PRNewswire/ UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has officially launched Dubai Metro's red line, the world's longest and the Middle East's first fully automated, driverless rail transport system, built at a cost of Dh7.6 billion. Sheikh Mohammed announced the official opening at Mall of the Emirates Station and said that the metro would open its doors to commuters on Thursday, September 10.
Sheikh Mohammed booked the first ticket at the station, accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,a number of sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries, senior officials and a host of Arab and foreign media representatives.
Sheikh Mohammed, along with his guests, boarded the metro from Mall of the Emirates Station heading for DIFC Station, where he placed a large UAE gold coin featuring his picture on one side with the image of the metro on the inverse. He was briefed by Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Mattar Al Tayer on the idea of making the UAE gold coin as a memento of the great event, the first of its kind in the region.
Next Sheikh Mohammed and his guests continued their metro journey heading for Khalid bin Waleed Station, where he unveiled a crystal plaque inscribed with a poem dedicated to him.
Sheikh Mohammed's fourth stop was at Union Station, where he inspected a number of paintings and pictures depicting the UAE's past and its people. There, he also signed a secret letter which was sealed and awaits Sheikh Mohammed's order for opening.
After that, Sheikh Mohammed moved to DIA Terminal Three Station where he watched automated ticket bookings and unveiled a large picture for himself with more than 500 pictures of His Highness at different occasions.
Sheikh Mohammed's last stop was at Al Rashidiyah Station, where he fixed the missing part of the metro model there. He inspected the various facilities at the station and expressed happiness about this achievement, describing it as a source of great pride, not only for the people of the UAE, but for all Arabs.
In a statement to the media, Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE, under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues to face all challenges and is capable of achieving more progress in all development sectors, pointing to the metro project which he described as one of the biggest achievements. Sheikh Mohammed praised the RTA's work team for their great efforts in accomplishing the project, which supports the UAE economy and enhances industry and tourism in the country.