Today, Monday, 9 September, Dubai Metro celebrates its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its role in transforming the city’s public transit. Since its launch on 9 September 2009, the metro has evolved alongside Dubai’s rapid urbanisation, becoming a key element in its emergence as a major global business and tourism hub and reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking city. In the past 15 years, Dubai Metro has seen remarkable growth, with approximately 2.4 billion passengers carried.
Dubai Metro serves around 730,000 commuters daily and boasts an impressive punctuality rate of 99.7%, exceeding its targets while maintaining high safety and operational standards. To date, Dubai Metro has facilitated 4.3 million journeys over 26.8 million kilometres.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated, "The Dubai Metro is one of the visionary initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It aims to provide a world-class public transport infrastructure, positioning Dubai as a global hub for finance and business."
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer also adds, "The concept is anchored in His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's firm belief in the importance of a metro system to meet the growing population and urban development needs of the city. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed envisioned the metro as the backbone of a transportation network that links all key areas in the emirate, ensuring safe and smooth travel for passengers. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also directed that the metro's facilities must have the highest standards of elegance and luxury."
Here Are Some Notable Achievements Of Dubai Metro
Dubai Metro, inaugurated on 21 March 2006, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, began construction with the first concrete pillar for the elevated bridge laid on 29 July 2006. The main tunnelling works were initiated on 10 January 2007, and the technical trial run started on 20 September 2008.
The Red Line officially opened on 9 September 2009, with ten stations, followed by the Green Line's launch on 9 September 2011. Over the past 15 years, the Dubai Metro network has expanded significantly. The total length of the lines has grown from 52km to 90km, the number of stations has increased from 10 to 53, and the number of operating trains has risen from 79 to 129.
Daily commute has surged from 20,000 passengers on 10 September 2009, to 767,000 passengers on 3 September 2024. On peak days, such as major holidays, the metro has accommodated up to 900,000 passengers in a single day.
The metro carried over 260 million passengers in 2023 and over 225 million passengers in 2022. Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, it remained strong with over 113 million passengers in 2020 and increased to over 151 million in 2021.
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The Dubai Metro has also provided employment opportunities for 228 Emirati nationals and maintains a high punctuality rate of 99.7%.
What's Next For Dubai Metro
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the Dubai Metro Blue Line project. This new 30km metro route is designed to strategically connect key areas in the emirate, featuring 14 stations. The initiative aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The project is slated for completion in 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.
The blue line will cover a total distance of 30km, comprising 15.5km underground and 14.5km above ground. The Blue Line will establish a direct link between Dubai International Airport and 9 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.