Jebel Ali beach to be the longest public beach in Dubai

Jebel Ali Beach is set to the best longest public open beach in Dubai.

Plans for the Jebel Ali Beach development project have been approved, and at 6.6 kilometres long, the beach will include facilities for swimming, diving, offer walkways with viewing platforms, play zones for kids and a mangrove ecosystem.

What’s more, the recently revealed plans include details on Jebel Ali Beach’s turtle rehabilitation programmes, allowing visitors to enjoy watching turtles in their natural habitat.

The plans, confirmed on Sunday July 7, reveal Jebel Ali Beach will cover an area of 330 hectares, which will see 5 kilometres of sandy beach to be developed by Nakheel and a 1.6 kilometre mangrove beach to be developed by Dubai Municipality.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, [Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai] we are committed to developing the infrastructure and services needed to offer diverse urban experiences for citizens, residents, and visitors.

“Our focus is on creating spaces rich in beaches, open areas, and recreational greens. The ultimate goal is to enhance the well-being of the city’s people, create a healthy environment for all and make Dubai the world’s best place to live in.”

His Highness added: “The Jebel Ali Beach Development Project is part of a broader master plan to develop public beaches in the emirate aimed at increasing the total length of beaches by 400%.”

The longer term aim is to add new public beaches to our city, enhance our current favourite beachy spots and to kit each one out with even more things to do.

Global Village to reopen in Early October

 
Global Village UAE concluded its operations in early May 2024 as the summer season approached, marking a temporary closure. However, fans of this premier multicultural family destination can look forward to its grand reopening in October 2024.
 

 

Last year, Global Village UAE welcomed visitors earlier than usual, starting from October 18. While official dates for this year’s reopening are yet to be announced, What’s On is diligently monitoring updates for any announcements.

Spanning approximately six months each season, Global Village offers ample time to experience everything on your ‘GV bucket list’. The park consistently draws millions of visitors, both residents and tourists, who flock to enjoy its vibrant atmosphere, diverse shows, enticing food stalls, and distinctive shopping experiences. The park achieved a milestone in the previous season by hosting a record-breaking 10 million visitors.

Global Village UAE is known for unveiling new attractions every season, ensuring there’s always something fresh for returning guests to explore. While details for the upcoming season are still forthcoming, the park’s commitment to refreshing its offerings promises new delights for visitors.

Beyond new attractions, Global Village’s appeal lies in its array of country pavilions, each showcasing cultural treasures through shopping, dining, and performances. From international pavilions featuring clothing, accessories, perfumes, and souvenirs to culinary delights from around the world, there’s something to please every palate and interest.

Food enthusiasts can explore Happiness Street, Railway Market, the Floating Market, and the Road to Asia, offering delicacies from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, and more.

For thrill-seekers, Global Village boasts attractions like the House of Fear, touted as the region’s scariest haunted house, and a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! exhibit. Families can enjoy carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel, along with games and other exciting activities.

Recent additions such as a mini-golf course and Mini World, featuring miniature replicas of iconic global landmarks, enhance the park’s appeal. Entertainment is plentiful, with main stage performances, the Cyber City Stunt Show featuring flying bikes and LED-covered police cars, and lively roaming acts.

As anticipation builds for the new season, Global Village UAE promises another season of unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned for updates on what’s in store for visitors this year!

 

Carrefour to abandon Plastic Bag use

 
Carrefour, a prominent supermarket chain in Dubai, is taking a significant step towards sustainability this July by going plastic-free every Wednesday. Starting July 3rd, Carrefour will eliminate all plastic bags from its stores as part of its commitment to celebrate ‘Plastic Free July’.
 

This initiative aims to encourage shoppers to adopt more eco-friendly habits, promoting the use of reusable Juco bags.

To facilitate this transition, Carrefour is offering a 33% discount on their durable Juco bags throughout the month. Customers who bring their own bags or purchase reusable ones will also earn a bonus of 5 SHARE points. Additionally, shoppers spending over AED 40 in the fruits and vegetables section will receive complimentary bags, ensuring convenience without compromising sustainability.

This initiative aligns with Carrefour’s broader strategy to support the UAE’s sustainability goals, particularly following Dubai’s ban on single-use plastic bags introduced last June. The supermarket chain has already achieved a commendable 70% reduction in plastic usage, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Samar Elmnhrawy, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, emphasized Carrefour’s responsibility as a trusted retailer to minimize plastic consumption. With a daily influx of over 80,000 customers across its stores, Carrefour views this initiative as a pivotal opportunity to positively impact the planet and promote sustainable lifestyles for future generations.

In addition to focusing on Wednesdays, Carrefour will mark International Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3rd, further underscoring its commitment to raising awareness and fostering positive change towards a plastic-free future. These efforts are part of Carrefour’s broader environmental initiatives, which include collaborations with recycling partners like BEEAH and Sparklo. Together, they have collected over 185 tonnes of recyclable materials, preventing more than 1,140 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

As July unfolds, Carrefour invites everyone to join their movement towards a plastic-free planet by embracing reusable bags and supporting sustainable practices. This initiative not only enhances shopping experiences but also contributes significantly to environmental preservation and community well-being.

 

Dubai Road Naming Committee introduces new way to name areas in the Emirate

Dubai’s approach to road naming has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of a new methodology aimed at creating distinctive identities for its thoroughfares. Spearheaded by HE Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Chairman of the Dubai Road Naming Committee, this initiative marks a pivotal moment in aligning Dubai’s infrastructure with its heritage and future aspirations.
 

The committee’s innovative strategy combines names with numbers to simplify navigation across the emirate, adhering to the directives of Executive Council Decision No. 35 of 2021. This decision underscores Dubai’s commitment to excellence, positioning the city as a global benchmark for urban planning.

In its inaugural phase, the initiative focused on the Al Khawaneej 2 area, where streets were named after local flora such as Al Ghaf Street, linking the first and second Khawaneej areas. Other streets received names like Al Sidr, Basil, Al Faggy, Al Samr, and Al Sharish, reflecting Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and natural landscape.

Beyond enhancing navigational efficiency, these new names play a pivotal role in urban development, influencing land use and future projects within each sector and region. Road signs will incorporate distinctive characters associated with each name, facilitating easy identification and navigation for residents and visitors alike.

Moreover, the committee aims to foster community engagement by inviting residents to propose names that resonate with the natural features or predominant activities of their respective areas. This participatory approach ensures that local voices are heard and reflected in the city’s evolving urban fabric.

Established under the auspices of Executive Council Decision No. 35 of 2021, the Dubai Road Naming Committee comprises representatives from Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, along with specialized experts from across Dubai. Together, they oversee the naming process, review previous designations, and ensure that each road name contributes meaningfully to Dubai’s urban landscape and cultural identity.

As the initiative progresses, the committee plans to expand its public engagement efforts, inviting further input from residents to enrich Dubai’s road naming tradition. This collaborative approach not only strengthens community ties but also reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a forward-thinking city committed to innovation and inclusivity in urban development.

 

Islamic New Year – July 7th Holiday for Private Sector

 It was announced on Tuesday that July 7 will be a paid holiday for private sector employees in the UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) declared this holiday, which falls on a Sunday, in celebration of Hijri New Year. On the Islamic calendar, this corresponds to Muharram 1, marking the beginning of the new Hijri year 1446 AH.

 

 

Other countries, such as Oman, have also declared a holiday for the Hijri New Year on July 7 for both public and private sector employees, resulting in a long weekend for government workers and private sector companies that follow a five-day work week.

In the UAE, residents have a few more holidays before the year’s end, including one for the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday and another for National Day, which will also provide a long weekend and mark the year’s last official holiday.

According to the 2024 holiday list announced by the UAE Cabinet, these public holidays are in addition to the 30 annual leave days that employees are entitled to each year.

 

Dubai Al Maktoum Airport set to be world’s largest

 

Dubai, renowned for its futuristic and innovative approach, has recently started a groundbreaking airport project aimed at creating the world’s largest capacity airport upon its completion, as per the recent announcement made by its ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The government has approved the designs for the new passenger terminals at the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport. With a bold vision to establish a complete city around the airport in Dubai South, Sheikh Mohammed envisions it as not just an airport but as the “world’s airport, its port, its urban hub, and a new global centre.”

 

The Al Maktoum International Airport project, costing approximately AED 128 billion, is a strategic initiative of the Dubai Aviation Corporation.

 
The new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport is set to be five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport, accommodating up to 260 million passengers annually. Over the next decade, all operations at Dubai International will gradually shift to the new airport, which will feature five parallel runways and 400 terminal or aircraft gates. Utilizing cutting-edge aviation technologies, it will host leading global companies in the logistics and air transport sectors. The project includes building an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, providing housing for a million people. Once completed, it will be the new home for Emirates, Flydubai, and their airline partners. According to Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, this ambitious project aims to secure a sustainable and progressive future for generations to come.
 

The move “further solidifies Dubai’s position as a leading aviation hub on the world stage,” stated Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, as quoted by the Dubai Media Office.

 

 

 

O Beach Dubai opening date coming soon

 Exciting news for dance music enthusiasts! O Beach, renowned from Ibiza, is making its grand debut on the shores of Dubai Marina. O Beach Dubai promises to be an extraordinary beach club featuring world-renowned DJs, luxurious amenities, and stunning views perfect for Instagram.

Scheduled for a winter opening, this new beach club will bring the essence of Ibiza to Dubai. Spanning 55,000 square feet, the venue will offer both outdoor and indoor areas, complete with cabanas, VIP sections, sunbeds, and a 4,000-square-foot swimming pool. International DJs will provide top-notch entertainment.

 

The Iconic Ibiza Venue is set to make a splash with Dubai Residents

At O Beach Dubai, the restaurant will feature stunning 360-degree views encompassing the city skyline and beach, stretching from Ain Dubai to the Arabian Gulf. The menu will showcase culinary delights inspired by global cuisines, complemented by a shisha lounge.

Tony Truman, Co-Founder of O Beach Ibiza, expressed enthusiasm about the venture: “Bringing O Beach to Dubai is an incredibly thrilling endeavor for us. Our goal is to provide a distinctive and unparalleled day club experience, bringing the essence of Ibiza to this vibrant city. With a decade of experience in Ibiza perfecting the pool party scene, we look forward to welcoming everyone to experience O Beach Dubai.”

O Beach in Ibiza has established itself over more than a decade on Carrer des Molí, known for its extravagant pool parties. The restaurant is renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired and fusion cuisine. Exciting upcoming music nights include House in Paradise, KISSTORY, and Soul Heaven.

Initially slated to open at Palm West Beach, the venue has now shifted to a new location in JBR.

For beach club enthusiasts, get ready to soak up the sun and sand with FACT’s picks of the best beach clubs in Dubai. Remember your sunblock and sunglasses

 

 

 

The New Downtown of Sharjah Megaproject

Sharjah’s largest-ever project is set to accommodate a staggering 75,000 residents by 2028. Construction is already in full swing on Aljada, a monumental megaproject that promises to redefine the landscape of the emirate.

Spanning across 24 million square feet, Aljada will reshape Sharjah with a plethora of amenities, including hotels, schools, a shopping mall, a business district, an observation deck, and an entertainment complex designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, among other features.

 
 

Here is what we know

The futuristic development, strategically situated just seven minutes from Sharjah Airport and 20 minutes from Dubai Airport, is slated for completion by 2028. According to The National, this self-sustained city is anticipated to house an impressive 75,000 residents.

Dubbed as the “downtown of new Sharjah,” Aljada is an innovative urban project featuring over 250,000 square meters of green space and five kilometers of parks.Guests will have a selection of four hotels to choose from, including three under Emaar Hospitality: Vida Aljada, Rove Aljada, and Address Aljada.

Additional facilities will include a Bounce trampoline park, a wellness district, a convention centre, a tree-lined boulevard, Sharjah’s largest gym with an elevated running track around it, an observation deck, and a showpiece water feature.

Since construction started back in 2018, a number of residential towers and facilities within the Aljada community are already open to the public and residents. For example, visitors can check out the outdoor drive-in cinema, a skate park, gyms, shops, swimming pools, parks, a farmers market, cycle paths, and a food district.

For now, Aljada is accessible by car only but public buses are set to stop at Aljada in the future. We can’t wait to see this exciting new project develop.

Dubai Mall parking is no longer Free

Dubai Mall parking is now no longer free.

Starting Monday, July 1, 2024, the new paid parking system is officially in place.

Announced in December 2023, Dubai Mall has partnered with toll gate provider Salik to introduce charges for parking spaces.

 

The toll gate company’s technology is facilitating a barrier-free parking experience for mall customers.

This includes automatic fee collection for ticketless parking, utilizing vehicle plate recognition to deduct fees directly from Salik user accounts.

Additionally, details on Dubai Mall parking fees have now been disclosed.

 

The Breakdown

Dubai Mall parking remains free for the first four hours on Monday to Thursday, and for the first six hours from Friday to Sunday. Beyond these times, the following charges apply:

Weekdays (Monday to Thursday):

  • 4 – 5 hours: Dhs40
  • 5 – 6 hours: Dhs60
  • 6 – 7 hours: Dhs80
  • 8 – 12 hours: Dhs100
  • 12 – 24 hours: Dhs500
  • 24 hours and beyond: Dhs1,000

Weekends (Friday to Sunday):

  • 6 – 7 hours: Dhs80
  • 7 – 8 hours: Dhs100
  • 8 – 12 hours: Dhs200
  • 12 – 24 hours: Dhs500
  • 24 hours and beyond: Dhs1,000

These rates apply to Grand parking, Cinema parking, and Fashion parking areas. Zabeel and Fountain Views parking areas will continue to offer free parking for now.

People of determination, public service providers, and valet drop-offs are exempt from Dubai Mall parking charges.

Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO and board member of Salik, emphasized that the aim is to provide sustainable and smart mobility solutions in Dubai. He highlighted that Salik’s technology allows for a seamless customer experience without gates or barriers at Dubai Mall, contributing to reduced congestion and traffic. Future plans include expanding this initiative to other locations across the city.

Remote working at Dubai Metro

Dubai commuters now have a unique workspace option conveniently located within Burjuman Metro Station. Named WO-RK, this innovative workspace offers brightly colored, functional office spaces designed for professionals on the move.

Operated by The Co-Spaces in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai (RTA), WO-RK opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, June 25. This initiative aims to provide commuters with a productive environment right inside one of Dubai’s busiest metro stations.

For those looking to work on the go, WO-RK offers flexible pricing plans:

  • Day Pass: Dh35 per day
  • Part-Time Membership: Dh200 per month (allowing 30 hours of usage per month)
  • Full-Time Membership: Dh650 per month with unlimited hours

The workspace accommodates up to 100 people/seats and operates from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays. Additionally, amenities include a pantry with complimentary water and coffee, ensuring a comfortable and productive work experience for users.

Shahzad Bhatti, founder of The Co-Spaces, highlighted the convenience and affordability of WO-RK, stating, “We aim to provide a flexible workspace solution that meets the needs of Dubai’s dynamic professionals. With our current promotion and competitive rates, WO-RK is set to become a go-to destination for commuters seeking a productive work environment.”

WO-RK at Burjuman Metro Station represents a forward-thinking initiative by RTA and The Co-Spaces, catering to the evolving work habits of Dubai’s workforce. Whether for a quick day’s work or regular use, WO-RK offers a convenient solution for professionals looking to maximize their time while on the move in the city.