Nearly 1,000 passengers will be able to travel on each train of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, as revealed by a senior Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official during a press conference held on Thursday. The event marked the launch of the project.
Construction for the new Blue Line network will begin in April next year, with each train accommodating 988 passengers across 28 trains. Once it starts operations on September 9, 2029, the line will serve between 320,000 and 350,000 passengers daily, connecting five major hubs. This launch will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro Red Line.
The 30-kilometer line will feature 14 strategically located stations, offering seamless connections and reducing traffic congestion across Dubai. The RTA also highlighted the project’s impact on real estate, with property values near the stations expected to rise by up to 25%. Additionally, the Blue Line will link Dubai International Airport with key areas, offering travel times between 10 to 25 minutes.
Investment and Technology
A contract worth Dh20.5 billion has been awarded to three renowned companies, MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC for this ambitious project. According to Abdul Muhsen Ibrahim Kalbat, CEO of the railway agency, the line is expected to initially serve 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, growing to 350,000 by 2040.
He also mentioned new seating designs for greater capacity, enabling each train to accommodate approximately 988 passengers.
The Blue Line will feature a driverless system powered by AI technology, ensuring efficiency and minimizing disruptions. For instance, if a train experiences delays or passenger-related issues, the AI system will automatically recalculate schedules to maintain smooth operations.
Advanced Features
The project will include cutting-edge brake systems and modern designs, offering improved energy efficiency. RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer described the Blue Line as one of the Middle East’s most advanced rail projects, with a focus on reduced power consumption.
Spanning 15.5 km of underground tracks and 14.5 km of elevated tracks, the line will support Dubai’s 20-Minute City initiative, ensuring 80% of key services are within a 20-minute commute.
Key Stations and Routes
The line will include standout features like an architecturally iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Metro’s first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter bridge.
The network will also integrate with existing Metro lines. Key interchange stations include Al Khor on the Green Line, Centrepoint on the Red Line, and International City (1).
Route 1: Starting at Al Khor Interchange Station (Green Line), passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor before reaching International City (1). From there, it extends to Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Academic City. This 21-kilometer route includes 10 stations with both underground and elevated tracks.
Route 2: Beginning at Centrepoint Interchange Station (Red Line), it passes through Mirdif and Al Warqaa, ending at International City (1). This 9-kilometer route features four stations.
A new train depot will also be constructed in Al Ruwaiyah 3 to support the project’s operations.
By 2029, the Dubai Metro Blue Line is set to redefine public transport in Dubai, offering faster commutes, better connectivity, and a significant boost to urban development.
