
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed lays foundation stone for Dubai Metro Blue Line
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new Dubai Metro Blue Line.
The 30 km project is set to reshape mobility across nine key districts of the city.
Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the line will connect areas expected to be home to more than one million residents.
It features 14 stations, including a world-record-setting structure: the Emaar Properties Station — soon to be the highest metro station in the world at 74 metres tall.
Designed by global architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same team behind the Burj Khalifa, the station is inspired by the idea of a 'crossing gateway'.
The iconic station will cover 11,000 square metres, accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily, and become a new urban icon for the city. It will serve the estimated 40,000 residents of Dubai Creek Harbour, in addition to visitors.
With the completion of the Blue Line project, Dubai's rail network will expand to a total of 131 km, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains.
. @HHShkMohd attends the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a key milestone in the expansion of the city's public transportation network. Spanning 30 km and comprising 14 stations, the new line is set to transform mobility across nine key districts,… pic.twitter.com/IVrG2uUGhP
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 9, 2025
. @HHShkMohd attends the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a key milestone in the expansion of the city's public transportation network. Spanning 30 km and comprising 14 stations, the new line is set to transform mobility across nine key districts,… pic.twitter.com/2kfcxiFB3t
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 9, 2025
The Blue Line will link Dubai's existing Green Line at Creek Station and with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, connecting residential areas, educational hubs and development zones.
The first route runs from Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station.
The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. This section spans 21 km and connects 10 stations.
The second route of the Blue Line starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya, passing through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station.
This route spans 9 km in length and links four stations. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayah 3.
By 2040, the Blue Line is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 20 per cent on serviced roads and provide a 20-minute direct connection to Dubai International Airport.
Emaar has secured naming rights for its flagship station for 10 years, starting from the station's planned opening in 2029. Announcements about additional naming rights across the line are expected soon.
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Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed lays foundation stone for 30km Metro Blue Line
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dubai Metro Blue Line yesterday, marking a milestone in the expansion of the city's public transportation network. The new line will span 30 kilometres and comprise 14 stations, transforming mobility across nine districts projected to house over one million residents according to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. 'During the laying of the foundation stone for the first station on the Dubai Metro's Blue Line, which has a total benefit valued at AED 56 billion, the station represents an architectural icon that will be added to Dubai's cultural icons. It will be the first station on the Blue Line, which will extend 30 kilometers, bringing the total length of Dubai's railways to 131 kilometers and 78 stations. Since its launch until the end of last year, the Dubai Metro has transported more than 2.5 billion people, an average of 900,000 passengers per day. The new route will be a major addition to the emirate's transport infrastructure. We continue to develop the city… we continue to build the best city to live in the world,' Sheikh Mohammed said in an X post. Dubai Metro Blue Line to feature world's tallest metro station at 74 metres The Dubai Ruler approved the design of the Emaar Properties Station, which will become the world's tallest metro station at 74 metres. The American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) designed the station, taking inspiration from the concept of a crossing gateway. SOM's portfolio includes landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago. The station will cover approximately 11,000 square metres and accommodate up to 160,000 passengers per day, with daily users expected to exceed 70,000 by 2040. Upon completion of the Blue Line project, Dubai's rail network will expand to 131 kilometres total, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the Metro's expansion. Dubai Metro ridership grows to 275.4 million passengers in 2024 Al Tayer stated that the Dubai Metro has transported over 2.527 billion passengers from its launch on 9 September 2009 through the end of 2024, recording a daily average of 900,000 passengers in 2024. Ridership has grown from 38.887 million in 2010 to 69 million in 2011, reflecting a growth rate of 77 per cent. The figure continued rising to over 109 million passengers in 2012, before surpassing 200 million in 2017, jumping to 260 million in 2023 and hitting 275.4 million in 2024. Studies indicate the number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. The service began in 2009 with 10 stations, reaching 26 stations in 2010 and growing to 46 stations in 2011. The Dubai Tram started operations in 2014, and the number of metro and tram stations rose to 56. In 2021, the launch of Route 2020 added seven more stations, raising the total to 64. The Blue Line will add 14 new stations, bringing the total to 78. The number of trains rose from 16 at the Metro's launch in 2009 to 44 in 2010, reaching 79 trains by 2011 and increasing to 90 with the Dubai Tram inauguration in 2014, further expanding to 140 by 2021. Blue Line capacity to exceed 850,000 daily passengers With the Blue Line coming into operation, the total number of trains will increase to 168, comprising 157 Metro trains and 11 Tram trains. 'The Blue Line comprises two main routes. The first runs from Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station. The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. This section spans 21 km and connects 10 stations,' Al Tayer said. 'The second route of the Blue Line starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya. It passes through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. This route measures 9 km in length and links four stations. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayah 3,' he added. The Emaar Properties Station will stand 74 metres tall and 38 metres wide, offering passengers an immersive spatial experience. The exterior features a towering facade that harmonises with the area's architectural identity, with a central gateway allowing natural light to flood down to the platform level. The interior design features towering walls finished in natural textures and warm, earthy tones. The material palette includes Jura limestone and bronze metal wall panels at the platform level, complemented by granite flooring. Glass ceiling panels at both lobby and platform levels allow natural light to permeate the space. The station will serve the estimated 40,000 residents of Dubai Creek Harbour, in addition to visitors. Emaar has secured naming rights for the station for ten years, starting from its inauguration in 2029. The Blue Line consists of 14 stations, including three interchange stations at Al Jaddaf, Al Rashidiya and International City 1, plus the Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour. Daily ridership on the Blue Line is projected to reach 320,000 passengers by 2040. The line will be the first Dubai Metro line to cross Dubai Creek on a 1,300-metre-long viaduct. It includes nine elevated stations and five underground stations, with features including public bus bays, taxi stands, dedicated areas for bike and electric scooter racks, and parking spaces for People of Determination. The maximum capacity of the Dubai Metro Blue Line exceeds 850,000 passengers per day. Passenger numbers are expected to reach 200,000 per day by 2030, rising to 320,000 per day by 2040. The Blue Line connects existing and future high population density areas, estimated to reach around one million residents by 2040. Key areas served include Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Festival City, International City (home to Dragon Mart and large residential complexes visited by over 200,000 residents and visitors), and residential neighbourhoods like Al Rashidiya, Al Warqaa, and Mirdif. The line extends to Dubai Silicon Oasis, recognised as one of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan's Urban Centres, and Academic City, projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029. Dubai Metro Blue Line achieves first platinum green building certification Initial studies by RTA indicate that by 2040, the project is projected to yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 (AED2.60 in benefits for every AED1 spent). The total anticipated benefits will exceed AED56.5 billion by 2040, including substantial savings in time and fuel, reduced accident-related fatalities, and lower carbon emissions. The Blue Line is expected to decrease traffic congestion on its served routes by 20 per cent and appreciate the value of land and properties near stations by up to 25 per cent. The Blue Line represents the first transport project in Dubai to fully comply with green building standards, achieving Platinum Category certification. Station designs have been planned to maximise space efficiency, reducing construction, operation and maintenance costs whilst ensuring seamless integration with various transportation modes. Dubai Metro maintains its position globally with a current total length of 90 kilometres. This network includes around 52 kilometres for the Red Line, 23 kilometres for the Green Line, and 15 kilometres for Route 2020. The network comprises 53 stations and 129 trains. The Dubai Metro has achieved a 99.7 per cent punctuality rate and represents nearly 60 per cent of total usage across all public transportation modes in Dubai. The system played a role in boosting Dubai's competitiveness for hosting international events, including Expo 2020 Dubai, which coincided with the launch of Dubai Metro Route 2020. The Blue Line represents the fifth strategic public transport project, joining the existing red and green lines of the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro Route 2020.


Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Dubai Police recognised as the world's strongest police brand
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Superior Performance Dubai Police outperformed leading global police forces across all eleven reputation criteria, achieving scores well above the global average in key areas such as fair treatment of all individuals (57%), commitment and integrity (60%), safety and security assurance (67%), ethical conduct (59%), professional engagement (62%), effective duty performance (64%), positive presence on social media platforms (57%), transparent and effective communication (51%), innovation in crime prevention (54%), modernity and progressive development (54%), and strong operational field presence (63%). These results position Dubai Police as not only an effective law enforcement body, but also a key contributor to soft power and economic value, offering a global model for excellence in policing. Strategic National Alignment Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, extended his deepest appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for their unwavering support and strategic guidance. Al Marri also expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, for their instrumental role in supporting the continued advancement of the UAE's police forces. 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This recognition is the result of Dubai Police's integrated, human-centric development model.' Values-Driven Identity Major Abdulla Hamad Alshamsi, Director of the Institutional Identity and Exhibitions Department at Dubai Police, said: 'Receiving the AAA+ rating is a global endorsement of the success of Dubai Police's institutional identity strategy. We have established and sustained a brand rooted in our core values: transparency, innovation, justice, and efficiency. Over the years, we have built a distinct identity that goes beyond visual elements to reflect the ethos and global vision of Dubai Police. This recognition by Brand Finance motivates us to continue positioning our brand as an international benchmark.' Validation David Haigh, Chairman and CEO of Brand Finance, congratulated Dubai Police on securing the top ranking. He said: 'This achievement confirms the strength of Dubai Police's brand and highlights the importance of innovative, future-oriented public institutions in national development and global reputation-building. The level of trust attained is both rare and exceptional for a government security agency.' He added: 'Dubai Police has successfully embedded innovation and community engagement at the core of its global identity. This success stems from a long-term strategic vision that merges institutional planning with modern branding and technology. Through smart policing initiatives and AI-powered services, Dubai Police has redefined the relationship between law enforcement and society. Today, it stands not only as a leading security institution, but also as a key force in enhancing the soft power of Dubai and the UAE, turning brand reputation into tangible national value.' Methodology Brand Finance based its assessment on existing data reflecting perceptions of Dubai and the UAE's soft power, using inputs from the City Index and the Global Soft Power Index. A dedicated research study was conducted in line with international benchmarking standards to evaluate Dubai Police's contribution to the UAE and Dubai's 2025 performance in the index. The study included public perception data from 10 countries and over 8,000 stakeholders and participants.


Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Metro Blue Line: First station, train capacity, key features explained
Dubai Metro is speeding towards its newest network, the Blue Line, with new details revealed Monday. With its futuristic design, the world's highest metro station, and the first Metro line crossing Dubai Creek, the anticipation is real. With just 4 years away to open, the new network links the Green Line and Red Line. It will connect residential areas to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes, and reduce traffic congestion by 20 per cent along the roads served by the Blue Line. It also connects to the Dubai Silicon Oasis, a major urban hub. The Dubai Ruler laid the foundation stone today, marking a new chapter in the emirate's transport sector. From route to design, parking to key elements; here's all you need to know. Stations, route The Blue Line will link to the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, and the Green Line at Creek Station. It consists of 14 stations, divided between two routes. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The first route, with 10 stations, starts from the Green Line's Creek station, and passes through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station. The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. The second route, with four stations, starts at Red Line's Centrepoint station, passes through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. Easing congestion, connecting communities The Blue Line is not just another innovation; it is strategically crafted to serve residents where they most need it. Reducing travel time, easing congestion, and connecting vital areas to each other, the new network seeks to make life easier for daily commuters — students being a key demographic. The Blue Line connects to Dubai Academy City, which is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, one of the emirate's major urban centres. The new line will cut traffic congestion on its served routes by 20 per cent. Providing a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas, travel will only take between 10 and 25 minutes. The project also serves the aspirations of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to create a '20-minute city.' This concept ensures that more than 80 per cent of essential services are within a 20-minute travel time for residents. Size, passenger capacity The Dubai Metro Blue Line spans 30km, with 21km in its first route, and 9km in the second. With the completion of the project, Dubai's total rail network will expand to a total of 131 km, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains. It can carry a maximum of over 850,000 passengers per day, based on the scale of the stations. By 2030, riders are expected to reach 200,000 per day rising to 320,000 daily commuters by 2040. Naming rights, first station A station on the Blue Line could be named after your business. During the groundbreaking ceremony, it was announced that Emaar had secured the naming rights for the first station, Emaar Properties, for ten years, starting from its official inauguration in 2029. The next phase will include announcements regarding naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line. The first station on the network is also the world's highest metro station, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the renowned American architectural firm behind Burj Khalifa. Integrating natural light through glass ceilings on towering walls, earthy tones, and a fusion of stone and metal, the design fuses the old and the new. Its innovative look embodies the Dubai vision of a 'gateway to the future.' Community oriented-features The stations have parking spaces, electric scooter racks, taxi stands, and areas for private car drop off and pick-up, along with accessible parking spaces for People of Determination. It also provides charging points for electric vehicles, and is designed to seamlessly integrate with other modes of transport. The Blue Line has nine elevated stations and five underground stations. The exterior design of the elevated stations was inspired by the shape of a seashell, while the interior design of the stations reflects seven thematic models: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Economic benefits By 2040, the project is projected to yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 (Dh2.60 in benefits for every Dh1 spent). The total anticipated benefits will exceed Dh56.5 billion by 2040. These benefits include substantial savings in time and fuel, reduced accident-related fatalities, and lower carbon emissions. The Blue Line is also expected to appreciate the value of land and properties near stations by up to 25 per cent. The network is also the first transport project in Dubai to fully comply with green building standards, achieving Platinum Category certification.