DUBAI: Trial run of the Dubai Tram is now under way.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) embarked on the technical trial run of the Dubai Tram on a track extending 2.5 km from the Tram Depot at Al-Safouh.
The Tram is considered the world’s first tramway project powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track, thus obviating the need for catenary cables.
“The technical trial run would continue till the official operation of the tram service in the final quarter of this year. The test track would be expanded in the near future to cover the entire tramway,” said the chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA.
Motorists have been urged to be cautious while driving in the vicinity of tram tracks, as they are not familiar with them.
The Dubai Tramway extends 14.6 km alongside Al-Sufouh Road, and the initial phase of the project envisages the construction of a 10.6 km-long track starting from the Dubai Marina and stretching up to the Tram Depot near Dubai Police Academy.
The Tram network comprises 17 passenger stations, 11 of which are covered under Phase I and spread across activity and population density areas along the tramway.
The fleet comprises 11 trams in the initial phase, and 14 trams will be added in Phase II to make a total of 25 operating trams.
The tram is expected to lift about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in the initial phase in 2014, and the ridership is bound to pick up to hit 66,000 riders per day by 2020.
Each train measures 44 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate about 300 riders.
The Tram has a First Class (Gold Suite) and one cabin designated for women and children as well as a Silver Class cabin.
The terminal is fitted with a glazed barrier extending along the platform and automated opening & shutting doors, along with automated fare collection systems.
Road users will start to see the Dubai Tram on the move on roadsides at Al-Safouh, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the Marina, said the chairman.
The tram track will intersect with vehicular and pedestrian traffic at certain points.
Motorists and road users are being urged to be more attentive and compliant with the rules and regulations governing the tram operation, and adhere to the directional signage in place to ensure streamlined traffic movement.
The technical trial run made for the tram in the depot was successful.
The tram moved smoothly without wobbling or noises as it is powered by ground electrical feed stretching along the track.
During the experiment, the tram moved at varying speeds and tests were conducted covering the safety systems, power propulsion of tram carriages, brake system, sudden braking during emergencies, ground electrical feed along the tram track, overhead power feed used in the depot, and the tram’s doors operation.
“During the technical trial run, tests were conducted to ensure the readiness of the train along with the functioning and performance of all control systems under all conditions. Tests covered a wide range of issues such as the air-conditioning system, electrical feed and braking system, coupling of tram coaches, disconnecting power supply, rail surveillance and control system, and testing the train under normal as well as emergency conditions,” said the chairman.
Dubai Tram trial run begins
Dubai Tram trial run begins
Closing Bell: Saudi main index climbs to 10,485
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Sunday, gaining 34.32 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 10,484.59.
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index stood at SR2.59 billion ($690 million), with 168 listed stocks advancing and 87 declining.
The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also gained 100.37 points to close at 23,454.65.
The MSCI Tadawul Index advanced by 0.13 points to 1,377.44.
The best-performing stock on the main market was Nama Chemicals Co., whose share price increased by 9.98 percent to SR22.38.
The share price of Al Masar Al Shamil Education Co. rose by 9.15 percent to SR23.85.
Saudi Paper Manufacturing Co. also saw its stock price climb by 8.42 percent to SR57.95.
Conversely, the share price of Canadian Medical Center Co. dropped by 6.37 percent to SR6.03.
The stock price of Kingdom Holding Co. also declined by 3.16 percent to SR8.28.
In the parallel market, Alfakhera for Mens Tailoring Co. was the top performer, with its share price advancing by 16.40 percent to SR8.80.
On the announcements front, Theeb Rent a Car Co. said it had signed a long-term vehicle leasing services contract valued at SR110.4 million with Hungerstation Co.
Under the deal, Theeb will lease 2,000 vehicles to HungerStation for a period of four years starting from 2026, according to a Tadawul statement.
The statement added that the vehicles will be delivered in batches within the first six months from the contract start date, taking into consideration global logistical circumstances and procedures beyond the control of both the agents and the company.
The contract is expected to have a positive impact on the company’s financials from the first quarter of 2026.
The share price of Theeb Rent a Car Co. declined by 0.79 percent to SR37.80.
