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Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone for Metro Blue Line

Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone for Metro Blue Line

Sharjah 244 hours ago

Spanning 30 km and comprising 14 stations, the new line is set to transform mobility across nine key districts, projected to be home to over one million residents, as outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Architectural highlights
His Highness also approved the distinctive architectural design of the iconic Emaar Properties Station, the highest metro station in the world, standing at 74 metres. Inspired by the concept of a crossing gateway, the station was designed by the renowned American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), known for landmarks like the Burj Khalifa.
Integration into urban environment
The station is designed to integrate harmoniously into the existing urban environment and embodies the vision of 'Dubai: A Gateway to the Future'. Covering an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, it can accommodate up to 160,000 passengers per day, with daily users expected to exceed 70,000 by 2040.
Expansion of the rail network
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.
Ceremony highlights
Upon arriving at the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of the Roads and Transport Authority. He viewed a historical gallery showcasing the vision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum for a metro line connecting Dubai districts.
Growth in ridership
The Dubai Metro has transported over 2.527 billion passengers since its launch on 9/9/2009. In 2024, the Metro recorded a daily average of 900,000 passengers, with ridership growing steadily over the years.
Future projections
According to studies, the number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031.
Station developments
The service began in 2009 with 10 stations, expanding to 64 by 2021. The upcoming Blue Line will add 14 new stations, bringing the total to 78.
Train fleet expansion
The number of trains has increased from 16 at launch in 2009 to a projected 168 with the Blue Line completion, enhancing capacity and efficiency.
Design evolution
The exterior design of the elevated stations is inspired by seashells, while the interior reflects seven thematic models: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
Blue line connectivity
The Blue Line links the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, serving residential and academic zones, with an estimated population of one million by 2040.
Key routes of the Blue Line
Al Tayer detailed the two main routes of the Blue Line, covering significant areas and enhancing connectivity.
Economic impact
The Blue Line project aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, projected to yield substantial economic benefits by 2040.
Sustainability considerations
The project incorporates sustainable design principles, including green building standards, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance property values.
Conclusion
The Dubai Metro Blue Line marks a significant milestone in the city's transportation network, enhancing mobility and supporting the goal of making Dubai the world's best city to live in.

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Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone for Metro Blue Line
Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone for Metro Blue Line

Sharjah 24

time4 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone for Metro Blue Line

Spanning 30 km and comprising 14 stations, the new line is set to transform mobility across nine key districts, projected to be home to over one million residents, as outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Architectural highlights His Highness also approved the distinctive architectural design of the iconic Emaar Properties Station, the highest metro station in the world, standing at 74 metres. Inspired by the concept of a crossing gateway, the station was designed by the renowned American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), known for landmarks like the Burj Khalifa. Integration into urban environment The station is designed to integrate harmoniously into the existing urban environment and embodies the vision of 'Dubai: A Gateway to the Future'. Covering an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, it can accommodate up to 160,000 passengers per day, with daily users expected to exceed 70,000 by 2040. Expansion of the rail network 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. Ceremony highlights Upon arriving at the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of the Roads and Transport Authority. He viewed a historical gallery showcasing the vision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum for a metro line connecting Dubai districts. Growth in ridership The Dubai Metro has transported over 2.527 billion passengers since its launch on 9/9/2009. In 2024, the Metro recorded a daily average of 900,000 passengers, with ridership growing steadily over the years. Future projections According to studies, the number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. Station developments The service began in 2009 with 10 stations, expanding to 64 by 2021. The upcoming Blue Line will add 14 new stations, bringing the total to 78. Train fleet expansion The number of trains has increased from 16 at launch in 2009 to a projected 168 with the Blue Line completion, enhancing capacity and efficiency. Design evolution The exterior design of the elevated stations is inspired by seashells, while the interior reflects seven thematic models: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Blue line connectivity The Blue Line links the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, serving residential and academic zones, with an estimated population of one million by 2040. Key routes of the Blue Line Al Tayer detailed the two main routes of the Blue Line, covering significant areas and enhancing connectivity. Economic impact The Blue Line project aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, projected to yield substantial economic benefits by 2040. Sustainability considerations The project incorporates sustainable design principles, including green building standards, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance property values. Conclusion The Dubai Metro Blue Line marks a significant milestone in the city's transportation network, enhancing mobility and supporting the goal of making Dubai the world's best city to live in.

Dubai Metro Blue Line: Sheikh Mohammed hails 'architectural icon' station as work begins
Dubai Metro Blue Line: Sheikh Mohammed hails 'architectural icon' station as work begins

The National

time5 hours ago

  • The National

Dubai Metro Blue Line: Sheikh Mohammed hails 'architectural icon' station as work begins

Work is under way on Dubai Metro's Blue Line project, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced on Monday. He wrote on X that the foundation stone for the line's first station has been laid, adding that it represents an 'architectural icon'. Located in the Dubai Creek Harbour area, it will be called the Emaar Properties station and will be the highest metro station in the world at 74 metres. '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 Dh56 billion, the station represents an architectural icon that will be added to Dubai's cultural icons,' he said. 'It will be the first station on the Blue Line, which will extend 30km, bringing the total length of Dubai's railways to 131km and 78 stations.' He added that the Dubai Metro has transported more than 2.5 billion people since its launch, at an average of 900,000 per day, and that 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,' he concluded. What do we know about the Blue Line? The Blue Line is set to transform the north-east of the city, easing traffic congestion and establishing a direct link with Dubai International Airport. The Dh18 billion project will include 14 new stations and add 30km to the Metro network, with 15.5km underground. The expansion is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which has easier commuting among its top priorities, to cater for a fast-growing population. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said the Blue Line would connect five principal urban regions of Dubai – Bur Dubai/Deira, Downtown/Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Marina/JBR and Expo City Dubai. When completed, the Metro network will be 131km long and encompass 78 stations served by 168 trains. The number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031, Dubai Media Office reports. Where will it go? The new line will comprise two main routes that start with connections from the Red and Green Lines. The first route is to begin in Al Jaddaf at the Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line and will cross Dubai Creek on a 1.3km bridge. The route will pass through new stations at Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor, before reaching Dubai International City 1, which is an interchange station. The line continues towards Dubai International City 2 and 3 and on to Dubai Silicon Oasis, with the route ending at Academic City. This part of the line section is to span 21km and include 10 stations. The second route connects with the Red Line in Al Rashidiya at the Centrepoint interchange station. It will connect with new stations at Mirdif and Al Warqaa, before connecting with the interchange station at Dubai International City 1. The new line on this section is to be 9km and will include four stations. The travel time between these destinations is expected to be from 10 to 25 minutes. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayyah 3, beyond Academic City. The project is scheduled to be finished in 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro. Dubai Metro Blue Line ceremony – in pictures

Bank of America says Saudi Arabia preparing for 'long and shallow' oil price war
Bank of America says Saudi Arabia preparing for 'long and shallow' oil price war

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  • Middle East Eye

Bank of America says Saudi Arabia preparing for 'long and shallow' oil price war

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