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    Sheikh Zayed Road set for brief closure amid COP28 and National Day celebrations

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    As Dubai gears up for the 28th annual COP28 summit and National Day celebrations, residents and commuters are advised to plan ahead for a temporary closure of Sheikh Zayed Road.
    The major artery will be inaccessible from Friday, December 1, to Sunday, December 3, between 7 am and 11 am, redirecting traffic headed towards Abu Dhabi from the Trade Centre Roundabout to Expo Road (exit 20).
    This strategic closure aligns with the commencement of COP28 at Expo City, where global leaders will convene to address critical climate change issues.
    The summit, spanning from November 30 to December 12, marks a crucial juncture, seven years post the Paris Agreement, with seven years remaining until 2030.

    Temporary Traffic Diversion on Sheikh Zayed Road1 – 3 December7 – 11 A.M. @rta_dubai pic.twitter.com/QpbpdRljDL
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 28, 2023

    To facilitate smooth transportation during this period, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recommends utilizing alternative routes such as Jumeirah Street, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Road, and Emirates Road.
    Commuters are also encouraged to embrace public transport, with the Dubai Metro extending its operating hours from 5 am to 1 am (the following day) from November 30 to December 12.
    As the city anticipates an influx of visitors to Expo City, home to both COP28 and various National Day festivities, the RTA’s adjustments aim to enhance the overall transportation experience. The temporary closure seeks to streamline traffic flow, ensuring efficient access to Expo City.
    Expo City itself will be divided into two distinct zones: the Green Zone, accessible to the public, featuring the Sustainability Pavilion, Expo City Farm, Ghaf Food Park, Al Wasl Dome, and more; and the Blue Zone, catering to the summit’s official activities.
    In light of these developments, residents are encouraged to stay informed about traffic updates, plan alternative routes, and consider the extended Dubai Metro hours to navigate the city seamlessly during this period of significant events and celebrations.
    For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    King Charles III to Headline COP28 in Dubai this week

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    35 mins ago

    In a momentous occasion, British King Charles III is set to grace Dubai with his first official visit as reigning monarch, adding regal significance to the 28th annual Conference of the Parties (COP28).
    The royal visit, at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is slated to kick off on December 1, where King Charles will deliver a welcome address to global leaders assembled for COP28’s opening ceremony.
    The prestigious event, hosted at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, is a vital platform where heads of state unite to collaboratively address the world’s most critical climate change challenges. This year, the British monarch’s participation takes on special significance, given his longstanding commitment to environmental causes.

    King Charles III, known for his passionate advocacy for climate action, will extend his influence beyond the opening ceremony. A Buckingham Palace statement conveyed that he will also partake in a reception launching the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, an integral component running parallel to the main summit.
    This underscores his dedication to engaging with global leaders and influencers in the fight against climate change.
    As part of his diplomatic itinerary, King Charles III will seize the opportunity to engage in discussions with regional leaders, emphasizing the importance of collective action ahead of COP28.
    The COP28 summit marks a crucial juncture in the global pursuit of sustainable solutions. With King Charles III’s royal presence and impassioned commitment to climate causes, the event is poised to not only address immediate challenges but also foster a renewed spirit of international cooperation.
    As world leaders convene in Dubai, the monarch’s words are anticipated to resonate far beyond the regal corridors, inspiring meaningful climate action on a global scale.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Feature Image: @theroyalfamily, @clarencehouse  More

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    Eco-luxury drives the future: Blacklane ME’s bold move ahead of COP28

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    In an ambitious stride towards sustainable luxury travel, Blacklane Middle East has announced a tenfold expansion of its all-electric fleet.
    The providers of premium global chauffeur services have unveiled first-class Mercedes EQS-SUVs in response to the region’s burgeoning demand for eco-friendly transportation.
    The move, strategically timed ahead of COP28, solidifies Blacklane ME’s commitment to green initiatives in the UAE.

    The regional expansion doesn’t stop at vehicles; it extends to the workforce with a noteworthy surge in female chauffeurs. Over 50% of the 120 chauffeurs completing the rigorous training at Blacklane’s Chauffeur Training Academy are women, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.

    Dubai residents can now effortlessly book the new Mercedes-Benz EQS-SUVs through the app, offering both on-demand and scheduled rides.
    Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane ME, emphasized the company’s dedication to impeccable service standards, reflecting the high calibre of their offerings. “We are witnessing an exhilarating phase of expansion in our business with remarkable tenfold growth of our dedicated all-electric fleet since March 2023. The introduction of our newest fleet member, the Mercedes EQS-SUVs, directly reflects the high calibre of services that Blacklane ME is committed to delivering,” said Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane ME. “Our focus on maintaining the highest standards for our chauffeurs has been exceptionally well-received by the local residents, driving unprecedented progress in a market that values sustainability as much as we do,” Nicholas expressed.

    The UAE expansion, covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah, caters to both B2B and B2C customers, ensuring reliable and convenient transportation options. Notably, all Blacklane rides globally are now 100% carbon neutral, a pioneering move in the industry to offset emissions from every journey.
    Internationally, Blacklane operates in over 50 countries and recently expanded its City-to-City service to nearly 200 routes, with the Dubai – Abu Dhabi route becoming a local favorite. The company’s global revenues soared to a record €200 million in 2022, marking a year of strategic advancements.
    As Blacklane paves the way for the future of premium chauffeur services, its commitment to inspiring a better future and setting industry standards for climate protection stands as a testament to its mission and vision for discerning travelers worldwide.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by Blacklane  More

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    King Charles III to visit Dubai next month for COP28

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    50 mins ago

    Per an announcement made by the Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, King Charles III will make an opening speech at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
    This year, the King will attend “at the invitation” of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and “at the request” of the U.K. government, Buckingham Palace said.
    Alongside regional leaders, the UK monarch will deliver the opening address of the World Climate Action Summit at Expo City Dubai and hold meetings thereafter.
    Set to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, the summit will also have a reception to launch the inaugural COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum. The overarching focus of the summit will be around the planet’s climate crisis through observer organisations like charities and government representatives who will come together.
    Making this the first time for King Charles III to attend a COP summit, however, the Royal has visited the UAE on several occasions in the past.
    Previous visits to Dubai

    This will be the British Monach’s first visit since becoming King, previously known as Prince Charles, he visited the UAE in 1999, 2007, 2014 and 2016.
    During his most recent trip in 2016, the then Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla accompanied the Royal on a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alongside Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, who was known as the then Minister of State for Tolerance.
    The trip also included a visit of the Royals to the Dubai International Humanitarian City, where Prince Charles met aid workers and also complimented the UAE’s generosity.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Getty, Jonathan Brady More