DUBAI METRO 2024

Dubai has ordered government departments to cut spending by 15 per cent as the emirate aims to plug a budget shortfall that has grown since the global economic downturn. Officials have been told to make the cuts to save Dh3.7 billion (US$1bn).

The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has teamed up with Public Transport Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) to run an educative program for DTC taxi drivers focusing on traffic offences, as well as procedures & policies adopted by both bodies towards improving the code of conduct and quality of service delivered to the public.

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has embarked on the implementation of Universal Centers & Universal Employee plan as part of its strategic plan that aims at meeting customer requirements and offering top-class services through shifting its services to strategic locations and placing them at centers shared with other government bodies.

"Despite a challenging 2009, a 2010 come-back looks imminent to us as the government continues to move forward with its infrastructure expansion plans such as the Dubai Metro, Al Maktoum International Airport and other major infrastructure projects," said Hesham Al Shirawi, second vice-chairman of the DCCI.

Part of the Metro system's 52km Red Line was closed this evening after a small fire broke out on the tracks. The line was closed at stations between Al Jafiliya and Terminal 3 after passengers spotted the blaze between 6.15pm to 6.30pm.

A ride on the Dubai Metro with a view of the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa). The trip is from the Mall of the Emirates to the Dubai Mall.

Transport officials have announced that a new bus route will launch on Tuesday. The route will cover Sharjah Airport to the Dubai Metro station in Al Rashidiya. The fare costs Dh10 and the new service, Route 111, will start at Sharjah International Airport and then make a stop at Al Qusais Bus station (Sonapur), before reaching its final destination at the Al Rashidiya Metro Station.

In recent years, the Middle East has proved to be one of the most attractive construction and engineering markets in the world for international contractors. This is demonstrated in microcosm in the United Arab Emirates. In Dubai, for example, Japanese contractors have been heavily involved in constructing the Dubai Metro and the joint venture involved in the construction of the recently opened Burj Khalifa (previously known as the Burj Dubai) was led by South Korea's Samsung.

The concerned authorities should enforce more controls at zebra crossings. As public transport in Dubai grows and Dubai Metro construction moves towards its finishing stages, it is time to give this matter priority. How would people be encouraged to use the Metro or the bus instead of a car, when getting to the respective stations has become so dangerous?

Dubai metro Inside. 20 Feb 2010