CURTAINS UP FOR DUBAI METRO

By Muin Abdul Majid

DUBAI, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- The Dubai Metro, billed as the world's longest
fully-automated driverless metro system, was launched last night by United Arab
Emirates (UAE) vice-president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The much-anticipated launch of the first metro system in the Gulf region
took place at 9.09pm at the Mall of the Emirates here as fireworks lit up the
Dubai skyline to mark the historic event.

Joined by other dignitaries and guests, a beaming and visibly excited Sheikh
Mohammed boarded a train at the Mall of the Emirates station for the inaugural
ride aboard the state-of-the-art transport system.

Several television stations made a live broadcast of the launch of the
28-billion dirham (about RM28 billion) Dubai Metro, providing aerial footage of
the train as it glided silently on its journey across the city.

Only 10 of the 29 stations along the 52km Red Line are operational for now,
with the rest expected to open in stages over the next few months.

The Dubai Metro also incorporates the Green Line which is expected to be up
and running next year.

When completed, the Dubai Metro lines that run both underground and on an
elevated track will extend 76km with 47 stations.

In expressing his gratitude to everyone who was involved in the ambitious
Metro project, Sheikh Mohammed said it was a source of pride for the people of
the UAE.

Up to 30,000 workers, engineers and railway specialists had been working
feverishly to complete the job.

"The smile that we saw on the face of Sheikh Mohammed gives us a lot of
enthusiasm and energy to continue with the same momentum," Dubai Roads and
Transport Authority chairman of the board and executive director Mattar Al Tayer
told a news conference.


Malaysia's interior fit-out firm LCL Corp Bhd is furnishing 14 stations for
the Dubai Metro system, and is bidding for contracts to be doled out under the
Green Line.

City planners anticipate the Metro project to facilitate movement as well as
enhance economic and tourism activities, among others.

-- BERNAMA