H.H. Sheikh Mohammed approves Dubai Metro's Blue Line

The Dubai Metro's Blue Line project worth AED 18 billion has been approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The ambitious project is set to be operational in 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.

The 30 km-long network will feature 14 stations, including the Dubai Metro's largest underground station (44,000 square-metres) in the International City area.

There will be three key interchange stations - The Creek, Centrepoint, and International City 1 Stations - along with an iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour.

It's also the first transport project compatible with Green Buildings specifications (Platinum category).

During a ceremony held at Dubai Creek Harbour, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, launched the project.

#Dubai Metro’s Blue Line … A new chapter in #Dubai's development and sustainable transportation.@rta_dubai pic.twitter.com/DQ0WHWV6U7

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 24, 2023

. @HHShkMohd approves the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, #Dubai's newest and most significant public transport project, with a total investments of AED 18 billion. The ambitious project is set to by operational in 2029. pic.twitter.com/iwcHNlerUY

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 24, 2023

The Blue Line represents a significant advancement as the first metro route crossing Dubai Creek through a 1,300-metre viaduct.

It will span a total length of 30 km, with 15.5 km running underground and 14.5 km above ground. There will be nine elevated stations and five underground stations.

The new route will offer a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas along the line namely Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City.

The travel time between these destinations is anticipated to range from 10 to 25 minutes.

By 2030, the Blue Line is expected to serve approximately 200,000 passengers daily, with this figure expected to increase to 320,000 daily by 2040.

The line is designed to handle an estimated capacity of about 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions at a service interval of about 1.5 minutes.

Two main routes

The first route begins at the Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf. It then passes through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor, before reaching Dubai International City 1, which has an interchange station. The route continues towards Dubai International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to the Academic City. This section spans 21 km and features 10 stations.

The second route of the Blue Line starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya. It passes through Mirdif and Al Warqaa, concluding at the Dubai International City 1 Interchange Station. This route measures 9 km in length and includes four stations. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayyah 3.

Upon the completion of the Blue Line, Dubai's total railway network will extend from 101 km to 131 km. This includes 120 km for the Dubai Metro and 11 km for Dubai Tram.

The number of metro and tram stations will increase from 64 to 78, encompassing 67 metro stations and 11 tram stations. Additionally, the fleet will expand from 140 to 168 trains, including 157 for the Dubai Metro and 11 for the Dubai Tram.

#Dubai Metro Blue Line project, the 30-kilometre new line includes 14 stations, encompassing three key interchange stations: The Creek, Centrepoint, and International City 1 Stations, along with an iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour. pic.twitter.com/0Kiwdi1JtF

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 24, 2023

#Dubai Metro Blue Line project ... The first transport project compatible with Green Buildings specifications (Platinum category) pic.twitter.com/UOq6AhYPK5

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 24, 2023