The World Visit: June 2011

Monday, 27 June 2011

Dubai Metro Launch

20:50 Nani No comments

In a statement on Saturday, Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director ofRTA, said the project included the construction of ramps at the intersection of Emirates and Khawaneej roads, in addition to two bridges at Khawaneej Road.

The bridges will ease traffic flow into the station’s parking lot which can accommodate 2,714 vehicles. “This project has been undertaken as part of RTA drive to upgrade key roads network in the emirate and link them with the parking lots attached to Metro stations,” Al Tayer said.

“Rashidiya Station is a key station as it is the starting point of Dubai Metro Red Line,” he said.

“The station is 130 metres long and 30 metres wide and has a capacity to handle 11,000 passengers per hour per direction. The station has two entry points equipped with escalators and lifts to ensure smooth passenger traffic in and out of the station, along with a parking lot to accommodate 2,714 vehicles.”

Dubai Metro Launch

Dubai Metro LaunchAl Tayer further stated: “The ground floor of the parking building is designated for feeder buses, and the design of the building has been customized to accommodate articulated and double-decker buses. The building is also linked with a footbridge linking the other side of the road with the Metro station such that it won’t take more than three minutes to walk from the farthest parking slot to the entry of the station.”

Dubai Metro LaunchUAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will officially launch Dubai Metro on September 9th, 2009.

The project will open with 10 key stations on the Red Line, namely: Rashidiya,Terminal 3 (Dubai International Airport), City Center, Al Rigga, Union, Khalid bin Al Waleed, Jafliah, Financial Center, Mall of the Emirates, and Nakheel Harbour and Tower. The remaining stations on the Red Line will be opened in phases over the next few months.

In a press conference held today at the RTA headquarters, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Mattar Al Tayer said that launching Dubai Metro on September 9th is a true manifestation of the vision of Sheikh Mohammed, to enhance the infrastructure of the emirate of Dubai.

The RTA vision, which is based on section 3 of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (Infrastructure Sector), is now being realised. The Dubai Metro Project has been completed in record-breaking time - less than 4 years since Sheikh Mohammed laid the foundation of the Project on March 21st, 2006.

Bubai Metro Interior

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Dubai Opens New Automatic Metro

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Posted by travelgirl on 9/17/09 • Categorized as Cities

The first “Red Line” subway of 52 kilometers was launched in Dubai on September 9. The trains are equipped with a unique control system and will run in automatic mode.

The railway route connects the Rashid and Jebel Ali areas as reported AmeInfo.com. There are 29 intermediate stations on this line, passing along the road of Sheikh Zayed, including Internet City, Burj Dubai, Dubai International Financial Center, Emirates Towers, World Trade Center, and Terminal-3 Dubai International Airport.

Dubai Metro is the most modern railway system with automatic control, the first of its kind in the Middle East. The design of stations perfectly combines the traditions of Dubai Heritage and the modern trend.

Metro is built in compliance with all international safety standards. Rolling stocks with a capacity of 643 passengers consist of five parts: a “golden car” and four “silver cars”, each of 18m length.

Passengers of the first “golden cars”, equipped only with 18-S wide leather seats, will be able to enjoy a luxurious interior in a light blue color, as well as the panoramic views through the windshield.The interior of “silver cars” is made in blue and green colors.

Bubai Metro Interior

Bubai Metro Interior

Bubai Metro InteriorFor the convenience of passengers video and audio system is running in the subway cars making alerts along the route. All cars have special places for children and women, as well as for persons with disabilities.

High standards of comfort are met at the Dubai “Subway” stations. Passengers will be able to wait for the train in the cool, which will be provided by the air conditioning system.

Meanwhile, on 9 September only 10 stations had been put into operation. All remaining stations will be opened by February 2010, says chairman of the Office of Roads and Transport in Dubai Mattar al-Tair.

Now Dubai has all for the tourism. The authorities expect that the unique transport system in Dubai will attract crowds of tourists, and will facilitate development in this sense, the incoming tourism of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was announced by the Emir assistant of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. However, the tourist industry experts doubt that even a super-modern subway can become the main attraction, which itself will attract tourists.

Bubai Metro Interior

Bubai Metro Interior

Bubai Metro Interior

Bubai Metro InteriorHowever Podaras doubts that someone deliberately chooses Dubai, rather than the Egyptian Sharm el-Sheikh to see the local “subway”.

However, experts believe that the Tourist Industry will now also benefit greatly. Travelers will be able to get to the hotel in comfort and without any crush.

“Our guests will enjoy the trip without any clashes, and avoid the traffic jams,” – said the director of the hotel Suitehotel & Ibis Mall of the Emirates Nicola Hohgruber. This especially concerns those hotels that are near subway stations.

However, these benefits of the tourist industry in terms of the work of station do not end up. Experts expect the rapid development of business and corporate tourism, for which the availability of transport infrastructure is a key factor.

“Metro will contribute to the organization (in Dubai) international forums” – assures the consultant in the field of tourism, leisure and hospitality industry of the company, Deloitte Rob O’Hanlon.

According to him, Dubai has long before become an attractive place for tourists. And the only unresolved issue remains the question of passenger transportation. The construction of the metro ambitious project to create a modern tourist center can be considered complete. “This is – one of the last pieces of a puzzle, a certificate of completion of the project”, – added O’Hanlon.

Dubai Metro Inside

20:37 Nani No comments

Dubai Metro was opened a few weeks ago and have to say, I haven’t tried it until now. What a shame. We are still waiting for the rush of excited people to slow down a bit. The local news reported that 212,000 passengers rode the Metro in the first four days of its operation!

I have no photos of the Metro yet but I got a great collection via email so I thought I’d post it here. I don’t know who to credit for these photos so whoever you are, thank you!

Dubai Metro Station

10:08 Nani No comments

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) expects to cover no more than half of the US $4.2 billion (AED15.5 billion) capital investment it sunk into the Dubai Metro through income from fares over the first five years of the system’s operation.

Chairman and executive director HE Mattar Al Tayer added it would be “some years” before the metro system became profitable due to the ongoing operation and maintenance costs.

Further, Al Tayer confirmed that the Government of Dubai was yet to make a decision on whether or not to scrap the proposed purple line of the metro originally intended to run between Dubai International Airport and the under-construction Al Maktoum International Airport.

“When we talk about transportation infrastructure as a whole,” Al Tayer said, “we will only be able to cover around 45%-50% of the total capital investment within the first five years [of operation]. This is the standard the world over, not just in Dubai.”

Dubai Metro Station

Dubai Metro Station

Dubai Metro StationHeritage-inspired design of Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba stations on the Green Line of Dubai Metro gets approval from His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The design of these Metro Stations derived from the heritage of the city that reflects the historical and traditional legacy profile of Dubai in a style that matches its surroundings.

Dubai Metro Station

Dubai Metro Station

Dubai Metro StationDue attention has been given to aesthetic and technical dimensions of those elements such that the stations will look like a natural extension of the old and traditional souks in the locality. They will also be viewed as extensions of the Heritage and Diving Village and the existing old control towers in the area. Entrances of the stations will match the architecture of these areas and will be integrated with the design of the Dubai Creek Bank Development Project.

Dubai Metro

06:56 Nani No comments

The Dubai Metro system, currently under construction, aims to ease this congestion and reduce passenger travelling time.4 Lines are being constructed:

The Dubai Metro will be one of the most advanced urban rail systems in the world and will be the catalyst for tourism, financial and economic growth. Investment costs for the full system have been assessed at a grand total of about AE$14.3bn, including civil works, stations, system fixed equipment, trains, engineering and financing.

Dubai Museum

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UNStudio create futuristic design for first Dubai Museum of Middle East Modern Art

Dubai is set to embark on a cultural journey as the realisation of UN Studio's Museum of Middle East Modern Art begins, the Ruler of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced this week. It will be the first museum of its kind in Dubai and will be located on the banks of Khor Dubai in Culture Village.

The futuristic, elegant form created by UN Studio's design is sleek and bold in its massing leaning over passers-by as though it were the bow of an enormous ship. Dubai Properties Group are to develop the Museum's design which was commissioned by His Highness Sheik Mohammed following the establishment of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the launch of Khor Dubai which is designed to celebrate cultural diversity in the UAE. In addition to the Museum the UAD 50 billion Culture Village will hold 40 million sq ft of land and will include an amphitheatre, an exhibition hall and smaller museums.

Dubai World Trade Centre

23:59 Nani No comments

Location

A MODERN LANDMARK ON HISTORIC DUBAI CREEK Inspired by a graceful sailboat, Intercontinental Dubai Festival City stands tall amid the business and shopping districts. If you’re in town on business, you’ll appreciate the proximity to Burj Dubai, the Business Bay and Dubai World Trade Centre, but leisure options are also convenient. Bastakiya, Dubai Museum and Al Mamzar Beach Park are nearby.

Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade CentreIntercontinental Dubai Festival City boasts a total of 121 luxury Suites, the top suites located on levels 20, 21 and 22 will feature stunning 180 degree views of the Dubai Creek and Sheikh Zayed Road skyline. Club Intercontinental rooms offer complimentary access to Club Lounge including: snacks & drinks; welcome & airport transfers; breakfast; high-speed Internet; morning & afternoon tea; evening cocktail dinatoire; 3-hour Boardroom hire; late checkout until 4:00pm subject to availability. Spacious room 43 m² / 474 sq ft, with modern European style décor and views of Festival Marina, historic Dubai Creek or city skyline.

Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade CentreDubai World Trade Centre District designed by Hopkins Architects

Hopkins Architects have been appointed for the first Phase of the Dubai World Trade Centre District, which is at the heart of the new business district in the city. This is arguably the most important area of real estate in the Gulf and the Middle East.

The design will feature a balance of public and private spaces creating a unique mixed-use urban quarter of offices, apartments, hotels and retail use. The design includes a series of internal and external public spaces with treelined streets, light filled atria and rooftop gardens; places for people to live, work and enjoy life. The project will provide a unique human-scaled urban environment with over 1 million square metres (10 million sq ft) of developable area. The office buildings will be designed to the best environmental standards to achieve “LEED Platinum” status.

Dubai World Tower

23:44 Nani No comments

Burj Dubai, world's tallest tower, is slated to go as high as 200 floors, a company official revealed. "It has reached floor No 40. It is over 20 per cent of the total habitable floors," Abdullah M. Bin Lahej, Director of Construction for Emaar Properties, developer of the tower, told Gulf News.

This translates into nearly 200 habitable floors, dwarfing all other man-made structures and nearly double the height of the 442-metre Sears Tower in Chicago, which has the highest habitable floor at the 108th.

Dubai World Tower

Dubai World TowerThis means the building's height, which remains a well-kept secret, could go well beyond the estimated 750 metres if calculated on the standard height of an average floor.

Construction of the tower's superstructure, which began on April 15 last year, has reached the 40th floor, at a rate of more than nine days per floor.

This time-frame is expected to fall significantly as the higher the building goes, the narrower it becomes, thus reducing the amount of work per floor.

Bin Lahej said major components of the tower have already been sold out.