What’s On pays tribute to the Dubai Metro as it celebrates its fifth birthday. Get the facts and stats as well as images of the making of the Dubai Metro. 

The longest driverless metro line in the world celebrates two milestones on September 9: Aside from reaching the grand old age of five, records show that the number of riders reached 500 million since the service was launched in 2009.

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A brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Metro started with the 52km Red Line, which covers 29 stations including four underground stations and 24 elevated stations.

Then, in 2011, the Green Line was opened, which spans 23km linking 18 stations, including six underground and 12 elevated stations.

We go back and celebrate the birth of the metro by celebrating how far it’s come.