Dubai: The Dubai Metro Blue Line has reached 10 per cent completion within five months of groundbreaking, according to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The update was announced on Sunday, November 9, marking a major milestone for one of the emirate’s most ambitious transport projects.
The AED multi-billion project will span 30km and feature 14 stations, significantly expanding the city’s mass transit network when it opens.
Massive workforce powering the project
The Blue Line’s rapid progress is being driven by:
- Over 500 engineers and international experts
- 3,000 workers deployed across 12 construction sites
Together, the teams have clocked around 3 million work hours with zero fatalities, reflecting RTA’s commitment to top-tier safety and quality standards.
Completion timeline: What’s next?
Al Tayer outlined two major milestones:
- 30% completion by the end of 2026
- Official opening on 9 September 2029 (9.9.2029)
Why the Blue Line matters
Calling it one of RTA’s most strategic undertakings, Al Tayer said the project will play a key role in shaping Dubai’s future mobility:
- Connects the Red Line and Green Line
- Serves areas expected to house 1 million residents by 2040
- Enables 20-minute direct travel to Dubai International Airport
- Supports Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the “20-minute city” concept
- Expected economic impact: AED 56.5 billion by 2040
- Could boost property values around stations by up to 25%
- Projected to reduce congestion by 20% in surrounding corridors
The line also aligns with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles and Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda.
Where the Blue Line will run
Direction 1 – From Al Jaddaf to Academic City (21 km, 10 stations)
Starting at Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, the route passes:
- Dubai Festival City
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Ras Al Khor Industrial Area
- International City 1 (underground interchange station)
- International City 2
- International City 3
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Ending at Dubai Academic City
Direction 2 – From Al Rashidiya to International City (9 km, 4 stations)
Starting at Centrepoint Station on the Red Line, it runs through:
- Mirdif
- Al Warqa
- Linking to International City 1
A dedicated depot and maintenance facility is also being built in Al Ruwayyah 3.
Engineering progress so far
Key construction achievements include:
- 260+ deep foundations completed
- 400,000+ cubic metres of excavation underway across multiple stations
- Several station columns erected in Dubai Academic City
- 11 traffic diversions implemented, with 10 more planned to maintain smooth traffic flow
To streamline future phases, RTA has also set up two ready-mix concrete plants and two precast yards in Al Ruwayyah 3 and International City, ensuring quality control and efficient supply.
Emaar Station: Set to become world’s highest metro station
One of the project’s standout features is the upcoming Emaar Station, which will:
- Rise 74 metres, making it the world’s highest metro station
- Span 38 metres in width
- Cover 11,000 sq m
- Serve up to 240,000 passengers per day by 2040
(70,000+ daily users expected at launch) - Cater to 40,000 residents of Dubai Creek Harbour
With a striking façade designed to blend with its surroundings, the station will feature a central gateway that fills the interior with natural daylight. At night, a dynamic lighting strategy will transform its visual identity.
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