Dubai’s Executive Council has approved a Dh2bn ($544m) project to extend the city’s Metro Route 2020 line to Al Maktoum International Airport City, with passenger services due to launch in 2031.
The announcement was made by United Arab Emirates (UAE) Defence Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, following a council meeting during the UAE Government Annual Meetings on 10 November.
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The extension will create a 3km route with two new stations, directly linking the existing Route 2020 line to the West Terminal of Al Maktoum International Airport City.
The initiative will be delivered through a partnership between the Dubai Engineering Projects Establishment and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The metro extension is intended to improve connectivity for future passengers, airport staff, and visitors travelling to Al Maktoum International Airport City, and to help reduce dependency on private vehicles in the surrounding area.
It will also connect with both the airport express line and the high-speed rail network operated by Etihad Rail, forming a central transport interchange within the emirate.
Al Maktoum said: “Al Maktoum International Airport City is one of our most significant strategic projects, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub.
“The extension is part of an integrated transport system that matches the ambitions of this global project. We continue to invest in infrastructure that anticipates future aspirations, connects the emirate and strengthens Dubai’s competitiveness.”
The decision to proceed with the Metro extension forms part of a broader package of strategic developments approved at the meeting, with a combined value of more than Dh11bn.
Among these projects, the Executive Council also endorsed a comprehensive plan to enhance community services and facilities for Emirati citizens through 2040, with a budget of Dh9.59bn.
The existing Route 2020 line, inaugurated in 2020, connects the Metro Red Line at Jebel Ali with Expo City Dubai and serves several areas across Dubai.
In September 2026, Dubai approved the first phase of the New Fourth Corridor, an 80km highway linking Abu Dhabi and Sharjah budgeted at Dh3.5bn ($953m). The expressway will expand Dubai’s internal road capacity while strengthening arterial transit links between neighbouring emirates.
