A part of the leadership’s vision to promote the UAE’s sustainable development, “Route 2020 Project” is a part of Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) master plan to provide integrated multi-modal mass transit systems comprising metros, tram, buses, and marine transport.
Focused on building a globally benchmarked infrastructure and services, it aims to meet UAE’s aspirations themed “Towards the Next 50 Years”. Inaugurated by H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai by unveiling an artwork inspired by the phrase “I believe in God” written in Arabic and taken from His Highness poem “The Beginning of the Fifty”, the ceremony was attended by H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Chairman of the Emirates Group, H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Council.
“The UAE has exceptional goals and ambitions. Today we are moving with confidence, determination, and a clear vision to attain the highest levels of excellence in various fields. Our objective is to provide people with everything that ensures their well-being, stability, and happiness and establishes a prosperous future for the coming generations. The world is entering a phase that brings unprecedented challenges that some may not be prepared to deal with. However, we have a strategy designed to tide over unforeseen challenges and create a positive future. Our nation is equipped with the plans, competencies, and expertise needed to navigate these challenging global circumstances. We can overcome all obstacles while sustaining our progress and generating new opportunities,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
The AED11 billion Route 2020 project links seven stations and is a 15 km extension of the Dubai Metro Red Line from Jebel Ali Station to Expo 2020 Station and is scheduled to open to the public in September this year.
The brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Metro, and Route 2020 reflects His Highness’ belief that the superior Metro infrastructure system serves as the backbone of transit systems connecting the key areas of Dubai.
Route 2020 has 46,000 riders per hour in both directions (23,000 riders per hour per direction). RTA’s studies expect the number of riders using Route 2020 to reach 125,000 per day in 2021, and 275,000 riders per day by 2030.
The Expo 2020 Station is expected to record about 35,000 Expo visitors during weekdays and increase to 47,000 during weekends. This number accounts for 29% of the total expected number of daily visitors of the Expo”, explained Al Tayer. The new project aims at creating a vital future link between several Dubai communities and serves as a symbol of sustainability, progress, and innovation for present and future generations.