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1. Various of metro ++audio is mute++ 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Hamdi Abdul Rahman, Analyst: "There is definitely a connection between the metro and development (of a city). In the case of Dubai, the establishment of a metro system here is a significant step in the development of this emirate. Because as we saw over the past five years, there has been a building and housing development boom, leading to over-congestion on the roads." 3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vox Pop, no name given: "Yes, I am planning on actually using it this weekend. It opens tonight we'll look to see what happens tomorrow and it's open to the public as far as I know the day after, the tenth, and this Saturday, I'm planning on using it." 4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vox Pop, no name given: "I think probably not at first but eventually it will. People see that it is more convenient, it's good for the environment. I think people will eventually rely on it more than they do cars." 5. Various of opening ceremony ++mute++ ++NIGHT SHOTS++ 6. Various of metro, including aerials ++mute++ STORYLINE Dubai opened the Arabian Peninsula's first metro system on Wednesday, hoping to capture the world's spotlight on the catchy date of 9/9/09 - whether the sleek system was fully ready to go or not. The rapid transit line has been slotted together at breakneck speed, much like the often traffic-clogged city it aims to serve. In true Dubai style, it even promises a VIP section for higher-paying customers who don't want to mix with the rest of the public. Officials are eager to portray the 7.6 billion (b) US dollar project as a rare piece of good news amid the negative press that's swamped the sheikdom. Dubai's once-buzzing economy has been hit hard by the global downturn. In the inaugural run - timed to begin at 9:09 pm local time - Dubai's ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stepped onto the train as its first passenger, followed by VIPs and officials. The train whizzed through six stations, stopping at each for celebrations, including recitations of poetry. Sheik Mohammed characterised the project as a vital piece of infrastructure that could revitalise the city. Analyst Hamdi Abdul Rahman agrees. "There is definitely a connection between the metro and development (of a city). In the case of Dubai, the establishment of a metro system here is a significant step in the development of this emirate," he said. For many of Dubai's foreign guest workers, the rail project could mean far quicker commutes in a sprawling city-state where shared taxis, packed vans and creaky wooden boats are among the most visible forms of public transportation. Getting wealthier residents to give up their beloved Hummers and Toyota Land Cruisers will be more difficult in a country where generous government fuel subsidies do little to discourage driving. A woman living in Dubai thinks the idea of riding in metro will eventually catch up. "I think probably not at first but eventually it will. People see that it is more convenient, it's good for the environment. I think people will eventually rely on it more than they do cars.", she said. Wednesday's opening has the feel of being rushed. Invitations to the unveiling ceremony were only sent out on Monday and the inaugural run went through several unfinished stations. Only ten of the inaugural red line's 29 stations are ready for opening day. The remaining stations on the 32-mile (52-kilometres) red line are due to open by February. The project, launched 3-and-a-half years ago, has also run about 80 per cent over budget and a second line is expected to enter service in June 2010 - three months behind schedule. Officials say the system is one of the world's most advanced. Wireless Internet is being promised throughout. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/d39721e827bd57d47d5882c7b9d53a4b Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork