Beyond Burj Khalifa: Uncovering the Spirit of Dubai through its Metro

Dubai, a city synonymous with towering skyscrapers and extravagant luxury, often leaves visitors dazed at the foot of the iconic Burj Khalifa. But beneath this glamorous sparkle and lights lies a heart beating with life, and a pulse of everyday life humming with a unique rhythm. To truly understand Dubai, and understand its essence behind the dazzling façade, one must step into a different kind of marvel: the Dubai Metro. Here are 12 interesting facts about the Dubai Metro that you might want to know.

1. The longest driverless network in the world until 2016

Buckle up to ride a future ride! The Dubai Metro boasts the title of the world's longest driverless metro network, stretching a whopping 75 kilometres across two lines. No connectors, just pure automation!

2. Breaking the record for the number of passengers

This metro is no stranger to crowds! In 2012, the metro entered the Guinness Book of Records for the highest daily commuter for a driverless metro, with more than 530,000 passengers. Talk here about the hustle and bustle accompanying the crowd!

3. Technical Stations

Forget about wide sidewalks! Each station in the Dubai Metro is designed to reflect different themes from the UAE's heritage, showcasing elements such as land, water, fire, air and history. Get ready to be visually enchanted! Khalid Bin Al Waleed Station (formerly Burjuman), Expo (Exhibition) 2020 Station, Al Jafiliya Station and Sheikh Zayed Road Station are masterpieces of modern architecture.

4. Fashionable care

Have you ever seen a metro station named after a shop? In Dubai, this is a reality! Businesses can sponsor and rename stations, adding a touch of brand flair to your commute. For example, Rashidiya station is now called "Centrepoint (Central Point)" after the well-known store name.

5. Sleeping is actually considered a crime in the metro

Can you fall asleep and sleep a little in the metro? Not so fast! Sleeping is actually a crime and can expose you to a fine of AED 300. So, keep your nap to bed.

6. The construction of the metro took as little as four years.

Construction of the first part of the Dubai Metro began in 2005 and was completed in just four years, a testament to the city's rapid development and ambitious vision.

7. Official opening took place at 9:09:09 pm on September 9, 2009

Great timing for the launch of this exceptional system, the Dubai Metro is the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula and the second in the Arab world

8. AED 28bn / USD 7.8bn spent on Dubai Metro construction

The cost of constructing the Dubai Metro project increased by almost 80% from AED 15.5 billion/USD 4.2 billion to AED 28 billion/USD 7.8 billion.

9. Park your car and take the metro

The Dubai Metro has built three large multi-level car parks with an estimated capacity of more than 8,000 passenger vehicles, where they can park their cars and ride the metro.

10. Wi-Fi everywhere

Wi-Fi is available on all trains and stations and is provided by du, which is in line with the Wi-Fi UAE programme that provides Wi-Fi connectivity within key areas of the UAE.

11. Dubai Metro Music Festival

Brand Dubai collaborated with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in March 2019 to launch the Dubai Metro Music Festival. It is held from 14 to 20 Shaaban every year through the stations of the Red Line.

12. The longest chain of diverse human hands

On November 1, 2018, the longest chain of diverse human hands was formed on the Dubai Metro train at the Etisalat station. This record was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. The chain was formed by people from 96 countries around the world, while this record was previously with Norway, where 75 countries formed a diverse human chain.

Dubai Metro is more than just steel and glass. It is a testament to human genius, a painting of artistic expression, a bridge between life and dreams. As the city races towards the future, the metro remains constant, a silent symphony of progress and development whispering: "This is just the beginning.