RTA accelerates Dubai Metro Blue Line project, 30% completion set for 2026
The project targets to link one million residents by 2040
DUBAI – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has achieved 10% completion on the ambitious Dubai Metro Blue Line, just five months after the groundbreaking ceremony held in June 2025.
Spanning 30 kilometres and featuring 14 stations, the project represents a transformative addition to the city’s expanding public transport network. Over 500 engineers and experts, supported by 3,000 workers, are currently deployed across 12 active sites to accelerate construction and deliver a world-class infrastructure linking Dubai’s residential, academic, economic, and tourism districts.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, confirmed that construction is progressing on schedule, with the project expected to reach 30% completion by the end of 2026. The Blue Line is scheduled to open to the public on 9 September 2029.
Connecting Dubai’s urban future
Al Tayer emphasised that the Dubai Metro Blue Line stands among RTA’s most strategic undertakings. It will interlink the Red and Green Lines, creating a vital corridor expected to serve around one million residents by 2040. The line will also enable direct 20-minute journeys to Dubai International Airport, boosting accessibility and convenience for daily commuters and visitors alike.
Supporting the goals of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, the Blue Line will connect the city’s fifth urban area to the broader Metro network. The project aligns with Dubai’s “20-minute city” vision, ensuring that 80% of essential services are reachable within a 20-minute trip. The initiative also reinforces Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles and supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
The total economic benefits are estimated to exceed Dh56.5 billion by 2040, attributed to time and fuel savings, reduced road accidents, and enhanced property values—expected to rise by up to 25% near Metro stations. Furthermore, the Blue Line is projected to ease traffic congestion by 20% along its serviced routes.
Safe and sustainable progress
Al Tayer underscored RTA’s commitment to maintaining the highest global safety and quality standards. The project consortium has so far achieved over 3 million work hours without any fatalities. This milestone reflects RTA’s strict adherence to occupational safety practices and its efficient project management systems.
Over 260 deep foundations have been completed, alongside more than 400,000 cubic metres of excavation at various sites, including International City (1), (2), and (3). Construction of station columns in Academic City and retaining walls at underground stations such as International City (1) are also progressing rapidly. Eleven traffic diversions have been implemented to facilitate work, with ten more planned in the next phase to maintain smooth road movement.
Building materials and efficiency
To ensure optimal quality and logistical control, RTA has established two ready-mix concrete plants and two precast concrete yards in Al Ruwayyah 3 and International City. These facilities enable full oversight of production and material delivery while supporting faster construction timelines.
The initiative highlights RTA’s proactive strategy in managing large-scale infrastructure projects with precision and sustainability at their core.
Line routes and coverage
The Dubai Metro Blue Line will extend in two directions. The first will begin at Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, and International City (1), before continuing through International City (2) and (3), Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Academic City. This 21-km stretch will include 10 stations.
The second direction will start from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya, pass through Mirdif and Al Warqa, and link to International City (1). This 9-km section will include four stations. A new depot and maintenance facility are also being built in Al Ruwayyah 3 to support the Blue Line’s operations.
Iconic architectural landmark
Among the project’s most striking features is the Emaar station, set to become the world’s tallest Metro station at 74 metres high and 38 metres wide. Covering 11,000 square metres, it will handle up to 240,000 passengers daily by 2040, with initial ridership expected to surpass 70,000 passengers per day once operations begin.
The station’s sleek, contemporary design complements the surrounding urban landscape. A soaring façade allows natural daylight to illuminate the platform areas, while at night, strategic lighting transforms the structure into a glowing architectural icon overlooking Dubai Creek Harbour. The station will serve approximately 40,000 residents and thousands of visitors to the area, enhancing connectivity and urban mobility.
Community engagement efforts
In line with its commitment to transparency, RTA has rolled out a comprehensive communication and community awareness strategy for the Blue Line project. The plan aims to keep residents informed about ongoing construction activities and upcoming stages.
Through field surveys, media announcements, and social media updates, RTA regularly shares information on project progress and traffic changes. The authority also holds Customer Council meetings to engage directly with affected communities. The first of these sessions took place in October in Mirdif and Al Warqaa, where residents were briefed on project alignments and future diversion plans.
This proactive engagement approach ensures that the Dubai Metro Blue Line continues to move forward in harmony with the communities it will soon connect.