February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

The Dubai Tram is a light rail transit system that operates along a 10.6-kilometer route through the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and Al Sufouh districts on the western coast of Dubai. Launched in November 2014, it was the first tram system in the GCC region and features Alstom Citadis catenary-free trams powered by a ground-level power supply system, making it one of the first systems globally to operate without overhead wires throughout its entire route.

UAE Context

The Dubai Tram fills a critical first-and-last-mile connectivity gap in one of Dubai’s most densely populated corridors. The system interchanges with the Dubai Metro Red Line at two stations (DMCC and Dubai Marina) and connects to the Palm Jumeirah Monorail at the Palm Jumeirah station. This multimodal integration allows passengers to travel seamlessly from inland metro hubs to the waterfront and Palm Jumeirah. The tram has 11 stations and operates daily, with services integrated into the Nol Card fare system.

Key Data

  • Opened: November 2014
  • Route length: 10.6 kilometers
  • Stations: 11
  • Technology: Alstom Citadis trams with ground-level power supply
  • Operator: Keolis MHI under RTA authority
  • Key connections: Dubai Metro Red Line, Palm Jumeirah Monorail
  • Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Saturday to Thursday)

Significance for Vision 2031

The Dubai Tram demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to multimodal transit integration and sustainable urban design. By connecting high-density waterfront communities to the broader metro network without overhead wires, the tram balances aesthetic urban design with functional public transport. Future extensions could serve additional coastal developments and support Dubai’s goal of having 25 percent of all trips made by public transit by 2030.