Dubai Metro Blue Line: Linking nine districts, serving more than one million passengers

Dubai: Dubai has broken ground on the much-anticipated Dubai Metro Blue Line, a transformative public transport corridor that will link nine high-density districts, directly serving an estimated one million residents by 2040.

The project, spanning 30 kilometres with 14 stations, is central to achieving the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, offering sustainable mobility while boosting economic and social connectivity.

It will support the vision of a “20-minute city”, where 80% of residents’ daily needs are within a short transit reach

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently laid the foundation stone of the project and approved the futuristic design of the iconic Emaar Properties Station, set to be the world’s tallest metro station at 74 metres.

Connecting Dubai’s strategic hubs

The Blue Line will provide direct metro access to nine major districts, significantly reducing travel times, easing road congestion, and linking residential, commercial, and academic centres:

The Blue Line will connect Green Line at Creek Station, and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station. The line serves residential and academic zones, as well as key development projects, with an estimated population of one million by 2040.

The Blue Line comprises two main routes. The first runs from Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station. The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. This section spans 21km and connects 10 stations.

The second route of the Blue Line starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya. It passes through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. This route measures 9km in length and links four stations. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayah 3.

Tallest metro station in the world at 74 metres

Capacity for 160,000 daily passengers

14 Stations

The Dubai Metro Blue Line features 14 stations, including three interchange stations: Creek Station at Al Jaddaf on the Green Line, Centrepoint Station at Al Rashidiya on the Red Line, and International City 1 Station on the Blue Line, in addition to the iconic station located in Dubai Creek Harbour. The line includes nine elevated stations and five underground stations.

The line has all the features of an integrated transport system, including public bus bays, taxi stands, dedicated areas for bike and electric scooter racks, and parking spaces for People of Determination.

Passenger capacity

The maximum capacity of the Dubai Metro Blue Line exceeds 850,000 passengers per day, based on the scale of the stations included within the project scope. Passenger numbers are expected to reach 200,000 per day by 2030, rising to 320,000 per day by 2040.

Major highlights

1,300-metre metro bridge over Dubai Creek, a first for the network

Largest underground interchange station, over 4,000 sq m, capacity: 350,000 passengers/day

Metro depot at Al Ruwayah 3

Fifth major corridor

The Blue Line is Dubai’s fifth major mass transit corridor, joining the existing Red and Green Metro Lines, Dubai Tram, and Route 2020.

Upon the completion of the Blue Line, Dubai’s total railway network will extend from 101km to 131km. This includes 120km for the Dubai Metro and 11km for Dubai Tram. The number of metro and tram stations will increase from 64 to 78, encompassing 67 stations for the Dubai Metro and 11 stations for the Dubai Tram.

Additionally, the fleet will expand from 140 to 168 trains, including 157 for the Dubai Metro and 11 for the Dubai Tram. The project also aligns with efforts to cut traffic congestion by 20%, increase, land value near stations by 25%, and enhance Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart urban mobility.

The Blue Line which is set to open on September 9, 2029 marking the 20th anniversary of Dubai Metro, will benefit over 50,000 university students with direct metro access to Academic City. Key tech and innovation zones like Dubai Silicon Oasis will see improved talent mobility and connectivity. Areas like International City, home to Dragon Mart, and rapidly growing communities such as Dubai Creek Harbour will experience economic uplift through enhanced accessibility.

Backbone

The endorsement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line signifies a major milestone, building upon the huge success the Dubai Metro has achieved since its inauguration on 9/9/2009. The Metro has emerged as the backbone of Dubai’s transportation network, becoming the preferred mode of travel for both residents and visitors. It represents nearly 60% of total usage across all public transportation modes in Dubai, which include buses, the Dubai Tram, and marine transport.

From the start of operations until the end of 2024, the Dubai Metro has transported 2.527 billion passengers. In 2024, the Metro averaged over 900,000 passengers daily. The Dubai Metro has also recorded great success in upholding the highest international safety standards and operational efficiency, boasting a 99.7% punctuality rate.