Dubai Tram
The Dubai Tram (previously the Al Sufouh Tram) system was designed to be an integral part of the Dubai transport network. It runs in a loop around the Marina and JBR area and is integrated with the road network. It also links up with the Dubai Metro and the Palm Monorail. The trams run frequently so you don’t have to wait long for the next one to come along. The system is a driver led tram and uses rails on the roadway as opposed to the Metro which has its own rail system and is driverless.
The current tram system is phase one and there have been further phases planned to expand the coverage of the tram network but these are yet to happen.
Planning
After initially being planned for completion in 2009, when the first phase of the Dubai Metro was completed, it was delayed until 2012. Subsequently to this it was announced that the Dubai Tram System was being delayed by another 2 years and would be ready in 2014. These delays were due to the downturn in the global economic climate.
In 2013 Sheikh Mohammed officially unveiled the designs for the interiors of the trains and of the stations. At this point plans were made to up the tempo of the development of the Dubai Tram so that it would indeed be ready by 2014.
The tram testing was completed on schedule and the first phase of Dubai Tram was opened on 11 November 2014. On the opening day there was an inauguration ceremony. The tram was opened to the public at 6.30am on Wednesday 12th November.
Delays
Many of the RTA traffic projects for Dubai have been delayed in recent years due to the financial situation in the Emirates. It does seem that most of the projects will eventually be completed. This will most likely be once the residential areas are themselves completed and occupied. This means they can ensure full use of the Dubai trams and other forms of transport. There have also been delays due to the covid pandemic.
Operating Hours
The Dubai Tram runs for 19 hours a day from 6.00am until 1.00am Monday to Saturday and 9am until 1.00am on Sunday. The system is aimed at reducing the level of traffic that builds up along the roads around Dubai Marina and JBR.
Further Development
The second phase of the Dubai Tram has been announced which will extend the track by 4km. It will also link the tram network with Mall of the Emirates. There is also a third phase of Dubai Tram planned. The Tram links up with the Dubai Metro and also the Palm Monorail – see the Map page for more information. There are still no dates for when these further phases will happen.
The Dubai Metro has been a great success since it opened, with millions of passengers in the last few years. Tens of thousands of residents are using the transport system for their daily commute. Likewise the tram has been a success, if a bit more limited. One reason is that the tram is seen as slow and also for some routes long. It is a really useful form of transport for the densely populated area around JBR and allows people to travel without needing cars, which is one of the main aims of the RTA.
There was a second route around the JBR loop but this is not currently operating. This previously means that you didn’t need to change to get to certain stations.
The good thing about the tram is that you can link to the Metro at the Marina and JLT stations so that you can continue your journey.
287 Comments
John Chan
Greetings Admin!
I, too, am excited about the launch of the new Dubai Tram system this November 11, 2014. This will be a very memorable day for me because it’s my 16th wedding anniversary and the same day as my sister’s birthday. It looks like a lot of people have the same birthday 😉 My lovely wife and I will be flying in from New York to witness this historical event and hopefully bring some precious memories back with us. I work for the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority and would love to be a witness to this historical moment in Dubai history. Admin, can you please forward to my e-mail any info that would help to learn more about the launch of the new Dubai Tram system. We will be staying at the Silverpoint Club Paradiso Suites Dubai (Dorra Bay, Dubai Marina). Thanking you in advance for your assistance and I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Regards,
John Chan
Rajan
I saw your admin post that the tram services will commence on 11 Nov. When will the ticket issue start? are there any premium tickets on the launch day? My friend’s birthday is on 11 Nov and what an excellent opportunity will this be to celebrate in the tram with the friend and our respective families.
admin
Hi Rajan, I haven’t heard any more info on the launch yet. I know when the metro was launched that the general public were only given access on the day after launch, so I wonder if the tram will be the same. Funny enough my birthday is also on 11 November!
Moussa
I live on the last bridge in the marina, and it looks like the tram is no longer going to allow people to cross a very major thoroughfare intersection, linking pedestrians from one side to the other. It forces travellers needing to catch a bus to the airport (carrying loads of luggage) to walk all the way under the bridge or go all the way to the end of the road. On Fridays, it is packed with worshipers needing to get to the only major mosque in the marina. Are you installing a crossing here?
jehadali
Dear SIR,
I am Graduated at (B. A) and working as a driver with ( R T A) Dubai since July,2008. Is there any job for which i can apply in Dubai Tram?
Regards, JEHAD ALI
admin
You will need to apply to Serco for any Dubai Tram jobs.
Marika
Hello,
Since last weekend there’s no pedestrian crossing anymore in from of Al Fattan Tower in Dubai Marina!? So it’s impossible to cross the road (Al Sufouh road). Where is that pedestrian crossing planned to be in the future?
Thank you.
admin
Hi Marika, I’m sorry you will probably have to ask the RTA about that although I suspect it would be hard to find anyone who would actually be able to answer that question by calling 800 9090.
MUHAMMAD hasnatali
hi
first by the grace of ALLAH J then i will start my talk please i like the the dubai tram please i need job in this department i need any job in dubai tram please gave me job of office boy i am former arab. 0527698771. ONLY FOR ALLAH J gave me job with best wishes your sincerely i am waiting your positive answer please i am very poor i am new married. i have been a very big family.please our family is hunger every day please sir gave me job ONLY FOR ALLAH J HAPPINESS. 0527698771
admin
As per multiple previous posts you need to apply to Serco for jobs.
Sergey
Dear Admin!
Could you please do a favour and publish a map with a better readability/ image resolution.
Thanks in advance.
admin
I’ll see if I can create one in the next week or so.
Luca
I hope that for next time they will plan ahead such transport project before building a new community.
Dubai is a new city, it can not face same issue like old european cities.
Tamara Shoga
No way this project will finish on time no matter which time you look you can’t find anybody work , they are extremely slow and no body seem to care about the hideous traffic the residents go through every day and regardless of the time of the day and on top of that people are not helping and doing all kinds of violations and blocking the road in an attempt to escape traffic
When is our misery and this project are expected to end ? Any one knows
admin
I guess we will just have to wait and see. In the past when the RTA have declared an actual day for something to start they have moved heaven and earth to get things finished on time. Fingers crossed the same happens for the tram.
rachid rouchdi
Dear .
I was wondering when and where will be the official launch of the tram. also is it possible for us as company involved in the construction of the tram stations to attend this event?
Regards
Rachid Rouchdi
Construction manager
admin
Hi Rachid. I think you will need to contact the RTA about attending the event but if past events are anything to go by I suspect it will launch at 11.11am on 11th November 🙂
maher yassine
Dubai…i wish you more and more…
LC
Greetings,
We are the advertising agency for the walk, we are currently running an advertising campaign about The Walk enhancement and we would like to add the Tram. Can you please share a high res image of the Tram as we need it for the outdoor branding around the walk
Awaiting your response
Thank you
LAILA CHEHAYBER
admin
Hi Laila, this site is not run by the RTA so I do not have any official images to share. However, there is a free high res image available on wikimedia commons that you could use if you can’t get one from the RTA themselves.
Julie
Hi, I am not sure if anyone tried to pass by in JBR in the last couple of days but it is a disaster!! I live in Amwaj buildings and it takes me 1 hour to reach home from any place in the Marina area. I am not sure if anyone reviewed the routes diversions you made you did but seriously someone should! and is anyone checking on the workers if they are actually doing anything or not? I mean since I live there I cannot see any progress in the work for the last week…
let us know when is the expected date to finish those diversions or what are your plans for this unaccepted traffic every morning and evening.
admin
Hi Julie, this site is not run by the RTA but the tram is scheduled to start operations on November 11th so I expect all the diversions should be finished by then. Doesn’t help you now I know!
Matthew
I’m an Australian tram enthusiast who will be passing through Dubai on the 1st of September, and I intend to go out and look at this new tram route and hopefully see some of the new trams out ‘testing’.
Are there photography restrictions I should know about ?. Will I get approached by the police / security people if I’m seen wandering the streets pointing a camera at the trams and their associated works ?
No one seem to care when I was in Dubai two years ago and took photos and video on the Metro, but I may have just been lucky.
I do have a ‘semi professional’ interest being a volunteer with the tramway museum in Sydney.
admin
Hi Matthew, no you shouldn’t have any problems as long as you don’t wander into any of the areas the trams go but those are pretty much fenced off.
Areej Zulfiqar
Hello
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admin
You probably need to contact the RTA if you want articles regarding the Dubai tram. This is just an independent website.
Ever
Woot woot! Living in Tamani Hotel and I see it testing now!! So ready for the tram, it’s going to be awesome for me to take it to school!! 😀
admin
I think a lot of people are getting excited about the tram!
ali ?
hi can you please provide me this answers please, as i have a university project about dubai tram and i cant find any information about.
i want the vision, objectives and goals of dubai tram
admin
Hi Ali I think you really need to contact the RTA about this as this site is an unofficial one just providing information for users.
prabhat
Seeking a professional position to be associated with progressive organization that gives me a scope to update my knowledge and skills in accordance with latest trends and be a part of your team towards the growth of organization. can i know is there any job vacancy is there is dubai Rta
admin
You will need to contact Serco about any Dubai Tram jobs.
Alex
Good morning,
I am a Palm resident and I believe that just linking the tram with monorail will not convince Palm residents/visitors to use public transportation.
Would be great if monorail could be replaced with “tram rail compatible vehicles” so that someone who comes in or out of the Palm does not have to change between the 2 systems.
Generally i believe it is a great system that will change the life of many people living to the areas where tram will operate…
Another great achievement in a great city 🙂
Have a great day
Alex
admin
Hi Alex, I think you have a good point but unfortunately I don’t think that will happen. On a lot of public transport systems it is necessary to change to complete a journey, so as long as there is not a long walk and not a long wait for the next tram/monorail then hopefully the system will work.
Also I think that the payment system for the monorail will have to be integrated into the overall Nol payment and ticket prices for the other public transport systems in Dubai. At the moment the palm monorail tickets are too expensive to be used as an everyday method of transport.
Ismail
hi,
I tram driver in the city of Casablanca, and I am very interested in participating in the success of this project as a driver in tramway Dubai
admin
Hi, you will need to apply to Serco for any jobs on Dubai Tram