News

Bahraini Artist Hala Al-Abbasi Creates Ramadan Stickers For Instagram

To celebrate Ramadan, Hala Al-Abbasi was approached by Instagram and asked to create a series of new stickers inspired by her favorite aspects of the holy month.

Published

4 years ago

April 21, 2021

Joanna Melki

Hala Al-Abbasi

For many artists, being approached by a major social media network to create a piece of art for all hundreds of millions of users to enjoy is a dream come true. For Bahraini artist Hala Al-Abbasi, it’s reality.

To celebrate Ramadan, Al-Abbasi was approached by Instagram and asked to create a series of new stickers inspired by her favorite aspects of the holy month. She chose to reflect on the moments people celebrating Ramadan share together, creating three unique stickers, each as dazzling as the next one.

“I am very grateful and so happy to be chosen by the Instagram team. I really loved and enjoyed working with them and am so proud to be the first in the region to work on the stickers and share them with the world,” Al-Abbasi said in an interview with Emirates Woman. “This amazing opportunity has a very special place in my heart, the love that I have put into my work has been everything to me to share and spread that with the people around the world.”

Also Read: 12 Arab Women Dominating Instagram In 2023

The collaboration between Hala Al-Abbasi and Instagram has proven successful as millions of users around the world have used her stickers in their stories.

The first of the three stickers shows a colorful mosque against a starry sky.

Instagram @Haluulie

The second one is a visual of a crescent and stars.

Instagram @Haluulie

The last one is an illustration of tea and dates.

Instagram @Haluulie

Using the three stickers is easy: simply open the Instagram Story tray and add your favorite Ramadan sticker.

“Hala hopes that her stickers will be used throughout Ramadan to mark moments of celebration, from greetings to special suhoors and iftars, all the way to celebrating Eid,” shared Instagram on its design account. Considering how well-received the stickers have been, we think it’s safe to say that Al-Abbasi’s wish will come true.

News

UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

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Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.