The scale and ambition of the UAE's mega railway project has been revealed in a new video.
Footage posted to social media by Etihad Rail shows construction well under way on the 145 kilometre link between Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah port.
The work shows crews carving a path through the mighty Hajar Mountains before laying down the tracks.
Workers will dig at least 15 tunnels through the Hajar Mountains and build 35 bridges designed for heavy cargo loads.
The video also shows an impression of Etihad Rail trains on their way to the east coast.
No firm completion date for the UAE-wide network has been given but when fully complete, Etihad Rail will stretch for about 1,000 kilometres from Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast.
It will connect Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Port and Mussaffah with Jebel Ali port in Dubai and the Port of Fujairah.
Etihad Rail earlier this year said the second stage of the railway is "moving forward rapidly", with contracts awarded for construction, civil works and freight facility centres.
Stage one - linking the gas fields at Shah and Habshan to the port of Ruwais - is already in operation.
Etihad Rail was created in 2009 and it is hoped the railway will eventually form part of a wider GCC network.
Freight is the focus but Etihad Rail's original mandate also specified a passenger element.
Chinese construction firms are heavily involved in work.
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UAE megaprojects - in pictures
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Dubai Creek Harbour: This perfectly fits the term 'mega-project', as it's almost twice the size of Downtown Dubai. Its flagship district is Creek island Dubai and will be home to 33,000 residents. The centrepiece however is The Tower, which is slated to be even taller than Burj Khalifa to become the world's tallest. Renderings courtesy Emaar -

Dubai Creek Harbour under construction. Dubai Media Office -

Burj Jumeirah: This one really is something special. The oval shaped tower will stretch to 550m once completed in the heart of Dubai. The defining feature is the fingerprint of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, which will adorn the base. -

The project is being developed by Dubai Holding and will include homes, office space and hotels. The first phase is due to be completed by 2023. Wam -

Sahel Al Emarat: The Emirates' very own Riviera was announced by developer Imkan last year. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Ghantoot nature reserve, close to the Dubai border, the first phase will feature 293 small, “ranch-like”, villas and is scheduled to be completed by 2021. The idea is for it to be a coastal retreat like The Hamptons in New York. Courtesy Maram El Hendy -

Dubai Harbour: This Meraas development, located beside Palm Jumeirah, will have a lighthouse, shops, restaurants, cafés, luxury residences and hotels. Meraas chairman Abdulla Al Habbai said it will build on Dubai's historic seafaring traditions. Pawan Singh / The National -

The marina will have 1,100 berths, including 180 for superyachts, plus an exclusive yacht club and a helipad. -

Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi is currently undeveloped, but a huge Dh5 billion project will see the construction of six villages and homes for up to 6,000 residents. The first parts of the development will be handed over by the first quarter of 2021 and the whole development finished by 2022. Pawan Singh / The National -

The World Islands: 300 luxurious islands modelled on the globe was conceived back in 2003 and was constructed by 2008 by Nakheel. Apart from the Lebanon island, little progress was made - but that appears to be changing. EPA -

In August 2018 developer Kleindienst Group announced the first country in its Heart of Europe project was ready to open a residence. The Sweden Beach Palace was priced at Dh100m and is joined by nine more palaces. Chris Whiteoak / The National -

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat Island is already home to the fantastic Louvre and there's plans for plenty more in the cultural quarter. Saif Ghobash, undersecretary at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, recently confirmed that major projects such as the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum were still in progress. Courtesy Guggenheim -

Dubai Arena: Considered a game-changer for the UAE music scene it allowed music acts to come to the Emirates during the summer and perform indoors in the 17,000-seat air-conditioned stadium. Built by Dubai-based developer Meraas, it is located in the City Walk district. Courtesy Dubai Media Office / Meraas -

Museum of the Future in Dubai: This could be the place to give technophobes a nudge. It will feature a research centre with labs and classrooms, as well as a space for visitors to experience coming technology. Visitors will use wearable devices for interactive experiences. Courtesy Wam -

The Dh500m museum was originally scheduled to open in 2017 but was later postponed until 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National -

Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi: Construction of the $25 billion plant began in 2011. It connected to the UAE power grid for the first time in 2020. Arun Girija / AFP -

Etihad Rail: Created in 2009, the first phase was operational by 2016 and carried sulphur, a by-product of the oil refineries at Habshan in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, to the port at Ruwais for export. After a delay to phase two, it was confirmed late in 2018 that the network would be extended, stretching from the border of Saudi Arabia to Fujairah. Wam -

Stage two, when complete, will run for 605 kilometres from Ghuweifat to the Port of Fujairah and will take in Mussaffah in Abu Dhabi's industrial area and Jebel Ali and Khalifa ports. A contract for the first phase of stage two - Ruwais to Ghuweifat - was awarded in March. Courtesy Etihad Rail -

Hyperloop: Dubai to Abu Dhabi in less than 15 minutes? Yes please. Pictured is a station planned for Abu Dhabi by Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. What was once considered just part of sci-fi is now close to becoming a reality with the high-speed mode of transport which sees passengers propelled via a pod in a tube. -

Both Hyperloop TT and Virgin Hyperloop One are each planning to unveil versions of the technology in the UAE in time for Expo 2020. The proposed route would take in Al Ghadeer on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border which would be a boon for the growing community there. Roy Cooper / The National -

Yas Island: It's all systems go on the island known for its entertainment destinations. Master developer Miral has Dh6.2bn worth of projects under construction including the 18,000-seat indoor Yas Bay Arena. Pictured is the West Yas housing development. Hamad Al Mansouri for Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi -

Yas South will have a new pier, the arena and waterfront promenade with residential complexes and restaurants. It will also be the new home of media and entertainment free zone twofour54. There's plans to open a SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in 2022. -

Midfield Terminal: Commuters heading between Dubai and Abu Dhabi will have witnessed progress of the huge new development at Abu Dhabi International Airport during the past few years. It has been in the phase of testing. Pawan Singh / The National -

Midfield Terminal will span 742,000 square metres, and will have a capacity of 45 million passengers a year when completed. Courtesy KPF -

Dubai Metro: The red line is being extended by 15km to serve millions of visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai. It will run from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station and 80 per cent of the rail track is currently complete. Courtesy RTA -

Expo 2020 site: It was the date in everyone's diary - October 20, 2020, but has now shifted to 2021 amid the pandemic. It will be the first time the world fair has been hosted in the Middle East and it is shaping up to be an extraordinary occasion. The project is spread over more than 4 sq km in Dubai South and construction has been continuing apace since the UAE won staging rights in 2013. MOFAAIC -

Expo 2020 will feature 190 countries and is expected to attract more than 25 million visitors during its six-month run. Eighty per cent of the Expo-built structures on site will be retained as part of District 2020, an integrated community that will be a new destination in Dubai. -

Reem Island: The skyline on this popular location for expatriate dwellers in the capital continues to evolve. Aside from the new residential towers, it now has a Burjeel hospital and its first Adnoc petrol station. Victor Besa / The National -

One of the main developments on the island is Reem Mall. When completed it will feature 450 stores and various family entertainment attractions including Snow Park Abu Dhabi. As many as 14 tower cranes have been on site alongside 4,000 workers ahead of its scheduled 2020 completion date. Courtesy Al Farwaniya Property Developments
Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
While you're here
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Tips for entertaining with ease
· Set the table the night before. It’s a small job but it will make you feel more organised once done.
· As the host, your mood sets the tone. If people arrive to find you red-faced and harried, they’re not going to relax until you do. Take a deep breath and try to exude calm energy.
· Guests tend to turn up thirsty. Fill a big jug with iced water and lemon or lime slices and encourage people to help themselves.
· Have some background music on to help create a bit of ambience and fill any initial lulls in conversations.
· The meal certainly doesn’t need to be ready the moment your guests step through the door, but if there’s a nibble or two that can be passed around it will ward off hunger pangs and buy you a bit more time in the kitchen.
· You absolutely don’t have to make every element of the brunch from scratch. Take inspiration from our ideas for ready-made extras and by all means pick up a store-bought dessert.
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Tomorrow 2021
Transgender report
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500
School uniforms report
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Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Museum of the Future in numbers
- 78 metres is the height of the museum
- 30,000 square metres is its total area
- 17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
- 14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
- 1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior
- 7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
- 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
- 100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
- Dh145 is the price of a ticket
RIDE%20ON
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Grubtech
Founders: Mohamed Al Fayed and Mohammed Hammedi
Launched: October 2019
Employees: 50
Financing stage: Seed round (raised $2 million)
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.







