Dubai Metro Blue Line to begin operations in Sept 2029

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially launched the Dubai Metro Blue Line project.

The Dhs20.5bn project will span 30 kilometres, featuring 14 stations and providing seamless connectivity to key urban areas.

The contract for the line was awarded to a consortium led by Turkish construction companies MAPA and LIMAK, alongside Chinese rail systems provider CRRC.

The announcement was made by Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, during a press conference held at the One&Only Za’abeel Hotel.

The event was attended by representatives from the consortium, including Mehmet Nazif Gunal (Chairman of MAPA), Nihat Özdemir (chairman of LIMAK), and Liu Gang (chairman of CRRC), as well as senior RTA officials.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA emphasised that the project is a reflection of Dubai’s commitment to advanced infrastructure development, and it aligns with the objectives of Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

The Dubai Metro Blue Line will significantly enhance mobility across the city by connecting key residential and commercial areas, including Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, Mirdif, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The line will also feature a mix of underground and elevated tracks, with a total of 14 stations along its 30-kilometre route, including three major interchange stations: Al Khor (on the Green Line), Centrepoint (on the Red Line), and International City (1).

One of the standout features of the project will be a signature station at Dubai Creek Harbour, which will feature a unique architectural design by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).

This station will be a key focal point of the project, and it will be designed to handle 160,000 passengers daily by 2040.

The Blue Line will also feature Dubai Metro’s first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-metre bridge, adding a striking visual and functional landmark to the project.

Strategic benefits of the Blue Line

The Blue Line is expected to reduce road congestion in key areas by 20 per cent, improve property values near stations by up to 25 per cent, and directly connect major hubs like Dubai International Airport (DXB) to residential areas. Al Tayer noted that the new metro line will provide more efficient travel times, ranging from 10 to 25 minutes, across various neighbourhoods.

The Blue Line will also be integrated into Dubai’s urban planning strategy, including initiatives like the ’20-Minute City’, which ensures that over 80 per cent of services in the city will be accessible within a 20-minute commute.

The project will bring about Dhs56.5bn in economic, social, and environmental benefits by 2040, according to RTA’s estimates. This will result from time savings, reduced fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and fewer accidents, all contributing to an overall Dhs2.60 return for every dirham invested in the project.

The Blue Line is designed to serve areas projected to accommodate nearly one million residents by 2040, including developments like Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, and International City.

Infrastructure development and sustainable design

The project is part of Dubai’s broader goal to position itself as a global leader in sustainable development. The Blue Line will be the first transport initiative in Dubai to comply with platinum-grade green building standards, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly urban projects.

Al Tayer also noted that the project’s sustainability goals align with Dubai’s aspirations for future-ready infrastructure, designed to cater to a growing population and support the city’s ambitious sustainable development agenda.

The Blue Line will also boost the city’s public transport capacity, contributing to a larger metro and tram network, which will expand from 101 kilometres to 131 kilometres.

The total number of stations will increase from 64 to 78, with 67 metro stations and 11 tram stations.

Milestone timeline

Construction work for the Blue Line is set to commence in April 2025, with full operations slated to begin by September 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Dubai Metro’s Red Line.

The new line will be designed to carry 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions, with a train frequency of approximately every two minutes, serving an estimated 200,000 passengers daily by 2030. This figure is expected to grow to 320,000 daily passengers by 2040.

Al Tayer reiterated that the project was awarded to the MAPA-LIMAK-CRRC consortium after a competitive international tender process. This consortium will oversee the civil works (MAPA and LIMAK) and rail systems (CRRC) for the Blue Line.

“We are committed to delivering this landmark project with the highest standards of quality and efficiency,” said Mehmet Nazif Gunal, chairman of MAPA. “We are confident that the Blue Line will further elevate Dubai’s transport system and its status as a global city.”

Connecting communities

The Blue Line will provide enhanced public transport access to key urban centres across the city. The new line will integrate developments such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Academic City, and areas with large residential populations, ensuring that all major hubs in the city are well-connected by public transport.

The line will also enhance connectivity within communities like Al Rashidiya, Mirdif, and Al Warqaa, serving as a vital link between emerging urban centres and Dubai’s central business districts.

“Investment in infrastructure is key to Dubai’s long-term economic success,” Al Tayer concluded. “The Dubai Metro Blue Line will play an important role in the city’s future growth, promoting sustainable living and enhancing the mobility of residents and visitors alike.”