The Palm Monorail train began operation in 2009. It was actually the first public train of its kind, and thus was the pioneer in the Middle East. Five point five kilometers long is the track of the train extends. The train carries passengers along the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, turning outward like a moon.
No drivers are needed for the train, they work automatically. The train arrives every 15 minutes from 9 AM to 9:45 PM, it practically runs every day. The train stops at the two primary locations, Al Ittihad Park and Palm Jumeirah Mall. The number of people riding the train annually is over one million.
From 2022, patrons can use Dubai’s Nol transit card to pay. This facilitates the connection of other city transport. Now, the monorail has four stations. The price one-way is anywhere between 5 and 20 AED. The trains are produced by Hitachi. They drive themselves without any assistance from a driver.
Palm Monorail History and Development
The Palm Jumeirah monorail started construction in the year 2006. The day it first started its operation was April 30, 2009. In its construction project, the Japanese companies Hitachi and ETA were hired by its maker. It was actually the first monorail in that part of the world when it began operating for the first time. In 2010, a UK company called Serco took over and began to operate it daily.
The coaches of the train are 5 in number. Through every single train, it is allowed to hold 302 people. Initially, only a mere hundreds of people of the population daily used the train. In due course of time, the number of users got bigger and bigger. The flying machines are moving at a speed of nearly 35 kilometers per hour. They soar silently above the island’s central part, where one will find a profusion of plants and trees.
Route and Stations
The Monorail at Palm Jumeirah runs right through the middle of the Palm. And it halts in the following spots:
Palm Gateway
Referred to as the first location, this is the point of departure. There are so many vehicle spaces here. They can also change to the Dubai Tram at this stop.
Al Ittihad Park
This station opened in 2017. It is just near a retail place, which is called the Golden Mile Galleria. The road is also the way to Palm West Beach.
Palm Jumeirah Mall
This station first started operating in 2019. This train goes directly to a mall and a 1000-foot building called The Palm Tower.
Atlantis Aquaventure
It stops at Atlantis, a large waterpark and hotel. They plunge straight into a big water park and hotel called Atlantis.
The Pointe
It was inaugurated in 2022 and after a few months, it closed in 2023. But it will be open again as soon as the place pops up.
The entire course of the train is just 5.45 kilometers long. The citizens need 15 minutes to traverse from one end to the other. The train is high up, which allows riders to gaze upon the city, the water, and the stunning buildings found on the Palm.
Operating Hours and Tickets
The monorail runs daily from sunrise to sundown. The very first train of the day leaves Palm Gateway Station at 9 a. m. As to Atlantis, it starts at 9:15 AM. The last train of Gateway Station is 9:45 PM. As to Atlantis, it is 10:00 PM. Every 15 minutes a new train comes like this only.
Nakheel which is the company that built Palm Jumeirah decided for the prices. People are able to buy tickets either at the stations, or through the internet. A lot of people use Dubai’s Nol card to pay. The cost is indicated by the distance one must travel. If you take a route from Gateway to Atlantis, you will pay 20 AED. Short distances ask about 5 AED. Children can purchase day passes and family tickets.
Approximately from the last part of 2022, individuals can use their Nol cards (Silver or Gold) to ride on the monorail just like in the other Dubai buses and trains. Anyone is allowed to sit on any seat of the train.
Getting There (How to Ride)
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line car going to Al Khail or Dubai Internet City.
- Pass through the Dubai Tram going to Al Sufouh.
- Get down at Palm Jumeirah tram stop.
- Traverse a brief distance to the monorail doorway.
Different from this is to get on any Dubai Tram at Palm Jumeirah station and walk from there to Palm Gateway.
While being at the station named Gateway:
- Get into the futuristic building.
- You can use the Nol card that you have or, if not, you can buy a single ride ticket.
- Go through the turns.
- Wait on the platform.
Trains arrive every 15 minutes. The trains are standing for a short time. People are in a hurry to get on. It’s possible to pick any seat. The train communicates station names in English and Arabic. Just at the right stop, the passengers get off and go out. To go back, swipe the Nol card once more at the gates.
Recent Updates and Future Plans
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- Al Ittihad Park station (2017)
- Palm Jumeirah Mall station (2019)
- The View at The Palm” observation deck (2021)
The Pointe station closed in 2023 for area changes.
The greatest change in late 2022 was that Nol cards were now valid on the Palm line. The same card for both the monorail, metro, train, and bus. Likelihood of having the information if it is still to be known and required can be incorporated into the future plans discussion as well.
- 2 km extension to connect with Dubai Metro Red Line
- Better signs and information screens
- New passes for transit and tourism
Now, Palm Jumeirah transit is a part of the daily travel of many people. It is a combination of travel and tourist attraction. The route of it changes all the time as Palm Jumeirah moves.
Conclusion
The Palm Monorail is one of a kind transport to Dubai. As a combination of a mode of transportation and a sightseeing experience, the Palm Monorail became the most visited attraction in Palm Jumeirah. With the development of the city, there are more stations on the monorail, and it is getting better and better in terms of the services provided. Physically disabled people can now easily use the monorail through the Nol card, which is also usable with other transportation in Dubai. Since Palm Jumeirah grows, the monorail too will grow, catering to more people and locations.
