Dubai Metro Blue Line Foundation Laid by Sheikh Mohammed

On 9 June 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, presided over the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line. Spanning 30 kilometers with 14 stations, the new line is a critical component of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and is expected to serve over one million future residents across nine districts.

Iconic Station Design Approved

Heritage continued as Sheikh Mohammed officially approved the design for the Emaar Properties Station, destined to be the tallest metro station in the world at 74 meters. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the structure reflects the idea of a “crossing gateway” and covers approximately 11,000 square meters. It is projected to accommodate up to 160,000 daily passengers, with figures expected to exceed 70,000 by 2040.

Route and Integration Details

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of the Roads and Transport Authority, outlined the dual-route system. The first track will extend from Creek Interchange on the Green Line to Academic City, passing through Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis. This stretch will cover 21 kilometers and include 10 stations. The second route will connect Centrepoint Interchange on the Red Line to International City via Mirdif and Al Warqa, with a depot located at Al Ruwayah 3. This leg spans 9 kilometers and includes four stations.

Network Impact and Ridership Growth

With the addition of the Blue Line, Dubai’s rail network will total 131 kilometers, serviced by 78 stations and 168 trains, including 157 metro and 11 tram cars. Since its launch in 2009, the Dubai Metro has transported more than 2.527 billion passengers. Daily ridership in 2024 averaged 900,000 and is forecasted to reach 300 million by 2026 and 320 million annually by 2031.

Vision for a 20-Minute City

During the event, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the project's alignment with both the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the 2040 Urban Master Plan. He noted that the Blue Line would significantly reduce traffic congestion, by approximately 20 percent—and could increase real estate values around station areas by up to 25 percent. He highlighted that the line will connect key residential, commercial, academic, and tourism zones, with direct access to Dubai International Airport in under 20 minutes.

Sustainability and Passenger Experience

The Blue Line is the first mass transit initiative in Dubai to achieve Green Building Platinum certification. Stations are being designed with full multimodal integration, including dedicated zones for buses, taxis, bicycles, and e-scooters. All facilities will be accessible to people of determination. Notable infrastructure includes the first-ever metro bridge over Dubai Creek, a 1,300-meter viaduct, and the largest underground interchange station in the city, spanning 44,000 square meters with a daily capacity of 350,000 passengers.

Long-Term Benefits and Economic Impact

According to RTA projections, the Blue Line is expected to generate economic returns of approximately USD 15.4 billion (AED 56.5 billion) by 2040. These gains will come through travel time savings, reduced emissions, lower accident rates, and overall improvements in quality of life. The project has a benefit-to-cost ratio of 2.6 to 1, marking it as both economically and socially impactful.

Sheikh Mohammed’s Statement

In a statement shared on social media, Sheikh Mohammed wrote, “During the laying of the foundation stone for the first station on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, valued at USD 15.4 billion (AED 56 billion), we unveiled a station that represents an architectural icon, adding to Dubai's cultural landmarks. It will be the first station on the Blue Line, which will extend 30 kilometers, bringing the total length of Dubai’s railways to 131 kilometers and 78 stations.” He added, “We continue to develop Dubai. We continue to build the best city to live in the world.”