Milestones in numbers: Dubai Metro celebrates 15 years of service

Dubai Metro has transported more than 2.4 billion passengers since its launch on September 9, 2009

by Gulf Business

September 9, 2024

Image: RTA

Dubai Metro celebrates its 15th anniversary on September 9, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) highlighting significant achievements in ridership and operational efficiency.Since its inauguration on September 9, 2009, the metro has transported over 2.4 billion passengers, becoming a key component of the city’s transportation network and economic development.

Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s director general, emphasised the metro’s role in supporting Dubai’s economic growth and its importance in positioning the city as a global hub for business and tourism. “The Dubai Metro’s success reflects the substantial investments made by the government of Dubai in public transport infrastructure, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic activity.”

Read: Dubai Metro turns 15 – Here’s what commuters can enjoy

Dubai Metro: Achieving record numbers

Over the last 15 years, the metro’s daily ridership has surged to approximately 730,000 passengers. Daily ridership rose from 20,000 on September 10, 2009, to 767,000 on September 3 this year. On some days, such as New Year’s Eve and major holidays, the metro accommodates up to 900,000 riders daily.
The metro maintains a 99.7 per cent punctuality rate, consistently meeting global safety and efficiency standards.
The system has grown alongside Dubai’s urban expansion, increasing its network length from 52 kilometres to 90 kilometres and boosting the number of stations from 10 to 53.
The number of trains has also grown from 79 to 129 since its launch, helping the metro facilitate 4.3 million journeys and cover a total distance of 26.8 million kilometres.
From September to the end of December 2009 (four months), the number of riders rose from 6.089 million to 38.089 million in 2010. This number rose further to 69.001 million in 2011.
In 2012, passenger numbers reached 109.049 million. By 2013, the figure climbed to 137.076 million, and in 2014, it rose to 164.031 million.
In 2015, the number increased to 178.065 million, and in 2016, it reached 191.033 million. The figure exceeded 200 million, reaching 200.075 million in 2017.
The year 2018 recorded the highest number of passengers since the project’s launch, with 204.041 million. In 2019, the number of passengers was 202.098 million.
Even during the pandemic in 2020, when global transit systems saw significant declines, the metro served 113 million passengers.
In July 2020, the Dhs10.6bn Route 2020 extension was launched. Route 2020 connects seven stations (one interchange station with the Red Line, a station at the Expo site, three elevated stations, and two underground stations). It serves densely populated areas such as The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubai Investment Park, home to over 270,000 residents.
The journey from Dubai Marina to Expo Metro Station takes about 16 minutes. The line has a capacity of 46,000 riders per hour in both directions.
The number of metro passengers increased to 151.026 million in 2021.
In 2022, the metro set a record with 225.142 million riders. The growth continued in 2023, reaching 260.034 million riders, while from the beginning of this year until the end of August (eight months), the number of riders stood at 175.46 million.
The upcoming expansion with the Blue Line, a 30-kilometre project approved in 2023, will further enhance connectivity across Dubai. The route will stretch 30 kilometres and connect 14 stations.
The Blue Line is designed to serve key areas with an expected population of about one million people, according to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The line has several distinctive features, including the first Dubai Metro bridge to cross Dubai Creek, spanning 1,300 metres, and two stations — one at Dubai Creek Harbour and the other at Dubai Silicon Oasis (the fifth urban centre). Both stations boast unique architectural designs by the globally renowned firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).
The Blue Line includes the largest underground transfer station in the metro network, covering over 44,000 square metres, with a capacity of around 350,000 passengers per day. It is also the first transport project compliant with platinum-grade green building specifications.
The Rail Operations Control Centre is one of the most advanced control centres in the world. It manages the daily operation of metro services on the Red and Green Lines around the clock (24/7)
Dubai Metro has created job opportunities for Emirati nationals, with 228 citizens currently employed by the metro’s operating company.