Dubai's Dh34-Billion Gold Line Fully Underground Metro Plan

Dubai is set for its largest public transport expansion with the announcement of a new Dubai Metro line by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The Dh34-billion 'Gold Line' project will expand the Dubai Metro network by around 25 per cent and is scheduled for completion on September 9, 2032.

The fully underground Gold Line, announced on April 22, will span 42km, running at depths of up to 40 metres. It will pass through 15 strategic areas across the emirate. In a social media post, Sheikh Mohammed described the project as the largest transportation initiative in Dubai's history, intended to enhance connectivity across the city’s rapidly growing residential and commercial zones.

In his announcement, Sheikh Mohammed said: "We are pleased to announce the largest transportation project in Dubai: a new 42-kilometre metro line. It will pass through 15 key strategic areas across the city, serve approximately 1.5 million residents, and strengthen connectivity to 55 major real estate developments currently under construction."

He also emphasized Dubai’s long-term development goals, stating: "Our landmark projects to position Dubai as the world’s best city to live in are on track. Our future endeavours will not stop; rather, they will accelerate. Our plan is to build a better future for millions of people. We stand by our words and deliver on them."

Gold Line to Transform Dubai's Transport System

In a video providing details about the project, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the city's commitment to progress, declaring: “There is no finish line for progress and excellence.”

The ambitious project is designed to improve connectivity across Dubai’s expanding urban zones. Once operational, the Gold Line is expected to serve approximately 465,000 passengers daily by 2040, addressing the emirate’s growing transport needs. The line will also support over 55 significant real estate developments currently under construction.

The Gold Line will run from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates, linking important areas such as Bur Dubai, Satwa, Meydan, Al Barsha South, Jumeirah Village Triangle, and Production City. It will integrate with the existing Red and Green Lines, featuring three intersections at Business Bay, Al Ghubaiba, and Jumeirah Golf Estates. Additionally, the route will connect with the UAE’s passenger rail system, Etihad Rail, at two stations.

Despite the major developments, the project map does not show any intersections with the under-construction Blue Line, scheduled for completion in 2029.

We are pleased to announce the largest transportation project in Dubai: a new 42-kilometre metro line. It will pass through 15 key strategic areas across the city, serve approximately 1.5 million residents, and strengthen connectivity to 55 major real estate developments… pic.twitter.com/nH9iKsiiN1

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 22, 2026

Fully-Underground Metro Line

Dubai's Gold Line will utilize advanced tunnel-boring technology and feature an underground track length that is twice the size of the existing metro tunnels. The construction process will employ cutting-edge techniques and equipment to minimize disruption to daily life, traffic, and existing developments.

The project also aligns with plans for an innovative high-speed underground transport system, the Dubai Loop, aimed at reducing commute times. Whether the Dubai Loop and Gold Line will be connected remains a matter of speculation.

The Gold Line is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits, with estimates suggesting a cumulative return of up to 430 per cent over two decades of operation.

Why September 9 Is Significant for Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro has long been a cornerstone of public transport in the emirate. Its inaugural run occurred on September 9, 2009, at precisely 09.09.09pm, a deliberate symbolic gesture highlighting precision and ambition. Since then, subsequent metro lines have adhered to this tradition of launching on September 9.

Notably, the Dubai Metro Green Line opened on September 9, 2011, and began public service the following day. Spanning 23km, the Green Line connects heritage-rich areas of Deira and Bur Dubai across 20 stations, including both underground and elevated stops.

The under-construction Dubai Metro Blue Line is set to open on September 9, 2029, marking 20 years since the launch of the Red Line. The 30-km Blue Line will feature 14 stations, linking areas like Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City to the existing metro network.