The Dubai government has approved the development of the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a new underground public transport line projected that will span 42km with 18 stations and entail an investment of Dh34bn ($9.25bn).
The announcement, made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, marks the city’s largest sustainable transport initiative to date and will form an integrated part of the growing Dubai Metro network.
The Gold Line will operate fully underground, linking the existing Red and Green Metro lines while also connecting to Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
According to official information, the route will connect various parts of Dubai, starting from Al Ghubaiba and running through districts such as Mina Rashid, Business Bay, City Walk, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Nad Al Sheba, Meydan, Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens, Al Barsha South and Jumeirah Village Circle. It will end at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
By joining historic and newly developed areas, the line will increase accessibility to 15 distinct locations and provide connections at several stations, including Business Bay, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Ghubaiba.
Authorities estimate that the Gold Line will serve over 1.5 million people by 2040 and is expected to handle around 465,000 daily passengers beyond that year.
The extension will contribute to the metropolitan rail network’s growth, extending its length from 120km (including the Blue Line, currently under development) to 162km and expanding the total number of stations from 67 to 85.
The project is anticipated to reduce road congestion by eliminating more than 40 million car journeys each year and to relieve pressure on the busy Red Line section between Burjuman and ONPASSIVE stations by 23%.
Officials stated the Gold Line will be built using the latest tunnel boring technologies, with a target to complete construction 30% faster than timelines set for previous projects such as the Blue Line.
Plans call for tender issuance in 2026, contract award in 2027 and a public opening scheduled for 9 September 2032.
The project will be delivered with a focus on meeting international standards for both quality and safety, aiming to minimise disruptions in urban environments as construction progresses.
Financial projections from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) indicate the project could generate a cumulative economic return of 430% over 20 years by saving time and fuel, limiting road accident fatalities and reducing carbon emissions.
Additionally, the line is expected to boost property and real estate values in areas near stations by up to 20% and support objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Current figures reveal the Dubai Metro network, which began service in September 2009, had transported over 2.8 billion passengers through the end of 2025.
In that year alone, the metro served 295 million passengers, a 7% rise from 2024, with an average of one million daily users.
The Gold Line represents a significant phase in the ongoing expansion of Dubai’s mass transit system as part of broader aims to strengthen regional connectivity and public transport integration.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Today we announce Dubai’s largest transport project; a new Dubai Metro line spanning 42km, at a depth of 40m underground.
“This new route will connect 15 strategic locations in Dubai, serving 1.5 million people and supporting mobility across 55 mega development projects currently under construction.”
