Modi in Dubai: Metro timings extended

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Namoindubai

All roads are expected to head to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today as Dubai prepares for the public address by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 
Those registered on Namoindubai.ae with valid entry passes via email will be the only ones allowed access into the venue for the 'Marhaba Namo' public address.
 
While the seating capacity within the stadium is 30,000, of which 10,000 will be seated on the pitch; an additional 15,000 will be accommodated outside the stadium, where food stalls, DJs and two large video walls will broadcast the PM's speech ‘live’.
 
Emirates 24|7 brings you an essential checklist for 'Marhaba Namo'.  
 
What is the final timeframe to attend today's event at the Dubai Sports City venue?

Under the directives of Dubai Police, organisers have said gates to the stadium will open at 3pm for the public, with a cultural programme commencing at 6.30pm featuring 35 international artistes who have flown down for the event.
 
Gates to the event will shut at 7pm and Modi is expected to address the public at 8pm in an hour-long address. 
 
Is there public transport to reach the venue?

The organisers are working with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to ensure public buses will be able to shuttle people to and from the stadium.
 
Between 12,000-15,000 people are expected to reach the stadium using the RTA shuttle buses that have specially been employed for the event.
 
Mohammed Al Ali, director of buses, RTA, revealed the Dubai Internet City Metro Station 1 will be the main hub where attendees can catch one of 40 double-decker shuttle buses that will run from 3pm until 7pm to ferry people to the venue.
 
Each bus will be able to accommodate 81 people at a time. 
 
Once the main event has ended, those shuttle buses will transport people back to the DIC Metro Station between 9pm and 10.30pm.
 
The buses will operate at a frequency of 10 minutes, according to organisers.  
 
Do I need a special ticket to get on to those buses? 
 
Yes. A printout of your 'NaMo in Dubai' registration pass, along with the original ID that has been entered into the system during the registration process will be checked by volunteers before you are allowed access onto the bus.
 
Organisers have also stated no soft copies of the registration pass will be accepted. 
 
What if I want to bring my car? 
 
RTA’s Al Ali said 4,000 cars can be accommodated at the car park, with stadium officials saying an additional spill-over lot can accommodate more cars.
To avoid traffic chaos, people are being advised to use public transport or carpool. 
 
How do I shuttle from the car park to the stadium?

The RTA will deploy 10 buses, each accommodating 34 people at a time, which will shuttle between the car park and the stadium. These buses will run from 3pm until 10.30pm. 
 
Will taxis be available?

The RTA has confirmed 1,000 taxis will be made available. 
 
Once I reach the stadium, how will I enter?

Depending on which zone you are assigned to, you will enter through designated gates.

Those in the grandstands will enter through the North Gate. Organisers say there will be 21 lanes to ensure safe crowd control at the venue.

Those holding silver, gold or platinum passes will enter through gate A11. 
 
Is there an age limit to enter the stadium?

Children below the age of five will not be permitted into the stadium. 
 
What will not be allowed into the venue?

- No cameras

- No laptops/tablets

- No food/water

- No handbags, bags, large pouches

- No umbrellas 
 
What can I carry into the venue?

- Mobile phones

- Small wallets

- Keys

- Hats/caps 
 
Will they distribute food and water?

K. Kumar, chief organiser and member of ICWC, which is spearheading the 'Namo in Dubai' event stated: "We are ensuring no one goes dehydrated during the event itself, which is why we will be distributing 250,000 cups of water for free at different points at the venue, along with juices.

"There will also be food stalls erected inside and outside to even cater to the crowds that were unable to enter the grounds."

However, when quizzed, K Kumar denied 40,000 food packets would be distributed at the stadium.

He said: "We discussed the idea, but such packages need to be prepared in advance; but in this heat, all it takes is one food item to spoil and everyone could fall sick.

“We couldn't risk people's health. Hence, we have invested in a professional set-up that will retail food items to folks at the venue." 
 
How hot is it expected to be?
 
Emirates 24|7 spoke to the UAE's National Center for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), which confirmed the average temperatures will be in its mid-forties on Monday.

A spokesperson with the NCMS said: "The Mercury should average around 45 degrees Celsius, with the highest recorded on Sunday reaching 48 degrees.

“The hottest time of day is between noon and 4pm, following which, the weather cools off, dropping by nearly 10 degrees by late evening." 
 
Will there will be air coolers at the stadium?

Sadly, no. K Kumar confirmed with this website, at the request of Dubai Police, the plan for coolers was altered as the units could hinder movement at the venue, which could in turn hinder safety measures during emergencies.

He added: "We are, however, handing out 40,000 handheld cardboard fans that will provide some relief to attendees."

For your own safety, it would be advisable to slather on the sunscreen and keep yourself hydrated with water at the venue.

It is perhaps also advisable to wear loose-fitting cotton clothes, comfortable shoes and carry sunglasses. 
 
Emergency crews on hand

Aside from Civil Defence units, organisers have also confirmed 55 personnel from Dubai Ambulance will be inside the stadium, including 35 doctors, at 10 different points to cater to aattend to all sorts of medical emergencies that arise.

Three ambulances with additional paramedics will be stationed outside the venue to cater to the 15,000 people expected outdoors. 
 
Will the Indian PM personally address the 15,000 people outside the stadium?

K. Kumar added: "We have requested his team to spare a few minutes to address the citizens of India and fans who will brave the heat to attend the public address. Let's hope so."

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