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.

Dubai TramPlanning

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

  • Alex

    November 17, 2014 at 12:04 pm Reply

    Hello!

    I spent 30 minutes to reach Dubai Marina Metro from Al Sofouh station. There was a problem and driver couldnt open the door. It is very danger to use tram services now. Please avoid it if you dont want to waste your time and money, and even risk your life.

  • Salim Shaikh

    November 13, 2014 at 12:01 pm Reply

    I am BSc graduate, working in Dubai since 2004. Have valid U.A.E driving license, NEBOSH IGC 1,2,3 Certificate, DPS Certificate (Supervisor). Has worked Jumeirah International LLC, Rotana group of hotels/hotel apartments and Palm Jumeirah (Emirates Leisure Retail).
    At present working as – Security Supervisor in Al Ghurair Arjaan and Rayhaan by Rotana, Deira Dubai.
    I am interested to get empolyed for position – Security & Safety Supervisor or others. Please let me know if my experiences suites as per the Organisation’s requirements.
    Thanks and best regards,
    Salim Shaikh

  • Evgeny

    November 12, 2014 at 7:01 pm Reply

    Dear admin,
    Does company plane change complicated payment system?
    I recommend to look through Singapore metro system example.
    Interactive map when you can choose destination from the map and system just asks number of tickets and calculate amount of payment.
    Evgeny

  • Codice

    November 11, 2014 at 4:45 pm Reply

    I heard that they are going to close the roads at the area because of the grand opening, anyone can advise when they will re-open the roads?

    Thanks 🙂

  • Muhammad Noufal

    November 10, 2014 at 9:41 pm Reply

    Dear admin,

    I am B.com graduate and pursuing MBA in Finance and with 8 years UAE experience. I would like to apply for a position in Finance and Accounts. Please advise.

    Thank you
    Noufal

  • Ajeesh Mathew Abraham

    November 10, 2014 at 8:31 pm Reply

    Dear Admin,
    I’m a MBA(HR) graduate and I’m here second time on visit visa for a suitable job, Kindly inform me any job will be there in any field.

  • keerthana

    November 9, 2014 at 7:03 pm Reply

    My son’s birthday is on November 11th . Same day of tram inauguration. He is with special needs. Can he be a part of inauguration? That will make his special day more special for him.

  • Idris ziedan

    November 7, 2014 at 3:43 pm Reply

    Appreciate your effort admin, I just have one question. What will be the cost of using the tram, you see because it takes 3 dhs to go from JLT to MOE by metro, so the price must be low for the tram. Thank you in advance

    • admin

      November 8, 2014 at 11:34 pm Reply

      Hi Idris, Please see the ticket page for details on prices – ticket prices increase on 11 November but all tickets are valid for the Tram and the metro depending on how many zones you travel through.

  • Chatar Singh

    November 2, 2014 at 3:18 pm Reply

    Hi Admin,

    As we all know that travelling in the metro at the peak hours is becoming more and more challenging day by day, with more and more people boarding the train, within a very limited space available.

    I was wondering if we could get an idea about how many seats per bogie are present and what is the capacity of each bogie, seated and standing.

  • Mary Stevens

    October 28, 2014 at 9:22 pm Reply

    Please could you tell me if I will be able to use my NOL card on the tram.
    Will the Al Sofouh, knowledge village and marina mall stations be included in the first 11 stations to open.
    Also what will be the opening times.
    Sorry if these questions have already been asked and answered.
    Many thanks.
    PS: can’t wait to have a go on it…so exciting! Another great bonus for Dubai.

    • admin

      October 28, 2014 at 7:48 pm Reply

      Yes the same Nol card. It has not yet been announced if the public will be allowed on the tram on 11th, it may well be invited guests only like the metro was.

  • Paul

    October 23, 2014 at 9:33 am Reply

    Good Morning,

    What on earth was going on this morning !. You caused total chaos and huge traffic jams with your Tram. I sincerely hope this will not be a daily occurence from now on. Why do you even need to bring it up past the Junction anyway. There are no stations for it to serve at the moment.

    Please consider the fact that there are two schools there and a large number of people have to get there between 7:30 and 8:00 so conduct your tests after this.

    • admin

      October 23, 2014 at 1:17 pm Reply

      Hi Paul, I can imagine that they would need to conduct tests at all times of the day although I’m sure that doesn’t help people when they are held up. Hopefully doing theses tests might teach some lessons as to what does and doesn’t work. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly once it starts for real.

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