Dubai: More than a 100 million passengers used the Dubai Metro last year. Mohammad Omar was not one of them.
In fact, the 38-year-old British businessman has never been on the Metro since it first rolled onto the tracks in 2009.
“I have a car, I never really needed it,” Omar said.
Back home, he was a regular commuter on “the Tube”, the London Underground public transit system. But here in Dubai, the long-time UAE resident prefers the comfort, convenience and privacy of his own car.
“Even if I didn’t have a car, I would take a taxi, not the Metro. A taxi will take me exactly from where I am to where I need to be. I don’t have to walk at all.”
He said the “the hot weather is a deterrent” in Dubai, meaning he would not be inclined to walk between Metro stations and his destination.
Another reason why he is Metro-shy is that, according to Omar, the driverless train network “doesn’t extensively cover all Dubai”.
“In London, taking the Tube is more practical. Here there are only two lines so far. It’s good, but not enough, if you ask me,” he said.
Still, he has nothing but compliments for the Metro.
“From what I’ve seen and heard, it’s really clean and efficient, on time and reliable. It’s a good service, especially for those who don’t have cars or can’t afford taxis all the time.”
Would he consider using it if only for the experience itself?
“Perhaps… It’s not a novelty for me, having been on the London Tube so much. But I can see myself hopping on to catch a new perspective of the city,” Omar replied.
