6 facts you need to know about the Dubai Metro Blue Line
Work is finally underway on the Dubai Metro Blue Line – one of the biggest public transport projects in the emirate.
The Blue Line will provide greater transport links for several busy residential neighbourhoods and allow visitors to explore Dubai more easily.
Passenger numbers are expected to exceed 200,000 per day by 2030, rising to 320,000 per day by 2040 as Dubai continues to grow.
The new line will consist of two routes – one 21km route and a smaller 9km route – and is scheduled to be completed on the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro in 2029.
The Blue Line will have the world's tallest metro station
Emaar Properties Station will be the world's tallest metro station (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
In June, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai approved the design of the 'iconic' Emaar Properties Station on the Blue Line.
The station, which will serve Dubai Creek Harbour, has been described as the 'highest metro station in the world' as it will stand at 74 metres tall.
It was designed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which is the same studio behind the Burj Khalifa.
The exterior design was inspired by the shape of a seashell, and the interior reflects thematic models like heritage, earth, air, fire and water.
More Dubai Metro stations will be named after brands
(Credit: Dubai Media Office)
When the design was approved for the Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour, it was revealed that the property developer would hold the naming rights for at least the first decade of operations.
It will be the first but not the last station to be named after a brand on the Blue Line.
In the next phase of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, the RTA will announce naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line.
It is common for Dubai Metro stations to be named after brands, so you'll need to check ahead when planning any trips.
Once completed, the Dubai Metro and Tram will have 78 stations
Dubai Metro expansion plans have been announced (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
With the addition of 14 brand new stations on the Blue Line, the Dubai Metro and Tram will have 78 stations.
This will be an increase from 64 to 78 stations, with 67 of these serving the Dubai Metro.
In 2024, the Dubai Government revealed that the Dubai Metro will have 140 stations by 2040.
Currently, the Dubai Metro Blue Line is the only additional line that has been announced.
Journey times will be up to 25 minutes
The Dubai Metro Blue Line will have a direct link to Dubai International Airport (Credit: DXB)
The new line will offer direct connectivity between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas once completed.
Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City will all have a faster route to DXB.
And the RTA says that travel time along the route will range from 10 minutes to 25 minutes, allowing more people to get to the airport in a flash.
There will be 9 stations above ground and 5 underground
Plans for a Dubai Metro Blue Line Station have been revealed (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
The Blue Line will span 30km and consist of 14 stations – nine above ground and five underground.
Exact plans for which stations will be on the surface and which will be underground have not been fully revealed.
We do know that it will be home to the largest underground interchange station in the Dubai Metro network, spanning over 44,000 square metres, and that International City is the only announced interchange station on the line.
Stations along the Blue Line will include public bus bays, taxi stands, dedicated areas for bike and electric scooter racks and parking spaces for people of determination.
International City will have 3 stations
The new route provides a better connection to Dragon Mart in International City (Credit: Supplied)
One of the areas to benefit the most from the Dubai Metro Blue Line will be International City.
There will be three stations based in International City, including one underground interchange station allowing for greater connectivity across the existing Metro lines.
All three stations will be included on the bigger 21km route. The area is home to Dragon Mart and is visited by more than 200,000 residents and visitors.
More Dubai Metro Blue Line news
Dubai reveals plans for world's tallest metro station
Here's what it means for your commute
Dubai confirms a Blue Line Metro station name
And more details you need to know
Dubai Metro Blue Line: 14 station locations revealed
What to expect when the route arrives
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