Dubai Metro to feature the worlds first corporate branded station names

by Scott Carmichael on

Nowhere in the world is anyone working harder on their infrastructure than in Dubai. Mall after mall is being erected, new office buildings are breaking world records, and when they run out of land, they simply build out into the ocean.

One thing missing so far, was a large public transit system. That is set to change in 2009 when the first portion of the new Dubai Metro opens.

Of course, nothing in Dubai is done partially, so they are working on not one, but two separate lines. The Metro Red line is 50 kilometers with 35 stations and the Metro Green line is 20 kilometers with 22 stations.

The Metro will run using driverless automated trains and links most major locations in Dubai, including the airport, the American university and the city center.

Dubai would not be Dubai if they missed another opportunity to be first with something, so the Metro has sold the naming rights of 23 stations to anyone willing to pay enough.

A 10 year contract for naming your own station will cost about $35 Million. Of course, this includes a full corporate branding of the station itself. One of the first contenders said to have struck a deal is Emirates, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates.

In a nation where status means everything, I have no doubt that the Dubai Metro will find enough companies willing to have their own station. The program is planned to generate $200 Million a year for the Metro operators.

Something tells me US public transit operators will be watching this development closely, and before you know it you’ll be taking the Coca-Cola line to Gadling Central station.

Another first for Dubai: World’s tallest LED screen

by Jeffrey White on

Is Dubai getting a little too predictable in its quest to be city with the most bragging rights?

Jaunted thinks so. It greets Dubai’s latest accomplishment with a big yawn.

Dubai recently announced that it is building the world’s biggest LED screen, which is being designed to cover one side of a 33-story building. No word, however, on when it will be unveiled or how much this pointless undertaking is going to cost.

A firm named Dactronics is behind the screen, and is reportedly designing it so that light will still be able to penetrate that side of the building.

So, the screen will take its place in Dubai next to the world’s tallest building (whenever that is completed), the world’s most expensive hotel, the world’s only man-made archipelago, the world’s…

Dubai to Become World’s Top Spa Destination

by Josh Lew on

Besides being a destination for people who like designer boutiques, tall buildings and overpriced restaurants, Dubai is on its way to becoming the best place in the world to find the perfect spa experience. The spa industry is growing by nearly 20% per year. By 2010, it is projected that Dubai will surpass other destinations with a total of 15 million visitors at its spas.

Everyone (including former Mrs. Kid Rock Pamela Anderson) is trying to get in on the hotel boom that the emirate is currently experiencing. And what’s a luxury hotel without a spa? Themed spas are virtually required for any glitzy new inn.

Yes, Dubai is theme-happy. They have built housing developments that resemble palm trees and world maps. Spas are not immune from this fad. A few examples: The Ritz-Carlton’s Balinese spa, Shangri-La’s Chinese themed Spa, an the Indian spa at the Taj Palace.

Dubai has a leg up on, say, Scottsdale, in terms of luxury. But that is probably because it has to. The whole emirate is a luxurious version of an adult DisneyWorld, complete with Formula One racing and shopping malls.

Would people still be flocking to Dubai if it didn’t have all those over-the-top elements?

Emirates A380 arrives in New York!

by Grant Martin on

Dubai’s Emirates Airlines made its inaugural Airbus A380 flight into New York‘s John F Kennedy airport this past Friday, on what will now become America’s first regularly scheduled service with the the new two story jumbo jet.
Gadling was on hand to capture some sweet photos in and around the aircraft, as well as through a press conference detailing the coming Emirates events.

The airline plans to augment the current service (now on a Boeing 773) between JFK and Dubai with this aircraft in order to carry higher volumes to the booming Middle Eastern country. Eventually, they also plan on integrating A380 service to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Emirates is the second customer of the A380, following nearly two years of manufacturing delays and an initial round of deliveries to Singapore Airlines.

In a series of test flights out on the West Coast, the airline will be trumpeting their new expanded service over the next few days, so if you’re in California keep your eyes peeled for the behemoth overhead. While Gadling wont be able to make it out for the test flights, check in with The Cranky Flier at some point next week for the full scoop on in flight performance.

Meantime, check out Gadling’s photos of the aircraft and of the inaugural event and start saving your change for a ticket!

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Emirates’ A380 is on the way!

by Grant Martin on

It’s not very often that we Americans are privy to a taste of the Airbus A380, the new supermega jumbo jet that took to the skies last year.

Singapore Airlines was the first customer of the aircraft and though they took a quick zip around the United States, as our friend Mr. Cranky talked about last year, most folks have barely seen or heard much about the aircraft — after all, none of Singapore’s A380 flights regularly touch American soil.

Emirates, Dubai‘s glorious national carrier, however, has more appeasing plans. Starting later this summer, the airline is opening flights on the A380 between New York‘s JFK and Dubai, while routes from Los Angeles and San Francisco are planned for later in the year.

The airline plans to kick off its festivities with an inaugural flight reception at JFK on August 1st, where the media will be treated to inbound airport goodies from tarmac access to interviews with Emirates’ staff and general merriment. Then, the aircraft flies cross country to California where two “acquaintance” flights are scheduled for the media and other interested parties. Too bad that’s on the wrong coast for me.

If you’ve got any friends in the media world, now might be a good time to cash in your chips for a ride on the A380 — otherwise you’re going to have to wait to fly revenue. Last time I checked, those flights were going for about two grand.

Stay tuned for pictures and coverage from the Emirates reception.