Latest news with #DubaiTram
Gulf Today
4 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai Metro passengers likely to exceed 300 million by 2026
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a key milestone in the expansion of the city's public transportation network. Upon arriving at the venue of the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority. According to studies, the number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the expansion of metro stations. The service began in 2009 with 10 stations, reaching 26 stations in 2010 and growing to 46 stations in 2011. By 2014, the Dubai Tram started operations, and the number of metro and tram stations soared to 56. In 2021, the launch of the Metro's Route 2020 added seven more stations, raising the total to 64. The upcoming Blue Line will add 14 new stations to the network, which will bring the total number to 78. Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on the growth in the number of trains, which rose from 16 at the Metro's launch in 2009 to 44 in 2010. The figure reached 79 trains by 2011 and increased to 90 with the inauguration of the Dubai Tram in 2014, further expanding to 140 by 2021. With the Blue Line coming into operation, the total number of trains will increase to 168, comprising 157 Metro trains and 11 Tram trains. He also reviewed the evolution of both the interior and exterior designs of metro stations. The exterior design of the elevated stations was inspired by the shape of a seashell, alongside the distinctive iconic architecture of Expo and Emaar Properties stations. The interior design of the stations reflects seven thematic models: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, in addition to unique design elements developed specifically for Expo and Emaar Properties stations. Sheikh Mohammed received a further briefing from Al Tayer on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which links the Green Line at Creek Station, and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station. The line serves residential and academic zones, as well as key development projects, with an estimated population of one million by 2040. It also connects to the Dubai Silicon Oasis - one of the urban centres outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan - a hub for innovation and knowledge that supports the growth of the technology-driven economy and attracts skilled and creative talent. Al Tayer stated, 'The Blue Line comprises two main routes. The first runs from Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station. The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. This section spans 21 km and connects 10 stations.' 'The second route of the Blue Line starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya. It passes through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. This route measures 9 km in length and links four stations. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayah 3,' said Al Tayer. Sheikh Mohammed watched a film highlighting the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which links the red and green lines of the Dubai Metro and serves economic, academic, tourism, and residential areas expected to house one million people by 2040. It connects these areas with direct journeys to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes. It also supports the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan by extending metro services to the fifth urban centre and contributing to a 20% reduction in traffic congestion along the roads served by the Blue Line. WAM
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai RTA offers free parking and extended metro, bus services for Eid Al Adha 2025
Image: X/RTA Dubai As Dubai prepares for Eid Al Adha 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced adjusted schedules and free parking to accommodate residents and visitors during the holiday. The changes apply from Wednesday, June 4, to Sunday, June 8, 2025, with some services resuming normal operations on Monday, June 9. Free parking across Dubai Public parking in Dubai will be free of charge from June 5 to June 8, the RTA confirmed on Monday, aligning with the Eid Al Adha celebrations. However, multi-level parking terminals will continue to be paid services during the holiday. Public transport timings Dubai Metro The Dubai Metro will operate on extended hours during the holiday period. From Wednesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 7, all stations on both the Red and Green Lines will run from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (next day). Dubai Tram Dubai Tram services will operate from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM (next day) across the same dates — June 4 to June 7. Dubai Bus While regular schedules will continue, RTA advised residents to check the S'hail app for the latest timings. Key changes to intercity bus routes include: Route E100 (Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi) will not operate from June 4 to June 8. Commuters are advised to use Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi instead. Route E102 will operate directly from Al Jafiliya Bus Station to Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, bypassing both Ibn Battuta and Musaffah. Customer Happiness Centres and testing services All RTA Customer Happiness Centres will be closed throughout the Eid holiday. However, the Smart Customer Happiness Centres at the following locations will remain open 24/7: Umm Ramool Deira Al Barsha RTA Head Office Service Provider and Technical Testing Centres All service provider centres will be closed from June 5 to June 7. On Sunday, June 8, only technical testing services will resume at the following centres: Tasjeel Al-Tawar AutoPro Al-Mankhool Tasjeel Al-Awir Al Yalayis Shamil Muhaisnah Full services, including transaction processing and vehicle testing, will resume across all centres on Monday, June 9, 2025.
What's On
02-06-2025
- What's On
RTA announces parking and Dubai Metro updates during Eid Al Adha 2025
Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has announced changes to parking and public transportation in Dubai including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses and other transportation systems during Eid Al Adha 2025. The announcement was made via RTA's official X (previously, Twitter) account. أعلنت #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات عن مواعيد العمل في جميع خدماتها خلال عطلة عيد الأضحى المبارك 1446 / 2025. وتشمل ساعات العمل مراكز إسعاد المتعاملين، ومواقف المركبات الخاضعة للتعرفة، وحافلات المواصلات العامة، ومترو وترام دبي، ووسائل النقل البحري، ومراكز مزودي الخدمة (الفحص الفني… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 2, 2025 The post states that changes will affect 'working hours for all its services during the Eid Al-Adha holiday 1446/2025.' This includes 'customer happiness centers, paid parking areas, public buses, Dubai Metro and Tram, marine transport, and service provider centers (vehicle technical inspection).' * UAE confirms Eid Al Adha 2025 holiday dates for public and private sector * Public parking During Eid Al Adha, RTA confirms that there will be free public parking in Dubai. According to the RTA website, public parking in Dubai will be free from Thursday, June 5, to 8 in Dubai. Do note, the free parking does not apply to multi-story parking. Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and other public transportation in Dubai Dubai Metro If you travel by the Dubai Metro, do note that timings have been amended as well over the Eid Al Adha holidays. All stations on the Red and Green line will operate from Wednesday, June 4 to June 7, 2025 from 5am to 1am (the following day). *Here's everything we know about the Dubai Metro Blue Line* Dubai Tram The Dubai Tram will run from 6am to 1am (the following day) from Wednesday, June 4 to June 7, 2025. Updated schedules for the public buses can be found on the S'hail app. However, RTA pointed out that Bus Route E100 will not operate from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station from June 4 to 8, 2025. Marine transport For all marine transport, visit this link here. Customer Happiness Centres All RTA Customer Happiness Centres will be closed during the Eid Al Adha holiday. The Smart Customer Happiness Centres at Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, and the RTA Head Office will operate as usual. For all the details, visit What is Eid Al Adha? According to tradition, Eid Al Adha is held to honour Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, after being instructed to do so by God. Prophet Ibrahim told his son of the dream, and the son then told his father to follow the order. But God intervened, sending a sheep to take his son's place. The occasion of Eid Al Adha is usually marked with a few days off for both the public and private sectors. Images: Getty and Dubai Media Office > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Time Out Dubai
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Drones to clean Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram stations, RTA reveals
The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai has revealed that drones are set to be used to clean Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram stations. Drones will spray down the facades of the public transport stations as part of plans to improve safety, make the most of resources and support environmental goals. Initially introduced on a trial basis, drone technology will reduce the risks associated with working at height or in areas that are difficult to access. The drone technology means that there will be fewer personnel required at each station when cleaning operations are underway. Currently, up to 15 people are required to keep the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram as clean as sparkling clean as we know it to be, but drones will mean that a smaller team of eight can tackle a station. The RTA is working closely with Dubai Metro operator Keolis MHI to evaluate the potential of drone-assisted cleaning, with initial findings also suggesting that traditional methods still offer greater flexibility in other areas. Drone-assisted cleaning has also been found to use less water per station than traditional methods and cracks down on unnecessary exposure to high-risk areas for staff. The facade of a Dubai Tram station (Credit: Dubai Media Office) Mohammed Al Ameeri, Director of Maintenance at RTA's Rail Agency, says that the trial should reduce the environmental impact of cleaning. He said: 'This pilot initiative reflects RTA's commitment to adopting innovative technologies that enhance safety, optimise resources, and support Dubai's sustainability goals. 'Trialling drone-based facade cleaning is a step towards smarter maintenance practices that reduce environmental impact and safeguard worker well-being, fully aligned with our strategy to transform mobility services across the city. 'Drones reduce the need for workers to be exposed to high-risk areas, while using less water per station, which is a meaningful contribution to our environmental strategy. 'Working with Keolis MHI on this initiative provides many opportunities, and with the continuous development and enhancement of automated solutions, we can support safer, greener infrastructure maintenance.' Facades of Dubai Metro stations such as Financial Centre Metro Station could be getting cleaned by drones (Credit: RTA) The trial period looks like it will blend both traditional cleaning methods and traditional approaches to keeping facades clean. Vikas Sardana, Chief Operating Officer at Keolis MHI, said:'We're proud to support RTA's strategic objectives and Dubai's vision of a smart, sustainable city through this partnership. 'We believe innovation begins with curiosity and courage, and this trial produced adequate results that bring us closer to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable transit system for the people of Dubai.' In other Dubai news Global Village 2025: The new summer closing date has been announced Planning a visit? Here's your need-to-know Dubai Mall announces car park closure: The important update you need to know It's part of the mall's ongoing expansion plans Major Dubai road project cuts travel time from 80 to 12 minutes The final phase has been completed
What's On
03-04-2025
- What's On
6.39 million passengers used Dubai public transport over Eid Al Fitr
That's a lot of people… Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has seen a huge increase in people using its services over Eid Al Fitr 2025. Between March 30 and April 1, there was a significant surge in public transport usage during the holiday. 6.39 million passengers used taxis, public transport during Eid such as Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and shared mobility services over thebreak. The Dubai Metro alone, operating on both the Red and Green Lines, transported 2.428 million riders, while the Dubai Tram served 111,130 passengers. The Dubai public buses carried 1.33 million people, and marine transport services recorded 408,991 boardings. . أعلنت #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات في دبي أن إجمالي عدد ركاب وسائل النقل الجماعي ومركبات الأجرة والتنقل المشترك خلال عطلة عيد الفطر المبارك 1446 هجرية 2025 ميلادية، (من 30 مارس وحتى 1 أبريل الجاري)، بلغ 6 ملايين و390 ألف راكب. وأوضحت الهيئة أن عدد ركاب المترو بخطيه الأحمر والأخضر،… — RTA (@rta_dubai) April 2, 2025 Taxis, including those from Dubai Taxi and the various franchise operators around the city, served 1.687 million users, while shared mobility services, such as e-hail vehicles and on-demand buses, registered 429,616 riders. Public transport in Dubai is such a great way to reduce traffic in the city, which is a topic of conversation amongst residents this year. RTA and Dubai government are constantly implementing ways to improve traffic flow and ease congestion. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
