All aboard Dubai Metro

Dubai: With the launching of the first Metro in the Gulf region, Dubai has achieved a never before attempted milestone - the world's longest automated driverless train system built in just four years.

"The completion of such a massive project in a short period of time speaks volumes about Dubai's economic strength and its commitment to the development of the city regardless of the global economic crisis," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

In depth: Dubai Metro
In pictures: How the Metro came to be

Tonight there will be fireworks visible from Mall of the Emirates, Jafilliya, Creek Park and Festival City.

Dubai is now in the league of 'mega cities.'

The aim of the Metro system is to provide an integrated public transport system to ease congestion, save travelling time for passengers, reduce traffic pollution, improve mobility within the city, provide a swift connection to Dubai International Airport and important business and commercial hubs, and deliver a modern, comfortable, reliable and safe mode of commuting.

"It took some 30,000 workers, five big contractors and 150 [other] contractors to complete and make it possible to launch the project on schedule," Al Tayer said.

Interactive: All you need to know about the Dubai Metro

He said that the RTA revised the original design of the Metro by 50 to 60 per cent to incorporate the changing development trends in the city, and as a result the cost increased from Dh15.5 to Dh28 billion.

The Metro is set to provide transport coverage and reach all strategic areas of the city, and develop the network to branch out into the suburbs with future extensions including Al Sufouh Tram which will be ready in 2011.

The future lines under study are the Purple and Blue Lines to extend the network.

The Metro will be a catalyst for the improvement of real estate values, economic development and urban regeneration along its main route and arteries. It will create an additional source of employment for both the local population as well as the region in addition to boosting the tourism sector.

Studies show that the Metro will reduce traffic congestion by 17 per cent out of a total of 30-35 per cent, which is aimed to be reduced by an integrated public transport network including buses and water transport.

As part of its modernity drive, vision and concerns for the environment due to rapid development, the Dubai government commissioned studies to determine the most efficient and cost-effective solutions to traffic congestion, which resulted in the birth of the Metro.

The seeds for the project were sown in 1992, when a feasibility study known as R400 concluded that Dubai could no longer rely solely on road expansion to cater to its escalating traffic demands. The findings recommended a transit system.

Video: Metro workers talk about the big launch

The contract to build the Metro was awarded in July 2005 to a consortium called Dubai Urban Rapid Link (DURL). The consortium comprises Japanese companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Corporation, Obayashi Corporation, Kajima Corporation and Yapi Markezi of Turkey supervised by consultants Systra and Parsons from France and the US, respectively.

"We are very proud that the dream of having a Metro is being realised today as it will benefit generations to come," said Al Tayer.

The Metro is a world-class, 21st century railway system. It is the first of its kind in the region with outstanding state-of-the-art design. The themes of the stations, interiors and the originality of the station exteriors give the Metro a pleasant mix of Dubai's heritage and modern architecture.

Al Tayer noted that with the construction of the Metro, property and land prices around Metro stations and tracks have increased by 30 per cent.

The Metro will also help Dubai save Dh5 billion a year which is lost due to traffic jams.

Audio interview: RTA exec on what commuters can expect from the Dubai Metro

"It is a way forward for sustainable development and provide easy link between businesses," he added.

Al Tayer noted that one of the key benefits is that the RTA now has developed expertise which can be used to build the Metro networks in other emirates and even other countries. He noted that the integrated transport system including introducing more public buses, feeder bus routes and water buses was developed because it was the key to the success of the Metro.

The RTA operates around 1,300 buses on 80 routes and 25 feeder bus routes in Dubai. The number of buses will increase to 1,800 by the end of the year and to 3,000 buses by the end of next year to serve almost all areas of Dubai.

"We hope to carry 4.5 million passengers every day in our public transport by 2020," Al Tayer added.

About not opening the complete Red Line and all the stations, he said that such big projects are always launched in phases and it is quite normal around the world.

Are you excited about the Dubai Metro? When will be your first ride? Will you use it for work purposes or for leisure?

Your comments

I PROUD TO SAY I WORKED IN DUBAI FOR SOMETIMES. THE DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCE ARE AMAZING AND HATS OFF TO SHEIK MOHD
Srikanth
Chennai,India
Posted: September 09, 2009, 15:42

All of us waiting for start metro and now metro is going to start whing few hours.I am feeling very much excitment. All the best for the world's longest automated driverless train system built in just four years. Insha allah in future also Dubai can give more fecilities to all the peoples.
Mohammad Eshak
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 15:39

Well Metro has finally been operational. I live in Abu Dhabi but visit Dubai every weekend, i dont have to call my cousin to pick me up from Trade centre, now i can take metro and reach my relatives place without spending much money. thats really cool.
Abbas Kumail
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 15:39

Mubrook thats a great achievement.I am so proud to be living in Dubai and be a part of this exciting land with so many new things coming each day.I am really excited about travelling by Metro and am sure it will rock. Congrats to all the ppl who worked on this and to Sheikh Maktoum for his amazing vision.
Hiba Safdar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 14:49

The visionaries of Dubai have carved one more milestone - the Dubai Metro Rail is being thrown open today, a great day which the History should register. The commitment, the drive, the untiring efforts of the RTA, the main contractors, direct and indirect contributories to the Project, have redrawn the face of Dubai, which is really a commendable job. Three Cheers!!!!
Venkat S.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 14:43

VERY MUCH EXCITED. I AM HERE SINCE 1992 WHEN THE PLAN FOR METRO WAS LAUNCHED. WILL USE FOR WORK PURPOSE. HOPING TO TRAVEL IN IT AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME.
M.C.ABDUL GAFFOOR
DUBAI,U.A.E.
Posted: September 09, 2009, 14:29

It's great news that Metro is starting today. But all depends how the feeder route are catered and it's convenience. Ther is no point to use metro if someone saves time in metro and then for onward journey spend more time than usual. It will definitely help make dubai more greener.
Bhaskar Roychoudhuri
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 14:28

It's a work of splendour to see such a dream realised in a short span of time, only 4 years. H.E. Shk Mohammed, has succeeded in creating a milestone in the history of Middle East for the first Metro. We salute and applaud him for pursuing his objective despite the ups and downs in the economy worldwide. The successful expansion within the Emirates will prove a boon to the folks of UAE and a blessing for all commuters.
Karen Panikar
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Posted: September 09, 2009, 14:14

happy metro, Today the world will include DUBAI name in Metro list this achievment is making us proud that we are part of it we are living here and earning. best of luck to metro and all related business to it.
Shabbir Kanorawala
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 14:00

Dubai metro is a trending topic on twitter! It was #10 earlier but as of this writing it is #2!!! Here's an ode to social media :D
Kinan Jarjous
SHJ,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 13:59

It is an achievement for UAE and Dubai in particular. The vision of ruler of Dubai is Magnanimous. This will help the generations to come who will be indebted to him for this wonderful infrastructure. RTA has done a magnificient job in grouping all the modes of transport in one single card which will help the commuters. The people of UAE are generous in accomodating people from every corner of the globe. I wish and pray to Almighty for the success of this astonishing programme and wish all the best to the country
JOHN RAJAN
SHARJAH,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 13:52

I am 62 years old, from Goa, India, and am working as an Accountant here. I will be leaving Dubai within 4 months but will definitely travel in the Metro before my departure to Goa. I wish all the success to Dubai and the Metro.
Esmail Ebrahim Khan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:47

I am excited to ride the train. Great DUBAI.
Mhelbert Romero
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:47

BEST WISHES FROM ALL OF US. I am at office but i am really very excited to travel today in Dubai metro, afer a long long wait, finally we achieved the aim of 09/09/09 and sharp at 9 am. My Son he is too excited to travel on the first day. Best wishes from all of us to Dubai Metro.
Rani Anup Asarpota
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:25

yes we are very excited. My three year old child always looks at the train bridges and the Metro, whenever it goes on trial runs.
Asghar Ali Khan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:22

Congratulations to the Metro team. We are proud and happy about the biggest projects in the world, being here in the UAE. Best wishes.
Ravi Ettiyan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:21

My Hearty congratulations to the authorities, concerned officials and the many men at work for the great success of this mega project. Excellent date and time for the opening ceremony.
S.Sethuraman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:20

I'm watching each and every bit of Metro's growth. Tommorrow is my first trip with my family, it may be a good weekend.
Sameee Nathan
Kodaikanal,India
Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:05

Indeed... What a great day for Dubai. We look forward to welcoming the Metro and travelling in it. A million Thanks to the authorities for caring so much for the people and for their effort in making this happen.
Priya Rajan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 09:46

At last the long wait for the Metro has come to an end. I am very excited to travel in the Metro. I will be using it for work.
shamseer Ali
dubai,uae
Posted: September 09, 2009, 09:30

I am really excited to get on board the Dubai Metro. The project is so efficient for the people of Dubai, Also I do prefer to travel by Metro for work as it looks so much easier. I think my first ride will be on September 13th.
Samaneh
duabi,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 09:21

Launch of the Metro is a big milestone, especially right at the promised time. Congratulations to Dubai residents and hats on to RTA Engineers and other staff.
Danish Jaafari
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 09:21

Excellent Job done by the authorities for the people of Dubai as well as visitors. Congratulations to all the Engineers, Consultants, and workforce for the project successfully completed in short period.
Dinesan Muliyan Kalathil
Doha,Qatar
Posted: September 09, 2009, 09:15

The maiden Dubai Metro launching would definitely play a leading role in providing comfortable, efficient and service-oriented transport facilities to the public at large. This operation is the obvious result of the continued and dedicated efforts made by the Government of Dubai which would undoubtedly save a great deal of traveling time for commuters by reducing traffic congestion and much improved mobility within the city to provide a swift nexus for regional and business networking. It is expected to become a good example of a modern comfortable, convenient and reliable transport service. Today we do feel proud and it gives us immense pleasure to extend our heartiest congratulations to the UAE on this mega, auspicious and much desired event of the launch of the Dubai Metro prompting an encouragement among the investors to recognise and understand the significance of the Emirate's current economic vibrancy which is making robust strides regardless of the global liquidity crunch. I wish UAE a continued and sustainable growth.
Mohammad Nawaz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 09:04

Hats off to the authorities for starting the Dubai Metro. It is really a big historical achievement for Dubai and will play a challenging role by keeping the inauguration date on schedule regardless the global financial crisis. Congrats once again.
Arif Naseer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 09:02

Yes, I am really excited. My first ride would be on Thursday, 10-09-09. I will use it for work purposes, for sure.
NAJEEB
jebelali,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 09:01

My honest congratulations to the authorities for their tremendous achievement in the Dubai Metro. I am very excited to be a part of this big day of achievements. It is not an easy task which has been achieved. Congratulations to RTA and all other people who are involved directly and indirectly in this big achievement. Bravo Personalities, Bravo Dubai.
Mohammed Aslam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:58

I look forward to using the Metro regularly both for work and leisure activities as it will definitely boost my interaction in the city due to its accessibility and cheap fares. Also, it looks too good to miss!!
Nima
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:57

Congratulations Dubai for this new achievement. We are very proud of you. I am so excited and I shall use Metro during my leisure
Mrs Hemalatha
Dubai,U.A.E.
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:53

All success to the Dubai Metro.
Reji Thomas
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:46

I would definitely be exited to ride in it. But, I need to know which stops are open at the moment.
sana
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:35

Its really amazing the completion of this project within a short period. May it be the solution of all traffic problems in Dubai. Congratulation to the RTA for an outstanding performance. It's a really amazing the completion of this project with in a shot period eventhough the world facing major finacial crises. May it be the solution of all trafiic problems in Dubai. Congratulation RTA for an outstanding performance.
Abhilash G Pillai
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:35

What a great historic moment for Dubai. It is all happening here. I am glad to be a part of Dubai for the past 06 years
L.V.S.Narayanan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:32

Mabrook !!!Dubai UAE always ahead of the world ever changing trend. Our next visit to UAE we shall definitely make it a point to use the Mass Rapid Transport the train.The vision of the leaders in UAE is smart and the whole world has a lot to learn from them. As past residents of Abu Dhabi Me and my family wish that UAE and its good people the best in this month of Ramadaan God bless UAE!!
Nihal S.Panangala
Mount Lavinia,Sri Lanka
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:26

Metro in Dubai, is a great achievement. Waiting for the great day, when all 7 Emirates will be interconnected with a train.
Bindu Nair
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:26

The aim of the Metro system is to provide an integrated public transport system to ease congestion, save travelling time for passengers, reduce traffic pollution. And faster traveling and perfect time arrival and departure is best benefit of the Metro.
Abizar Mulla Husain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:25

Yes I am excited about Dubai Metro. I will be riding in it this week. I would like to use for work purposes, but it all depends on connectivity from House to Station and Station to work place. Hope Bus service will be frequent.
Rajinder Singh Nagiyal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:11

We are really excited about the Dubai Metro. Best Wishes!
Malek Salah Al Deen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 08:04

Dubai Metro is a really excellent service for the journey and people are happy to see and travel on it. I am Proud and Thankful that I am working on this Project since 27 months.
Amjad Mahmoud
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 07:58

Congratulations to the Dubai Governament on launching the first longest automated driverless metro in a record time, and for being the first one to do so in the gulf region. Congratulations for a vision and for making it come true. Congratulations to the people of Dubai for their perseverence is going to bear the fruits... less trafic and smooth mobilty. Congratulations on being a part of the history in making...
Gopkia Mayya
Mangalore,India
Posted: September 09, 2009, 07:49

Don't ask about the excitement, it's at the peak. That's a huge achievement for UAE. Hope to Travel very soon. Will definitely be using for Leisure.
Mohammad No'man
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 07:48

They done it !
Mohammad Asim Iqbal
Karachi,Pakistan
Posted: September 09, 2009, 07:42

We are all very excited to see the Metro come to life. We can't wait to ride the trains!
Marby De Guzman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 07:34

My dream has finally come true!!! I am a Pakistani, born and raised in Dubai, but when I went to Malaysia and England sometime back, I wished Dubai also has a Metro System one day. And TODAY it is here. Thank you DUBAI.
Shahid Akram Raja
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 07:07

Yes i am very excited about it. Hopefully within the first week of its launch. For both.
Rakesh
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 06:38

I am excited to utilise the Metro however, the Wojhati website is very hard to navigate and isn't very accurate. I still haven't found a general easy-to-use timetable for the train with fares.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 06:11

Yes certainly everyone around the town is speaking about the launch of Metro, there is more sense of excitement among the Sharjah residents, like me. But yes would love to use the Metro.
Umair
Sharjah,UAe
Posted: September 09, 2009, 06:08

Congratulation to the Management and staff of DUBAI METRO.We are very proud that the dream of having a Metro is being realised today as it will benefit generations to come as the same will be safe / pleasant travel. It is easy to discuss but very difficult to put on action..THANKS DUBAI METRO. All the best for the future
Jani Deepak
Bur Dubai,Dubai, UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 05:45

Long wait is over. I will go to Dubai this weekend using the Metro. Kudos to RTA for a job well done.
Angelito G. Castillo
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 04:40

Congartulations!!! I hope that good transportation for foreigner in Dubai. If I go to Dubai, I wanna take the Metro.
JK Jeong
Seoul,S. Korea
Posted: September 09, 2009, 03:41

Well done RTA. The traffic free Metro has arrived, especially for the tourists! And also another entertainment for window shoppers at the malls in the city. Moreover the cheapest mode of transportation for the middle income group.
Shiraj Hussein
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2009, 03:25

Congratulations!
Sanath Cassim
Minneapolis,USA
Posted: September 09, 2009, 01:46

On my first visit in Dec 2007 I marveled at the level and speed of development of your city state and I prayed that we should be blessed with such vision and will. With this new Metro I accept your leadership position and a beacon for others to reach for. Is this the new wonder of the World?
Dr Dele Obileye
Ibadan,Nigeria
Posted: September 09, 2009, 01:23