Dubai Metro Blue Line set to ease traffic congestion in the city

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently launched the Dubai Metro Blue Line project.

It marks the landmark expansion of the Dubai’s metro network designed to improve urban mobility, reduce road congestion, and support sustainable development.

Set to open on September 9, 2029, marking the 20th anniversary of the Red Line which was also opened on September 9, 2009, the 30-kilometre Blue Line will link key residential and commercial areas, ultimately serving nearly one million people.

The Dh20.5 billion project was awarded to a consortium of top Turkish and Chinese firms, MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC, following an international tender process involving 15 global infrastructure specialists.

World's best city

“The Blue Line marks a major milestone in Dubai’s journey toward becoming the world’s best city to live in,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA. “This project builds on the outstanding success of the Dubai Metro, which has transported nearly 2.5 billion riders since its launch in 2009 and remains the backbone of the city’s public transport system,” he said during the official announcement ceremony of the Blue Line last year.

Al Tayer said that the new line supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, offering sustainable mobility solutions that improve quality of life and promote economic growth.

Two routes

The Blue Line will comprise two main routes designed to ensure seamless integration with the existing Red and Green Metro lines.

A 21-kilometre section connecting Al Khor (Green Line) to Academic City via 10 stations

A 9-kilometre section connecting Centrepoint (Red Line) to International City via 4 stations

Route 1 (Green Line connection)

Begins at Al Khor Interchange Station on the Green Line in Al Jaddaf and passes through the Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour,

Ras Al Khor, International City 1, International City (2) and (3), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Academic City and terminating at Al Ruwaiyah 3 Depot. This line will be 21 kilometres long with 10 stations.

Route 2 (Red Line Connection):

Route 2 to of the Blue Line starts at Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya and will pass through Mirdif, Al Warqaa and International City (1) where it will connect to Route 1. Total length of this line is 9 kilometres with four stations.

“These routes were carefully selected to connect Dubai’s most populous and fastest-growing areas,” Al Tayer explained earlier.

“By linking existing metro lines, we are creating a truly integrated transport network that supports Dubai’s vision of a smart, sustainable, and inclusive city,” he added.

The Blue Line will introduce several signature elements:

Easing traffic congestion

The Blue Line is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 20% on major corridors, increase property values by up to 25% around metro stations and deliver Dh56.5 billion in economic and environmental returns by 2040. Connect directly to Dubai International Airport, enabling travel times of just 10—25 minutes between key locations.

“The Blue Line is not just about moving people. It is about empowering communities, enhancing connectivity, and supporting sustainable urban growth,” Al Tayer stated.

Capacity

With a projected capacity of 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions and train intervals of just two minutes, the Blue Line is designed to accommodate 200,000 daily riders by 2030 and 320,000 daily riders by 2040.

Upon completion, Dubai’s train system, including metro and tram, will span 131 kilometres with 78 stations, solidifying Dubai’s position as home to the world’s longest driverless metro network.

A dedicated train depot will also be constructed in Al Ruwaiyah 3 to support operations and maintenance.

Iconic Creek Harbour Station

A standout feature of the project is the iconic Dubai Creek Harbour station, designed by renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the team behind landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Chicago’s Willis Tower. The station will span over 10,800 square metres and serve up to 160,000 passengers per day.

Another engineering marvel is the International City (1) station — the metro network’s largest underground interchange, designed to accommodate 350,000 daily passengers across more than 44,000 square metres.

Key highlights