The Government of Dubai has launched tunnelling work on the Metro Blue Line following an official signal from the UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The step marks a significant milestone in a project valued at more than Dh20.5bn ($5.5bn), aiming to serve an estimated one million future residents by 2040.
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Sheikh Mohammed initiated the tunnelling phase by activating the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), known as ‘Al Wugeisha’ and operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Tunnelling began at International City 1 Station. From there, TBMs will proceed towards Mirdif, the Auto Market, and Al Warsan (International City 2).
Al Wugeisha measures 163m in length, weighs over 2,000t, and operates continuously with a daily tunnelling advance of 13m to 17m.
According to the Dubai Government Media Office, the TBM is equipped with guidance, monitoring and logistics systems that enable excavation across a range of geological conditions.
It features a cutterhead and chamber, hydraulic jacks, a spoil removal system, slurry discharge pipelines and a control cabin.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line will span 30km, comprising a 15.5km underground section and a 14.5km elevated (above-ground) section.
The route features 14 stations, with three interchange, seven elevated and four underground.
The new line aims to connect nine major districts, with the government forecasting these areas will be home to around one million residents as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Integration with the existing metro system forms a key part of the project, with connections to the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station.
The planned route is designed to enable direct journeys from emerging residential, academic and development zones to Dubai International Airport in around 20 minutes.
According to the government statement, traffic congestion is expected to reduce by up to 20% along corridors served by the Blue Line.
For route details, the Blue Line’s first section will run from Creek Interchange Station through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, International City 1, continuing onward to International City 2 and 3, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Academic City, a 21km section with ten stations.
A second segment covers 9km from Centrepoint Interchange Station, passing through Mirdif and Al Warqa’a towards International City 1, encompassing four stations.
The plans also include a new depot and maintenance facility for trains in Al Ruwayyah 3.
More than 10,000 workers, supported by over 500 engineers and experts, are currently involved in the Blue Line’s construction.
The project remains on track for further milestones, with projections indicating that 30% completion will be reached by the end of 2026.
The Blue Line is scheduled for public opening on 9 September 2029.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “Our projects in Dubai are delivered to meet the highest international standards, guided by clear plans, precise timelines, and national talent capable of turning vision into tangible achievements in practice. Their delivery is overseen by 180 railway experts and engineers.”
