Dubai Municipality has awarded contracts worth Dhs3bn for four new stormwater drainage projects, involving the construction and extension of approximately 100 kilometres of drainage lines across key areas of the emirate.

The contracts form part of Phase 3 of Dubai’s Dhs30bn Tasreef programme, which aims to expand the city’s stormwater drainage capacity and strengthen infrastructure resilience against extreme rainfall and future climate-related challenges.

The projects will cover nearly 100 square kilometres, including Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Safa, Al Manara, Al Quoz, Al Barsha, Al Wasl, Za’abeel, Al Bada’a, Al Satwa and Al Marmoom.

The new drainage lines, with diameters of up to three metres, will connect these areas to Dubai Municipality’s main stormwater drainage network, improving water-flow capacity and reducing the risk of flooding.

The projects are being implemented under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Dubai’s AED30bn Tasreef programme

The Tasreef programme is designed to increase Dubai’s stormwater drainage capacity by 700 per cent, while reducing costs associated with pumping station construction, operations and maintenance by 20 per cent.

The municipality said the programme would also extend the lifespan of the drainage network and support the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the programme would strengthen the emirate’s ability to respond to climate change while supporting population and urban growth.

“Dubai Municipality continues to implement the phases of the ‘Tasreef’ Programme, one of Dubai’s largest strategic infrastructure projects, enhancing its efficiency and resilience, making it more sustainable and strengthening its ability to address both future climate change and accommodate population and urban growth. Our objective is to build a comprehensive and integrated model for a leading future city, characterised by a sustainable urban system and advanced infrastructure that serve people, enhance their quality of life and well-being, and strengthen their safety and security. At the same time, it provides a stable and enabling environment for the growth of businesses and economic, commercial and tourism activities, reinforcing Dubai’s position as the world’s best city to live, work, invest and visit.”

Four major drainage projects across Dubai

The largest project will involve approximately 42 kilometres of drainage lines serving Umm Suqeim 1, 2 and 3, Umm Al Sheif, Jumeirah 3, Al Safa 1 and 2, and Al Manara.

A second project will develop 14 kilometres of drainage infrastructure between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, covering Al Quoz Industrial Areas 1, 3 and 4, and Al Barsha 1.

The works will also serve important transport corridors, including Umm Suqeim Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Marabea Street, Al Waha Street and Al Zumurrud Street.

Another 21 kilometres of drainage lines will be developed along Al Wasl Road and areas east of Dubai Water Canal, covering Za’abeel 2, Al Wasl, Jumeirah 1 and 2, Al Bada’a, Al Satwa and Dubai World Trade Centre 1 and 2.

This project will cover an area of up to 25 square kilometres.

The fourth package will involve 23 kilometres of drainage infrastructure in Al Marmoom, strengthening the area’s stormwater management capabilities.

Dubai targets improved flood resilience

Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the projects would improve drainage efficiency across important economic and residential districts.

“The third phase of the Tasreef Programme’s projects will serve areas that represent vital arteries across the emirate, marking another pivotal step in developing Dubai’s stormwater drainage system as well as making it more resilient and efficient in managing rainfall under different conditions and future climate changes. We are committed to ensuring that these projects advance the broader objectives of the Tasreef Programme by reducing water accumulation, protecting residents and assets, improving the quality of services, enhancing the city’s readiness and traffic flow, and safeguarding the sustainability of its resources.”

Dubai Municipality said the projects would be implemented in accordance with approved schedules and operational plans.

The expansion is expected to improve stormwater management across key residential, commercial, industrial and tourism districts, while strengthening the emirate’s infrastructure readiness as urban development continues.

Apple’s newly launched iPhone Duo is facing complaints over screen durability, with several early buyers reporting cracked displays and pixel failures just days after the company’s first foldable smartphone went on sale in Dubai and other global markets on October 23.

Images and accounts shared on Reddit, X and technology forums show damage concentrated around the device’s internal folding hinge, with some screens developing vertical cracks, bright white lines and dead pixels within hours of purchase.

The reports have raised questions about the durability of Apple’s premium foldable device, which is priced between Dhs8,499 and Dhs13,599 in the UAE, although the extent of the problem remains unclear.

iPhone Duo screen reportedly cracks within six hours

One of the earliest complaints emerged from Australia, where a Reddit user identified as Midnight_Slump reported that their iPhone Duo’s internal display cracked after approximately six hours of ownership and fewer than 20 openings.

According to the user’s account on the iPhone Duo subreddit, they noticed an unusual sensation beneath the display near the hinge while opening the device to show a friend. The screen subsequently cracked along the folding mechanism.

The user said there were no visible signs of external damage or anything trapped inside the device that could explain the failure.

Apple initially offered an express replacement, but the customer said the process would have required a hold for the phone’s full purchase price without a guaranteed delivery date.

The customer subsequently visited an Apple Store, where the device was replaced. Reddit moderators reportedly verified the incident after reviewing additional photographs and Apple service documentation, although they could not establish what caused the damage.

Similar complaints emerge on Reddit and X

The Australian incident does not appear to be the only reported case.

According to 9to5Mac, approximately 10 distinct cases of similar screen damage had been identified by October 25, with several users reporting cracks running down the centre of the folding display.

Some affected devices reportedly developed a horizontal band of white pixels, while others experienced display failures during initial setup.

Images of damaged iPhone Duo demonstration units have also circulated on Chinese social media platforms, although the circumstances surrounding those incidents have not been independently established.

On X, technology commentator Mike Rundle, who posts under the handle @flyosity, said he had seen seven photographs showing similar damage, alongside videos circulating on TikTok.

The recurring pattern has prompted speculation that a component within the hinge assembly may be exerting pressure on the flexible display. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to establish whether the incidents are linked to a common manufacturing or design defect.

Could the iPhone Duo hinge be causing screen damage?

A teardown of the iPhone Duo has provided a possible explanation for the reported failures.

According to The Verge, YouTuber CuriousHagi reproduced a screen crack during durability testing before dismantling the device to investigate.

The examination identified a broken connecting component within the hinge assembly that was thinner than surrounding parts. Marks where the hinge contacted a supporting plate also suggested that the mechanism may have caught during operation.

However, these findings do not conclusively establish the cause of the failures reported by customers or indicate that every iPhone Duo is affected.

Dubai has introduced paid public parking in Warsan Industrial and Dubai Islands, with new tariffs, designated zone codes and subscription packages for motorists. The arrangements cover hourly payments and longer-term parking options, according to posts on Parkin’s official Instagram page.

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The new parking zones operate under code 622T in Warsan Industrial and code 101G in Dubai Islands. Signboards have been installed at both locations to identify designated parking areas and provide information on applicable charges.

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Warsan Industrial parking tariffs

Paid parking in Warsan Industrial operates from 8:00am to 10:00pm, with motorists able to choose from subscription packages ranging from one month to one year.

The one-month subscription costs Dhs580, while the three-month package is priced at Dhs1,385. A six-month subscription is available for Dhs2,080, and the annual package costs Dhs3,460.

Read more: Parkin scores 10-year JLT deal, securing control of 2,800 parking spaces

Motorists who do not require a long-term subscription can pay by the hour. Residents and visitors can check the applicable rates on parking signboards or through the Parkin application.

Dubai Islands parking tariffs

In Dubai Islands, paid public parking operates around the clock under zone code 101G, with subscription options available for motorists seeking longer-term parking.

A three-month subscription costs Dhs900, while a six-month package is priced at Dhs1,800. The annual subscription is available for Dhs3,600.

Hourly parking payments are also available to residents and visitors. Motorists can refer to the signboards installed at the location or use the Parkin application to check the applicable charges and payment options.

Different parking options for motorists

The two locations have different operating hours and subscription structures, giving motorists a choice of payment options based on their parking needs.

Warsan Industrial offers subscriptions for one, three and six months, as well as an annual package. Dubai Islands, meanwhile, provides three-month, six-month and annual subscriptions, with parking available 24 hours a day.

Motorists using the designated parking areas should check the relevant zone codes, operating hours and tariffs before parking. The signboards and Parkin application provide further information on charges and available payment options.

Parkin renews JLT parking agreement

Parkin has also renewed its Parking Management Framework Agreement with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) for another 10 years.

Under the agreement, announced on October 21, 2026, Parkin will continue to manage and operate approximately 2,800 paid parking spaces across Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), including 250 designated motorcycle parking spaces. The renewal strengthens the companies’ long-standing partnership and maintains Parkin’s exclusive responsibility for parking operations across the area.

Parkin expands wallet top-up options

In a separate development, Parkin partnered with UAE-based payment solutions provider uPay to enable customers to top up their Parkin wallets through uPay’s kiosk network across the country.

Announced on September 17, 2026, the partnership allows customers to add funds using cash at uPay kiosks, with credit card payments also available. The initiative aims to give customers greater flexibility and improve access to wallet top-up services.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will open the final bridge of the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project on Friday, October 30, completing a major road infrastructure upgrade costing more than AED696 million.

The 1,000-metre, two-lane bridge will accommodate approximately 3,000 vehicles per hour, serving traffic travelling from Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street. The opening is expected to significantly improve traffic flow at one of Dubai’s key intersections.

Read more: New speed limits on these 5 Dubai roads from November 1

According to a WAM report, the bridge will cut journey times between Al Majlis Street and 2nd December Street from six minutes to just one minute.

Five bridges to improve traffic flow

With the final bridge opening, RTA will have completed all major works under the project, which comprises five bridges with a combined length of 5,000 metres.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the project involved converting the former roundabout into an at-grade intersection. The development aims to improve traffic flow on Sheikh Zayed Road and strengthen connectivity between Dubai’s key economic and commercial centres.

Al Tayer added that the project will reduce average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds, benefiting more than 500,000 residents and visitors.

The infrastructure upgrade is designed to ease congestion and improve movement across several important routes, supporting access to major commercial and residential districts.

Al Mustaqbal Street project to follow

Al Tayer said the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project complements the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.

The upcoming project will include bridges and tunnels spanning a total of 1,500 metres. It will also expand Al Mustaqbal Street to four lanes in each direction, increasing the road’s capacity by 33 percent.

Key districts to benefit

The World Trade Centre project includes a second-level bridge towards Deira, two bridges linking Sheikh Rashid Street with 2nd December Street, and two bridges connecting Al Majlis Street with 2nd December Street. Together, the structures are intended to provide uninterrupted traffic movement in multiple directions.

The integrated road network serves several key areas, including Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, Zaa’beel, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool.

The completion marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s ongoing efforts to improve road capacity, reduce travel delays and strengthen connectivity across the emirate.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has announced that Terminals 1 and 2 will be designated for domestic and international flight operations, respectively, from Sunday, October 25, 2026, as the Saudi capital’s main aviation hub implements updated terminal arrangements.

In an official travel advisory posted on Instagram on October 24, the airport confirmed that Terminal 1 will be designated for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 will handle international flights operated by national carriers.

The announcement provides updated guidance for passengers travelling through Riyadh, with the airport urging travellers to confirm their flight details before departure.

Riyadh airport: New terminal arrangements from October 25

According to the airport’s official advisory, the following terminal arrangements will take effect from Sunday:
– Terminal 1: Domestic flights.
– Terminal 2: International flights operated by national carriers.

The airport advised passengers holding confirmed bookings to contact their respective airlines to verify the status of their reservations and flights before travelling to the airport.

The advisory stated: “We kindly advise passengers with confirmed bookings to contact their airlines to verify the status of their bookings and flights before heading to the airport.”

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The announcement did not specify whether the arrangements apply to international flights operated by foreign airlines or provide details about operations at the airport’s other terminals.

Riyadh airport resumes operations after Houthi attacks

The reopening of the two terminals follows a suspension of airport operations after a deadly Houthi-claimed attack on October 10.

The attack killed over 12 people and injured more than 300, prompting authorities to halt airport operations.