By Mustafa Al Zarooni/City Editor and Dhanusha Gokulan/Staff Reporter www.gulfnews.com
The future of public transport is here in Dubai. Commuting and connecting to different modes of transport will never be the same again with the sleek Dubai Tram arriving in style on Tuesday.
Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, formally launched the system at Al Sufouh as fireworks lit the way along glittering streets on its first run.
The excitement was palpable and security was tight as the Crown Prince boarded the tram with Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group; shaikhs and other senior officials on its first run.
As the tram with the dignitaries snaked through the unusually calm streets on a tranquil Tuesday evening, the iconic Burj Al Arab beamed with images of the new addition. People drove by taking in the display. Traffic was light and the weather was perfect for the occasion.
Roads near the line were guarded by officers of the Dubai Police. Khaleej Times spoke to some of the residents who had gathered near the Knowledge Village, Media City, and Jumeirah Lake Towers tram stations to have a glimpse of the tram. More info
