The Dubai Metro, which is the cornerstone of the city’s public transport network, will be celebrating its 15th anniversary on September 9. This marks the 15th year since the region’s first and the world’s longest driverless metro rail system was inaugurated by the Ruler of Dubai. On September 9, 2009, Sheikh Mohammed made history by tapping the first Nol card to officially start the operations of the Dubai Metro. The event was marked by fireworks, a laser show, and a sense of excitement and pride amongst the attendees.
Sheikh Mohammed, along with senior government officials, dignitaries, VIPs, and journalists, took the maiden Metro ride from the Mall of the Emirates station to Rashidiya Station on the red line. The historic journey was witnessed by thousands of people who gathered to witness this significant event that was believed to transform the life and landscape of the city. The inaugural journey was filled with symbolic gestures, including the placement of a golden commemorative coin by Sheikh Mohammed at the Dubai International Financial Centre station.
Dubai Metro has become a source of pride for the people of the UAE and the Arab world, according to Sheikh Mohammed. The efforts and perseverance of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) were praised for achieving this monumental milestone. Initially, residents were hesitant to use the Metro due to the lack of a driver. To address this concern, a strategy was implemented to have a person in front of the train to give the appearance of a driver, building public trust in the new system.
Since its inception, Dubai Metro has become the most popular mode of transport in the city, serving approximately 2.4 billion riders across 4.3 million journeys. With a fleet of 129 trains operating through 53 stations, Dubai Metro boasts a punctuality rate of 99.7%, surpassing international safety standards. Plans for expansion include increasing the number of stations to 96 by 2030 and 140 by 2040, with the aim of increasing the share of public transport in the emirate and reducing carbon emissions.
The success of Dubai Metro has been a testament to the vision and dedication of all those involved in its inception and operation. With its exceptional operational efficiency, punctuality, and safety standards, Dubai Metro has become a symbol of progress and modernity for the city. As it looks towards the future with plans for expansion and improvement, Dubai Metro continues to play a crucial role in shaping the public transport landscape of the city and providing a sustainable and convenient mode of transportation for its residents and visitors.
