The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for the construction of the highly anticipated Dubai Metro Blue Line project to a consortium comprised of Turkish and Chinese companies—MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC. Valued at AED20.5 billion (approximately $5.6 billion), this major transport initiative aims to expand the existing Dubai Metro network significantly, spanning 30 kilometers and adding 14 new stations.
During a press conference held at the One&Only Za’abeel Hotel, Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, unveiled the details of the project, emphasizing its importance to Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s best city to live in. Al Tayer highlighted, "The new Blue Line aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, reinforcing Dubai’s vision to become the world's best city to live in. It offers sustainable and flexible public transport solutions..." This forward-thinking approach aims to promote mobility and support urban planning initiatives, such as the 20-Minute City, where over 80% of services will be reachable within 20 minutes.
The Blue Line is not just about adding tracks; it is poised to serve nearly 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, with expectations of up to 320,000 passengers daily by 2040. The project's significance also extends to addressing traffic congestion, with projections indicating it could reduce traffic by up to 20%. Al Tayer remarked on the economic impact by stating, "The Blue Line project of Dubai Metro is projected to yield AED2.60 in economic, social, and environmental benefits for every dirham invested by 2040, resulting in total benefits exceeding AED56.5 billion.”
This metro expansion will introduce various innovations, including the first metro crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter bridge, connecting key urban areas like Dubai Creek Harbour and International City. Significant design milestones, such as the iconic architectural station at Dubai Creek Harbour, which will accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily, have been planned by the renowned firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). This aligns with retaining Dubai's status as the world's longest driverless metro system, emphasizing both efficiency and sustainability.
The Blue Line project also encompasses economic benefits, as properties surrounding the new stations are projected to see value increases of up to 25%. With over 850,000 riders already using the current metro system daily, the expansion is expected to strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for transportation and mobility, which is particularly relevant as the city prepares for future growth.
The construction phase is set to begin in April 2025, aiming for completion by September 9, 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro Red Line's inception. This 20-year milestone speaks to the longstanding commitment of the RTA and the government of Dubai to investing in comprehensive infrastructure development.
Addressing the media, Mehmet Nazif Gunal, Chairman of the Board MAPA, conveyed pride and responsibility saying, "We are honoured and proud to be entrusted with this prestigious project, integral to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan." The consortium's goal is not only to complete the project but to exceed expectations, meeting the challenges posed by such large-scale developments.
Once the Blue Line is operational, the total length of the rail network will increase from 101 kilometers to approximately 131 kilometers, with the number of stations rising from 64 to 78. This expansion includes upgrades to both the metro and tram systems, facilitating improved connectivity for millions of residents and visitors across numerous urban hubs.
With construction of the Blue Line, Dubai's transport infrastructure will significantly evolve, embodying the city’s commitment to sustainable urban solutions and ensuring efficient public transport for years to come. Al Tayer concluded, underscoring the long-term vision: “This project not only enhances mobility for residents and visitors but also bolsters the overall economic framework of the city.”
