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The Dubai Metro public transport network was officially opened this week, making it easier for travellers to explore the city and take in its many sights.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, was among the passengers on the inaugural journey, which left from the Mall of the Emirates.

The train visited stations including Khalid bin Waleed, Union Square, Dubai Airport and Al Rashidiya, where a Lego sculpture of a blue Metro train was unveiled.

Sheikh Mohammed described the Metro system as "Dubai's socio-economic future".

Mattar Al Tayer, chief executive of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), revealed that 29 stations had been built over the past four years.

He said that this achievement shows Dubai's "ability to lead, whether there is a global downturn or not".

The Metro system currently consists of the Red line (see it on a Google map), which will be fully operational by February 2010 and will be gradually linked to the Green, Blue and Purple lines.

Approximately 200,000 Nol travel cards have already been sold to people planning to use the Dubai Metro, the RTA revealed.

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