State-of-the-art tram infrastructure for Dubai’s commuters

BESIX delivered Dubai’s first tramway project to be powered by a ground-based electricity supply system as part of a consortium with Alstom. The project delivered 10 kilometres of tram lines and 13 tram stops with corresponding station infrastructure. The Dubai Tram runs for 19 hours a day with a daily capacity of 180,000 passengers. The tramline runs around Al Sufouh Road and tours inside the Dubai Marina area.

World-class transportation

This complex infrastructure project was more than just a single-track development, it included design and construction of an entire tramway network including viaducts, stations and depot buildings as well as road and landscaping works. Together with Alstom, BESIX brought cutting-edge technology to Dubai with the tram network being the first in the world to have fully enclosed, air-conditioned stations. It is also the first tramway project outside Europe to be powered by a ground-based electric supply system, which does not require overhead cables.

Reducing congestion

The Dubai Tram is the Middle East’s first tramway successfully integrated into an existing urban environment. The new system was designed to be an integral part of the city’s transport network, linking the Dubai Metro with the Palm Monorail, whilst running from the Mall of the Emirates to the Dubai Marina. The tram runs 19 hours a day, with a daily capacity of 180,000 passengers, thereby contributing significantly to reducing traffic congestion in the Marina district.

Recognition for impressive work

Delivering a project of this scope in such a short period of time was a significant challenge, but one that our team rose to in order to meet the deadline. The importance of this project was highlighted at the official opening ceremony, which was attended by Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and senior government officials. Both Sheikh Hamdan and the client reserved special praise for the team of 150 engineers and 5,350 workers who made this marvel of transport possible.