News

Instagram Adds New Digital Message Board Feature For Creators

The addition is known as Broadcast Channels and will function as a one-way messaging tool.

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2023

Nour Nasir

Instagram

Yesterday, Instagram users received an unusual notification from Mark Zuckerberg himself. The random invitation from the head of Meta heralded the arrival of a new feature, urging users to “join their broadcast channel: Meta Channel.”

The new addition, known as Broadcast Channels, is a “public, one-to-many messaging tool for creators to engage with their followers directly.”

instagram broadcast channels

In essence, Instagram creators can message all their followers simultaneously in the form of a one-way group chat. Followers can react to broadcasts and participate in polls but can’t write back directly. Finally, Broadcast Channels can be muted at any time or notifications turned off entirely.

Meta is currently testing the new feature on 14 celebrity and influencer accounts, including Olympian Chloe Kim, skier Mikaela Shiffrin, and gamers Valkyrae and FaZe Rug. The Zuckerberg-led company will also be bringing the tool to both Messenger and Facebook over the coming months, as well as adding extra features such as question prompts.

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.