The Dubai Metro's first train left Nakheel Harbour and Tower station just a little after 6am today, a few minutes behind schedule and carrying more journalists than ordinary passengers.
Most of the dozen or so first fare-paying travellers on the long-awaited Red Line were joyriders on a trip to Rashidiya, the end of the line, and back again. Some parked their cars in the large multi-storey car park, strolling across the air-conditioned walkway to the station.
One man, however, may have a claim to being the Metro's first genuine commuter: Azab Abw Warda, 20, an Egyptian student who has lived in Dubai for 16 years, was planning to travel as far as Rashidiya, then get a taxi to his university in Sharjah.
"My car is in the garage," he said, grinning broadly as he filmed the passing city on his mobile phone.
His smile suggested it might stay there; if so, his is an example that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) hopes many thousands more will emulate.
The journey was flawless, the ride smooth, the carriages cool and the promised wireless internet working.
More passengers got on at the next stop, Mall of the Emirates; everyone wanted to stand at the front of the train, taking pictures of the city as though they were seeing it for the first time. The rising red sun, glowing among the still mist-shrouded skyscrapers, added drama to the scene.
Before the train started, Dubai Police officers, out in force, had insisted that no one would be allowed to take photographs on the train.
The rule was abandoned in minutes. Young Emiratis, a group of Indian friends, some Spanish tourists and assorted expatriates - everyone wanted to record the moment and, by now, images of Dubai's latest achievement will have gone around the world.
As a train travelling in the opposite direction appeared down the track, its front window sparkled with camera flashes. A party of young Emirati boys waved excitedly; the group of equally excited young Indian men at the front of the northbound train waved back.
Few people sat, instead wandering up and down the four carriages. For today, at least, the Gold carriage - distinguished, at first blush, only by its leather seats - was open to all.
And a curious thing happened. Strangers on a train started to talk to each other.
jgornall@thenational.ae
HOSTS
T20 WORLD CUP
2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland
ODI WORLD CUP
2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh
CHAMPIONS TROPHY
2025: Pakistan; 2029: India
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers
Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades
Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic
First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations
Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades
Improve the appearance of textbooks
Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings
Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught
Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
RACECARD
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5