Latest news with #Owings&Merrill


Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Indian tourists perform garba at Burj Khalifa; netizens say ‘TMKOC team reached' but ask ‘Daya bhabhi kidhar hai'
A group of Indian tourists were grooving to the traditional Garba to the Bollywood song "Chogada" from the 2018 film Loveyatri on the viewing deck of the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa in a viral video. The tourists, dressed in matching yellow outfits, performed Garba steps, drawing both admiration and outrage. While some praised the cultural expression, others expressed concerns about the appropriateness of such behavior in a public, international tourist space. Dubai-based content creator The Walking Lens posted it on Instagram. The caption attached to the video stated, 'A viral video shows tourists dancing to the Chogada song on top of the iconic Burj Khalifa! Would you dance there with your gang." One of the users said, 'TMKOC team reached.' Another said, 'Stop embarrassing the rest of us', 'Why is this glorified? We must learn to respect the sanctity of public places,' wrote a third user. The fourth asked, 'Daya bhabhi kidhar hai". Some were outraged over 'civic sense' as an internet user commented, 'Civic sense is a scarce resource.' 'Har jagah naachna nahi hota', 'TMKOC ghol ke pee liya'. 'Perfect example of 'Money can't buy class', "Common sense is not common these days," 'Civic sense?? RIP, 'Gokuldham society' were some other remarks made. The Burj Khalifa, officially inaugurated in 2010, is a globally recognised architectural marvel and currently holds the title of the tallest building in the world, soaring to an impressive height of 828 metres (2,717 feet). Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the iconic skyscraper exemplifies cutting-edge engineering and innovative modern design. Designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), with Adrian Smith as the chief architect, the Burj Khalifa features a distinctive triple-lobed footprint inspired by the Hymenocallis flower. The structure is composed of reinforced concrete, steel, and glass, and includes a central core with wings arranged in a Y-shaped pattern to provide stability against high winds and seismic forces.


Arabian Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Blue Line Metro to Debut on 9 September 2029
Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority has confirmed the Blue Line of the Metro will begin operations on 9 September 2029, coinciding deliberately with the 20th anniversary of the Red Line's inauguration on 9 September 2009, signalling a significant milestone in the city's transport evolution. The 30 km line will feature 14 stations, linking residential and commercial hubs such as Al Jaddaf, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Academic City, and is projected to serve nearly one million people by 2040. Incorporating 15.5 km of underground track and 14.5 km elevated, it will integrate both existing Red and Green Lines through interchanges at Centrepoint and Creek stations. International City 1 will serve as a crucial Y‑junction interchange. Construction is underway following Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's foundation‑stone ceremony on 9 June 2025, where he approved a visionary design for the flagship Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour. The station, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, will be the tallest metro station globally at 74 metres and accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily, rising to over 70,000 by 2040. ADVERTISEMENT Engineered for efficiency, the Blue Line will include a 1.3 km viaduct over Dubai Creek—the first metro bridge of its kind in the emirate. Travel time along key stretches will range from 10 to 25 minutes, significantly reducing travel duration across connected zones. From a passenger operations standpoint, the system is designed to move around 46,000 people per hour in both directions, with a projected daily ridership of 200,000 by 2030, increasing to 320,000 by 2040. By then, the total Dubai Metro network—comprising existing lines, the new Blue Line, and the Route 2020 extension—will cover about 131 km with 78 stations and 168 trains. Economically, the Blue Line represents a Dh20.5 billion investment, undertaken by a consortium of MAPA, LIMAK and CRRC, selected through international tender. It aligns with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to deliver sustainable, transit‑oriented growth within a 20‑minute urban framework. The line's stations meet platinum‑grade green building standards, underscoring Dubai's commitment to eco‑friendly infrastructure. The RTA forecasts that the Red, Green and Blue lines combined could produce economic and environmental benefits exceeding Dh56.5 billion by 2040 through fuel savings, reduced accidents, and lower carbon emissions. For commuters, the impact will be immediate: daily traffic on major corridors served by the Blue Line is expected to decrease by approximately 20%. Moreover, real estate values within station catchments could climb by up to 25%. Local residents, including students and workers, will benefit from faster commutes and better connectivity, particularly in academic and industrial zones. The new Emaar Properties Station itself is set to carry naming rights held by Emaar for at least ten years, with further station sponsorships anticipated. Its shell‑inspired exterior and use of premium materials—such as Jura limestone, bronze paneling, granite flooring and glass ceilings—reflect a commitment to aesthetic excellence and place‑based identity. During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the Blue Line's role in enhancing community integration and positioning Dubai as a leading global city. He noted that the line would 'empower communities, enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable urban growth'. The route serves nine districts—Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City phases, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City—and links directly with Dubai International Airport for seamless airport‑to‑destination transfers. As construction progresses, RTA officials have called for greater attention to commuter needs during the build‑phase, including adequate parking and reduced road disruptions. Feedback from future daily users—students, residents, workers—underlined anticipation for improved access and decreased dependence on private cars.

Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
New Images Show How World's Tallest Metro Station Will Look
Dubai, known for the world's tallest building among its iconic skyscrapers, is now set to have the world's tallest metro station, as the United Arab Emirates positions itself as a leading force in the Middle East's modernization. The planned station on a new metro line is another example of how Gulf countries are competing with megaprojects aimed at attracting foreign investment as they seek to diversify economies that have historically relied on oil exports. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have all prioritized American investment in key infrastructure projects, including business deals with the family of U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom they have forged strong alliances during his second presidential term through pledging billions of investments and arms purchase-and a gift plane. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line and approved the design of the Emaar Properties Station, which will rise 74 meters-making it the highest metro station globally. The station covers about 11,000 square meters, and is expected to accommodate up to 160,000 passengers, with daily ridership projected at over 70,000 by 2040, according to the Dubai government's media office. The station was designed by American company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), also behind the city's landmark Burj Khalifa, as well as the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago. In 2024, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a consortium of two Turkish and one Chinese company to develop the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which spans 18 miles and includes 14 stations. Last month, the Walt Disney Company and Miral announced a deal Wednesday to create a new Disney Park resort in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. Dubai Government Media Office: "A central gateway allows natural light to flood down to the platform level, creating a bright and welcoming space during the day. Sunlight reflects off the stone surfaces, underscoring the station's timeless elegance. By night, it transforms into a radiant beacon that guides travelers, with a carefully planned lighting strategy that enhances its architectural character and reaffirms its role as a gateway to Dubai's bright future." Mattar al-Tayer, Director General of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said in 2024: "Additionally, the Blue Line will feature International City (1), the largest underground interchange station in the metro network. Covering over 44,000 square meters, this station will have the capacity to handle 350,000 passengers daily, significantly enhancing connectivity across the metro system." The project is set to be officially inaugurated in September 2029. Related Articles Images Show Trump Tower Dubai Planned for 2031Trump Family's Business Ties to the Middle East ExplainedI Was a Stripper for Over a Decade-Then I Discovered a MonasteryTrump's Middle East Business Surge Prompts Conflict of Interest Attacks 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.


India.com
10-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
World's highest metro station to be built at a height of 74 meter in this city, not Delhi, Beijing, New York, London, Tokyo, name is...
World's highest metro station to be built at a height of 74 meter in this city, not Delhi, Beijing, New York, London, Tokyo, name is... World's highest metro station: High rise buildings, beautiful shopping complexes – Dubai is well known for its extravagant lifestyle. However, it is set to claim another world record, this time in its public transportation network. The foundation stone for this ambitious infrastructure project was recently laid by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai who also approved the architectural design of the flagship Emaar Properties Station, which will be the tallest metro station in the world. The city is soon going to have world's highest metro station, standing at an impressive 74 metres, as part of the newly unveiled Dubai Metro Blue Line. It is designed by the globally acclaimed American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) who also has iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, Sears Tower in Chicago, and the Olympic Tower in New York to his credit. Its feature Spanning an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, the Emaar Properties Station can accommodate a staggering 160,000 passengers per day. The station is designed to withstand the emirate's operational and climatic demands, reinforcing its long-term sustainability and resilience. The structure will be made up of Jura limestone, bronze metal wall panels, and granite flooring. The materials were carefully selected for durability, environmental efficiency, and cultural resonance—blending stone, bronze, and glass to embody Dubai's identity. Once complete, the Dubai Metro Blue Line will significantly extend the emirate's transit system, increasing the total length of the rail network to 131 km, and the number of stations to 78, served by 168 trains (including 11 tram trains and 157 metro trains).


Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai Metro blue line: What you need to know about route, travel time, and capacity
Standing 74 metres tall, Dubai's Emaar Properties Station on the new Blue Line features a luxurious design by US-based architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)/ Image: DXBMediaOffice A Landmark Beginning: Foundation Laid by Dubai's Ruler On June 9, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a major leap in the city's urban transit development. Set to begin operations on September 9, 2029, the launch will mark exactly 20 years since Dubai Metro's first Red and Green Lines opened. — DXBMediaOffice (@DXBMediaOffice) The Blue Line, part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, is designed to integrate with existing Red and Green Lines and enable seamless travel across the emirate, with travel times of just 10 to 25 minutes across key locations. This bold initiative also supports the "20-minute city" vision, aiming for 80% of residents' daily needs to be within a 20-minute commute. The Route: 14 Stations Across Strategic Zones The Blue Line will stretch 30km, divided into two main routes and 14 stations, 9 elevated and 5 underground. First Route (21km, 10 Stations) Start Point: Green Line's Creek Station Travels through: Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor Features: Underground interchange at International City 1 Extends to: International City 2, 3 → Dubai Silicon Oasis → Dubai International Academic City (final stop) Second Route (9km, 4 Stations) Start Point: Red Line's Centrepoint Station (Rashidiya) Passes through: Mirdif, Al Warqa End Point: Joins the first route at International City 1 The line will also cross the Dubai Creek via a 1,300-metre-long viaduct, offering passengers iconic skyline views — including Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Road's architectural landmarks. Key Features: From Design Innovation to World Records Record-Breaking Infrastructure The first station under construction at Dubai Creek Harbour, named Emaar Station after Emaar Properties secured a 10-year naming rights deal, will be the tallest metro station in the world, at 74 metres (242 feet). Architectural Design Conceived by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the globally acclaimed architects of Burj Khalifa. Designed with glass ceilings, towering walls, stone-metal fusion, and earthy tones that blend Dubai's heritage and modernity. Elevated station exteriors are inspired by seashells, while interiors follow seven themes: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Sustainability and Accessibility All stations will include: Parking spaces Electric vehicle charging points Taxi stands Drop-off/pick-up zones Accessible facilities for People of Determination Electric scooter racks The Blue Line is Dubai's first transport project to fully comply with green building standards, achieving Platinum Category certification. Connectivity and Commuter Impact Direct Access to Dubai International Airport The Blue Line will provide direct airport connectivity to nine vital residential and commercial hubs, cutting commute times drastically. Serving Over 50,000 Students Dubai International Academic City, home to tens of thousands of students, is a critical stop. By 2029, the student population is expected to exceed 50,000, positioning the Blue Line as a crucial enabler for the education sector. Daily Commuter Capacity Projected ridership: 2030: 200,000 passengers/day 2040: 320,000 passengers/day Maximum capacity: Over 850,000 passengers/day By completion, Dubai's total metro network will span 131km, include 78 stations, and operate 168 trains. Economic and Environmental Impact Massive Financial Benefits The Blue Line is expected to generate a Dh56.5 billion return in total benefits by 2040. The benefit-cost ratio stands at 2.60, meaning for every dirham spent, the city will gain Dh2.60 in returns. Gains include reduced traffic congestion by as much as 20%, lower carbon emissions, fuel/time savings, and better overall urban efficiency. Property Appreciation Land and property values around metro stations are projected to increase by up to 25%, as per planning authorities. What's Next? With construction underway at Dubai Creek Harbour and barricades marking out work zones, attention will soon turn to the naming rights of other stations. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will continue to provide updates, including detailed maps and further integrations with buses, taxis, and cycling networks. Summary of Major Features Feature Details Total Line Length 30km (21km + 9km) Total Stations 14 (9 elevated, 5 underground) Highest Station Emaar Station (74m) Opening Date September 9, 2029 Max Daily Capacity 850,000 passengers Academic City Ridership 50,000+ students by 2029 Environmental Rating Platinum Green Building Certification Projected Economic Return Dh56.5 billion by 2040 Viaduct Over Creek 1,300m connecting Green and Blue Lines