Dubai is set to redefine urban mobility with the unveiling of its newest transport project, the Dubai Metro Blue Line, announced on Monday. With its futuristic design, the line is slated to feature the world’s highest metro station and will become the first Dubai Metro line to cross Dubai Creek.
Scheduled for completion in 2029, the project is expected to transform daily commutes while driving forward the emirate’s ambitious Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The foundation stone was laid by the Dubai Ruler, marking a landmark step in the city’s growing transport network.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the architectural firm behind Burj Khalifa, the Blue Line will boast a station integrating natural light, soaring glass ceilings, and a design blending traditional and modern influences.
Linking key routes and communities
Spanning 30 kilometers with 14 stations, the Blue Line will directly connect the Red Line at Centrepoint Station and the Green Line at Creek Station.
Its first route of 21 km will run from Creek Station through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City, and on to Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City. The second 9 km route links Centrepoint Station to International City via Mirdif and Al Warqa.
The strategic placement of the new line is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 20 percent along its served routes. Travel time between Dubai International Airport and key destinations will shrink to just 10 to 25 minutes, directly benefiting students, professionals, and residents.
Supporting education and urban hubs
One of the highlights of the project is its direct link to Dubai Academic City, set to host over 50,000 students by 2029. With major urban centers like Dubai Silicon Oasis also connected, the Blue Line strengthens the role of public transport in accommodating the city’s growing population.
Expanding Dubai’s rail capacity
Upon completion, the total metro network will expand to 131 kilometers, served by 78 stations and 168 trains. The Blue Line alone is expected to carry 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, rising to 320,000 by 2040, with the capacity to accommodate over 850,000 riders per day across the system.
Naming rights and economic growth
During the groundbreaking, it was announced that Emaar Properties has secured the naming rights for the first station for 10 years.
The project is forecast to yield Dh56.5 billion in economic benefits by 2040, thanks to savings in time, fuel, reduced accidents, and lower emissions. Land and property values around stations are also projected to rise by up to 25 percent.
Sustainability and commuter-focused features
The Blue Line is the first transport project in Dubai to fully comply with green building standards, achieving Platinum Category certification.
Stations will feature parking facilities, electric vehicle charging points, scooter racks, and drop-off areas, ensuring seamless integration with other transport modes.
With its blend of innovation, sustainability, and design excellence, the Dubai Metro Blue Line is poised to become a defining feature of the city’s next phase of growth.