A few years ago - and, sadly, before its launch - the Dubai Metro would have been the fastest way to get around the city. The emirate was known for its horrendous traffic: a trip from Mall of Emirates to Dubai Mall could, in the evening rush hour, take more than one hour (it takes nine minutes by metro). But then the recession struck, and the roads suddenly emptied - meaning the metro has less of an edge in terms of speed.

Taking a taxi is, on the whole, quicker. For example, a journey from Dubai Mall to Media City takes 20-25 minutes by taxi, but (with the necessary feeder bus at one end, and short taxi ride at the other) takes up to one hour using the metro. While the metro has the edge in congested areas (around Bur Dubai and Deira, for example), taking a taxi is generally faster, especially when you factor in time spent waiting for trains (currently, up to 10 minutes) and feeder buses.

The metro wins, hands down. With unlimited travel on the entire public transport system (metro, bus and water taxi) available for as little as AED9 per day (using a monthly travel pass) or AED14 (using a Silver Nol card), the metro can save you serious money.

Taxis are much more expensive. A ride from Dubai Mall to Mall of Emirates costs around AED30-35 by taxi, but just AED4.10 using the Metro. Over longer distances, the savings are greater. A return trip between Rashidiya and Jebel Ali would cost as little as AED9 using the metro - but around AED200 when taking a taxi.