The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has laid the foundation for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, covering 30km and 14 stations.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, and ruler of Dubai.
This project is a cornerstone of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aiming to transform mobility across nine districts and cater to over one million residents.
Upon completion, it will extend Dubai’s rail network to 131km, featuring 78 stations and 168 trains, comprising 157 Metro trains and 11 Tram trains.
Since its inception on 9 September 2009, the Dubai Metro has carried more than two billion passengers, with a daily average of 900,000 in 2024.
The design of the elevated stations, inspired by seashells and the architecture of the Expo and Emaar Properties stations, is complemented by thematic interiors representing the elements.
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By GlobalDataThe Blue Line connects the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, serving residential, academic, and development zones.
The network has seen significant growth from its initial ten stations, reaching 46 by 2011. The introduction of the Dubai Tram in 2014 and the Metro’s Route 2020 in 2021 further expanded the network.
RTA director general and board of directors chair Mattar Al Tayer said: “The Blue Line comprises two main routes. The first runs from Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station.
“The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. This section spans 21km and connects ten stations.
“The second route of the Blue Line starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya. It passes through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. This route measures 9km in length and links four stations. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayah 3.”
Rashid Al Maktoum also approved the design of the Emaar Properties Station, set to be the world’s highest metro station at 74m.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, an American architectural practice, the station embodies the ‘Dubai: A Gateway to the Future’ concept, and is expected to manage up to 160,000 passengers daily by 2040.
The design incorporates sustainable materials and aims to meet environmental efficiency standards.
The Blue Line will be the first transport project in Dubai to fully comply with green building standards, gaining Platinum Category certification.
It will include integrated transport features such as public bus bays, taxi stands, and parking spaces for those with disabilities.
The project utilises advanced international technologies and is designed for space efficiency and integration with other transport modes.
It aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, offering economic, social, and environmental benefits with a projected benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 by 2040.
In December 2024, Dubai’s RTA awarded the Dubai Metro Blue Line contract to a consortium of Turkish and Chinese companies.
