According to the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum a modern transit system will be put in place to meet the requirements of demographic growth and at the same time enhance the image of Dubai as a Modern Hub. Requirements of inhabitants and visitors of the emirate have to be addressed with a view to provide safe and smooth transport for all.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), stated in the recent press conference that the Al Safooh Tram Project is part and parcel of a master plan to provide mass transit systems up to 2020, covering metro, tram, bus, and marine lines. "The path of Al Safooh Tram interchanges with the Red Line of Dubai Metro at three stations along Sheikh Zayed Road, by means of pedestrian crossings, enabling smooth passenger movement between the two modes. The Tram will also interlink with the monorail of The Palm Jumeirah at the entry point of The Palm at Al Safooh Road so as to ease the movement of passengers commuting between areas served by both projects" he said.

"The Project is set to serve residential & commercial areas extending along the path of the tram in the areas of Al Safooh, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. During the last few years, these areas witnessed high-class urban development covering residential, commercial and tourist fields, including iconic structures such as Mall of the Emirate, Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. They also cover areas of specific importance such as Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City as well as other projects under construction phase in Dubai Marina, and projects under planning phase such as Jumeirah Hills. Demographic surveys, population density estimates and manpower distribution along the tram path revealed that those areas are inhabited by about 180,000 residents, 210,000 workers, and 20,000 visitors. Population density coupled with the vital nature of activities in the area highlight the importance of having a tram network in place, as a first step that will be followed with a series of similar transit modes spanning across densely populated areas of the emirate in future" he said.

The chairman of the Board and executive director of the RTA commented on the planning & designing aspects of Al Safooh Tram Project and said that the in-land path of the tram stretches mainly at the ground level of Al Safooh Road. The track rises across flyovers in some locations in Dubai Marina due to the requirements of the urban environment in the locality. The tram path stretches in parallel line with the Red Line of Dubai Metro in certain parts of Sheikh Zayed Road near Dubai Marina, where tram-metro links have been established in those locations.

"From a technical and design viewpoint, Al Safooh Tram Project adopts the latest technologies, particularly in designing of cars and power supply. The system is harmonious and fully compatible with the urban environment and civil structures in the area. The Stations have been designed at the highest standards to ensure optimum operational performance and added aesthetic values to the existing urban structures of the area" added Al Tayer.

Al Tayer explained the features of the Al Safooh Tram Project and announced that each tram train measures 44 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate 300 passengers. The tram fleet consists of 11 trains in Phase I, while 14 trains will be added in Phase II such that the total number of trains will rise to 25. He further revealed that Al Safooh Tram is featured by a First Class Coach (Golden Suite) and another dedicated for Women & Children, in addition to a Silver Class. The interior designs of both cars and stations are marked by superb finishing at deluxe standards, and trams will be fitted with the latest broadcasting & display technology of information as well as recreational materials.

"Among the characteristics of Al Safooh Tram is that it will not require overhead electrical cables (Catenary Free) as the tram will be supplied with electricity through safe and modern ground cable system, and all stations will be air-conditioned. Al Safooh Tram will be the world's first tram network to use platform screen doors fully aligned with the train's doors opening and closing mechanism. This will provide extra comfort; safety and security to passengers and at the same time maintain the efficient air-conditioning of stations and tram cars. Passenger platforms measures 44 meters and are equipped with Automatic Ticket Vending Machines.

The Press Conference was attended by Abdul Majeed Al Khaja - CEO of RTA Rail Agency, a number of other RTA CEOs, Laila Taher - Director of RTA Executive Office, Laila Hareb - Acting Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep't, and a number of Departmental Directors & Section Managers.