Dubai Metro Blue Line: How will it change commuting in the city

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, marked a significant milestone in Dubai’s public transportation development by attending the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dubai Metro Blue Line.

Read-Dubai Metro Blue Line: Inside the world’s tallest metro station

Spanning 30 kilometres with 14 new stations, the Blue Line will transform mobility across nine key districts projected to accommodate over one million residents by 2040, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Growth of Dubai Metro ridership and infrastructure

Since its launch on September 9, 2009, the Dubai Metro has transported over 2.527 billion passengers. Ridership has steadily increased from 38.9 million in 2010 to 275.4 million in 2024, averaging around 900,000 daily passengers last year. Projections indicate that passenger numbers will surpass 300 million by 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031.

Dubai Metro Blue Line
A key milestone in the expansion of the city’s public transportation network. pic.twitter.com/BI9kU3Liel

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 9, 2025

Metro infrastructure has also expanded dramatically. The system began with 10 stations in 2009, increasing to 46 by 2011. The introduction of the Dubai Tram in 2014 boosted the combined number of stations to 56. The launch of Metro Route 2020 added seven stations in 2021, bringing the total to 64. With the Blue Line’s 14 stations, the network will reach 78 stations in total.

محمد بن راشد يشهد، بحضور أحمد بن محمد ومنصور بن محمد، الاحتفال بوضع حجر الأساس لبدء تنفيذ الخط الأزرق لمترو دبي، الذي يمتد بطول 30 كيلومتراً، وإجمالي 14 محطة، ويخدم تسع مناطق حيوية يقدر عدد سكانها بنحو مليون نسمة وفقاً لخطة دبي الحضرية 2040. pic.twitter.com/ZFvyrr8rp8

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 9, 2025

The number of trains in service also reflects this growth: from 16 at launch to 140 by 2021, the fleet will expand to 168 trains, including 157 Metro trains and 11 Tram trains with the new line.

Elevated stations feature exteriors inspired by seashell shapes, complemented by iconic architecture at Expo and Emaar Properties stations. Inside, stations display thematic designs based on elements like Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, with special motifs for Expo and Emaar Properties.

Connecting communities and economic hubs

The Dubai Metro Blue Line will connect the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, linking residential, academic, and economic zones including Dubai Silicon Oasis—a key innovation hub outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

The Blue Line comprises two main routes. The first route stretches 21 kilometers from Creek Interchange Station through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, and International City, ending at Academic City with 10 stations, including an underground interchange station. The second route covers 9 kilometres from Centrepoint Interchange Station in Al Rashidiya to International City 1, passing through Mirdif and Al Warqa with four stations. A new metro depot will be constructed at Al Ruwayah 3.

A promotional film showcased the line’s role in linking the Red and Green lines, providing direct 20-minute journeys to Dubai International Airport, and supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s goal of creating a “20-minute city” where essential services are accessible within 20 minutes of residents.

Sustainability and strategic impact

The Blue Line includes three interchange stations and an iconic station in Dubai Creek Harbour. It will be the first line to cross Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter viaduct. Expected daily ridership by 2040 is projected at 320,000 passengers.

The project supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and aligns with sustainability initiatives by being the first transport project in Dubai to achieve Platinum green building certification.

With integrated transport features such as bus bays, taxi stands, bike and scooter racks, and accessible parking for People of Determination, the Blue Line aims to reduce traffic congestion on served routes by 20 per cent, enhance land value near stations by up to 25 per cent, and contribute to a cleaner environment by lowering carbon emissions.