Amid Downturn, Dubai Metro Moves Ahead

While the economic downturn is slowing many construction projects in Dubai, the city's 47-station light rail system is moving forward on schedule.

1 minute read

January 12, 2009, 11:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"Despite the slowdown, however, construction is progressing on Dubai Metro, an extensive new light rail system intended to ease traffic problems, according to Adnan Al Hammadi, director of rail project construction for the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Partial service is scheduled to begin in September 2009."

"Trains will ply from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. A fare structure has not yet been announced. By the time the $4.2 billion project is completed in 2012, there will be 46 miles of track and a total of 47 stations. Ten of the stations, in central Dubai, will be underground."

"The 32-mile Red Line will stretch from Rashidiya in the northeast to Jebel Ali in the southwest. It will pass through central Dubai, and a large portion of the line will run alongside the city's main and often-clogged artery, Shaikh Zayed Road. The 14-mile-long Green Line will pass through the business districts of Deira and Bur Dubai. Passengers can transfer between the two lines at Union Square and BurJuman Centre, both in central Dubai."

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 in Architectural Record

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

May 14 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

May 14 - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

May 14 - Smart Cities Dive