Dubai: RTA Introduces Free Wi-Fi at 29 Bus and Marine Transport Stations

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a free Wi-Fi service at 29 bus and marine transport stations in Dubai, in collaboration with telecommunications company e& (Etisalat).

This initiative aims to enhance the commuter experience, allowing users to stay connected via smartphones, tablets, and laptops while traveling.

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Khaled AbdulRahman Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, announced plans to extend the service to all 43 RTA stations, which include 21 bus stations and 22 marine transport stations.

The remaining installations are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025.

Al Awadhi emphasized that this initiative is part of RTA’s commitment to accelerate digital transformation across its services, enhancing the daily commuting experience and contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s smartest and happiest city.

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Gulf News

Saudi Arabia to Expand Rail Network by 50%

Saudi Arabia has announced ambitious targets to enhance its transport and logistics sector, including plans for a 50% expansion of the national railway network.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position the Kingdom as a global logistics powerhouse.

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Key Highlights

  • Minister of Transport’s Announcement: Saleh Al Jasser outlined these plans during the Global Aviation and Maritime Transport Summit, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building a fully integrated, technology-driven transport ecosystem.
  • National Transport and Logistics Strategy: Launched in mid-2021 as part of Vision 2030, this strategy aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.

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Major Initiatives

  • Specialised Logistics Zones: Development of logistics zones designed to enhance multimodal integration by connecting sea, air, and land transport systems with customs operations and digital infrastructure.
  • Jeddah Islamic Port: A notable project includes the integrated logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port, which will be connected to King Abdulaziz International Airport through the upcoming land bridge railway project.

Benefits of the Expansion

  • Streamlined Cargo Movement: These efforts are expected to improve national coverage and significantly reduce operational bottlenecks in cargo transport.
  • Digital Logistics Platform: The unified national digital logistics platform links customs, ports, airlines, and freight forwarders, resulting in a 30% reduction in customs clearance times.

Saudi Arabia’s expansion of its rail network and the development of integrated logistics zones reflect a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency of its transport sector. These initiatives aim to facilitate smoother cargo movement and strengthen the Kingdom’s position in the global logistics market, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

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Gulf Trick

What is Lulu’s Plan Behind Shopping for Products Under 20?

In the competitive retail sector of the Gulf, offering easy access to daily-demand products priced under Dh20 (or SR22) has emerged as a strategic focus for major retailers.

Companies like Lulu are expanding their offerings to attract value-conscious shoppers and compete with online marketplaces.

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Key Developments

  • Lulu’s Expansion: Lulu has launched three LOT stores in Saudi Arabia, with plans to open a total of 50 LOT stores by 2025. These stores exclusively carry products priced under SR22.
  • Target Revenue: In the UAE, Lulu aims for Dh1 billion in revenue from the LOT concept by 2026 as they expand to 52 stores.

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Strategic Goals

Commitment to Value Retailing

Yussufali M. A., Chairman of Lulu Group, emphasized that this expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to provide quality and affordable products to all. The goal is to redefine value retailing in the region.

Competing with Online Marketplaces

The introduction of LOT stores is a move to counter the dominance of online marketplaces, especially those offering rapid delivery services for everyday purchases. Retail analysts note that many Gulf shoppers prefer physical stores for low-cost items rather than ordering online..

Store Features

  • Size and Accessibility: The new LOT store in Riyadh’s Al Malaz covers 18,772 square feet and includes ample parking, positioning it as a flagship destination for value shopping.
  • Convenience: Unlike online vendors, these stores do not impose minimum purchase prices, making them attractive for everyday shopping.

Market Position and Competitors

Lulu’s LOT format competes with established brands like Miniso and Daiso, which are known for offering low-cost products. However, experts believe that LOT stores are not directly competing with small local stores (baqala), but rather targeting a different segment of value-conscious consumers.

The LOT store initiative by Lulu reflects a growing trend in the Gulf’s retail sector, focusing on convenience, affordability, and physical accessibility for shoppers. This strategy not only aims to meet consumer demand for low-cost items but also positions Lulu as a key player in the evolving landscape of retail in the region.

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Gulf Trick

Saudi Arabia Seeks Fresh Study on The Line’s Feasibility

Saudi Arabia is commissioning consulting firms to conduct a strategic review of its ambitious project, The Line, as it reassesses priorities for project-related expenditures.

This review comes amid concerns about budget shortfalls and lower oil prices.

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Project Overview

The Line is envisioned as a 170-kilometer (105-mile) long, car-free city that is part of the larger Neom development project. The government aims to evaluate the feasibility of current plans and consider potential modifications.

Key Points:

  • Consulting Firms’ Role: A unit of the sovereign wealth fund is tasked with assessing whether the plans are sustainable and suggesting any necessary changes.
  • Decision-Making: Any modifications would require approval from executives at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the government.

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Strategic Priorities

Neom emphasized that strategic reviews are standard for large-scale projects, and The Line remains a strategic priority. The focus is on maintaining operational continuity, improving efficiencies, and accelerating progress to align with the overall vision of the project.

Economic Context

The review is taking place against a backdrop of:

  • Lower Oil Prices: Brent crude is currently around $71 per barrel, exerting pressure on Saudi finances. The kingdom requires a price of $96 per barrel to balance its budget.
  • Budget Shortfalls: Weaker-than-expected foreign investment has necessitated a recalibration of priorities under the Vision 2030 plan.

Leadership Changes

The assessment follows the appointment of Aiman Al-Mudaifer as CEO of Neom, with a focus on finding ways to commercialize The Line project.

Other Challenges

Another Neom development, Sindalah, a luxury tourism project, has faced delays due to design flaws and remains idle despite being launched last year.

Future Expectations

Originally projected to accommodate 1.5 million residents by 2030, recent estimates indicate that the development may house fewer than 300,000 residents by the end of the decade. The Line is a flagship project in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s $2 trillion plan to transition Saudi Arabia into a post-oil economy, including ambitious plans for a stadium atop a skyscraper for the 2034 men’s football World Cup.

The upcoming review will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this monumental project amid shifting economic realities.

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Gulf Trick

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