The first phase of the Abu Dhabi city light rail tram system will be commissioned in early 2014, the emirate’s authorities have officially announced. The city tram network, with a total length of more than 340 km, is only part of the ambitious master plan for the transport support of the capital of the UAE, which is designed to satisfy the ever-increasing needs of the city population and the economy of the emirate.
The Abu Dhabi general transport plan, which will be implemented by 2030, includes 580 km of high-speed rail tracks, 340 km of urban light rail system and 130 km of metro system. The railway will not only serve the capital of the UAE, but will also connect it with Dubai, Al Ain and the eastern region of the country, as well as with Saudi Arabia. Development of project documentation for the railway system will begin next year.
A light rail tram system will serve the city, and a metro will connect Abu Dhabi International Airport with the main business and residential areas of the UAE capital. These transport systems will be directly connected: all areas adjacent to the metro will be served by trams.
Currently, the population of Abu Dhabi is about 1 million people. By 2030, it is projected to grow to 3.2 million. Last year, more than 2 million tourists visited the UAE capital. Today you can only move around the city by car and public bus.
