Articles by John Dennehy's Profile | The National Journalist

The inside track on the first Etihad Rail passenger station to be completed

May 19, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Etihad Rail on Tuesday provided a first look inside its passenger station in Fujairah. On a media tour, officials told how the 52,900 square metre building is a key point in the UAE-wide network. The station, the first fully completed passenger station, is located in Al Hilal City in Fujairah’s Sakamkam neighbourhood. It is 12 minutes by car from Fujairah International Airport, five minutes from Sakamkam Fort and six minutes from the popular Umbrella Beach.

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Remembering the day Dubai bade farewell to ship carrying Indian hopes and dreams to the UAE

May 15, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Port Rashid in Dubai was familiar with goodbyes but this farewell in May 1982 was different. Dubai’s police band, shipping officials, workers and curious onlookers were not only witnessing the final sailing of a ship but the end of a maritime age. They were there to say goodbye to the Dwarka, a lifeline between the Gulf and India since the 1940s.

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Etihad Rail in safety push before passenger service launch

May 12, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Etihad Rail said its new nationwide rail safety campaign was a “significant step” forward before the planned launch of passenger services later this year. The drive, launched this week, aims to raise awareness of safe behaviours around the railway such as warning passengers to stay clear of the tracks. The UAE campaign will be rolled out over the next few weeks with a series of initial adverts released by Etihad Rail including another cautioning people to stand back from the platform edge.

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'Modify your routine': Doctors urge caution as temperatures climb ahead of summer

May 11, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Doctors in the UAE have sent out a safety plea to the public as temperatures soar ahead of the sizzling summer season. The mercury has been on the rise across the Emirates in recent days, with the temperature reaching a scorching 46.1°C in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi, last Wednesday. The sweltering conditions have prompted medics to remind people to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun during peak hours to beat the heat.

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Hantavirus: How concerned should we be?

May 08, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

An outbreak of a rare but potentially deadly virus on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic is being closely monitored but poses a low risk to the Gulf and is unlikely to develop into a Covid-style pandemic, experts say. Eight cases have been reported so far, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), including three deaths, on the MV Hondius, which set sail from Argentina a month ago. Five of the eight cases have been confirmed as hantavirus.

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Etihad Rail set to offer economic uplift to Fujairah, businesses say

May 06, 2026 |

By Daniel Bardsley, John Dennehy

| The National

The new Etihad Rail service should offer a major economic boost to Fujairah, after it was revealed the city’s station was the first on the network to be completed. While services for the public have yet to begin, senior officials recently took a train to the station in the Sakamkam neighbourhood of Fujairah, near Al Hilal City, to view the station. The rail service will leave businesses in the emirate well-positioned to benefit from a boost to the local economy, said one expert.

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AI to play key role in tackling increase of extreme weather, UAE meteorology chief says

May 06, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Artificial intelligence will play a major role in helping the UAE to address issues caused by the increasing amount of extreme weather, newly appointed minister Dr Abdulla Al Mandous has declared. Dr Al Mandous, director general of the National Centre of Meteorology, said his ministerial appointment reflects how deeply climate issues are embedded in the UAE's “long-term strategic priorities” at a time when the pace and complexity of climate change are creating “significant challenges”.

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From desert beginnings to missile defence: the rise of the UAE Armed Forces

May 06, 2026 |

By Shireena Al Nowais, John Dennehy

| The National

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Dubai Metro Blue Line: How emirate is using latest tech to dig tunnels

May 05, 2026 |

By Daniel Bardsley, John Dennehy

| The National

A vast machine almost 10 metres wide will help lay the groundwork for the launch of the much-anticipated Dubai Metro Blue Line. The advanced tool – called Al Wugeisha – weighs more than 2,000 tonnes and will carry out much of the heavy lifting as it works around the clock ahead of the line’s opening in 2029.

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Fujairah's Etihad Rail passenger station is first to be completed as national project takes shape

May 05, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Fujairah's Etihad Rail passenger station has become the first on the network to be completed, in a landmark moment for the country's biggest infrastructure project. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, and chairman of Etihad Rail, visited the station on Tuesday, state news agency Wam reported.

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From islands to transport infrastructure: Dubai speeds up mega projects

Apr 30, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Construction on Palm Jebel Ali is gathering pace as Dubai also ramps up investment in its public transport network, bringing two major strands of the emirate’s development into focus. Developer Nakheel on Monday said it awarded contracts worth more than Dh3.5 billion for the construction of 544 villas, while recent footage shows homes beginning to rise across the island’s fronds.

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From suburb to super-hub: Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates emerges as key public transport centre

Apr 28, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Dubai is reshaping its transport map in a multi-billion investment push, with Jumeirah Golf Estates emerging as one of the city’s most important public transport hubs. The area will have two Metro lines, an Etihad Rail station (the only one announced in Dubai so far although more are expected), bus links and proximity to the 311 motorway all in a single location.

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Dubai's Gold Line an engineering feat that will spur city's growth, analysts say

Apr 23, 2026 |

By Daniel Bardsley, John Dennehy

| The National

The Dubai Metro Gold Line has been described as one of the Middle East’s most ambitious engineering projects, one that will spur the city's continuing growth. Analysts say that despite the tight timetable, with the route due for completion in just over six years’ time, they are confident it will open on schedule. Announced this week, the Dh34 billion ($9 billion) line will stretch to 42km, extending the network by more than a third, with some of the tracks as much as 40 metres underground.

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Inside Dubai's vertiport: First glimpse at how air taxi system will work

Apr 23, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Amid the sound of the steady rhythm of trains at Emirates Metro Station and only minutes from the runways of Dubai International Airport, a new kind of transport hub has taken shape. This is where Dubai has unveiled its first commercial vertiport ahead of the planned launch of air taxi services this year.

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Two puppies rescued after being abandoned in UAE desert

Apr 18, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Two puppies found abandoned in the Abu Dhabi desert are now safe and being cared for at the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre. The dogs, believed to be about eight to 10 weeks old, were found last Sunday at the base of a dune in Sweihan by two UAE residents who were out riding dirt bikes. Phil Pound and Frankie Warren told The National how they stopped to help the animals and cared for them until the shelter stepped in.

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'Kept us going through war': Outpouring of support for famous Dubai gym gutted by fire

Apr 15, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

There has been a wave of community appreciation for a Dubai gym renowned for bodybuilding that was severely damaged by fire. Fitness enthusiasts say attending Binous Gym helped them carry on as normal during the Iran war and they expressed hope it can be rebuilt quickly. It comes after a blaze tore through the fitness centre in Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 on Tuesday morning.

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Major Christian church in Dubai reopens for limited services

Apr 11, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

A major church in Dubai will reopen from Saturday but worshippers will have to register to attend major weekend masses. In a post on its website late on Friday, St Mary's Catholic Church said it received official permission from authorities to reopen for major services but these will remain indoor for now. Worshippers must also register to attend Saturday and Sunday masses to ensure no overcrowding, the post on the website said.

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Architect who helped capture Dubai’s lost past and chart Sharjah's future retires after 50-year career

Apr 10, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Peter Jackson arrived in Dubai when wind towers still lined the Creek and skyscrapers, such as Burj Khalifa, were hard to comprehend. More than five decades later, he leaves the UAE having documented a lost world and helped shape parts of the UAE’s architectural identity.

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UAE church leader urges worshippers to pray for peace on Saturday after Pope's call

Apr 08, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Christians in the UAE were on Wednesday urged to join a prayer for peace on Saturday, following a call from Pope Leo XIV. Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, called on the faithful to respond to the Pope's appeal. On Easter Sunday, the pontiff said he would lead a prayer vigil for peace at St Peter’s Basilica on April 11. The prayer is expected to take place at 6pm in the Vatican, which is 8pm in the UAE. It is usually streamed online.

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Humanitarian aid faces 'perfect storm' as Iran conflict puts 45 million more at risk of hunger

Apr 07, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Live updates: Follow the latest news on the Iran war Aid agencies and groups have warned that the global humanitarian system is facing a “perfect storm” as the Iran war disrupts vital supply routes and drives up costs. They cautioned that even if fighting stopped immediately, it could take weeks or months for supply chains to recover.

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'A season of hope': Huge crowds for Easter services in UAE as Iran war rages

Apr 02, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Thousands of Christians across the UAE are marking Easter in the shadow of the Iran war, with some churches introducing precautionary measures for the huge congregations expected at services over the weekend. Faith leaders said it was hard to anticipate given the circumstances but it was still expected that tens of thousands of people would attend services at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai and St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi on Easter Sunday alone.

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Abu Dhabi scientists map magnetic waves deep inside the Sun

Mar 31, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Scientists at New York University Abu Dhabi have discovered more kinds of magnetic waves within the Sun. The findings may allow them to use these waves to study the powerful forces beneath the Sun's surface. Magnetic fields drive activity such as sunspots and can influence space weather through eruptions threaten Earth satellites and communication networks.

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'Final wave' of bad weather set to bring more heavy rain to UAE

Mar 25, 2026 |

By John Dennehy , Daniel Bardsley

| The National

A major weather front is expected to peak across the Gulf on Thursday and Friday, potentially bringing heavier rainfall, more thunderstorms and hail to parts of the UAE and surrounding areas. The National Centre of Meteorology on Wednesday said the “final wave” of the current bad weather was expected to develop from Thursday evening as the “low-pressure system deepens in the atmosphere”.

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UAE weather: Storms to peak on Thursday amid risk of tornadoes in region

Mar 24, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Rain fell across the UAE on Tuesday, with forecasters warning conditions could intensify over the next three days as a powerful low-pressure system moves across the region. The peak of the unstable weather is expected on Thursday night into Friday morning with heavy rain, strong winds and thunder, the National Centre of Meteorology said. The UAE has been hit by downpours for several days now.

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UAE weather: Storms to peak on Thursday amid risk of tornadoes in region

Mar 24, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Rain fell across the UAE on Tuesday, with forecasters warning conditions could intensify over the next three days as a powerful low-pressure system moves across the region. The peak of the unstable weather is expected on Thursday night into Friday morning with heavy rain, strong winds and thunder, the National Centre of Meteorology said. The UAE has been hit by downpours for several days now.

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Sustained attacks in Gulf fuel fears of environmental disaster

Mar 23, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

The conflict between Israel and the US and Iran presents a major risk of environmental damage to the Gulf, experts have said. The region’s dense oil infrastructure, desalination plants and fragile ecosystems make it particularly vulnerable to attacks on energy facilities and ships at sea since war broke out on February 28, with a lack of accurate information and difficulty accessing sites hampering monitoring efforts.

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'Proud' delivery riders navigate challenges to keep show on the road

Mar 20, 2026 |

By John Dennehy , Katy Gillett

| The National

Everyday services across the UAE are running smoothly, in no small part thanks to the crucial role being played by a resolute convoy of delivery riders, as Iranian attacks on the country persist. They may be navigating an unusual set of challenges, like missile alerts, GPS glitches and the need to reassure family members in their home countries, but riders have told The National they feel safe on the roads, have the support of customers and are proud of the work they are doing.

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UAE weather: Heavy rain and thunder in store for Eid holiday

Mar 17, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

UAE residents are braced for heavy rain and high winds over the Eid Al Fitr long weekend, with thunderstorms also forecast. The National Centre of Meteorology on Tuesday forecast “rainfall of varying intensity” across parts of the Emirates, from Saturday, March 21 until Tuesday, March 24. Eid Al Fitr – the religious festival which heralds the end of Ramadan – is expected to begin on Friday. Its exact date will be determined when the country's moon-sighting committee convenes on Wednesday.

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Wild success: UAE book charting nation's natural history hits 500,000 downloads

Mar 13, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

The growing interest in the UAE’s natural world has been highlighted by the global success story of a book about the subject. A Natural History of the Emirates, published formally by Springer Nature in 2024, documents the UAE's wildlife, ecosystems and habitats – from heat-tolerant corals in the Arabian Gulf to wildlife in mountain wadis – and the challenges they face.

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Echoes of the Gulf War: Long-time UAE residents face up to new conflict

Mar 10, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

More than three decades after the Gulf War shook the region, long-term residents of the UAE who lived here during the conflict are again experiencing a period of uncertainty. Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted and hit the UAE, killing four people since February 28. The air raids have disrupted flights, pushed oil prices higher and raised fears of a wider war.

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Going underground: Can the Dubai Loop help solve traffic congestion?

Feb 05, 2026 |

By John Dennehy , Daniel Bardsley

| The National

Dubai’s proposed Loop underground transport system could ease traffic on key city routes but its success will hinge on how well it integrates with the metro, bus networks and other public transport options, experts believe. They say how it performs alongside other transport options in terms of capacity, cost and passenger numbers is also key.

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UAE seen as a 'neutral venue' for Russia-Ukraine talks, says Gargash

Feb 04, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

The UAE’s decision not to pick sides in the Russia-Ukraine war allowed it to be seen as a neutral venue to host peace talks, Dr Anwar Gargash has said. Speaking in a radio show at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, the Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President said the UAE was “heavily criticised” for doing so but had set its own course. Dr Garhash spoke to Monocle Radio as the UAE is set to host a second round of peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US.

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AI-blockchain research platform launches new era of sharing scientific knowledge

Feb 03, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Scientists have launched a platform that brings together artificial intelligence and blockchain to ensure that researchers from across disciplines share the economic rewards of their work. The platform is known as Opensci and scientists will use the digital portal to catalogue and tracked their work using blockchain. The system, which aims to tackle the costs of publication and funding gaps is powered by what is being described as a new type of AI dedicated to science.

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Rise of AI is redefining human capabilities, Mohammed Al Gergawi says

Feb 03, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

The era of artificial intelligence is "redefining human capabilities", the head of the World Governments Summit event has said. Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation, on Tuesday said AI was one of the four forces reshaping the world, along with advanced medicine, brain science and new digital environments.

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Etihad Rail's key challenge: connecting people to the stations

Jan 29, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

As Etihad Rail prepares to launch passenger services later this year, planners and transport experts say the success of the network may depend as much on how easily passengers can reach the stations on the much-anticipated network. Known as the first and last mile of transport, this is set to play a crucial role in determining how embedded the service can become in everyday life, particularly in a country where car use is dominant and summer temperatures hit 50°C.

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Countries step up disaster planning to shield themselves from 'future shocks'

Jan 27, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Countries are stepping up emergency planning amid geopolitical tensions, rising urbanisation and increasingly severe weather, a disaster risk expert has said. Niels Holm-Nielsen, practice manager of the World Bank-managed Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), said rich and poor states alike were trying to shield themselves from “potential future shocks”, particularly natural hazards.

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From city to desert to mountain at 200kph: On board an Etihad Rail passenger train

Jan 23, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

The morning sun spills through wide windows into the modern and comfortable carriages. Outside, the desert stretches endlessly into the distance as the train heads out through the Abu Dhabi desert. This week, The National was granted access to one of the Etihad Rail passenger trains that will soon be up and running across the UAE. For a country built around cars, motorways and air travel, the introduction of a passenger service represents a shift in how people may move between cities.

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Make it rain: UAE issues $1.5m cloud seeding grants for projects to address water security

Jan 21, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Three scientists secured grants of up to $1.5 million on Wednesday to support the UAE's efforts to boost cloud seeding and water security. The winners of the sixth cycle of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, run by the National Centre of Meteorology, were selected from 140 research proposals from 48 countries. Each recipient will receive a grant of up to $1.5 million, distributed over three years, with a maximum annual amount of $550,000.

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Gateway to the UAE: First glimpse at the Abu Dhabi railway station set to usher in a new era of travel

Jan 20, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

What was once an stretch of desert on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city is being transformed into a gateway to the nation’s railway future. Rising from the ground in Mohamed bin Zayed City, a new Etihad Rail station is nearing completion, and that will usher in an era of passenger rail. Inside, workers are moving full steam ahead for the launch of passenger services later this year that will first link the capital to Dubai and Fujairah.

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Revealed: Etihad Rail's first passenger routes to link Abu Dhabi city, Dubai and Fujairah

Jan 20, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Etihad Rail has announced the first routes on its eagerly awaited passenger service, in a milestone moment for the country's largest infrastructure project. It confirmed exclusively to The National the first services will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah in the network's opening phase.

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World Governments Summit 2026 to feature gathering of Nobel winners to discuss world's challenges | The National

Jan 16, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Global leaders will meet in Dubai next month for the World Governments Summit. More than 35 heads of state are expected for the three-day event which is set to reflect on major issues facing the world from the rise of artificial intelligence to economic tensions. Announcing details of the event on Friday, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and chairman of the World Governments Summit, said the 2026 edition promises to be the largest in its history.

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Why the 'world's greatest challenge' is solvable | The National

Jan 14, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

More than two billion people woke up today unsure where their next safe drinking water will come from. Some are forced to spend up to 15 per cent of their income just to access water, highlighting the global water crisis, according to Gary White, chief executive and co-founder of non-profit Water.org. “That is a huge burden. It's a burden in terms of time spent walking to collect water.

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Palm Jebel Ali megaproject takes root, with units 'on track for 2027'

Jan 12, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Construction of the Palm Jebel Ali megaproject is progressing well, video posted by the developer Nakheel has shown. The footage, posted to its social media on Monday, is an update on the fourth quarter of last year. It shows major infrastructure work, installation of key services and beachfront villas rising from the fronds. It also portrays an army of workers toiling across the man-made island, scores of cranes and many construction vehicles traversing the fronds and trunk.

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Donald Trump's move to quit UN climate treaty risks funding gaps and cedes influence, experts say

Jan 08, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from a pivotal global climate treaty could create major funding gaps and open the door for other countries, such as China, to assume more leadership, experts have said. The Trump administration on Wednesday announced it would withdraw from dozens of international organisations, including scores of UN bodies.

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Etihad Rail reveals more passenger stations ahead of service launch this year

Jan 08, 2026 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Etihad Rail on Thursday announced more passenger railway stations for the service that is due to launch this year. Further stations will be in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa, Al Faya and Al Dhaid, which will "become operational in phases", it said. This is in addition to the stations in Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah and the Al Hilal area in Fujairah.

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Etihad Rail: UAE on cusp of new era with launch of passenger trains in 2026

Dec 26, 2025 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Nearly 20 years after Etihad Rail was established, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for the UAE's railways. The country is on the brink of a transport revolution, with passenger trains set to run next year. The network will link key transport bases, education centres, and residential and commercial areas, adding capacity to the public transport system to cater to an increasing population, while boosting tourism, easing congestion and improving sustainability.

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UAE's Christians mark Christmas Day with services in scores of languages | The National

Dec 25, 2025 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Christmas is a time that brings hope in a world still so shaken by turmoil and war, Christians have been told at services in the UAE. Hundreds of thousands are attending Christmas masses in languages including English, Arabic, Hindi and Tagalog at churches from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah. From midnight mass to dozens of services on Thursday (Christmas Day), family and friends have gathered for one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar.

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UAE weather: What is the Christmas forecast and will there be rain?

Dec 24, 2025 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

More showers may fall across the UAE over the next few days after the deluge of last Thursday and Friday, with a wet Christmas possible in some areas. In its five-day bulletin published on Wednesday, the National Centre of Meteorology cautioned that there was a chance of rain every day until Sunday. It warned that the islands and Northern Emirates were most likely to be affected with potentially heavy rain at times over the north.

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Tens of thousands of Filipinos celebrate Simbang Gabi mass in Dubai | The National

Dec 23, 2025 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Tens of thousands of Filipino worshippers gathered at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on Monday to attend this year's penultimate Simbang Gabi Mass. Organisers said the 8pm outdoor service could draw more than 20,000 people to the church complex in Oud Metha. The crowd for the ceremony, led by Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, was so large that big screens were set up across various parts of the complex so everyone present could see.

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Boosting trade and worker protection key priorities for Indonesia's new UAE ambassador

Dec 17, 2025 |

By John Dennehy

| The National

Indonesia’s new ambassador to the UAE, Judha Nugraha, has said he is focused on expanding trade, investment and boosting co-operation to enhance migrant worker protection as he starts his term on office. Speaking to The National, Mr Judha said building on the results of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) that came into force between the countries in 2023 is crucial.

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