News

Visa Partnership Takes X Closer Toward Musk’s “Everything App” Vision

The real-time payment service will launch in the US later this year, as the platform evolves into a Western equivalent of China’s WeChat.

Published

4 months ago

January 29, 2025

Nour Nasir

visa partnership takes x closer towards musk's everything app vision

X is taking another step toward becoming an “everything app” by partnering with Visa to introduce a real-time payment service known as the X Money Account. The news marks a significant milestone in Elon Musk’s vision for the platform, which has been evolving since his $44 billion acquisition in 2022.

According to X CEO Linda Yaccarin, the new feature will enable users to make peer-to-peer payments via an in-platform digital wallet. The transactions will link to users’ debit cards, allowing them to send money to others or transfer funds to their bank accounts.

Visa confirmed the partnership in its own announcement, stating that X Money will leverage Visa Direct, the company’s instant transfer service. Initially, the feature will be available only in the US, with no details yet on whether it will expand internationally.

Yaccarino described the Visa deal as a “milestone for the Everything App” and hinted at more major announcements for X Money in the near future.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Musk’s ambition to create a super app has been well-documented. Even before acquiring Twitter, the billionaire frontman of SpaceX and Tesla had spoken about turning it into a Western equivalent of China’s WeChat — a single platform combining messaging, video, streaming, and payments.

However, entering the financial services space is a risky undertaking for X, putting it in direct competition with other tech heavyweights such as Apple, Google, and Meta.

Finally, as X moves forward with its payment service, it remains to be seen how the platform will navigate regulatory challenges and competition. Whether Musk’s long-standing dream of an “everything app” will materialize is still uncertain, but this partnership with Visa signals a determined step in that direction.

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.

Also Read: UGREEN Nexode Pro Review: Portable Yet Powerful Chargers

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.