Dubai's new tram system will be officially launched on November 11, it was revealed following the start of the trial operation this week.

The trial run was launched by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Dubai tram system is the first tramway project outside Europe to be powered by a ground-based electric supply system along the track, said a Wam report.

During the trial operation in Al Sufouh area, Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

They toured the tram depot which consists of 11 eco-friendly buildings housing 25 trams trains, a maintenance and cleaning centre, and the operation control centre which also ensures the safe operation of trains.

The team was briefed by Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on the specifications of the 44-metre carriage which accommodates 405 passengers.

The initial phase of the project consists of a 10.6-km-long track starting from the Dubai Marina and stretching up to the tram depot near Dubai Police Academy.

The network consists of 17 passenger stations and a fleet of 11 trams in the initial phase. Fourteen trams will be added in Phase II to make a total of 25 operating trams. The tram is expected to transport about 27,000 passengers per day at the start of operations, and the number of passengers is expected to increase to 66,000 per day by 2020.

Each tram has seven coaches, including a gold suite and one cabin dedicated to women and children. It will be operated by Serco, the same company that manages the Dubai Metro.

The network will connect major residential, commercial and tourism projects such as Dubai Marina, Media City, Internet City, Knowledge Village and a number of luxury hotels.

Sheikh Mohammed took the tram from Station No. 11 to Station No. 7 in the Mina Seyahi area, where he inspected one of the four air-conditioned pedestrian bridges connecting the station with the surrounding areas.

Concluding the test ride at Station No. 6 in Dubai Marina, Sheikh Mohammed praised the project and officials involved in the implementation of the system.