Latest: Dubai advertises contracts to extend metro lines by more than 20km
On September 9, 2009, the first Dubai Metro trains rolled down the tracks from Nakheel Harbour and Tower station on their way to Rashidiya.
It was the Arabian Peninsula's first urban train network and, delivered during a global recession, was a statement of intent from Dubai.
Construction started in 2006 and the trains were being put through their paces in a series of test runs only two years later.
In the older photograph from 2008, we can see construction of the Red Line – by then, at a well-advanced stage – adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road.
Taken close to the entrance of Emirates Golf Club, the distinctive concrete viaducts that support the trains are in place. A year after this photograph was taken, the Red Line was operational.
When The National’s Chris Whiteoak returned to shoot the same scene again last year, further construction had left the entrance to the golf club obscured while scores of new tower blocks could be seen in the background.
Thirteen years on from that first train, the Metro’s driverless carriages have transformed public transport while its stations and concrete viaducts have become part of the urban fabric of the city.
The Metro has also extended the Red line to allow direct access to the Expo 2020 Dubai site.
And there are potential plans to expand the lines by more than 20km.
On its 10-year anniversary in 2019, the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority said the Metro served “about 650,000 commuters daily”.
It has become an indispensable part of life for residents and tourists. And ticket prices start at Dh3, ensuring it remains accessible for all.
A version of this article first appeared in November 2021.
Europe's top EV producers
- Norway (63% of cars registered in 2021)
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- Germany (14%)
- Denmark (13%)
- Switzerland (13%)
- United Kingdom (12%)
- Luxembourg (10%)
Source: VCOe
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First Test, Dubai International Stadium
Sun Oct 6 to Thu Oct 11
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- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
