11 reasons why we love Dubai Metro as it turns 11

Dubai - It's the best and cheapest mode of transport.

At 09.09.09pm on 09.09.2009, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tapped the first Dubai Metro card to officially start the operations of the region's first and the world's longest driverless Metro rail transport system. Fast-forward 11 years, and the Metro is easily the most popular mode of transport in the city.

On the Dubai Metro's 11th birthday (September 9, 2020), we got 11 frequent riders to list out 11 reasons why they love the trains.

1-Affordable ride

Ramakant Dixit, Indian

It's the best and cheapest mode of transport. Taking the Metro helps me beat the rush hour traffic. It is the best gift that has been given to the residents of Dubai.

2-Safety guaranteed

Chine Anne Nicolas, Filipino

Dubai Metro is the easiest and safest way to get around the city. Stations are strategically located for residents and tourists to reach Dubai's main spots. Commuting has never been this convenient.

3-No parking woes

Abir Chamas, Lebanese

Taking the Metro would spare you the worry about driving and parking. It is very convenient, especially if you live next to a Metro station and your destination is also near a station.

4-It's super convenient

Jay Ashar, Indian

I've been using the Metro for the last three years. It is super convenient and clean. I'm quite impressed with the way they have managed the current situation. Kudos to all Dubai Metro staff.

5-Clean as a whistle

Cyle Jasper Bocobo, Filipino

I love the Metro because it makes daily travel efficient and easy for the residents and tourists of this city. It is also well-maintained, and cleaner than most train systems I have personally used."

6-Top standards for life

Pragya Singh, Indian

I mainly use the Metro for my mall trips to avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot and to beat the evening traffic. The best part is after 11 years, the Metro has maintained high-quality standards and cleanliness.

7-Can catch up on sleep

Shaden Hatif Al Barghouthi, Jordanian

Exploring Dubai, escaping the traffic and maybe sleeping when finishing a long day of work is why I love using the Dubai Metro as my main mode of transport.

8-It feels like an adventure

Aditi Gandhi, Indian

I still recall my first ride; it was a wonderful experience and felt like an adventure. The Dubai Metro is definitely one of the wonders of the transport world and I am truly amazed by its high-quality standards.

9-I can be the driver

Waleed El Sayed, Egyptian

It is an exciting experience. This one time, I was standing in the front cabin, I got a feeling I was the driver. It is tension- and hassle-free. My son takes it when going out to see his friends.

10-10 years, 0 complaints

Hafsa Zaheer, Indian

From looking for the closest Metro stations to running to catch the earliest Metro, I have completed 10 years as a Metro traveller and have loved every bit of it. It's an integral part of my social life."

11-It makes me fly

Rohini Caesar, Canadian

When I moved to Dubai the first thing I noticed was the Metro in the sky. I'm still impressed by how efficient, fast, convenient and fun it is to travel by it. Looking forward to a trip with my daughters soon.

(Inputs from Dhanusha Gokulan, Marie Nammour, Saman Haziq, and Nandini Sircar)

• UAE
• Dubai