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In today’s newsletter:

Discover the latest stories from Arabian Business, compiled by our editorial team. Here's what you missed on Thursday:

Etihad Rail has announced a high-speed train service connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 30 minutes. The train will operate at speeds of up to 350 kmph. Etihad Rail will manage the development and operation of the project, building on its work in the national railway sector.

Meanwhile, GEMS Education has introduced a scholarship programme named GEMS Genius, offering 64 fully funded scholarships worth $1.4m. The programme targets students excelling in academics, sports, arts, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Scholarships are available for students entering Year 9 (Grade 8) and Year 12 (Grade 11) across 13 GEMS schools.

In other news, Mall of the Emirates has unveiled infrastructure upgrades to improve accessibility and travel times for visitors. A new bridge access from Umm Suqeim Bridge, opened on January 12, reduces travel time to the mall from 15 minutes to 8 minutes. The upgrades are part of a collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia plans to invest over $600bn in the United States within four years. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed congratulations to President Donald Trump during a call, marking the beginning of collaborative economic efforts between the two nations.

In addition, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman, Turki Al Shiekh, met composer Hans Zimmer to discuss cultural and musical projects. Proposed initiatives include a re-arrangement of the Saudi national anthem and an original composition titled Arabia, aimed at celebrating the country’s cultural heritage.

^{Until next time, Sharon Benjamin for Arabian Business}

THE LONGER READ:

The open banking payments volume in the GCC is projected to quadruple to over $930 billion by 2028 from $230 billion in 2023 amidst all the member countries running real-time payment programmes

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