Sheikh Mohammed Launches Tunnelling Works for $5.58bn Dubai Metro Blue Line

DUBAI, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially launched the primary tunnelling works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a major infrastructure project involving an investment of over AED20.5 billion ($5.58 billion).

According to WAM, the 30-kilometre route comprises a 15.5-kilometre underground section and a 14.5-kilometre elevated stretch, featuring 14 stations, including three interchange stations, seven elevated stations and four underground stations. The line will serve nine key districts, supporting a projected population of around one million under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

During the visit, His Highness also reviewed the interior and architectural design concepts for the upcoming metro stations and was briefed on the project’s progress.

His Highness affirmed that investing in transport infrastructure is a key pillar of Dubai’s long-term development strategy, reinforcing connectivity, economic growth and quality of life.

H.H. added: “Our projects in Dubai are delivered to meet the highest international standards, guided by clear plans, precise timelines, and national talent capable of turning vision into tangible achievements in practice. Their delivery is overseen by 180 railway experts and engineers.”

Major milestone in project delivery

The launch ceremony took place at the International City 1 Station, the largest underground interchange station in the metro network, spanning more than 44,000 square metres. The event was attended by senior leadership, including H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, among other officials.

The project currently stands at 20 percent completion, with more than 10,000 workers and over 500 engineers and experts deployed under Emirati leadership. The delivery consortium has recorded over 13 million work hours without lost-time injuries, highlighting strong safety and execution standards.

Bridge works are also progressing, including the construction of the first metro bridge to span Dubai Creek, extending 1.3 kilometres, with structures expected to take shape next year.

Advanced engineering and tunnelling technology

His Highness gave the signal to begin operations of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named Al Wugeisha, marking the start of tunnelling works. The machine, measuring 163 metres in length and weighing more than 2,000 tonnes, operates continuously with an excavation rate of 13 to 17 metres per day.

Tunnelling will proceed in three directions from International City 1 Station, towards Mirdif, the Auto Market, and Al Warsan (International City 2).

Equipped with advanced digital guidance, monitoring systems and integrated logistics capabilities, the TBM is designed to operate efficiently across varying geological conditions, while minimising environmental impact and ensuring precision in tunnel construction.

Expanding Dubai’s integrated mobility network

The Dubai Metro Blue Line will connect with the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, enhancing network integration and improving connectivity across residential, academic and commercial districts.

The line will serve key urban areas including Dubai Silicon Oasis, a major innovation and knowledge hub, and is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 20 percent along its corridors while enabling direct journeys to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes.

Completion is scheduled for 9 September 2029, with progress expected to reach 30 percent by the end of 2026.

Design-driven station concepts

His Highness also reviewed the design of the Emaar Properties Station, which will become the world’s tallest metro station at 74 metres, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the firm behind the Burj Khalifa.

The station spans 11,000 square metres and is designed to evoke a sense of openness, light and luxury, using natural materials and warm tones to create a welcoming and immersive experience.

Other stations will feature design themes inspired by the four elements of nature – air, water, earth and fire, reflecting Dubai’s identity through fluid architectural forms, lighting and materiality.

Supporting future growth and urban expansion

The Blue Line will extend across two main routes, covering 21 kilometres from Creek Station to Dubai Academic City and 9 kilometres from Centrepoint Station to International City, supported by a depot and maintenance facility in Al Ruwayyah 3.

The project also includes dedicated concrete batching plants and precast facilities, enhancing construction efficiency, quality control and supply chain management.

Since its launch in 2009, the Dubai Metro has served nearly 2.8 billion passengers, including 295 million in 2025, with daily ridership reaching around one million users, accounting for 40 percent of public transport usage in the emirate.

The Blue Line represents a significant addition to this network, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart mobility, large-scale infrastructure delivery and future-focused urban development.