Dubai Metro's New Blue Line to Tackle Traffic Issues

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially launched the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a major expansion of the city’s metro network designed to ease traffic, improve public transport access, and support sustainable growth.

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Slated to open on September 9, 2029, exactly 20 years after the Red Line launched, the 30-kilometre Blue Line will link some of Dubai’s busiest residential and commercial areas. Once fully operational, the line is expected to serve nearly one million people.

AED 20.5 Billion Investment

The AED 20.5 billion project was awarded to a joint venture of leading Turkish and Chinese firms, MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC, after a global tender that attracted 15 international infrastructure companies.

“This is a major step in Dubai’s journey toward becoming the world’s best city to live in,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA. “It builds on the massive success of the Dubai Metro, which has already transported nearly 2.5 billion riders since 2009.”

Al Tayer added that the Blue Line directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, offering smart, sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and drive economic growth.

By 2040, the line is expected to carry up to 320,000 passengers daily.

Two Routes, One Network

The Blue Line will connect seamlessly with Dubai’s existing Red and Green Metro lines through two main routes:

Route 1 (Green Line Connection):

A 21-km stretch from Al Khor (Al Jaddaf) to Academic City, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City 1-3, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and ending at the new Al Ruwaiyah 3 Depot. It will feature 10 stations.

Route 2 (Red Line Connection):

A 9-km route starting from Centrepoint (Al Rashidiya), linking Mirdif, Al Warqaa, and International City (1), where it joins Route 1. This segment includes 4 stations.

“These routes were carefully chosen to connect Dubai’s fastest-growing communities,” Al Tayer said. “It’s about building an integrated network for a smarter, more sustainable city.”

Standout Features

The Dubai Metro Blue Line isn’t just about transport, it’s packed with iconic and innovative infrastructure:

• 1.3-km bridge over Dubai Creek: The first of its kind for the metro system.
• Dubai Creek Harbour Station: A signature stop designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the architects behind the Burj Khalifa.
• International City (1) Station: The largest underground interchange in the network, spanning over 44,000 sqm and handling up to 350,000 passengers per day.
• Eco-friendly standards: All stations will meet platinum-grade green building requirements.

Big Impact on Traffic and Property

The Blue Line is expected to:

• Reduce traffic congestion by 20% on key roads.
• Boost property values by up to 25% near metro stations.
• Generate up to AED 56.5 billion in economic and environmental benefits by 2040.
• Provide 10–25 minute travel times between major areas and Dubai International Airport.

“The Blue Line isn’t just about transport, it’s about enhancing communities and driving smart urban development,” said Al Tayer.

Future-Proof Capacity

With 46,000 passengers per hour capacity (both directions), and 2-minute train intervals, the Blue Line is built for the future. It’s expected to handle:

• 200,000 daily riders by 2030
• 320,000 daily riders by 2040

Once completed, Dubai’s entire metro and tram system will span 131 km with 78 stations, making it the longest driverless metro network in the world. A dedicated train depot will also be constructed in Al Ruwaiyah 3 to handle operations and maintenance.

Recap of Key Features

• 30-kilometre Blue Line
• 15.5 km underground, 14.5 km elevated
• 14 new stations, including 3 interchange stations
• Direct airport access, seamless transfers to Red and Green Lines
• Completion date: September 9, 2029