The rail transit will incorporate two lines to accommodate Dubai's population of one million and the burgeoning tourist market which is expected to hit 15 million visitors per year by 2010. During the project Thales will equip the all stations along the route with access gates, ticket vending machines, station computers and a central controlling system. The first line is due for completion in 2009, the second in 2010.

The Dubai Metro project will be implemented in two phases. The first concerns the red line which will run from Rashidiya in the old part of Dubai to Jebel Ali Airport, through the new business centres of the city. Phase two will see the green line opening between the airport free zone and health care city. It is predicted that the network will carry 1.2 million passengers a day. The system is expected to relieve private vehicle traffic on the city's congested roads.

Having won the contract to build the rail network from roads & transport authority, government of Dubai in July 2005, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) selected Thales to provide the fare collection system. The system has to be compatible with other public transportation modes, with the Dubai's objective to provide an integrated transport network.

Jean Louis Olié, managing director of Thales transportation system activities, says "The Middle East is an emerging market for public transport infrastructure, such as light rail, with Dubai at the epicentre. The need for a world-class fare collection system illustrates the commitment of the city to cater for its residents and visitors, while ensuring that future growth of the city and tourist trade can be competently met."