In a landmark ceremony at Dubai Creek Harbour, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, ceremoniously laid the foundation stone for the emirate’s newest metro extension: the Blue Line.
In a landmark ceremony at Dubai Creek Harbour, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, ceremoniously laid the foundation stone for the emirate’s newest metro extension: the Blue Line. This pivotal infrastructure project marks a transformative expansion of Dubai’s metro network, highlighting both rapid growth and strategic planning.
Building on the success of the existing Red and Green Lines, the Blue Line will stretch approximately 30 km, connecting vital neighborhoods and serving areas home to over a million future residents under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Of its 14 stations, five are underground and nine above ground, offering a mix of accessibility and architectural diversity.
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The Blue Line will cross Dubai Creek via a 1.3 km elevated viaduct — a first in the emirate’s rail infrastructure — before dividing into two branches:
Creek Route: Starting from Creek Interchange (Green Line), passing through Festival City, Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor and International City, onward to Silicon Oasis and Academic City.
Centrepoint Route: Originating from Centrepoint Interchange (Red Line), moving through Mirdif and Al Warqa to International City 1.
These branches will converge at International City 1, designed as a Y-junction enabling direct travel between both connectors without the need to switch trains at that station.
Ride times between central locations are expected to range from 10 to 25 minutes, making daily commutes and airport transfers quicker and more efficient. By 2030, projections estimate 200,000 daily riders, rising to 320,000 by 2040—handled by trains running every 1.5–2 minutes during peak hours.
On completion, Dubai’s rail network will grow from 101 km to 131 km, expanding from 64 to 78 stations, and increasing its stellar driverless train fleet from 140 to 168 units.
With an AED 18 billion investment, the Blue Line is expected to deliver AED 56.5 billion in economic, social, and environmental benefits by 2040—including a 20% reduction in congestion and a 25% increase in nearby land values.
Reflecting Dubai’s commitment to green growth, this is the first metro line in the emirate to adhere to LEED Platinum standards, targeted for environmentally efficient design and construction.
Signature stations include:
Dubai Creek Harbour: A design masterpiece by the renowned firm SOM, echoing Dubai’s modern skyline and tailored to serve up to 160,000 passengers daily.
International City 1: The largest underground interchange, spanning 44,000 m², optimized to serve approximately 350,000 daily users and facilitate effortless transfers.
Additionally, safer, wider platforms will accommodate growing ridership, reinforcing user comfort and capacity.
Following Sheikh Mohammed’s endorsement in late 2023, RTA awarded tenders in late 2024. Construction kicked off in early 2025, with tunnel boring underway. Trial service is planned for 2028, followed by full commercial operations in September 2029, marking 20 years since the metro’s inception.
A modern depot supporting 60 trains is set to open in the Al Ruwayyah 3 area, east of Academic City, ensuring robust logistical support for the new line.
Sheikh Mohammed underscored that Dubai’s expanding rail infrastructure reflects smart investment in the city’s future—built upon quality infrastructure, creativity, and national talent.
Alongside him, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed and H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director-General, celebrated the line as a cornerstone in Dubai’s comprehensive development plans, particularly the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and D33 economic agenda.
Over thirty Emirati engineers are contributing to the design and execution, exemplifying ongoing efforts to cultivate local expertise in advanced transport systems.
This project supports the 20-minute city concept—ensuring essential services are accessible within a 20-minute journey for over 80% of residents—and integrates high-density neighborhoods including Silicon Oasis, Academic City, International City, Festival City, Ras Al Khor, Al Warqa, and Mirdif. By 2040, roughly one million residents in these areas are expected to benefit.
Beyond connectivity, it sets urban quality benchmarks and supports mixed-use development, catalyzing growth in surrounding communities, educational hubs, and business districts.
Dubai’s Metro Blue Line is a decisive stride into the city's next evolutionary phase—one that marries cutting-edge transport, sustainable urban planning, and architectural artistry. It promises connectivity that empowers residents, fosters economic growth, and positions Dubai as a smart, forward-thinking capital where mobility meets modernity.
As the emirate prepares for the line’s 2029 inauguration, expectations are high: seamless commutes, reduced car reliance, and a network ready to support Dubai’s goal of becoming the world’s best city to live in.
