Day: December 21, 2025

Her Excellency Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa, Chair of the Supervision Committee of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, has praised the readiness of venues hosting the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament 2026 in Sharjah, citing their high standards of infrastructure, operational efficiency and athlete services.

During an inspection tour across the emirate, Sheikha Hayat commended Sharjah’s ability to deliver an integrated hosting experience that supports the development of Arab women’s sport. She also expressed appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi for her continued support, which she described as central to the tournament’s success.

The tour, attended by senior officials from the Union and the tournament’s organizing committees, reviewed competition and training venues to ensure technical, logistical and operational readiness. Officials also met with club representatives, who confirmed their full support for the event.

Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chair of the Supreme Organizing Committee, said the venues reflect Sharjah’s advanced infrastructure, safety standards and commitment to excellence in women’s sport. Meanwhile, Games Director Her Excellency Moza Mohammed Al Shamsi highlighted the importance of precision and coordination in delivering a seamless experience for athletes and delegations.

The inspection covered multiple venues across Sharjah, including women’s sports centers, cultural and sports clubs, and facilities for athletes with disabilities. Reviews included competition halls, training areas, logistics, safety, medical services and security arrangements, ensuring a safe and well-organized tournament environment.

Dubai , December 21 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened two new bridges under the Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, improving traffic flow between 2nd December Street, Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street.

Opened ahead of the planned mid-January date, the bridges each have two lanes in both directions, a combined length of 2,000 metres, and a capacity of about 6,000 vehicles per hour. The new links reduce travel time from 2nd December Street to Al Majlis Street, Al Mustaqbal Street and Zabeel Palace Street from 10 minutes to just two minutes, while easing congestion at the busy roundabout.

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer said the AED 696 million project involves five bridges totaling 5,000 metres and the conversion of the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection. Overall completion has reached nearly 50%, with phased openings planned.

Another bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street is set to open in March, while two more bridges serving Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street are scheduled for October 2026. Once completed, the project is expected to cut average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds.

The development will benefit key areas including Dubai World Trade Centre, DIFC, and surrounding communities, serving more than half a million residents and visitors. The project is part of a wider master plan that includes upgrades to Al Mustaqbal Street, scheduled for completion in 2027