Tag Archives: sports
Dubai Tram to put leisure, business districts on the map
Dubai Tram to put leisure, business districts on the map Lily B. Libo-on / 2 March 2014 Accessibility and mobility within Dubai, particularly in the new leisure and business districts of the emirate, will be improved as the Dubai Tram becomes functional by November this year. Tram facilitates zero-emission and hassle-free travel around new communities. — KT file photo The tram spanning 10.6km from Dubai Marina to Al Sufouh, is expected to transport about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in the initial phase in 2014. The technical trial run concludes on November 10, and the ridership is expected to hit 66,000 per day by 2020. The world’s first tramway that uses Platform Screen Doors in passenger stations fully synchronised with the tram’s doors opening and shutting mechanism, the Dubai Tram started testing without passengers on January 26 at Zone 1. In an interview with Khaleej Times , Abdullah Yousif Al Ali, Acting CEO, Rail Agency and Transport Authority of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said a series of 11 stations will provide a faster and more reliable way to get around the new communities in the area with zero emission and hassle. He said that the trip to Downtown Dubai and major business hubs of Dubai will be more convenient and hassle-free by the new integrated multi-modal rail system of Dubai. “The Dubai Tram will be running mainly along al Sufouh Road to link the Knowledge Village and Dubai Marina,” he added. A series of 11 stations along the way will give passengers access to and from shopping malls, hotels, offices and residential developments. Dubai Tram will run in both directions simultaneously, departing at six minute intervals, seamlessly linking the Dubai Metro to leisure and business hubs in the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Village. “The Dubai Tram project complements the Dubai Metro Red Line, serving the city’s economic nerve-centre, the premium resorts and beaches that are at the heart of the city’s tourism trade, its prime residential areas and vibrant business centres,” Al Ali said. Dubai Tram is expected to transform the life of people within its catchment areas for the better. It will offer everyone a smooth, safe and spacious ride right in the heart of where it all happens. “Apart from its convenience and amazing features, the introduction of Dubai Tram will hugely benefit the community in creating a street culture of its own. It will also play an important role in paving the way for better commuting,” said Al Ali. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Four Asians arrested for posing as cops, kidnapping and robbery
Four Asians arrested for posing as cops, kidnapping and robbery Afkar Abdullah / 2 March 2014 The victim says the group of men who told him that they were police CID and kidnapped him when he was trying to get off his car with a case containing Dh100,000. The four suspects (supplied photo) Sharjah Police on Saturday arrested a gang comprising four Asians who posed as CID officers to kidnap a man and rob him of Dh100,000. The police CID official said that Sharjah Police, in cooperation with Dubai Police, managed to arrest the gang members — three Bangladeshis and a Pakistani — on charges of posing as CID officers, kidnapping and robbery of Dh100,000 that was in the possession of the victim. He explained that a Bangladeshi man lodged complaint at Al Gharb Police Station about a group of men who told him that they were police CID and kidnapped him when he was trying to get off his car with a case containing the amount. He said the suspects were wearing the Emirati national dress and one of them flashed a police identity card. They forced him to get in their car and them drove around in Sharjah City. They then drove to Dubai where he was asked to get off and hand over the case. The victim also told the police that two of the suspects assaulted him while he was in their car. Based on the information, the police formed a search team and found that one of the suspects was in Dubai. Sharjah CID officers, with the help of Dubai CID officers, identified the suspect Y.K.A. of Bangladeshi nationality. He confessed to the crime after being arrested and led the police to the other suspects — A.M.H. from Pakistan, and M.A.H. and M.A.A. from Bangladesh. Based on their confession the police referred them to public prosecution. afkarali@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Throwing light on history of Islam: The Clusters of Light
Throwing light on history of Islam: The Clusters of Light Staff Reporter / 27 February 2014 The Clusters of Light show to kick off celebration on Sharjah winning Islamic Culture Capital title Celebrating the selection of Sharjah as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab region 2014, the emirate is all set to host the world’s greatest oratorio about the story of Islam called ‘The Clusters of Light’. The show will be performed from March 26 to April 5 at the Dh120-million Open Majaz Island Theatre, marking the inauguration of the festivities on winning the title. Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Executive Committee Chairman for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations, said that five epical performances will dramatise the journey back to the times of darkness, struggle and challenges that led Muslim believers to the beginnings of Islam and tell the story of its great early accomplishments. “It will be a gift from Sharjah to the entire world that celebrates Islam and its history,” Shaikh Sultan said. “We are confident that the audience will witness a show so spectacular that it will remain in their memories forever.” He said that this ground-breaking performance is the culmination of the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to celebrate human values of Islam. ‘The Clusters of Light’ is a monumental artistic theatrical display through which the Emirate of Sharjah seeks to provide a true picture of Islam, and its human values that promote peace and love,” he added Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed announcing the programme. Termed as the largest theatrical and musical production ever to be made, the oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias. It was written by Saudi poet Dr Abdul Rahman Al Ashmawi, and composed by Bahraini artiste Khalid Al Sheikh. More than 200 performers from around the world will participate in this musical composition led by four Arab stars, Hussien Al Jasmi, Lotfi Bouchnak, Ali El Hajjar, and Mohammed Assaf. The oratorio will include a narration of the biography of Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, from his birth until his demise. A short film about the display’s production, which will include filming tours in several Arab and foreign countries, will also be shown. The Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations include more than 24 heritage, tourism, cultural, and construction projects, as well as more than 100 activities throughout the Emirate over the year. The Open Majaz Island Theatre, the first of its kind in the region, is the official venue for the celebrations. It is a semi-circular theatre, reminiscent of ancient Roman designs, covering an area of over 7,200 square metres. It can accommodate up to 4,500. A Dh13-million bridge between the man-made island and Khalid Lagoon Street serves as an easy access for visitors to the Open Majaz Island Theatre. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
