Tag: Transport

Given the UAE’s harsh climate, the country’s cities were not initially designed as pedestrian-friendly. Coupled with extremely low prices of fuel, this has led to heavy reliance on private vehicles for transportation. However, in recent years, emirates such a Dubai and Abu Dhabi have embarked on an infrastructure development drive, including the construction of modern transport systems. Dubai was the first to launch a metro project, which opened to the public in September 2009 with Red and Green Lines. Three other lines are under development and the emirate recently announced plans to further expand the metro network to reach larger parts of the city. Abu Dhabi is planning to construct a metro and light rail system for an estimated cost of AED 7 billion. The first trains are expected to become operational around 2016 or 2017.In addition to taxis as a means of commute, both emirates have also improved and expanded their public bus networks over the past few years to accommodate for a growing number of users. In Dubai, water taxis and bicycle rental stalls have also been introduced in some areas to provide wider options.The UAE is also building a railway track that will mostly be used for transporting freight. The project started in Abu Dhabi and is planned to connect the seven emirates when completed, eventually linking the country to the Gulf Co-Operation Council (GCC) railway project to enhance trade between the bloc’s nations.