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Submitted by Salman (dubai moves.com) on March 27, 2009 Tired of your commute on Sheikh Zayed Road? Failed your driving test for the sixth time? Sick of dealing with rude taxi drivers? Well, finally, the first-of-its-kind mass transit system in the region is scheduled to begin service in September of 2009. It is a huge undertaking by the government of Dubai and at dubaimoves we eagerly anticipate its arrival. With public service scheduled to start in September 2009, the authorities target that 30% of the population will start utilizing mass transit. Project Overview Dubai Metro is a 15.5 Billion AED (4.2 Billion US Dollar) project initiated by the RTA (Roads and Transportation Authority) under the directive of HRH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The first phase build contract was awarded to the Dubai Rail Link consortium (DURL) consisting of Mitsubishi Corporation, Obayashi Corporation, Kajima Corporation and Yap...

Davide Cazzoni, per Equilibri.net 1- The straightest and relatively easy route for Israeli aircraft, through Jordanian and Iraqi airspace. Amman would hardly react militarly and limit its retaliation to a public complaint. Going through Iraq makes Washington's consensus necessary, but US involvement would mean serious consequences for the region's stability. Entering Iran by overflying southern Al Faw Peninsula through Persian Gulf would not limit significantly US liabilities, while the route has not advantages in terms of length. 2- Bypassing Jordan through the Gulf of Aqaba and entering Saudi airspace means a much longer route, but Riadh complaining would not be a serious problem. Saudi Arabia-Iran regional rivalry is known. 3- The northern route through Mediterranian Sea (along Lebanese and Syrian coasts) and Turkish-Syrian border needs above all Ankara's consensus, which is not guaranteed despite of good relations with Jerusalem. In this scenario, with Esfahan as...