Dubai Tram to surprise passengers with gold bars

Lucky tram users in Dubai could be in line to win gold bars and other prizes as part of an official celebration of the network’s fifth anniversary.

Figures show that about 28 million passengers have used the service since it was launched.

The tram runs in a loop around Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, before heading back to its main terminus in Al Sufouh.

It was the first tramway project outside Europe to be powered by electric tracks. Most tramway systems use overhead cables. “The Dubai Tram has become a key component of [the] rail systems and public transport network in Dubai,” the Roads and Transport Authority said.

“It is a significant contributor in making public transport the ideal mobility choice of Dubai visitors and tourists.”

Yesterday, officials said the authority planned to distribute prizes, including gold bars, to some tram passengers.

It is not known how many bars will be given away.

More than 555,000 passengers used the tram in the first half of 2019, with the authority saying it was almost always punctual.

In 2015, Dubai Tram won the Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart Government Award for the best new service that year.

“Growing numbers of commuters are using the tram, which provides an additional means of commuting that has eased people’s mobility and added to their happiness,” the RTA said.

In 2015, Dubai Tram won the Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart Government Award for the best new service