Dubai Metro Blue Line: Your Guide to the Future of Urban Travel

Discover the Dubai Metro Blue Line, an ambitious addition to Dubai’s world-class public transportation network, set to transform commuting across the emirate. Approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this 30-kilometer metro line is designed to enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and support Dubai’s sustainable urban development goals. Scheduled to launch on September 9, 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, the Blue Line promises to make travel faster, greener, and more convenient for residents and visitors alike.

The Dubai Metro Blue Line is the third metro line in Dubai, joining the existing Red and Green Lines. Spanning 30 kilometers, it will feature 14 modern stations, with 15.5 km of underground tracks and 14.5 km of elevated tracks, including a stunning 1,300-meter viaduct crossing Dubai Creek. This line will connect key areas such as Dubai International Airport, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City, serving an estimated population of over one million by 2040.

• Length and Coverage: 30 km with 14 stations (9 elevated, 5 underground).
• Interchange Stations: Connects with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, the Green Line at Creek Station, and an interchange at International City 1.
• Passenger Capacity: Designed to carry 46,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with trains running every two minutes. By 2030, it will serve 200,000 passengers daily, increasing to 320,000 by 2040.
• Sustainability: The first Dubai transport project to achieve platinum-grade green building standards, reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly travel.
• Iconic Design: Features a standout station at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and the largest underground interchange station at International City 1, spanning 44,000 square meters.

The Blue Line will operate along two main routes, ensuring seamless connectivity across Dubai’s growing urban landscape:

1. Creek Route (21 km, 10 stations):
   • Starts at Creek Interchange Station (Green Line) in Al Jaddaf.
   • Key stops include Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City 1 (interchange), International City 2 and 3, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City.
   • Travel time from Creek to Academic City: Approximately 25 minutes.
2. Centrepoint Route (9 km, 4 stations):
   • Begins at Centrepoint Interchange Station (Red Line) in Al Rashidiya.
   • Passes through Mirdif, Al Warqaa, and connects at International City 1.
   • Travel time from Centrepoint to Academic City: Approximately 17 minutes.

The Blue Line will connect nine vital areas, enhancing accessibility to major residential, commercial, and educational hubs:

• Mirdif
• Al Warqaa
• Dubai International City (1, 2, and 3)
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Academic City
• Ras Al Khor Industrial Area
• Dubai Creek Harbour
• Dubai Festival City
• Al Rashidiya

This strategic alignment supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aiming to create a “20-minute city” where 80% of essential services are accessible within a 20-minute commute.

The Blue Line will integrate with the Red and Green Lines, making it easier to travel across Dubai without relying on private vehicles. With direct access to Dubai International Airport and key urban centers like Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City, commuters will enjoy shorter travel times and seamless transfers.

By 2040, the Blue Line is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 20% along its routes, easing pressure on major roads like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). This will save time, fuel, and reduce road accidents, contributing to a smoother commute.

The AED 20.5 billion project is projected to deliver AED 56.5 billion in benefits by 2040, offering a return of AED 2.60 for every dirham invested. These benefits include:

• Time Savings: Travel times as low as 10–25 minutes between key destinations.
• Lower Carbon Emissions: Promoting eco-friendly public transport.
• Increased Property Values: Properties near Blue Line stations may see up to a 25% value increase due to improved accessibility.

With Dubai’s population expected to grow significantly, the Blue Line will serve high-density areas like International City and Academic City, home to over 50,000 university students by 2029. This makes it a vital infrastructure project for the city’s future.

• Approval: November 2023 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
• Contract Awarded: December 2024 to a Turkish-Chinese consortium (MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC).
• Construction Start: April 2025, with tunneling for underground sections beginning in 2025.
• Trial Operations: 2028.
• Official Opening: September 9, 2029.

The project includes a metro depot at Al Ruwayyah 3 to support operations and maintenance.

• Commuters: Expect similar operating hours and ticket prices as the Red and Green Lines, with Nol Cards accepted. Stations will feature modern amenities like ticketing boxes, ramps, restrooms, and prayer rooms.
• Investors: Real estate near Blue Line stations, especially in Dubai Silicon Oasis, Mirdif, and Dubai Creek Harbour, is likely to appreciate, making it a prime investment opportunity.
• Visitors: The Blue Line will make exploring Dubai’s key attractions, like Dubai Festival City and Dubai Creek Harbour, more accessible, enhancing the city’s tourism appeal.

The Blue Line is more than just a metro extension—it’s a step toward a smarter, more sustainable Dubai. With its modern design, eco-friendly standards, and strategic connectivity, it will redefine how people move across the city. Whether you’re a resident, student, or tourist, the Blue Line will make your journey faster, more comfortable, and environmentally conscious.

Stay updated on the Dubai Metro Blue Line’s progress through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website

1. Approval and Leadership: Approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, with the project launched by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on November 23.
2. Project Scope: A 30-km metro line with 14 stations, costing AED 18 billion, serving areas expected to house one million people by 2040, as per the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
3. Routes:
   • First route: 21 km, 10 stations, from Creek Interchange Station (Green Line) to Academic City, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, and Dubai International City 1, 2, and 3.
   • Second route: 9 km, 4 stations, from Centrepoint Interchange Station (Red Line) to Dubai International City 1, passing through Mirdif and Al Warqa.
4. Features:
   • First metro viaduct over Dubai Creek (1,300 meters).
   • Iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).
   • Largest underground interchange station (44,000 square meters, capacity of 350,000 passengers daily).
   • First transport project in Dubai to meet green building specifications (Platinum category).
5. Connectivity: Links Red and Green Lines, connects Dubai International Airport to nine key areas (Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Festival City) with travel times of 10–25 minutes.
6. Passenger Capacity: Expected to serve 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, increasing to 320,000 by 2040, with a capacity of 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions.
7. Economic Impact: Projected benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 (AED 2.60 in benefits per AED 1 spent), with total benefits exceeding AED 56.5 billion by 2040, including reduced travel time, fuel savings, fewer accidents, and lower carbon emissions.
8. Timeline: Scheduled for completion in 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro’s inauguration.
9. Network Expansion: Increases Dubai’s rail network to 131 km (120 km Metro, 11 km Tram), 78 stations (67 Metro, 11 Tram), and 168 trains (157 Metro, 11 Tram).

10. Current Network: 90 km total (52 km Red Line, 23 km Green Line, 15 km Route 2020), with 45 stations and 129 trains.
11. Passenger Statistics: Served 2.2 billion passengers from September 2009 to October 2023, with 685,000 daily passengers in 2023.
12. Punctuality: Achieves 99.7% punctuality, adhering to high international safety and operational standards.
13. Design Themes: Stations reflect six themes: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Future Dubai Design (Expo station).
14. Parking: Offers over 8,000 parking spaces across three multi-level facilities.
15. Global Standing: World’s longest driverless metro network, enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness for hosting events like Expo 2020.