The Dubai Metro is the flagship Project of the RTA in terms of: its approximately 15.5 billion Dirhams total investment (inclusive of Project Management fees and utility diversions); state-of-the-art engineering and technological challenges; visibility throughout the city being an architectural showpiece, and; its direct role in providing social benefits. In addition it will be a catalyst for improving real estate value, economic development and urban regeneration along its main route and arteries. Dubai Metro will create an additional source of employment opportunities for both local population as well as the region.

The aims of the Metro System are to provide an alternative mode of transport to ease congestion, save passengers traveling time, reduce traffic pollution thereby improving environmental quality, improve mobility within the City, provide connection to Dubai International Airport, and deliver modern, comfortable and reliable services to the Metro users.

Planning of the Dubai Metro began keeping in mind the rapidly growing population (expected to reach 3 million by 2017), the 15 million projected visitors and the traffic jams in the city. Work officially commenced on the construction of the metro on March 21, 2006. The $4.2 billion Dubai Metro project is on schedule for completion on schedule.

The Network
When completed, Dubai Metro will have a total of 70 kilometers (43 miles) of lines, and 47 stations (including 9 underground stations) making it the longest fully automated rail system in the world. The trains and stations will be air conditioned with platform edge doors to make this possible.. Two lines - Red and Green - are under construction, and two more are planned. The Dubai Metro is intended to provide transport coverage and reach to all strategic areas of the City, and develop the network to branch out into the suburbs with future extensions.

Launched on 09/09/09
Red Line: The 50 km route was launched with ten stations operational. The ten stations - Nakheel Harbour & Tower, Mall Of the Emirates, Financial Centre, Al Jafiliya, Khalid Bin Al Waleed, Union Square, Al Rigga, Deira City Centre, Terminal 3, and Rashidiya. A range of tickets are available for travel from AED 2 for a single trip to AED 65 for a 10 trip 2+ zones ticket. For more information: www.rta.ae or www.gulfnews.com.

Under construction
Green Line: Over 20 kilometers (12 miles) line with 20 stations from Festival City, through the city centre, Dubai International Airport and the Airport Free Zone.

Proposed
Blue Line: 47 kilometers (29 miles) line along Emirates Road.

Purple Line: 49 kilometers (30 miles) line along Al Khail Road, and is meant to be an express route between Dubai International Airport and the Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai International Airport.

The Dubai Metro expects to carry 1.2 million passengers on an average day, 27,000 passengers per hour for each line, and 355 million passengers per year once both lines are fully operational. There will be three park-and-ride facilities.