Dubai Approves $9.25bn Metro Gold Line with 42km Network

DUBAI, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a landmark infrastructure project that will become the emirate’s largest sustainable transport initiative.

With an investment of approximately AED34 billion ($9.25 billion), the new metro line will extend over 42 kilometres and include 18 stations, marking Dubai’s first fully underground metro route.

The approval was announced in the presence of senior leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, among other dignitaries.

The Gold Line represents a major step in Dubai’s long-term urban and economic strategy, reinforcing its position as a global leader in integrated, future-ready infrastructure and sustainable mobility.

Strategic expansion of Dubai’s metro network

The Gold Line will connect with both the Red Line and Green Line, while also integrating with Etihad Rail, linking Dubai to the UAE’s broader national transport network.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed directed the immediate commencement of the project, with completion and inauguration scheduled for 9 September 2032, reflecting a delivery timeline that is 30 percent faster than the Dubai Metro’s Blue Line.

His Highness stated: “Dear brothers and sisters, today we announce Dubai’s largest transport project; a new Dubai Metro line spanning 42 kilometres, at a depth of 40 metres underground. This new route will connect 15 strategic locations in Dubai, serving 1.5 million people and supporting mobility across 55 mega development projects currently under construction.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added: “The AED 34 billion Gold Line project will expand the Dubai Metro network by 35%, with completion scheduled for 9 September 2032.”

His Highness concluded: “Our major projects to build the world’s best city to live in are ongoing. Our future projects will not stop; rather, they will gather pace. Our mission is to build a better future for millions—for we are a people who say what we do and do what we say.”

Read more: Dubai Plans Airport Express Metro Line Linking DXB and DWC

Enhancing urban connectivity and integration

Serving as a major urban artery, the Gold Line will connect 15 strategic locations, beginning in Al Ghubaiba and extending through key districts including Mina Rashid, City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Nad Al Sheba, Meydan, Al Barsha South, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The line will connect with the Red Line at Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates, and with the Green Line at Al Ghubaiba, while also linking with Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The project is expected to serve over 1.5 million people by 2040, with projected daily ridership reaching 465,000 passengers beyond that period.

Supporting growth, mobility and sustainability

The Gold Line will expand Dubai’s metro network from 120 kilometres to 162 kilometres, representing a 35 percent increase, while the total number of stations will rise from 67 to 85.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “The Dubai Metro Gold Line marks a strategic milestone in the evolution of Dubai’s public transport network, reflecting the leadership’s vision to develop integrated, sustainable infrastructure that fuels economic growth and enhances quality of life. The project facilitates integration of multi-modal transportation, links Dubai’s key urban hubs and addresses the demands of urban and demographic expansion in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.”

His Excellency Al Tayer added: “The Gold Line embodies RTA’s commitment to adopting international best practices in executing major projects. Led by national talent, the project reaffirms the leadership’s confidence in Emirati cadres and their pivotal role in driving development by delivering landmark achievements that mirror Dubai’s future aspirations.”

The project is projected to generate a 430 percent cumulative economic return over 20 years, driven by time and fuel savings, reduced accident rates and lower carbon emissions.

It is also expected to increase property values near metro stations by up to 20 percent, further reinforcing the role of infrastructure in supporting real estate growth and investment attractiveness.

Read more: SOM Designs World’s Tallest Metro Station at Dubai Creek Harbour

Advanced engineering and delivery timeline

The Gold Line will utilise advanced tunnel boring machine technology, enabling full underground construction with minimal disruption to existing urban environments.

Tendering is scheduled for 2026, with contract awards expected in 2027, followed by construction and completion in 2032.

The Dubai Metro network, which has served more than 2.8 billion passengers since its launch in 2009, continues to expand as a core component of the emirate’s mobility ecosystem. In 2025 alone, the network recorded 295 million passengers, accounting for 40 percent of total public transport usage.

The addition of the Gold Line further strengthens Dubai’s position as a global benchmark in urban mobility, infrastructure development and sustainable city planning.