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Etihad Rail Plans 30 Minute Dubai To Abu Dhabi Train Link

The groundbreaking 350 km/h high-speed service will seamlessly connect the two Emirates while stopping at key tourist destinations.

Published

2 years ago

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etihad rail plans 30 minute dubai to abu dhabi train link
Dubai Media Office

A new high-speed rail project connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi is in the works, according to an announcement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Led by Etihad Rail, the planned line will allow passengers to travel between the two Emirates in just 30 minutes, reaching speeds exceeding 350 km/h.

The project was officially unveiled in the presence of prominent UAE leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office revealed that the rail project is expected to inject over AED 145 billion into the UAE’s GDP while linking strategic destinations and tourist attractions. Beyond economic growth, the initiative is aligned with the country’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, as the high-speed trains will offer a more environmentally sustainable travel option for people who would otherwise have chosen to fly.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled praised the development, emphasizing its far-reaching impact. “The project unlocks new horizons for comprehensive development by advancing national transportation and infrastructure and ensuring a sustainable future for current and future generations,” he said.

Also Read: “AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

In addition to Etihad Rail’s high-speed rail system, UAE leaders also reviewed plans for the country’s first passenger train network. These passenger trains will reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and serve four initial stations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Each station will include business-class lounges, modern amenities, and connections to local transit systems, ensuring a smooth and convenient travel experience for commuters.

The visionary projects not only strengthen the UAE’s transportation infrastructure but also reflect the nation’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, making inter-Emirate travel faster and more accessible than ever.

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Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

5 days ago

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August 1, 2026

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syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

Also Read: This UAE Platform Wants To Replace Fashion Photo Shoots With AI

The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.

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