Dubai resident to celebrate birthday on launch date

Dubai: Ninth September, 2009 - the day the blue bullet Metro will wind its way through Dubai on its first journey.

A moment in history, the day will have additional significance for Gulf News reader Mansoor Riaz.

As the Metro launches, Riaz will be celebrating his 31st birthday, simultaneously. Born and raised in Dubai, Riaz originally hails from Pakistan. His parents moved to the UAE in 1965.

He said: "I was born, brought up and educated in Dubai and thus spent all these years witnessing the changes in the modes of transport."

Riaz is making plans to host his birthday bash close to one of the Metro stations.

He said: "I already plan to celebrate my birthday with family and friends after which I will go for a ride on the Metro. It will be a great experience for us!"

With high expectations and a positive attitude, Riaz is all set to be one of the first passengers on board the Metro. He said: "Metro takes Dubai to a higher and most advanced level in passenger transport. I have seen that the authorities are continuously working on improvements and modifications to the road and transport network. A great example is the Al Maktoum Bridge. It used to be two lanes and now see the difference!"

Riaz is confident that the Metro will live up to his expectations. He is most interested in the benefits of the system.

Working for a retail group's IT department, he is even willing to give up his car for the Metro.

He said: "I would use it every day, except on days when there is a planned meeting or work scheduled in an area that the Metro does not cover. I have been driving in the UAE for almost 12 years and now seek a better and more comfortable experience, which the Metro would provide."

Riaz is looking forward to relaxing and reading the newspaper on his trips to and from work.