Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated a new bridge connecting Jumeirah Street to Al Mina Street in the direction of the Infinity Bridge, a key infrastructure development under Phase 4 of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project.

The newly opened structure spans 985 metres, features two lanes, and is designed to handle up to 3,200 vehicles per hour, providing smoother traffic flow and improving connectivity in one of the city’s busiest corridors.

Major boost to Dubai’s road network

The bridge is part of a wider effort to enhance mobility and reduce congestion along the Al Shindagha Corridor, a vital artery that stretches 4.8 kilometres from the intersection of Sheikh Rashid Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to the Falcon Intersection on Al Mina Street.

In line with Dubai’s leadership directives, the RTA is focused on addressing the emirate’s growing urban and population needs through strategic infrastructure upgrades.

The launch of this bridge is expected to have an immediate positive impact, cutting travel time by 67 per cent — from 12 minutes to just four minutes — for vehicles travelling from Jumeirah Street towards Infinity Bridge via Al Mina Street.

Additional infrastructure underway

Phase 4 of the Al Shindagha Corridor Project includes five more bridges with a combined length of 3.1 kilometres, designed to accommodate a total capacity of 19,400 vehicles per hour.

The overall phase also involves 4.8 kilometres of roadworks and surface intersection improvements on key routes including Jumeirah Street, Al Mina Street, and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Street.

In addition to vehicular infrastructure, the project includes two pedestrian bridges — one on Sheikh Rashid Road and another on Al Mina Street — aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for non-motorised users.

Major completion expected

A further highlight of the Al Shindagha Corridor expansion is the upcoming completion of a 780-metre, three-lane bridge by Q2 2025.

This bridge will link Infinity Bridge to Al Wasl Street via Al Mina Street, with the capacity to support up to 4,800 vehicles per hour, significantly strengthening east-west traffic movement within central Dubai.

The Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project is among the largest infrastructure initiatives in the region. Upon full completion, the corridor is expected to transform traffic dynamics across the emirate, supporting continued urban growth and economic development.

Read: New Dhs786m bridge to boost Bur Dubai-Dubai Islands connectivity

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin the experimental operation of 50 autonomous vehicles in the coming months, paving the way for the official public launch of the service in 2026.

According to a WAM report, the RTA has partnered with Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go—a global leader in autonomous transport solutions—to roll out driverless taxis on a large scale across the emirate.

Read-Dubai speeds up autonomous taxi rollout plans with global tie-ups

The MoU was signed during a ceremony attended by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, and Halton Niu, General Manager of Overseas Business at Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group (IDG).

On behalf of the RTA, the MoU was signed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, while Liang Zhang, General Manager of Overseas Business, MENA, Baidu Intelligent Driving Group, signed on behalf of Baidu. Several representatives from both parties were also present.

Experimental operation

The trial phase will begin with 50 autonomous vehicles in the coming months, setting the stage for the public launch in 2026.

Under the MoU, Apollo Go will deploy the sixth—and latest—generation of its RT6 autonomous taxis, specifically designed for driverless mobility services.

These vehicles feature 40 sensors and detectors to ensure the highest standards of automation and safety. The RT6 model has already achieved significant success and received widespread acclaim from users in China.

The data collection and testing phase will start with 50 vehicles and gradually expand to 1,000 autonomous taxis over the next three years, based on established efficiency and service quality standards.

Apollo Go’s first international expansion

This initiative marks Apollo Go’s first international venture outside mainland China and Hong Kong in testing and operating autonomous vehicles.

To date, Apollo Go has logged over 150 million kilometres of safe driving, supporting large-scale driverless taxi services across multiple cities in China. The company has completed more than 10 million autonomous trips, making it the world’s largest operator of autonomous vehicle fleets.

Al Tayer expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting Apollo Go as a pioneer of China’s first autonomous taxi service and a leader in integrating artificial intelligence, big data, and automation to shape the smart cities of the future.

“This MoU aligns with the directives of our leadership to strengthen partnerships with global entities and leading companies, positioning the emirate at the forefront of advanced and sustainable transport solutions. It aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies and promote innovative mobility solutions,” said Al Tayer.

He added that the agreement marks a pivotal step in realizing Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 percent of all trips in Dubai autonomous by 2030. This builds on the RTA’s ongoing efforts in autonomous vehicle trials, which began in 2016.

RTA’s role in advancing autonomous mobility

Self-driving transport is becoming a global reality, with leading companies accelerating the development of enabling technologies and software.

Governments and relevant authorities are simultaneously working on licensing frameworks, infrastructure, and regulatory guidelines for autonomous vehicle operations.

RTA is committed to reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in autonomous mobility through the testing of various autonomous vehicles, including air taxis and marine transport, in line with its Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy.

“The collaboration with RTA not only reflects Dubai’s proactive embrace of innovative technology, but also supports the UAE’s ambition to lead in autonomous driving,” said Halton Niu. “Apollo Go is committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient smart mobility services globally.”

Liang Zhang, General Manager of Overseas Business, MENA, at Baidu IDG, added, “Our partnership with RTA marks Apollo Go’s most significant international expansion to date. This collaboration demonstrates Dubai’s strong commitment to next-generation mobility innovation.”

Ahmed Bahrozyan emphasised the societal benefits of self-driving transport, including greater accessibility for children, the elderly, and those unable to drive, while improving road safety and saving time.

“The MoU with Apollo Go is crucial for strengthening cooperation and knowledge-sharing to develop autonomous driving technologies in Dubai,” he said. “This will be achieved through field trials and a roadmap for deploying autonomous taxis.”

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new airline, has unveiled its highly anticipated cabin interiors, aiming to redefine the premium travel experience ahead of its inaugural flights set for later this year.

Positioning itself as the world’s first digital-native airline, Riyadh Air is taking a bold “no legacy” approach as it blends high-end design, advanced technology, and deep cultural inspiration across all cabin classes aboard its Boeing 787-9 fleet.

Innovative and exclusive interiors

The newly revealed interiors emphasise luxury, comfort, and technology, with bespoke seating layouts and immersive entertainment systems designed to elevate the guest journey from booking to arrival.

Riyadh Air’s cabin designs are set to feature consistently across the fleet to offer a unified, quality experience.

“Riyadh Air has always promised to deliver a world-class experience for our guests and the unveiling of our cabin interiors makes this ambition a reality,” said the airline’s CEO Tony Douglas. “From the ergonomic and luxurious fabrics in the seats to the high-end technology used in the entertainment systems, every facet of the cabins has been chosen to deliver relaxing luxury.”

Cabin layout and features

The airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft will accommodate 290 guests across four distinct classes:

• Business elite: Four seats in a private ‘1-2-1’ layout using the Safran Unity Elite seat, featuring 52-inch-high privacy walls, sliding doors, and 78-inch lie-flat beds. A center double-bed option is available.

• Business class: 24 seats also in a ‘1-2-1’ layout, using the Safran Unity model with similar specifications, including 22.5-inch width and 78-inch bed length.

• Premium economy: 39 seats in a ‘2-3-2’ configuration with Recaro PL3530 seating, 38-inch pitch, 19.2-inch width, and expansive 15.6” 4K OLED touchscreens.
• Economy: 223 seats in a 3-3-3 layout featuring Recaro R3 seats with a 31-inch pitch and 17.2-inch width, each equipped with a 13.3” 4K OLED screen.

All cabins will include next-generation entertainment systems, customizable lighting, and ergonomic comfort. Riyadh Air’s interiors incorporate a refined color palette — featuring dark indigo, mocha gold, lavender, and skyline blue — reflecting Saudi heritage and Riyadh’s cultural identity.

Technology-driven guest experience

As part of its digitally native strategy, Riyadh Air will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi via Viasat for all loyalty members, with full gate-to-gate streaming, browsing, and gaming capability.

Live TV streaming on seatback screens will also be available.

Riyadh Air is also the first to adopt Panasonic Avionics’ Modular Interactive (MI), a cutting-edge IFE design tool allowing rapid updates to match passenger trends and seasonal promotions.

A standout feature is the collaboration with Devialet, the French acoustic pioneer, integrating high-fidelity sound into Business Elite and business class headrests, offering immersive audio without the need for headphones.

Attention to detail

Premium cabin finishes include mocha gold and veined stone accents, with privacy-focused design elements and expanded personal storage.

Premium economy seats offer calf rests, side table extensions, and four USB-C charging points.

Economy guests benefit from six-way adjustable headrests and two USB-C ports per seat.

Lighting adjusts throughout the flight to align with natural circadian rhythms, enhancing onboard well-being and creating a calming ambiance.

Riyadh Air: Recent milestones

Riyadh Air, which recently obtained its air operator certificate (AOC) and received its first technical spare aircraft, is expected to announce its route network and launch date in the coming months.

The airline is also preparing to unveil Version 3.0 of its digital guest journey, aligning with its vision of seamless and intuitive travel.

ORA Developers has established its UAE headquarters at One Central, in Dubai’s central business district.

This move reinforces ORA Developers’ regional expansion while directly supporting the UAE’s vision for sustainable, future-ready urban environments that drive economic growth.

Founded by Engineer Naguib Sawiris, ORA Developers has a global portfolio spanning residential, hospitality, commercial, and entertainment.

With a land bank of over 76 million sqm, ORA Developers has a global portfolio spanning 17 projects across seven countries, with an estimated total sales value of over $45bn.

Industry forecasts indicate that the UAE’s real estate market is on a robust growth trajectory, with a projected increase in total market value from $704.25bn in 2024 to $1.08tn by 2030.

Engineer Naguib Sawiris, chairman and CEO of ORA Developers, emphasised the significance of the new headquarters.

He stated that establishing this regional hub is a step that aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision for urban development in a fast-evolving real estate landscape.

This hub strengthens their ability to deliver innovative, future-ready communities and allows them to integrate global best practices with the UAE’s dynamic market needs.

By prioritising nature, connectivity, and design, they are committed to shaping sustainable, well-balanced developments.

Their leadership team’s extensive experience and long-standing commitment have been instrumental in building their diverse portfolio, driving growth, and ensuring the successful execution of transformative projects, said Sawiris.

Since entering the UAE in 2023, ORA Developers has rapidly scaled its presence acquiring prime land, obtaining regulatory approvals, and laying the groundwork for transformative developments.

The company built its UAE team from the ground up-growing to nearly 94 employees, with plans to at least triple by the end of 2025. By combining local market expertise with a seasoned leadership team, ORA Developers has established a robust foundation for operational continuity and sustained growth.

Driving the UAE expansion a leadership team with expertise through development, sales, branding, marketing and finance. Khaled Morgan, chief development officer, ensures delivering unique and innovative urban experiences, while Ahmed Samir, chief human resources officer, drives talent acquisition in the UAE to support rapid scaling.

Expanding on this foundation, Tamer Fikry, chief sales officer, enhances investor engagement, Mohamed Sheta, chief financial officer, leads financial strategy, and Lana Sawiris, chief brand officer, alongside Rasha Georgy, chief marketing officer, shapes global positioning. Amr Abdelmoneim, chief technical officer, oversees engineering and execution, maintaining top industry standards.

The company will soon announce its major investment in the UAE: a 4.8 million square meter master-planned community located in Ghantoot.

This strategically positioned project, situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will feature 1.2km of prime Arabian Gulf beachfront. To ensure dedicated client and stakeholder engagement, the company will establish customer experience centers in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

ORA Developers is also a strategic investor in Discovery Dunes, a project by Discovery Land Company.

The ultra-luxury community is designed around a championship golf course by Tom Fazio. This project further validates ORA’s strategic investment decisions in the sector and the UAE market.

With its strengthened presence in the UAE, ORA Developers remains committed to creating forward-thinking, balanced communities that seamlessly integrate nature, connectivity, and modern infrastructure.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer an abstract construct; it’s actively reshaping the region’s public sector. But this transformation hinges on more than just adoption.

For governments to unlock AI’s full potential, it’s not just about implementing technology — it’s about doing so thoughtfully and strategically.

To truly harness AI’s potential and avoid pitfalls, governments must navigate a complex web of ethical considerations, data security imperatives, and the urgent need for workforce readiness.

Here are five key steps to ensure AI empowers societies, strengthens governance, and enhances public services.

1. Define a clear vision for AI integration

A successful AI strategy starts with a strong vision. Governments need to go beyond isolated projects and adopt a holistic approach that aligns AI initiatives with national priorities – whether it’s improving healthcare, streamlining public services, or boosting economic resilience.

Take public services like tax processing or healthcare administration. AI can speed up tasks, reduce errors, and improve citizen experiences. But success isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about impact. Governments should set clear, measurable goals, such as reducing service wait times or improving citizen satisfaction.

This vision must also be supported by cross-agency collaboration, so AI solutions work seamlessly across different departments, rather than in silos. When governments lead with a clear AI vision, they build public trust and show that AI is here to serve, not replace, people.

2. Establish ethical AI frameworks

AI can only be as good as the values it’s built on. Public trust in AI depends on fairness, transparency, and accountability. To build ethical AI systems, governments should:

• Reduce bias: AI models must be trained on diverse, representative datasets to prevent discrimination.
• Ensure transparency: AI-driven decisions must be explainable, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare, law enforcement, and public benefits.
• Create strong oversight mechanisms: AI governance should be aligned with privacy laws and democratic values, as seen in frameworks like the EU AI Act.

Ethical AI isn’t just about compliance – it’s about trust. Citizens should feel confident that AI decisions are fair, clear, and in their best interests.

3. Strengthen data security and AI-ready infrastructure

AI relies on data, and that data must be secure. Without strong safeguards, governments risk exposing sensitive citizen information to cyber threats or external influence. To protect national security and maintain AI sovereignty, governments must:

• Invest in AI-ready infrastructure: This includes high-performance computing (HPC), secure cloud environments, and edge AI solutions that process data within national borders.
• Ensure data sovereignty: Governments should prioritize local AI infrastructure, reducing dependency on foreign tech providers. Companies like Core42 in the UAE are already advancing sovereign cloud solutions to maintain data control.
• Implement strong data governance policies: Governments need clear regulations to dictate how data is collected, stored, and used responsibly.

By securing infrastructure and enforcing strong governance, governments can harness AI without compromising data sovereignty or public trust.

4. Upskill the public sector workforce

For AI to succeed, people must be prepared to work alongside it. A tech-savvy public sector is no longer optional – it’s essential. To build an AI-ready workforce, governments should focus on:

• Training and reskilling programmes: Equip the public sector workforce with the skills to leverage AI tools effectively in their daily roles.

• Recruit AI specialists: Fill talent gaps with experts like data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI ethicists.

• Foster a culture of innovation: Encourage experimentation with AI tools to improve effectiveness and discover new applications.

A 2025 Emerging Technologies Adoption Readiness Index found that Saudi Arabia’s public sector has a 74.69 per cent readiness rate for AI and emerging technologies. As AI adoption accelerates, governments that prioritise workforce readiness will lead the way in digital transformation.

5. Build sovereign AI ecosystems through public-private collaboration

AI innovation flourishes in vibrant ecosystems where governments, businesses, and academia collaborate. Strong public-private partnerships can drive research, spur entrepreneurship, and ensure that local priorities guide development. Governments can take several steps to develop sovereign AI ecosystems:

• Support local AI startups and R&D: Invest in businesses and research institutions working on solutions tailored to national priorities.
• Introduce regulatory sandboxes: Provide safe environments for controlled testing of AI applications before their full-scale deployment.
• Encourage knowledge-sharing: Foster collaboration between public and private sectors to break down silos, share expertise, and accelerate progress.

By developing homegrown AI capabilities, governments can reduce reliance on foreign tech providers, fortify national security, and create self-sustaining ecosystems. These efforts ensure that public sector AI remains a tool for empowerment, not dependence.

By investing in homegrown AI capabilities, governments can create self-sustaining AI ecosystems that reduce reliance on foreign technologies and ensure national security.

Shaping the future of AI: A collective responsibility

Sovereign AI is more than just technology – it’s a commitment to governance, ethics, and citizen empowerment. Governments must lead in shaping AI with a clear vision, strong ethical foundations, and collaboration between public and private sectors.

By doing so, AI can become a force for societal progress and economic resilience. The time to act is now — let’s shape AI to serve the public good and build a resilient digital economy.

The writer is the SVP CEEMETA at Dell Technologies.