On Sunday, 18 February, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the construction for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project will begin in 2024. Initially proposed in 2006, the final approval for the project was given in November 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line project, valued at Dhs 18 billion, will stretch across 30km, with 15.5km underground and 14.5km above ground. It will comprise 14 stations, including three interchange stations, facilitating connectivity between the current Red Line and Green Line.
Expected to be completed by 2029, the Dubai Metro Blue Line will comprise of two main routes extending from the Red Line and Green Line and offering a direct link between Dubai International Airport and nine prominent areas along its route, including Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City.
The expected travel time between these destinations is estimated to vary from 10 to 25 minutes.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line, once complete, is projected to cater to around 200,000 daily passengers by 2030, with an anticipated increase to 320,000 daily passengers by 2040. The line is designed to accommodate an estimated capacity of approximately 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions, with a service interval of about 1 and a half minutes.
Traffic Congestion To Be Reduced
The Blue Line is anticipated to reduce traffic congestion on the routes it serves by 20% and enhance the value of land and properties near its stations by up to 25%.