HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has received a Taiwanese delegation headed by H.E. Chen Chu, Mayor of Kaohsiung City, to discuss means of boosting cooperation. The visiting delegation was keen on reviewing RTA’s experience in designing and constructing the Dubai Metro and Tram projects.

Al Tayer recapped RTA’s approach in tackling the Dubai Metro, branded as the longest driverless metro network undertaken as one project worldwide. The 74 km-long track comprises the Red Line extending about 52 km and encompassing 29 stations including four underground stations. It also includes the Green Line stretching about 22 km covering 18 stations including six underground stations. Discussions also covered the Dubai Tram project, the first tram system powered by ground electric cables extending along the tramway without requiring overhead cables. The tram track extends 11 km and includes 11 stations.

“Undertaking roads & transport projects in general and rail transport, in particular, requires long-term plans to be reviewed every three to five years. The RTA has a master plan for roads and transport projects up to 2030. It has accomplished the Dubai Metro project in a record time of just four years, whereas delivering a project of this scale normally requires double that period,” added Al Tayer.

The delegation also examined the designs and finishing works of the Dubai Metro stations and carriages characterized by deluxe and luxurious styles. The metro stations boast of a unique design forming a blend of modernity and tradition. The external design of stations roofs is modelled after the shape of the seashell whereas the internal design combines the four elements of nature: water, air, fire and earth. Additionally, Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba stations have a heritage-inspired design.

H.E. Chen Chu, Mayor of Kaohsiung City, praised the accelerated construction of the Dubai Metro and Tram projects, and the integration between various transit means. She also commended the brilliant design, high-quality finishing and superb service on offer to metro and tram riders, and expressed hope for more cooperation and sharing of expertise between the two parties.

At the end of the meeting, Al Tayer presented a trophy to H.E. Chen Chu, Mayor of Kaohsiung City.