses significant risks. He stressed the importance of ensuring that vehicles are in good condition before setting out.

He pointed out that stopping in the road is one of the most perilous violations, often leading to serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities. A single incident of this nature can result in numerous casualties.

In the event of a breakdown, Al Mazrouie advised drivers to contact the police so necessary measures can be taken, such as securing the vehicle with police patrols to protect passengers and other road users.

He explained that fining motorists for unjustified stops aims to discourage such behavior and encourage quick movement off the road to prevent further accidents. He also urged drivers to use hazard warning lights when slowing down, changing direction, or alerting other drivers to emergencies, thus reducing the likelihood of mishaps.

Dubai’s Population Expected to Reach 4 Million by 2026, Driven by Expat Inflows and Economic Growth

According to global ratings agency S&P, Dubai’s population is projected to reach 4 million by 2026, fueled by a robust influx of expatriate professionals seeking better job opportunities and investors looking to benefit from high returns in the emirate’s expanding economy.

S&P estimates the emirate’s GDP per capita to be approximately $38,000 (Dh139,460) in 2024. As of the end of 2023, the resident population—excluding those commuting from other parts of the UAE—stood at 3.7 million. The agency’s analysts predict that this figure will reach 4.0 million by 2026, primarily due to strong expatriate inflows.

As a regional hub for finance, tourism, and trade, Dubai has attracted significant investment across various sectors over recent years, which has bolstered GDP growth and created numerous job opportunities. This growth has also drawn many millionaires from around the globe to the city.

Since the start of 2024, Dubai’s population has increased by over 134,000, reaching 3.789 million as of October 16. Since January 2021, the city has seen an increase of more than 378,000 residents, mainly attributed to the influx of foreign professionals, workers, and investors.

Dubai, along with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, is expected to experience a surge of over 150 percent in the migration of centi-millionaires between 2024 and 2040. Ranked 15th among the top 50 cities globally, Dubai is currently home to 212 centi-millionaires and 72,500 millionaires, according to Henley and Partners.

In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 announced last year, the emirate aims to double its economy over the next decade, increasing foreign trade to Dh25.6 trillion and creating thousands of new job opportunities.

S&P analysts project that real GDP growth will remain around 3 percent on average from 2024 to 2027, following a growth rate of 3.3 percent in 2023. The services sector—including real estate, hospitality, and financial services—is expected to drive Dubai’s growth, bolstered by nationwide social and economic reforms. Business-friendly regulations, a streamlined visa regime, and the success of long-term residency visas will further encourage new business ventures in Dubai.

Dubai Airport to Implement AI-Driven Facial Recognition for Seamless Travel Experience

Dubai Airport is set to replace all physical passport control stations and smart gates with facial-recognition cameras powered by artificial intelligence, allowing travelers to be continuously scanned and verified as they navigate through the terminal.

According to a senior government official, there will be no need for passengers to stop and present documents from the moment they enter the airport until they board their flights. “The concept of gates and passport corridors will be eliminated,” he stated.

This comprehensive system will confirm travelers’ biometric data, identify them, and officially record their arrival or departure during the passport control process. Khaled bin Madia Al Falasi, Deputy Assistant Director for Smart Services at Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, emphasized, “We have all the travelers’ data; we have all the citizens’ and residents’ data.”

The system will collect biometric prints as passengers pass through the airport, get off the plane, retrieve their luggage, and head to their vehicles—effectively removing the sensation of encountering border control.

The advanced Travel Without Borders program, which will be implemented in collaboration with airlines and other partners, is expected to launch “very soon” at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central, according to Al Falasi.

Initially, the network of facial-recognition cameras will cater to first-class and business-class passengers, providing them with a “seamless” travel experience through departure and arrival halls, with plans to extend the system to all travelers.

First-time visitors to Dubai airports will need to complete an app-based “pre-registration process” prior to arrival. Al Falasi explained, “We will perform a match the first time upon entry, and then they can utilize the Travel Without Borders system.”

Etihad Rail Promises 57-Minute Travel Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai: A New Era of High-Speed Rail in the UAE

Etihad Rail has unveiled an exciting new travel experience, announcing that the journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take just 57 minutes at a speed of 200 km/h, significantly cutting the typical two-hour travel time. This high-speed rail service will also connect the capital to other emirates, with trips from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais taking 70 minutes and to Fujairah taking 105 minutes.

The ambitious rail network is set to cover 11 cities across the UAE, including Al Sila, Fujairah, Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Dubai. So far, two passenger station locations have been disclosed: one in Sakamkam, Fujairah, and another in Sharjah, University City.

Although a specific launch date remains unconfirmed, authorities expect the service to cater to approximately 36.5 million passengers each year once operational. UAE residents got a sneak peek of the sleek passenger trains during a recent journey between Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhannah region, showcasing the modern amenities of the train.

The new trains will feature luxurious interiors, comfortable seating arrangements in a 2+2 format, and electric doors separating compartments. Each section will include TV screens displaying travel information, enhancing the passenger experience.

The Dh50 billion UAE Railways Programme, initiated in December 2021, is the country’s largest integrated transport system for both goods and passengers. The initiative, which supports over 9,000 jobs by 2030, includes key projects such as Freight Rail, Rail Passenger Services, and Integrated Transportation Services.

With much of the railway infrastructure already completed, freight services began operating in 2023. The latest freight fleet, equipped with 38 locomotives, has an annual capacity of 60 million tons of goods.

Etihad Rail has recently rebranded, revealing a new logo inspired by the eye of a falcon, representing agility, speed, and determination in achieving its goals. This reflects the rail network’s commitment to setting itself apart through elegance and a forward-thinking vision for the future.

 

 

Hunter’s Supermoon: The Brightest Full Moon of the Year to Illuminate UAE Skies

The biggest and brightest full moon of the year, known as the Hunter’s Moon, will be visible from the UAE on Thursday. This supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual, according to NASA.

The Moon travels in an elliptical, or oval-shaped, orbit around Earth, causing its distance to change throughout the month.

Khadijah Ahmed, operations manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, explained, “The Moon looks bigger when it’s near the horizon due to the ‘moon illusion.’ While the Moon’s actual size doesn’t change, our brains perceive it as larger next to objects like trees or buildings.”

When and Where to See the Hunter’s Moon

The best time to catch a glimpse of the supermoon in the Emirates is after moonrise, around 6 PM. Ms. Ahmed suggests visiting beaches and open areas for optimal viewing.

The Dubai Astronomy Group will host a special event at the University of Dubai from 7 PM to 9 PM, where stargazers can observe the supermoon through telescopes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend a lecture about the supermoon, covering its science and visual effects. Tickets are priced between Dh40 and Dh80.

If you miss the Hunter’s Moon, don’t worry—there’s one more chance to see a supermoon this year on November 15, which will coincide with the Leonid meteor shower, another exciting event for stargazers.