Dubai Tram project

Al Sufouh Tram project on schedule

The first phase of Al Sufouh Tram will be operational in 2014 at a cost of Dh4 billion

The first phase of Al Sufouh Tram will be operational in 2014 at a cost of Dh4 billion as the construction work is being carried out on schedule to provide safe, smooth and affordable transport in the new Dubai areas

"It is important to inform people about the benefits of using public transport, especially with regard to protecting the environment from pollution, ensuring the comfort and safe means of transport for passengers, and to reduce traffic congestion in the city," said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammad, who unveiled the models of the tram carriages and the station yesterday, also stressed the importance of promoting and firmly establishing a culture for ideal usage of public transport.

He was accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and senior officials from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, was also present.

Promoting tourism

Shaikh Mohammad expressed his satisfaction at the tram project, which he said complements the public transportation system in Dubai.

He also praised the urban projects carried out by RTA, which he said are considered important foundations for infrastructure and are a factor in promoting tourism in the country.

During a visit to the project location at Jumeirah Walk, Shaikh Mohammad approved the interior design for the tram carriages. He also viewed the tram route map, and was briefed about the 14.7km-long route by Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA.

The first phase of the route will be 10.7km long and will cost Dh4 billion. It will be built between Jumeirah Walk and the Mall of the Emirates. The first phase of the project also comprises 13 stations of the total 19, and eight trams will be used initially of the total 25. Each tram will have the capacity to carry 400 passengers and will cater to 5,000 passengers per hour. Like the Dubai Metro, the tram will have three categories including the Gold class, women and children's section and the silver class (economy section).

Al Tayer pointed out that the tram will provide a link to three Metro stations: the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. It will also be linked to the Palm Jumeirah monorail.