A Vision in Motion: Dubai Metro Blue Line Unveiled
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the highly anticipated Dubai Metro Blue Line, a cornerstone project that aims to redefine urban transportation across the emirate.
Spanning 30 kilometers and featuring 14 strategically located stations, the Blue Line is designed to serve nine key districts, targeting over one million residents in line with the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Architectural Marvel: Emaar Properties Station
During the ceremony, His Highness approved the design of what will become the tallest metro station in the world – the Emaar Properties Station, standing at 74 metres. Designed by globally renowned firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)—the masterminds behind the Burj Khalifa, Olympic Tower (NY), and Sears Tower (Chicago)—the station symbolizes Dubai’s ambition as a “Gateway to the Future.”
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Size: 11,000 sqm
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Capacity: Up to 160,000 passengers per day
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Expected usage by 2040: Over 70,000 daily riders
Metro Network Expansion & Ridership Growth
Upon arrival, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, on the Metro’s remarkable growth journey:
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Launched: 9/9/2009
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Passengers (2009–2024): Over 2.527 billion
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Daily average in 2024: 900,000+ riders
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Projected ridership:
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300M by 2026
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320M by 2031
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🚉 Metro Station Growth Timeline:
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2009: 10 stations
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2010: 26 stations
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2011: 46 stations
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2014: 56 (with Dubai Tram)
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2021: 64 (with Route 2020)
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2025: 78 (with Blue Line)
Train Fleet Expansion
The metro’s rolling stock has grown in sync with ridership:
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2009: 16 trains
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2010: 44 trains
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2011: 79 trains
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2014: 90 (with Tram)
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2021: 140 trains
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2025: 168 trains (157 Metro + 11 Tram)
Design Evolution: Form Meets Function
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Exterior Design: Inspired by seashells for elevated stations.
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Signature Stations: Unique architectural themes for Expo and Emaar Properties.
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Interior Themes: Seven concepts including Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, plus Expo-specific motifs
Connecting Urban Communities: Serving One Million Residents
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The Dubai Metro Blue Line is designed to bridge residential, academic, commercial, and technological hubs, with direct connectivity to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes. It is a key pillar in Dubai’s mission to reduce traffic congestion by 20% in the serviced areas.
🔵 Route Breakdown:
Route 1 (21 km | 10 stations):
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From Creek Interchange (Green Line – Al Jaddaf)
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Via Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor
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Through International City 1, 2, and 3
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Reaching Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City
Route 2 (9 km | 4 stations):
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From Centrepoint Interchange (Red Line – Al Rashidiya)
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Through Mirdif and Al Warqa
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Connecting to International City 1
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Includes new Al Ruwayah 3 Metro Depot
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Heritage Meets Future
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A short documentary was presented during the ceremony, showcasing Dubai’s metro journey from the vision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum to today’s sophisticated rail network. Rare images from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s visits to global metro systems, including the UK, were also featured—highlighting the long-standing dream of a world-class Dubai Metro.