Dubai Metro opens on September 9

Assuring Dubai’s reputation as a centre for exceptional innovation 9 September 2009 marks the unveiling of Dubai’s latest world-class experience; Dubai Metro, the single longest automatic driverless rail transport system in the world.

Operated by Serco, the company behind the Docklands Light Railway in London and the Copenhagen Metro in Denmark, this innovative system will become the first railway system in the United Arab Emirates. The trains are initially predicted to carry 600,000 passengers on an average day then building up to 1.8 million per day by 2020 making additional areas of Dubai more accessible to visitors and residents alike.

Dubai’s distinguished history in the development of, and demand for, groundbreaking projects makes this the ideal location for such an ambitious engineering endeavour. The initial Red Line will connect key locations across the city such as Dubai International Airport, Burj Dubai, the Burj Al Arab, Emirates Towers and Dubai Marina. The full 52km length from Rashidiya (near Dubai International Airport) to Jebel Ali will take 69 minutes to travel and will feature 29 stations with 62 five carriage trains travelling at speeds of up to 45kph at 3 minute 45 seconds during peak travel periods.

In March 2010, the Green Line will open featuring an additional 23km of line with 18 stations covering the Central Business District. Two additional lines are set to follow.

The creation of an extensive, cutting-edge infrastructure is integral to the emirate’s continued and growing success as a prime visitor destination. Dubai Metro is a pioneering development that will undoubtedly open yet more avenues for Dubai’s enduring and successful growth.

For further information about Dubai Metro visit www.rta.ae.

For further information about Dubai, contact Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing at email: dtcm_uk@dubaitourism.ae, tel: 020 7321 6110 or visit www.dubaitourism.ae.