DUBAI - Daily commuters and business establishments along Al Rigga Street in Deira have expressed optimism over the forthcoming launch of Dubai Metro’s 10 stations, which include the one in Al Rigga where a chain of Deira’s popular food outlets and hotels are located.

They look forward with great anticipation to the Metro’s opening on September 9, believing that an upsurge of commuters from the railway station may bring back life to the once busy food street.

Wahid Hamed, a 40-year-old Egyptian manager at Arbat Restaurant & Lounge, told Khaleej Times that business in the area has been dying for the two years that the Dubai Metro was under construction. "After the construction began two years ago, our regular customers could no longer come as often as they wanted because most of the roads were closed. It is only lately that this side has been opened."

According to him, survival has been tough considering that the restaurant had 65 workers to be paid at the end of the day. "I am hoping that this is offset by the opening of the Dubai Metro station in front of our restaurant. But I still doubt if RTA would allow us to set up tables and seats at the façade of the restaurant, which we used to do before the Metro construction began. The front of this food establishment is just two and a half metres away from the entrance of the Dubai Metro Station."

Hamed said that the restaurant had survived by delivering food to Lebanese, Russian, Japanese and Moroccan expatriates working nearby as fine dining inside has become almost impossible. "Half of our clients are gone. Our business for the past two years has declined by 50 per cent. Everything here is quiet." He is hopeful that the operation of the rail system will revive business on Al Rigga Street. "This fasting month we are delivering for Iftar at 5pm and for Sohour by 4am."

Filipino expatriate, Catherine Cuadra, 26, who works in Dubai Media City, is positive that the rail station will be a convenience for many commuters, particularly those who live far from their workplace.

Brainard Nofuente, 24, who works as a waiter in Subway Al Rigga branch, told Khaleej Times that the rail system will definitely help a lot of commuters because there is no traffic and it affords convenience and is time saving.

Unlike other food outlets in the area, he said, Subway is in a better position because 60 per cent of their customers are under the food delivery scheme. "Many businesses here are losing over 50 per cent. Subway’s business just declined by 30 per cent because of our strong delivery base customers. We are delivering food orders now from 6.30 pm for Iftar up to 3am for Sohour."

He strongly believes that business will be buzzing again as more commuters will be in a hurry to leave their residence without taking breakfast. "As soon as they get out of the Metro station, I am sure they will get
take-out orders."

Meanwhile, workers of the project have overwhelmingly thanked the Dubai government for initiating it as they have found employment, which has enabled them to send remittances to their families back home.