Dubai boasts one of the UAE's most extensive public transport networks, with the Dubai Metro renowned for its comprehensive routes and coverage. And now, Dubai Metro is all set to get a major upgrade. The Executive Council of Dubai has announced a range of new initiatives to strengthen its ambitious economic goals, aiming to rank among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033. Among these initiatives is a significant upgrade to the Dubai Metro, including plans for developing metro stations. By 2040, Dubai plans to expand its metro network to encompass 140 stations spread across 228 square kilometres.
The metro station development plan was announced during an Executive Council meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The initiative encourages developers to utilise plots near Metro stations to enhance services, promote the concept of the ‘20-minute city’, increase Metro usage, and improve sustainability and living standards in Dubai. Key objectives of the plan include raising public transport usage to 45%, reducing carbon emissions to 16 tonnes per capita, enhancing public spaces for walking, and increasing shaded areas.
The plan also aims to attract more residents, diversify residential, commercial, office, and service offerings around Metro stations, stimulate economic growth, and expand the population in these areas.
Currently covering 64 stations across 84 square kilometres, the Metro station area development plan intends to expand to 96 stations across 140 square kilometres by 2030. By 2040, the plan targets a network encompassing 140 stations over 228 square kilometres.