The Dubai Tram, considered the first tram outside Europe powered entirely by on-ground electric cables, takes to the tracks for the first time on Tuesday. Follow the event live here:
8.08pm: Back at al Sufouh Depot, the inaugural ride ends.
In pictures: The Dubai Tram's historic inauguration
8pm: The tram is passing along Knowledge village on our way back to depot. We then head back to al Sufouh depot after an hour's ride.
7.35pm: The packed train has just passed Dubai Marina Mall after stopping at Dubai Marina station following its steady ride through JBR and Dubai Marina, where crowds gathered along tramway to watch the journey.
7.18pm: Hasan Al Mutawwa, deputy director of tram operations, behind the wheel of the tram.
7.16: The first look for our reporter inside the Dubai Tram's Palm Jumeriah station.
7.09pm: Laughter, fun and excitement marked the first rides of Dubai Tram as the trains set off on inaugural run.
Moving along at fair pace and stopping various stations, the ride is convenient and leisurely.
7pm: Ahmad Hashem Behroozian, left, CEO of RTA's Licensing Agency, and Abdullah Al Madani, CEO of Corporate Technical Support Sector at RTA, enjoy their first ride aboard the Dubai Tram.
6.56pm: The second and third trams have now hit the tracks. Take a look from inside the carriage, where our reporter is riding along with RTA representatives and government officials.
6.45pm: It is Shaikh Hamadan, Crown Prince of Dubai, who flags off the inaugoral journey of the Dubai Tram.
6.32pm: Shaikh Hamdan has arrived at the launch of the Dubai Tram.
6.22pm: Above, a look inside the auditorium as guests wait for Shaikh Mohammad ahead of the launch.
6.03pm: The entrance to the makeshift Dubai Tram auditorium, above.
5.47pm: UAE is telecom company du will provide free wifi to tram-users during the first two days of its opening on November 12 and 13.
Du has announced on the eve of Dubai Tram opening on Tuesday that it has been chosen by the RTA as the exclusive provider of wifi connectivity on the newly launched Dubai Tram service. Du’s wifi service will be rolled out across the entire length of the Dubai Tram network in phases.
Dubai Tram: Marina and JBR closed for inauguration
Commuters can enjoy complimentary WiFi for two days by connecting through their WiFi-enabled device, then following the simple steps to log in to the service. Full details will be available through a landing page that is automatically opened upon connection. On the special occasion of the inauguration, du will offer complimentary high speed broadband on the Dubai Tram from November 12 to 13 .
5.32pm: Saeed Al Tayer, above, managing director and CEO of DEWA, said: "It's great day for Dubai. It's a wonderful project and it will go a long way in resolving traffic in the area. It will add value to transport system of Dubai as it is new mode of transport to the region, not only for people in the area but visitors will also enjoy it."
5.20pm: Ahmad Hashem Behroozian, above, CEO of RTA's Licensing Agency, said: "This is as historic an occasion for Dubai as the launch of Dubai Metro. We are excited about it and believe this will give more options for people to choose from. Dubai Tram is more convenient and it will help both tourists and residents to travel more freely."
5.07pm: Abdullah Al Madani, above, CEO of Corporate Technical Support Sector at RTA, said: "This day is another special day for Dubai and RTA. Dubai is always having major achievements and coming up with new projects to make people happy and provide with latest and best means to travel.
"We already have a state of the art transportation system and Dubai tram will add to it."
4.58pm: Yousuf Al Ali, CEOS of RTA's Public Transport Agency, said: "It is a proud moment for the RTA. The Dubai Tram is one of the biggest achievements for Dubai since the RTA's inception.
“This is a new mode of transportation for the region and I m sure people will enjoy it."
