Metro stations to have wireless online link

Dubai: All the Dubai Metro stations will be equipped with facilities like wireless internet, close circuit television and retail outlets to make commuting convenient and reliable, said a senior official.

"Metro stations will have a unique design, merging modernism with tradition," said Engineer Abdul Majid Al Khaja, Chief Executive Officer (CEO ) of the Rail Agency at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

An overview of the Dubai Metro project was also given by Basam Mohammad Mansour, Director of Engineering, Rail Agency, to the delegation.

"International standards have been adopted to ensure that people with special needs are able to travel independently and with ease within the Dubai Metro stations.

" Public announcement and information is provided in both audio and visual. Direct route for tactile guidance paths are specially laid on the floor to guide vision impaired people to their destinations," Al Khaja said, while briefing a delegation of journalists from Taiwan at the RTA office.

Categories

He said the stations are divided into two main categories - Underground Stations and Elevated Stations.

The total number of stations on both lines (red and green) is 47, with 10 Underground Stations mostly in the the central business districts of Dubai, while the remaining 36 stations are elevated and one at ground level.

"Their uniquely shell shaped roof, while modern, invokes the heritage of pearl diving - this ancient craft that requires skill and bravery brought early prosperity and is an integral part of Dubai's history.

"The interiors of the stations are uniquely designed in respect of their historical background and by adopting design theme based on one of the four elements of nature: water, air, fire and earth," he said.

Speaking about Health, Quality, Safety and Environment (HQSE), he said necessary precautions are taken during construction to protect the environment and the HQSE closely monitors the effect of the activities on the environment on a short-and-long-term basis.