Dubai Metro Gets Bigger: Blue Line Project Begins
18 billion Dirham (US$ 4.9 billion) project adds 30km to the network, connecting vital areas like Dubai Silicon Oasis and Expo City Dubai.
14 new stations to improve connectivity and accessibility, boosting property value potential.
Completion is expected in 2029, coinciding with the Dubai Metro's 20th anniversary.
Increased public transport ridership signifies growing demand for well-connected areas.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday that the construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line will begin this year. The project, valued at Dh18 billion ($4.9 billion), aims to enhance the north-eastern part of Dubai with 14 new stations and an extension of 30 kilometers to the existing Metro network, with the majority being underground.
Mattar Al Tayer, the RTA's Director General, stated, "This year marks the commencement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which is anticipated to serve approximately one million residents by 2040, as outlined in the Dubai Urban Plan." The project is designed to foster connectivity, integrating seamlessly with the existing Red and Green Lines and playing a pivotal role in Dubai's mass transit system.
In 2023, the Metro emerged as the preferred mode of transportation, accounting for 37% of mass transit, shared transport, and taxi usage. Public and shared mobility usage, including the Metro, tram, buses, marine transport, and taxis, witnessed a 13% increase to 702 million from 621.4 million in 2022, with the daily average ridership climbing to 1.92 million from 1.7 million.
The Blue Line will bridge five key areas: Bur Dubai and Deira, Downtown and Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Marina and JBR, and Expo City Dubai. Upon completion, the Dubai Metro network will span 131 kilometers with 78 stations, supported by 168 trains. The project is on track for completion in 2029, aligning with the Dubai Metro's 20th anniversary.