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Emirates News

UAE strongly condemns Houthi attack on power distribution station in Madinah
01.10.2026

UAE strongly condemns Houthi attack on power distribution station in Madinah

ABU DHABI, 1st October, 2026 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the Houthi drone attack on the Taiba power distribution station in Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that this attack constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and a threat to its security and stability.The Ministry reiterated the UAE's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures aimed at safeguarding its security and stability.

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Registration opens for landmark 10th edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge
01.10.2026

Registration opens for landmark 10th edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge

DUBAI, 1st October, 2026 (WAM) -- Registrations are now open for the 10th edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), which encourages residents and visitors across the city to commit to 30 minutes of daily exercise for 30 days. Running from 31 October to 29 November 2026, DFC aims to inspire one and all to discover a fitter self with its affable slogan 'What's Your 30x30?'. The initiative aims to build on the remarkable impact of its first nine editions as it celebrates a decade of making fitness goals more accessible across Dubai.Launched in 2017 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the initiative has attracted more than 16 million participants across its nine editions. What began with a simple commitment to 30 minutes of physical activity for 30 days has grown into a citywide initiative, making it easier for residents and visitors to incorporate fitness pursuits and wellbeing into their everyday lives.The evolution of the initiative can be seen across the wider DFC programme. The flagship event Dubai Run grew from 70,000 runners in 2019 to more than 307,000 in 2025, while Dubai Ride welcomed over 40,000 cyclists in 2025 - more than double its participation from the inaugural edition in 2020. DFC has also expanded to include three free Fitness Villages and over 23 Community Fitness Hubs across the city, in addition to the four flagship events.In 2026, DFC encourages everyone to find their own answer to 'What's Your 30x30?' and to bring others along on the journey. Whether it's a sunrise yoga session, a lunchtime walk, a community padel match or a new Fitness Village class, every shared moment of movement can inspire someone else to get active and discover their own 30x30. DFC's 10th edition will celebrate not only individual goals, but also the families, friends, colleagues and communities that help make them possible. It will honour the millions of individual 30x30s that have come together to create one citywide movement, celebrating how far it has come while building momentum for what comes next.For those ready to take on a bigger challenge and join DFC's mass-participation events, the 2026 edition will welcome back Dubai Ride presented by DP World on 1 November and Dubai Run on 22 November. Both events will once again offer participants the unique opportunity to experience Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai as vibrant community fitness venues. Dubai Stand-Up Paddle presented by RTA will take place at the stunning Hatta Dam on 7 and 8 November, offering two days of activity on the water. Completing the four-event line-up, Dubai Yoga presented by MHERO will return for its second edition on 29 November, closing DFC's tenth edition with a mass yoga event. More details will be announced soon.Beyond the flagship events, for 30 days, three free Fitness Villages will offer participants more ways to complete their 30x30, with free classes, dedicated ladies' areas and facilities for activities including basketball, football, padel and volleyball. Additionally, over 23 Community Fitness Hubs and thousands of free classes and activities will extend the programme across Dubai, with the full calendar to be announced soon.Additionally, DFC will play host to several world-class international sporting events, reinforcing the city's position as a global hub for sport and wellness. Highlights include Emaar Dubai Premier Padel P1 (8-15 November), DP World Tour Championship (12-15 November), Dubai T100 Triathlon (13-15 November), Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by DP World (21-22 November), and the iconic Emirates Dubai 7s (27-29 November) all taking place during the month - showcasing Dubai's growing status as one of the world's premier sporting capitals.He Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council (DSC), said: "For a decade, Dubai Fitness Challenge has supported our ambition to make Dubai one of the healthiest, most active cities globally. The strength of the 30x30 concept lies in its simplicity, making physical activity accessible to people of all ages and abilities. This 10th edition, taking place during the UAE's Year of the Family, is especially significant, creating more opportunities for families and communities to move together, strengthen their connections and build healthy habits that can continue beyond the 30 days."Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), added: "Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Fitness Challenge has spent the past decade showing how a simple idea can inspire millions of people to move. As registrations open for our milestone 10th edition, we are inviting everyone across Dubai to discover 'What's Your 30x30?'. Whether taking part for the first time or returning for another year, there will be thousands of free opportunities to get active, connect with others and make movement part of everyday life."As we approach the milestone 10th year of DFC, our commitment remains strong: to nurture a city-wide culture of health, movement, and togetherness that creates a lasting legacy for future generations."Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 is organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council (DSC), with the support of Presenting Partners DP World, Dubai Municipality, MHERO - Al Ghurair, and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).The initiative is further strengthened by Association Partners including AWR Automotive, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Integrated Economic Zone, D43, e&, Emirates NBD, Fabletics, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Mai Dubai, Sun and Sand Sports, talabat, Whoop, Shamal - Kite Beach and Hatta Kayak; alongside Official Partners Amazon, Apparel Group, Emirates Airline, Skechers, Speedo and Wasl; Media Partner ARN; and Government Partners Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Ministry of Education, Events Security Committee, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai Police, and Government of Dubai.With registrations now open, residents and visitors can start planning their 30x30 and explore the many ways to get active throughout the month. Irrespective of whether they choose walking, running, riding, paddling or practising yoga, every 30 minutes counts.

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Strategic partnership between Etihad Rail, Q Mobility and Parkin to develop, operate smart vehicle parking solutions at passenger stations
01.10.2026

Strategic partnership between Etihad Rail, Q Mobility and Parkin to develop, operate smart vehicle parking solutions at passenger stations

ABU DHABI,1st October, 2026 (WAM) -- Etihad Rail, Q Mobility and Parkin PJSC have announced a strategic partnership to develop and operate smart parking solutions across Etihad Rail's passenger station network, designed to make station parking more seamless, convenient and efficient. The partnership aims to enhance passenger experience, and support the development of a smarter and more sustainable transport system in the UAE, through the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in managing infrastructure and services.The partnership provides a strategic framework for implementing smart parking management solutions across the Etihad Rail station network. The first phase will cover stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. Q Mobility will operate the vehicle parking facilities at the Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaid and Fujairah stations, while Parkin will operate the vehicle parking facilities at the Dubai station. The collaboration will contribute to a unified and seamless experience for passengers across the network's stations, and enhance the integration of the transport system and its services.Designed around passenger needs, the partners will work together to enhance access to stations and ensure a smoother parking experience, supporting seamless connections between car and train journeys and improving mobility options to and from stations.With unified parking management across Etihad Rail's station network, passengers will be able to benefit from secure, convenient digital payment options. By leveraging digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and data, the system will enhance operational efficiency, improve traffic flow, and optimise parking capacity. Azza Alsuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Rail, said: "Guided by the vision of the UAE's leadership to build a more connected and integrated transport ecosystem, we are focused on providing a seamless experience for passengers throughout their journey. Our partnership with Q Mobility and Parkin facilitates access to our stations through passenger-centric parking solutions and enhances mobility options to and from stations as our network expands. This partnership supports our ambition to offer passengers greater convenience, flexibility, and a wider range of choices for nationwide travel". Mohamed Husain Karmastaji, Chief Executive Officer of Q Mobility, said: "This partnership reflects our vision of developing smart mobility solutions powered by innovation, data and artificial intelligence, while supporting the UAE's transport infrastructure. We look forward to working with Etihad Rail and Parkin to develop an integrated parking management model across the station network, improve operational efficiency, enhance the user experience, and support sustainable and smart mobility". Mohamed Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Parkin, said: "Our partnership with Etihad Rail and Q Mobility marks a significant step in integrating smart parking services within the national transport network. By operating the parking facilities at Etihad Rail's Dubai station, we will deploy our digital solutions to simplify access and payment, enhance operational efficiency and deliver a seamless parking experience for rail passengers. We look forward to facilitating passenger access to rail services and contributing to a more interconnected and sustainable mobility ecosystem across the UAE". This partnership reaffirms Etihad Rail, Q Mobility and Parkin's commitment to delivering innovative mobility solutions for railway facility management and services that enhance connectivity, elevate the passenger experience, and support the UAE's vision of developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready transport ecosystem.

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Department of Municipalities and Transport to complete AED2.85bn phase one of Mid-Island Parkway megaproject in 2027
01.10.2026

Department of Municipalities and Transport to complete AED2.85bn phase one of Mid-Island Parkway megaproject in 2027

ABU DHABI, 1st October, 2026 (WAM) -- The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced that the AED2.85 billion first phase of the Mid-Island Parkway project is scheduled for completion in 2027, creating a new road connection between Saadiyat Island and the Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange.Showcased as one of the department's key projects at LIVEX 2026, the completed Phase One encompasses an eight-lane dual carriageway that connects the existing northern Saadiyat interchange on the E12 highway to the island's southern end and across to Umm Yifeenah Island. Once open, the connection is expected to reduce journey times to Reem Island or Abu Dhabi's main island from 25 minutes to 10 minutes.Features of the new development include two kilometres of reclaimed land shielded by 150,000 square metres of protective rock covering to prevent erosion. The project's remaining 1.5 kilometres comprise an underground channel, including an 11-metre-deep, 600-metre underwater segment beneath Khor Laffan. For its construction, engineers utilised precast concrete roof panels, manufactured off site to reduce construction time, as well as on-site labour and scaffolding.The latest works build upon the previously finished highway along Saadiyat Island, which established direct links to Saadiyat Lagoons, Saadiyat Marina District, and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), among other key destinations. Extending this connectivity, the new phase includes four kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, forming a continuous 12-kilometre path across Saadiyat Island and onto Umm Yifeenah Island. Sustainability measures were also implemented, including prioritising locally sourced and recycled materials, installing 23,000 linear metres of smart energy-saving lighting, as well as using native, drought-resistant landscaping supported by an efficient 14,000-linear-metre irrigation system.Eng. Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at DMT, said: "The Mid-Island Parkway project as a whole reflects the kind of infrastructure Abu Dhabi is building today, where every major development, from design to delivery, takes into account its impact on the emirate's liveability and people's lives, as well as the wider benefits it brings to vital sectors of the economy such as tourism, trade and logistics. As we turn our attention to Phase Two, we are confident that this once-in-a-generation megaproject will serve as a global benchmark for multi-surface land transportation networks as well as an invaluable case study for engineers worldwide."Phase Two extends the Mid-Island Parkway transport corridor across 14.5 kilometres, linking Umm Yifeenah Island through Bilrimaid and Samaliyah Islands to Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach, and Khalifa City.Featuring four lanes in each direction, the route is set to reduce travel times across the mid-island corridor to approximately seven minutes. It also includes dedicated walking and cycling tracks to encourage active travel along its entire length.In addition, the new phase incorporates marine bridges, elevated flyovers, and an advanced underwater road tunnel. This submerged crossing is designed to limit disturbance to surrounding mangroves, salt marshes, and coastal sabkha habitats, preserving vital marine environments while keeping natural water channels open.The wider Mid-Island Parkway is designed to enhance the emirate's transport links. Once fully operational, the initiative will reduce travel times between the capital's various districts, with journeys between its two farthest points, Saadiyat Island and Zayed City, estimated to take just under 15 minutes.Alongside the Mid-Island Parkway, the DMT showcased the planned coastal route connecting Al Hudayriyat Island to the E11 at Al Nouf. Spanning 37 kilometres with three lanes in each direction, this major project will feature one tunnel, seven kilometres of marine bridges, and four kilometres of causeways, linking Al Dhafra directly to Al Hudayriyat Island and Abu Dhabi Island, via Halat Al Bahrani, Al Futaisi, and Al Aryam Islands.Providing a direct coastal bypass around central city traffic, the expressway will accommodate commercial freight as well as everyday commuters, while incorporating animal crossing infrastructure and environmental protections around the Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area and Ramsar wetland.

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