News

Xbox Will Retire Games With Gold On September 14

Existing subscribers will get a handful of free titles, but new monthly additions are disappearing.

Published

2 years ago

July 18, 2023

Nour Nasir

xbox will retire games with gold on september 14

Microsoft

Xbox parent company Microsoft has revealed that Xbox Live Gold will be replaced with a Game Pass Core tier on September 14, 2023. As before, the $60 per year (or $10 per month) subscription will be necessary to play most online multiplayer games, but how Xbox handles free game downloads will change.

The steady flow of unique titles will be replaced by a base collection of over 25 games, with new additions limited to bi or tri-annual additions. Most titles will come from Microsoft’s catalog, including franchises such as Doom, Forza Horizon, and Halo 5. Third-party content will be far more limited, though titles such as Among Us and Human Fall Flat are known to be included.

Existing Xbox Live Gold members will automatically switch to Game Pass Core when the old service ends on September 1st. However, subscribers can still access any Xbox One games claimed if they’re either a Core or Ultimate member. Redeemed Xbox 360 games will be yours to keep forever, even if your subscription lapses.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East

The change might be disappointing for players used to Games with Gold’s more frequent catalog refreshes. While you do get some hits, Microsoft is obviously trying to steer gamers towards an Ultimate subscription, where a much larger selection of titles can be found, including cloud gaming and an EA Play membership.

Microsoft stopped offering year-long subscriptions back in 2020 and ditched Xbox 360 games in 2022. The company announced plans to raise Gold prices in 2021 before quickly reversing its decision.

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.