In a bold stride toward a smarter, more connected future, the transformative Metro Blue Line project has officially launched, set to redefine urban mobility and sustainability benchmarks. The unveiling was marked by a ceremonial laying of the foundation stone, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This ambitious initiative aligns with the goals of the 2040 Urban Master Plan, further cementing the UAE’s status as a global leader in futuristic infrastructure and urban planning.

A Game-Changer in Public Transit

Stretching 30 kilometres and featuring 14 new stations, the Blue Line will interlink nine high-growth communities projected to collectively house over one million residents by 2040. The line is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing Red and Green Metro Lines, creating direct, efficient routes to vital locations such as Dubai International Airport, Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, Mirdif, Al Warqa, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Festival City, and Creek Harbour.

This next-generation line includes three strategic interchange stations—at Creek Station, Centrepoint Station, and International City 1—ensuring smooth connectivity and reducing commute times for thousands of daily riders. Once operational, the Metro network will span 131 km, including the Tram, enhancing urban flow and commuter experience.

Reaching New Heights: The World’s Tallest Metro Station

One of the most striking features of the Blue Line is the Emaar Properties Station, set to become the tallest metro station in the world, reaching a height of 74 metres. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)—the same minds behind the Burj Khalifa—this station is a true architectural landmark.

Covering 11,000 square metres, the station will cater to a daily capacity of 160,000 passengers, with forecasted ridership exceeding 70,000 by 2040. Its design echoes the concept of a gateway to the future, blending tradition and modernity with Jura limestone, bronze detailing, and granite finishes. Illuminated at night, the station becomes a beacon on the skyline. Emaar has secured 10-year naming rights, with the station scheduled to open in 2029.

Engineering Excellence Meets Urban Vision

The Blue Line will become the fifth major public transport corridor, joining the Red and Green Lines, Route 2020, and the Tram. It also boasts several record-breaking elements, including the first metro viaduct to cross the Creek, stretching 1.3 kilometres, and the largest underground interchange station in the city, spanning 44,000 square metres and capable of serving up to 350,000 passengers per day.

This line is not just about rail transport—it’s about an integrated urban lifestyle. Designed with a multi-modal transit approach, the stations will support buses, taxis, e-scooters, cycling routes, and facilities for People of Determination. The maximum daily capacity is expected to exceed 850,000 passengers, with average daily use forecasted at 320,000 riders by 2040.

Sustainable, Smart, and Future-Ready

Sustainability is at the core of the Blue Line’s design. As the first transport project in the UAE to achieve Platinum certification under local green building standards, the line emphasizes energy efficiency, environmental resilience, and long-term durability. The project is fully aligned with the Economic Agenda (D33) and the 2040 Master Plan, supporting the development of 20-minute communities, where residents can access 80% of essential services within 20 minutes of travel.

The Blue Line also embodies the principles of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), encouraging walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods around metro hubs. This will not only reduce reliance on private vehicles but also stimulate sustainable real estate growth and local economies.

Honoring a Legacy, Shaping Tomorrow

During the launch, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was received by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA. A historical exhibition celebrated the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whose early exploration of global metro systems laid the groundwork for the UAE’s transit revolution.

From its inauguration in 2009 with 10 stations and 16 trains, the Metro has grown to include 78 stations and 168 trains (157 for the Metro and 11 for the Tram), transporting over 2.5 billion passengers to date. Daily ridership reached 900,000 in 2024, with projections rising to 320 million annually by 2031.

A Blueprint for Global Urban Transit

The Blue Line is more than a rail expansion—it is a visionary blueprint for how cities can evolve with intelligence, inclusivity, and sustainability at their core. With its record-breaking design, people-first approach, and environmental credentials, the project sets a new global standard for transit-driven urban development.