Dubai Metro makes a mark

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said that accomplishing the Dubai Metro project was one of the biggest challenges amidst the international economic crises.

Talking to the media on the official launching of the Green Line of the Metro, Shaikh Mohammad said that the UAE is in good hands and asked everyone to wait for more surprises on the development and economic fronts.

He said that the Metro was the result of the vision drawn up for Dubai to become the first city in the region to have an integrated public transport system, because it is the financial, tourism and trade hub.

Shaikh Mohammad stressed that the projects related to health, education and housing will not be postponed, because they touch the lives, happiness and stability of the people.

Shaikh Mohammad launched the 23-km Green Line in a ceremony at the Dubai Health Care City Station yesterday. He also unveiled the international certificate presented by the Guinness World Records for its entry as the longest automated driverless metro in the world with a total length of 75 km.

Also present were Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler, other shaikhs, ministers and senior officials.

“Dubai Metro costs Dh29.5 billion and the next step is the completion of the Al Sufouh Tram, which is set to open in November 2014 at a cost of Dh3.45 billion,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Roads and Transport Authority chief. Dubai, which was losing Dh4.6 billion per year due to traffic congestion until 2007, has saved Dh35.7 billion in time and fuel due to RTA projects costing Dh60 billion.