Work on Dubai tram starts January 2008

Construction on the Al Sufouh tram network will start in January next year, aimed at providing an alternate mode of transportation in the fast growing area to ease traffic congestion.

The 15-km tram lines will run on Al Sufouh Road connecting the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Jumeirah Lake Towers.

In an interview with Gulf News, the RTA said the tram project would be completed within 21 months and will be operational in September 2009, to coincide with the completion of the Red Line of the Dubai Metro.

The tram will be connected to the Red Line at three points; Burj Al Arab Station, Dubai Marina Station and Ibn Battuta Mall Station.

The tram will serve areas such as Internet city, Dubai Marina, Media City, Knowledge Village, JBR and a dozens of luxury hotels in the area, which have already started facing traffic congestion.

The first phase of the tram project has been nicknamed 'The Shopping Trolley' as it will provide a link to the major shopping areas including Mall of Emirates, the Madinat Jumeirah and Ibn Battuta Mall.