The Vice President of the UAE and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that investing in infrastructure projects is a strategic choice within a comprehensive developmental approach adopted by Dubai, which is innovatively meeting current needs while considering the highest levels of readiness for the future. He noted that the sustainable foundations of this approach are solidified by the efforts and minds of a distinguished group of national talents that have proven their ability to lead development with creative ideas, matching Dubai's ambitious goals in various fields.
He stated, "Great achievements do not happen by chance, but through conscious planning, creative thinking, and a commitment to achieving the highest levels of leadership. The size of an achievement is always measured by its positive impact on society. We want the best for our community and spare no effort in achieving it according to the best standards."
This announcement came on the occasion of Sheikh Mohammed's approval of the route for the Blue Line of the Dubai Metro, which is 30 kilometers long with a total of 14 stations, serving many vital areas expected to have a population of around one million residents, according to Dubai's Urban Plan 2040. He directed the immediate start of the project, adhering to the highest global standards and specifications to meet the area's population growth requirements, with the new line expected to be completed in 2029, coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of the Dubai Metro's opening.
On Saturday, the Dubai government launched a new metro line project worth five billion dollars, covering 9 areas with a population exceeding one million residents, as part of its expansion of the public transportation system amid a rising population in the city. The Dubai Government Media Office announced on the "X" social media platform that the new blue line will span 30 kilometers and consist of 14 stations covering areas housing a million residents.
Additionally, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Dubai Metro's Blue Line during a ceremony held in the Dubai Creek Harbor area. He emphasized that Dubai, under the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is continuously implementing quality projects that enhance its global standing and assert its leadership in high-level infrastructure development supporting the emirate's sustainable development goals. He added, "We continue under the vision and directives of Mohammed bin Rashid to confirm the solid foundations of the best city for living in the world, with a determination that knows no limits and a commitment to achieving the highest degrees of excellence."
He praised the efforts of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai and acknowledged the significant contributions of distinguished Emirati talents leading the development in various vital sectors. He stated, "We have national minds and competencies that we are proud of, and our confidence in their ability to continue developing the inspiring Dubai model is boundless, grounded in human dignity, stability, and happiness."
The new line includes 14 stations, three of which are transfer stations: Al Khawaneej, Centerpoint, and Global City (1), with an iconic station located in Dubai Creek Harbor. It is expected that the new line will serve around 320,000 passengers daily by 2040, and it will be the first metro crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter bridge.
The new line achieves integration between the red and green lines of the Dubai Metro and contributes to Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and the goals of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, aiming to make Dubai "the best city for living in the world" by providing sustainable and flexible public transportation options that facilitate the movement of residents and visitors, enhance quality of life, and strengthen Dubai's global competitiveness as a hub for international events.
It also enhances concepts from the Dubai Urban Plan, such as the 20-minute city, by ensuring that more than 80% of services can be accessed by residents within a 20-minute commute, achieving transportation-oriented development (TOD). Moreover, the new route provides direct connections between Dubai International Airport and nine vital areas along the line, including Mirdif, Al Warqa, Global City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, the Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbor, and Dubai Festival City, with an estimated travel time ranging between 10 to 25 minutes.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line consists of 14 stations, including three transfer stations: Al Khawaneej on the green line, Centerpoint on the red line, and Global City (1), with an iconic station in Dubai Creek Harbor. The new line includes nine above-ground stations and five underground stations. It is anticipated that the Blue Line will accommodate nearly 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, rising to 320,000 daily by 2040, with a capacity estimated at 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions, based on a frequency of approximately one and a half minutes.
The Blue Line of the Dubai Metro represents the fifth strategic public transportation project, which includes the red and green lines of the Dubai Metro, the Dubai Tram, and the 2020 Metro line. Once the Blue Line is implemented, the total length of railways in Dubai will increase from 101 kilometers currently to 131 kilometers, including 120 kilometers for the Dubai Metro and 11 kilometers for the Dubai Tram. The number of metro and tram stations will rise from 64 stations to 78 stations, including 67 stations for the Dubai Metro and 11 stations for the Dubai Tram. Additionally, the number of trains will increase from 140 trains to 168, comprising 157 for the metro and 11 for the tram.
