UAE: The first sections of Abu Dhabi’s extensive metro and light rail networks are expected to be operational within five years, after the Executive Council announced funding approval for the Department of Transport’s programme at the end of January. The emirate is planning to build a 131 km metro network and no less than 300 km of tram routes.
Sener Group expects to have initial design for the light rail network, ready this year, so that the first routes could open in 2016-17. A 30 km line would run north from the city centre to the new financial district on Al Sowwah Island and the museum district on Saadiyat Island; future routes would connecting the city centre to the Capital District and Reem Island.
A joint venture of AECOM, PBII and DB is currently undertaking feasibility studies for the metro, which are due to be completed by mid-year. Mostly running underground, the network would connect the proposed Central Business District with Abu Dhabi International Airport and Masdar City, serving the islands of Sowwah, Reem, Saadiyat, and Yas, plus the Capital City District, Emerald Gateway, Zayed Sports City and Adnec.
