Sports
One Day in Dubai package offers cheaper fare to hot destinations
One Day in Dubai package offers cheaper fare to hot destinations (Asma Ali Zain) / 9 February 2014 This initiative will be in line with a move to make daily transiting by public transport modes more exciting and enjoyable. The Public Transport Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the “One Day in Dubai” initiative, a new fare-saving public transportation package that allows the passenger to experience all public transport modes and visit the most attractive areas in new and old Dubai. This initiative will be in line with a move to make daily transiting by public transport modes more exciting and enjoyable. This step also complements the RTA’s efforts to build on its solid commitment to enhance an overall mass commuting integration. Dr. Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, explained that the new service will use different modes of public transport, including modern and heritage ones such as Dubai Ferry, Water Bus, heritage abra, in addition to metro and public buses. “Starting from Al Ghubaiba near the mouth of the creek, the trip will end at the Dubai Marina then return by passing through Burj Khalifa and then Old Dubai or vice-versa, while another option had been introduced to start from Al Seef Marine Station. The package is designed for a full day to allow passengers to enjoy places they pass through. However, it can also be used for more than one day.” said Al Ali. “The tour landmarks would cover Al Ghubaiba, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Burjuman, Al Seef, Deira Old Souq and Al Shandagha,” he added. Al Ali further explained that the advantages of this new service are achieving integration between several modes of transport, encouraging the use of public transport, providing new service to both the visitors and residents of Dubai. The CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency reaffirmed RTA’s commitment to provide the world’s best public transport services to the public from all social segments, not to mention the tourists and visitors who flock into Dubai from different parts of the world, especially during the high seasons of sightseeing, conventions, exhibitions and fairs, which usually attract a large number of visitors and participants who will indisputably benefit from the “One Day in Dubai” Package. news@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Sharjah Light Festival: Spotlight on heritage
Sharjah Light Festival: Spotlight on heritage 9 February 2014 Nights will glow in Sharjah until February 14 as part of the Sharjah light Festival, changing the city into one of dreams. A symphony of lights, images, sounds and colours change the architectural designs of 12 sites, including five mosques, three of which are located on the East coast. The Sharjah commerce and tourism development authority has been reinventing history and monuments to shed light on the emirate’s rich heritage. The nine-day festival, which had its grand opening on February 6, showcases the Islamic culture and heritage as the emirate celebrates being the “capital of Islamic culture” in the world, says Kt senior photographer M Sajjad. sajjad@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
11 dead, 1,200 injured as heavy snow hits Japan
11 dead, 1,200 injured as heavy snow hits Japan (AFP) / 9 February 2014 As much as 27 centimetres (10.6 inches) of snow was recorded in Tokyo by late Saturday, the heaviest fall in the capital for 45 years, according to meteorologists. People walk against blowing snow in Tokyo. AP The heaviest snow in decades in Tokyo and other areas of Japan has left at least 11 dead and more than 1,200 injured across the country, reports said on Sunday. As much as 27 centimetres of snow was recorded in Tokyo by late Saturday, the heaviest fall in the capital for 45 years, according to meteorologists. The storm hit Tokyo on the eve of its gubernatorial election. Observers say the weather may affect voter turnout in the city of 13 million people. As of 6pm (0900 GMT), turnout was down more than 10 percentage points from a previous poll during the last mayoral election. As a depression moved along the Pacific coast on Saturday, the northeastern city of Sendai saw 35 centimetres of snow, the heaviest in 78 years. Local media said at least 11 people have been killed with one person also in critical condition in snow-linked accidents — mostly crashes after their cars skidded on icy roads. In central Aichi prefecture, a 50-year-old man died after his car slipped on the icy road and rammed into an advertisement steel pole, a local rescuer said. Public broadcaster NHK reported at least 1,253 people were injured across the nation, many of whom had slipped on the ground or fallen while shovelling the snow off their roofs. More than 20,000 households were without electricity early on Sunday while airlines cancelled more than 400 domestic flights a day after over 740 flights were grounded. Nearly 5,000 people were stranded at Narita airport on Saturday as traffic linking the airport to the capital was disrupted, NHK said. Further snowfall is expected on Sunday in the northern part of the country, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
