dubai Metro Opening Today Is The Uaes New Metro System
January 3, 2010 • Category : Destinations
Dubai Metro
by Holiday Rental Centre Team
September 2009
Dubai Metro Opening today is the UAEs new metro system.
Today Wednesday, marks the opening of the Gulfs first urbanised rail network, the Dubai Metro which is a unique coup for this popular Gulf region.
The announcement of its arrival and launch date of: 09/09/09 at 9pm - is a never-to-be-forgotten date for every citizen of Dubai and city worker alike.
The Dubai Metro is reported as eventually aiming to become the world's longest driverless train system travelling along more than 70km or 43 miles, of rail. This project is a fantastic triumph for all those concerned in developing and creating the long-awaited addition to the citys transport system.
The Cost
At a cost of about 4.5 billion, nearly double the original estimate, the Dubai Metros opening should be a real boost for Dubais economy and the Emirate's rulers as the city has been suffering the effects from various economic problems as a result of the global financial recession. They have already created a huge infrastructure and massive developments which have turned Dubai into a successful and global financial centre plus the most popular holiday and travel destination throughout the the whole of the UAE and possibly the Middle East.
When the new Metro system was planned, the citys economy was experiencing rapid growth with an expanding population. Many of the citys arterial roads were snarled-up or gridlocked with heavy traffic morning and night. Much of this congestion was incurring daily throughout the length of the Sheikh Zayed Road which now carries much of its newly laid track alongside the 8 lane highway, and in full view of all drivers.
But will the Metro entice drivers to leave their cars and climb aboard?
As the first Metro stations are opening along 52km / 32 miles of the system, Dubai is reporting a reduction in traffic due to the downturn in the global economy. It appears there have been fewer visitors to Dubai recently, and with a large number of migrant workers leave-taking, there already seems less traffic on the roads.
Dubai will somehow need to persuade motorists, (who benefit from cheap fuel prices, and who enjoy the privacy of air-conditioned vehicles), to park their cars and join the queue for a crowded metro ride. With daytime temperatures around 40-45C that wont be easy!
Futuristic Carriages & Stations
The Red Line is the first to open, which has a total of 29 stations. Ten of these will come into operation immediately, but the remainder will be phased in over the next 6 months, with the second line, the Green Line, due for opening in summer 2010.
Dubai Metro is offering 3 classes of carriage. A Gold sector, where Sheikhs, Oil barons, VIPs, top Executives, Politicians and Bankers etc, will be seduced with wide leather seating, on-board Wi-Fi, and privileged seats at a front-of-train position to view some of the most expensive construction projects in the world. There are futuristic-style stations along the route to enjoy, while-you-queue, plus separate carriages for women and children, but with reasonable charges for all regular passengers.
The designer behind the Dubai Metro project has revealed that huge chandeliers will light up the main underground Khalid bin Waleed Station.
Although the authorities anticipate 200 million passenger journeys on the Metro each year, many residents believe the metro is a positive social and environmental addition to the city which likes to be recognised for its modern development.
However, for the authorities it is difficult to see when the economic return on their near $8bn investment will be possible.
By:
sj1000
You can freely reprint this article provided that you leave the copy (including active links) intact, and include the following resource box: Stuart Johnston is a UK travel writer, specialising in holiday destinations worldwide. Managing the busy Holiday Rental Centre website, he incorporates the Holiday Advice section at () which forms an increasing collection of articles, top-tips and travel resources.
