Mohammed endorses Metro link to Expo

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday received President of Finland, Sauli Niinisto, and his accompanying delegation at Zabeel Palace.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and President Niinisto had exchanges on the current situation in the region and ways of promoting the foundations of regional peace and stability.

They also discussed forging an investment partnership between the UAE and Finland in IT and other technologies, as the Finnish are creative manufacturers of IT and technology products.

The Finnish president invited Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to visit Finland.

Sheikh Mohammed accepted the invitation and thanked President Niinisto for it.

President Niinisto hailed the UAE's advanced tourism sector and attractions, citing advanced infrastructure, easy communication and transport, attractive beaches, authentic Arab hospitality and stability.

Expressing his interest in building new connections with the UAE, the Finnish president stressed the importance of Emirates Airline's operation of two daily flights between Dubai and Helsinki for expanding avenues of cooperation and tourism, cultural, trade and technological cooperation between the two friendly countries and peoples.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State; Mohammed Al Shaibani, Director-General of Dubai Ruler's Court; Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General of Dubai Protocol and Hospitality, as well as Ilkka-Pekka Simila, Ambassador of Finland to the UAE.

Mohammed endorses extension of Metro line 'Route 2020'  to Expo site

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed the ‘Route 2020’ project, encompassing the extension of the Red Line of the Dubai Metro from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro Station to the site of Expo 2020.

The extended sector of the Metro line stretches 15km and includes seven stations.

His Highness directed to start the project construction works immediately, and to complete it on the fixed timeline at high-class finishing serving the needs of the projected demographic growth and the hosting of Expo 2020.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said: “The construction of Route 2020 project conforms to the strategic vision of the Dubai Government for achieving sustainable development, and developing a world-class infrastructure and services.

"It also comes as practical implementation of RTA’s Master Plan for providing multiple options of integrated mass transit means comprising the Metro, tram, buses and water transport towards realising RTA’s vision of Safe and Smooth Transport for All.

“Route 2020 project will offer a safe and smooth mobility to visitors of Expo 2020 and residents of the neighbourhood as well.

“It stands out as a vital transit corridor linking various Dubai districts with Al Maktoum International Airport, an icon of a new important development phase in the history of Dubai, and a symbol of sustainability, advancement and creativity for current & future generations,” he said.

“The RTA has mapped out an integrated plan for roads and transport projects to serve Expo highlighted by Route 2020 project.

“The plan is meant to achieve sustainability of the project and accordingly the path is planned to link Expo site with a number of vital projects and locations in the area.”

Click to read: 'Route 2020'... Dubai Marina to World Expo in 16 minutes

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.