
Before and After pictures of Shaikh Zayed Road
09/09/09 is a date that residents of Dubai will never forget, for it marks the day when Dubai will change forever.
Today is the day when long awaited Dubai Metro project starts operating, although on a much limited scale, with only 10 of the 38 stations of the red-line operational on launch.
It will take another 9 months for rest of the stations and green-line to become operational, and that’s when full potential of Dubai metro will be realized. But until then there is a period of transition that everyone will have to go through. Plus there are bound to be teething problems which need to be resolved before the usage reaches critical mass.
In my case, the metro station near my office is not operational on launch, and the one near my home does not start before June 2010, so my dream of using metro for my daily commute doesn’t seem to come true until then. But even then I will try to use metro whenever I get a chance. If for nothing else then just for the sake of experience.
In the long run Dubai metro will change the way Dubai operates. Dependence on taxis and private cars will be eliminated. Many businesses will come into existence because of Dubai metro. There will be nothing but positive effects of Dubai metro on the culture of Dubai.

Which area do you live in and which area is your office located at in Dubai?
Sabiqoon: I live in Nahda 2nd (Al Qusais) and I work in Dubai Internet City
Hi Umar, salaam. I have been following your blog for a year now, and find it very informative and pertinent on Dubai issues, though for the last few months you probably have not been getting enough time to write. I was waiting for 09-09-09 to ride the metro for a long time, unfortunately it wasnt in my destiny as I became a victim of the financial crisis in Dubai. I had a job there for all of 5 months, then got kicked out unceremoniously. I lived near Al Musalla roundabout and worked near MOE. I guess both stations are operational in this phase. InshaAllah, I will come back to ride the metro one day! Take care,
Hi Umar, salaam. I have been following your blog for a year now, and find it very informative and pertinent on Dubai issues, though for the last few months you probably have not been getting enough time to write. I was waiting for 09-09-09 to ride the metro for a long time, unfortunately it wasnt in my destiny as I became a victim of the financial crisis in Dubai. I had a job there for all of 5 months, then got kicked out unceremoniously. I lived near Al Musalla roundabout and worked near MOE. I guess both stations are operational in this phase. InshaAllah, I will come back to ride the metro one day! Take care,