5 incredible pictures that show how Dubai Metro has changed over the years
It's hard to imagine a time when the Dubai Metro didn't exist.
Getting us all from A to B, the lines are a popular method of getting around the city, and a whopping 260 million passengers used it in 2023.
Now a staple of Dubai, Dubai Metro officially turned 15 years old in September 2024, so of course, that means cracking out the photo album and taking a look back to yesteryear.
First launched in 2009, the line was trialed in August before welcoming its first paying passengers on September 9.
The Dubai Metro Red Line under construction in 2007 (Credit: Imre Solt)
Covering 74.6km, the route encompasses both the red and green lines, running from Jebel Ali all the way to Rashidiya near Dubai International Airport.
In the coming years, the Dubai Metro will also welcome a brand new route, the Blue Line, stretching throughout new parts of the city by 2029.
Dubai Metro trial session running in August 2009 (Credit: Marwan Naamani/.Getty Images)
Dubai Metro Jebel Ali station under construction (Credit: Imre Solt)
As well as getting passengers to their destinations in good time, the Dubai Metro stations are pretty impressive too.
In case you didn't know, as of 2025 you can do everything from making your orange juice to taking a business meeting in one (we're not kidding).
Dubai Metro flyover under construction in 2007 (Credit: Supplied)
What's next for the Dubai Metro?
Set to serve the city for many years to come, the Dubai Metro is planned to have 140 new stations by 2040, according to recent announcements.
Dubai Metro plans for expansion (Credit: Government of Dubai)
The expansion project was announced as part of the Executive Council of Dubai's plans to develop the areas surrounding Dubai Metro stations, reducing the impact of carbon emissions in the emirate to 16 tonnes per capita and bringing more economic opportunities to the city.
The plan also aims to boost populations around stations and add more residential, commercial, office, and service spaces around Dubai Metro stations.
Also introducing the Blue Line, areas such as Marsa, Dubai Creek and Silicon Oasis will finally have their own route, before connecting with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station and the Green Line at Al Khor Station.
In other Dubai news
17 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1960s to today
Then vs now
What can we expect on Palm Jebel Ali? Dhs810 million marine work begins on long-running project
It will be twice as big as Palm Jumeirah
Dubai's next 'it' neighbourhood — and where to get the best value for money (according to an expert)
Your guide to the hottest spots in town
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