15/09/2011 | C. Martin
Tourists going on luxury holidays to Dubai may find various attractions and commercial areas in the city more easily accessible, thanks to the opening of the second metro rail network in the emirate.
The Green Line, which covers nearly 23 kilometres (14.3 miles) and 18 stations, was inaugurated by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum on September 9, state television reported.
Of the 18 stations, two are yet to become operational.
The Green Line runs on a route that will cover the emirate's residential and commercial areas.
The opening of the line, which was originally planned for August 2010, was postponed following the financial crisis in Dubai, media said.
The Dubai Metro opened its first line - the Red - on September 2009.
Mattar al-Tayi, chief executive of the Road and Transport Authority, said: "Since then and until August 2011, the metro carried 84.2 million people."
Nearly 100,000 commuters are expected to use the Green Line a day by the end of 2011.
A consortium led by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is constructing the network of luxurious trains.
Copyright Press Association 2011