Dubai unveils tram prototype

The Dh3.2 billion tram system will be the first in the world to run on electricity in the ground, without the need for electrical wires.

The Dh3.2 billion tram system will be the first in the world to run on electricity in the ground, without the need for electrical wires.

DUBAI // The emirate's Dh3.2 billion Al Sufouh tram project moved forward yesterday with the unveiling of plans for the trams and their stations.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was shown detailed plans by the Roads Transport Authority tram project for the first time.

The project was originally meant to be finished in April of this year but the date was pushed back to 2014 because of funding issues.

Besides a prototype tram and station, artist impressions and detailed graphics were on display for Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. They showed indoor walkways connecting some of the tram stations to metro stops, including the Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina stations.

The trams are 44 metres long, with carriages for gold class, silver class, and women and children. There are 60 fixed seats on board, and a capacity of 292 to 405 people depending on how many stand. Every tram and station will have closed-circuit cameras in place.

The system will be the first in the world to run on electricity in the ground and without the need for electrical wires. Pedestrians will be able to walk across the tracks safely as the power is switched on only when the tram is in the station.

The 13-stop route will run from Dubai Marina through Media City and up to Knowledge Village. A trip from end to end is expected to take around 30 minutes. A second phase is planned with 4km of track going to the Burj Al Arab Hotel and the Mall of the Emirates.

Sheikh Mohammed was photographed this month using the Dubai Metro to get to an official event. Shortly afterward he tweeted about his trip, urging everyone to use the emirate's "advanced transportation".