标签： North America

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE has inaugurated the partial opening of the Al Hamidiyah Bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road in Ajman, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. Spanning 1,100 meters and featuring four lanes in each direction, the bridge is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity across key areas. While the main structure is now operational, ongoing work continues on lower intersections, pavements, parking facilities, rainwater drainage systems, and connecting roads to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. These remaining components are slated for completion by the end of the year. The project is expected to reduce travel time by 60%, providing seamless access to residential zones, service areas, and vital facilities such as the under-construction Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Hospital and the Zayed Educational Complex. This initiative aligns with Ajman’s broader strategy for sustainable urban growth, enhancing the efficiency of its road network and supporting the emirate’s comprehensive development goals. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including H.E. Eng. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry, and H.E. Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman.

In a significant move to bolster road safety and streamline traffic, Sharjah Police have unveiled a cutting-edge smart device named ‘Rased’. This innovative radar system, equipped with a high-resolution camera, is designed to detect and address traffic violations in real-time. The device was developed over three phases in Sharjah Police’s traffic innovation lab, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to leveraging technology for public safety.

‘Rased’ targets serious traffic infractions such as wrong turns and lane violations, which often lead to accidents and congestion. Upon detecting a violation, the system automatically issues a fine to the offending driver. According to a Sharjah Police officer, the primary objective is to ensure safer roads and smoother traffic flow, particularly during peak hours, rather than merely penalizing drivers.

This initiative comes amidst a notable reduction in traffic fatalities in Sharjah. Data from the first half of 2025 reveals a 35% decrease in the traffic fatality rate per 100,000 population compared to the same period in 2024. The introduction of ‘Rased’ is expected to further enhance road discipline and safety, contributing to the emirate’s ongoing efforts to reduce accidents and improve traffic management.

Subramanyam ‘Subu’ Vedam, who spent 43 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was exonerated earlier this month after new evidence emerged. However, his newfound freedom was short-lived as he was immediately detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which seeks to deport him to India—a country he left as an infant. Vedam’s legal team is now battling the deportation order, while his family fights to secure his permanent release. His sister, Saraswathi Vedam, described the situation as ‘very different,’ noting that her brother has transitioned from a familiar prison environment to a crowded detention facility where his history of good behavior is unrecognized. Vedam, who maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration, was convicted in the 1980s for the murder of his former roommate, Tom Kinser, and a subsequent drug offense. Despite his exoneration for the murder, his drug conviction remains, providing ICE with grounds for deportation. Vedam’s family emphasizes his deep ties to the U.S., where he has lived since infancy, and his lack of connections to India. His lawyer, Ava Benach, argued that deporting him would compound the injustice he has already endured. The family hopes his decades of good behavior, educational achievements, and community service will influence the immigration court’s decision.

Dubai Police has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Parkin PJSC, the leading provider of public parking facilities in the emirate, to integrate their traffic management systems with Parkin’s smart parking and payment platforms. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at GITEX Global 2025, aims to enhance road safety and streamline traffic enforcement. By leveraging advanced technologies, the initiative will enable Dubai Police to instantly identify vehicles with outstanding fines or seizure orders as soon as they use Parkin’s facilities, allowing for swift legal action. The integration will also aid in detecting vehicles involved in criminal or traffic cases, further bolstering the city’s security measures. Brigadier Issam Ibrahim Al Awar, Acting Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, emphasized that this partnership underscores the force’s commitment to digital transformation and public safety. He highlighted that the project will improve traffic monitoring, ensure compliance with laws, and reduce the presence of unlicensed vehicles or unpaid fines on the roads. Engineer Mohamed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating that it aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart and sustainable urban development. The initiative is expected to enhance parking and traffic management efficiency, contributing to a safer and more seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.