Sheikh Mohammed inaugurates start of Blue Line tunnel operations in Dubai
30km route to serve one million residents
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has reviewed progress on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, marking a key milestone as tunnelling work gets underway across the emirate.
His visit highlights Dubai’s sustained push towards expanding its public transport network and strengthening future-ready infrastructure.
The project is being developed as part of a broader vision to support rapid urban growth and mobility needs.
Blue Line
The Blue Line will stretch 30 kilometres, with approximately half of the route running underground. It will feature 14 stations described as “iconic”, designed to enhance connectivity across key areas of the city. Once operational, the line is expected to serve around one million residents.
According to official updates, the project is being delivered by a workforce of around 10,000 employees and engineers. The team is working to meet a scheduled launch date of September 9, 2029. With a total budget of Dh20 billion, the Blue Line forms a major component of Dubai’s long-term transport expansion strategy.
Authorities estimate that the new line will reduce traffic congestion across the emirate by up to 20 per cent. The development aligns with ongoing efforts to improve commuter efficiency while supporting population growth and urban expansion.
Dubai Metro expansion
The metro expansion is part of a broader portfolio of major projects underway in Dubai. These include the development of a new global airport, next-generation transport systems, and enhancements to financial and digital infrastructure.
“Our major projects to reshape the new Dubai are ongoing… Our new global airport, future transport lines, the International Financial Center in a new look, digital infrastructure and government services powered by self-driving artificial intelligence technologies,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said in a social media post.
خلال تدشين أعمال الخط الأزرق لمترو دبي ..
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 3, 2026
30 كم .. نصفها تحت الأرض .. 14 محطة أيقونية تخدم مليون شخص وتقلل الازدحام بنسبة 20% في دبي بإذن الله .
10 آلاف موظف ومهندس يسابقون الزمن وميزانية 20 مليار درهم لإطلاق هذا الخط بحلول 9-9-2029 بالإضافة ل34 مليار أخرى للخط الذهبي . ليكتمل… pic.twitter.com/BHzOs1tQsJ
He reaffirmed Dubai’s global ambitions, adding: “We are the world’s most future-ready city. Whoever bets on Dubai, bets on the future.”
Officials in Dubai have also highlighted advancements in government services powered by autonomous and artificial intelligence technologies. The transformation of key districts, including financial hubs, is also progressing as part of the emirate’s long-term development agenda.