Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reports progress on the ambitious Dubai Metro Blue Line, marking 10% completion in just five months since its start.
The project, valued at AED 56.5 billion, covers 30 kilometres and includes 14 new stations. These stations integrate the existing Red and Green Lines, enhancing connectivity across Dubai’s key residential, economic and educational zones.
The RTA mobilised over 500 engineers and experts in addition to 3,000 workers across 12 construction sites to keep the project on track.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the RTA, revealed that the Dubai Metro Blue Line is advancing as planned. The project aims for 30% completion by the close of 2026, targeting a full operational start on September 9, 2029. The line is set to serve an estimated one million residents by 2040, aligning with the Dubai Urban Plan and Economic Agenda to support the “20-minute city” idea. This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion by 20% and is expected to boost property values near stations by up to 25%.
Safety standards remain a priority, as shown by the completion of over three million work hours with no recorded fatalities. Significant progress includes the completion of more than 260 deep foundations and the excavation of 400,000 cubic metres. Moreover, two ready-mix concrete plants have been established at Al Ruwayyah 3 and International City to support ongoing construction efforts.
The Blue Line will mirror two routes: One stretches from Creek Interchange Station in Al Jaddaf to Dubai Academic City, while the other links Centrepoint Interchange Station in Al Rashidiya with International City.
The project also features the Emaar Station, poised to become the highest metro station globally at 74 metres, with the capacity to accommodate 240,000 passengers daily by 2040. This station is designed not only as a transit hub, but also as a landmark symbolising Dubai’s commitment to future-focused infrastructure.
Along with the Dubai Metro Blue Line, the UAE Railway Programme has also been a significant element of the transport strategy since its 2021 launch. This includes Etihad Rail construction. The passenger service of the line is targeted to open in 2026.
In November, the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure revealed a AED 170 billion ($46.3 billion) transport plan, which aims to drastically boost road infrastructure by 2030.
