Latest news with #DubaiMetroBlueLine
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Metro Blue Line Set To Ease Traffic Congestion In The City
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently launched the Dubai Metro Blue Line project. It marks the landmark expansion of the Dubai's metro network designed to improve urban mobility, reduce road congestion, and support sustainable development. Set to open on September 9, 2029, marking the 20th anniversary of the Red Line which was also opened on September 9, 2009, the 30-kilometre Blue Line will link key residential and commercial areas, ultimately serving nearly one million people. The Dh20.5 billion project was awarded to a consortium of top Turkish and Chinese firms, MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC, following an international tender process involving 15 global infrastructure specialists. 'The Blue Line marks a major milestone in Dubai's journey toward becoming the world's best city to live in,' said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA. 'This project builds on the outstanding success of the Dubai Metro, which has transported nearly 2.5 billion riders since its launch in 2009 and remains the backbone of the city's public transport system,' he said during the official announcement ceremony of the Blue Line last year. Al Tayer said that the new line supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, offering sustainable mobility solutions that improve quality of life and promote economic growth. The Blue Line will comprise two main routes designed to ensure seamless integration with the existing Red and Green Metro lines. A 21-kilometre section connecting Al Khor (Green Line) to Academic City via 10 stations A 9-kilometre section connecting Centrepoint (Red Line) to International City via 4 stations Route 1 (Green Line connection) Begins at Al Khor Interchange Station on the Green Line in Al Jaddaf and passes through the Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City 1, International City (2) and (3), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Academic City and terminating at Al Ruwaiyah 3 Depot. This line will be 21 kilometres long with 10 stations. Route 2 (Red Line Connection): Route 2 to of the Blue Line starts at Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya and will pass through Mirdif, Al Warqaa and International City (1) where it will connect to Route 1. Total length of this line is 9 kilometres with four stations. 'These routes were carefully selected to connect Dubai's most populous and fastest-growing areas,' Al Tayer explained earlier. 'By linking existing metro lines, we are creating a truly integrated transport network that supports Dubai's vision of a smart, sustainable, and inclusive city,' he added. The Blue Line will introduce several signature elements: A 1.3-km bridge over Dubai Creek, the first of its kind for the Metro A showpiece station at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by world-renowned architectural firm SOM International City (1) — the largest underground interchange station in the network, covering over 44,000 square meters and handling up to 350,000 passengers daily. It will connect high-density residential and commercial zones, directly serving approximately 1 million residents by 2040. All stations and infrastructure will comply with platinum-grade green building standards, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly transit projects in the region. Easing traffic congestion The Blue Line is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 20% on major corridors, increase property values by up to 25% around metro stations and deliver Dh56.5 billion in economic and environmental returns by 2040. Connect directly to Dubai International Airport, enabling travel times of just 10—25 minutes between key locations. 'The Blue Line is not just about moving people. It is about empowering communities, enhancing connectivity, and supporting sustainable urban growth,' Al Tayer stated. Capacity With a projected capacity of 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions and train intervals of just two minutes, the Blue Line is designed to accommodate 200,000 daily riders by 2030 and 320,000 daily riders by 2040. Upon completion, Dubai's train system, including metro and tram, will span 131 kilometres with 78 stations, solidifying Dubai's position as home to the world's longest driverless metro network. A dedicated train depot will also be constructed in Al Ruwaiyah 3 to support operations and maintenance. Iconic Creek Harbour Station A standout feature of the project is the iconic Dubai Creek Harbour station, designed by renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the team behind landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Chicago's Willis Tower. The station will span over 10,800 square metres and serve up to 160,000 passengers per day. Another engineering marvel is the International City (1) station — the metro network's largest underground interchange, designed to accommodate 350,000 daily passengers across more than 44,000 square metres. Key highlights The Blue Line is a 30-kilometre extension of the Dubai Metro network, comprising: 15.5km of underground track 14.5km of elevated track 14 new stations, including 3 interchange stations
Time Out Dubai
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai Metro Blue Line: Opening date, planned route, map and more
The Dubai Metro is set to get a huge upgrade. By 2029, the Dubai Metro Blue Line, an entirely new line, will join both the Red and Green Lines to expand the public transport offering across Dubai. Dubai's RTA has confirmed that work on the Dhs20.5 billion Dubai Metro Blue Line project is underway and will be up and running sooner than you think. When will Dubai Metro Blue Line open? The RTA revealed in December 2024 that the new Blue Line will start operating in 2029. The project is scheduled to be completed on the date of its 20th anniversary of operations Sunday September 9 2029. Once completed, it is expected to serve 200,000 passengers every day by 2030 with this number rising to 320,000 by 2040 as the Dubai population continues to grow. تستمر #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات في تنفيذ مشاريع نوعية تسهم في تعزيز مكانة #دبي العالمية وتؤكد ريادتها في مجال تطوير البنى التحتية، حيث تستعرض في المعرض والمؤتمر العالمي للسكك الحديدية والنقل والبنية التحتية #جلوبال_ريل2024، مشروع الخط الأزرق لـ #مترو_دبي، الذي يحقق الربط والتكامل… — RTA (@rta_dubai) October 8, 2024 At the end of April 2025, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, chaired the Blue Line Forum meeting, attended by Dubai Metro Blue Line stakeholders. Sharing the development on X, it was revealed how the meeting reviewed the latest developments and overall progress of the Blue Line Project. These regular meetings reflect RTA's commitment to informed decision-making at every stage of the project and ensure the project stays on schedule and is delivered as planned. At an RTA workshop, it was also revealed that the Dubai Metro Blue Line will cut traffic by 20 percent in nine neighbourhoods once built. H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, chaired the Blue Line Forum meeting, attended by the heads of the Dubai Metro Blue Line Project Consortium, and the supervising consultant. The meeting discussed the latest developments… — RTA (@rta_dubai) April 28, 2025 Dubai Metro Blue Line stations In July 2024, the RTA announced that the Dubai Metro will eventually more than double its number of stations operating in the city by 2040. The only project currently announced for this transformation of the public transport system is the Dubai Metro Blue Line. It will feature 14 stations, with nine above ground and five underground, and extend over 30km. It will serve nine vital areas of the city and connect with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station and the Green Line at Al Khor Station. These areas include Marsa, Dubai Creek, Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, and urban areas such as Silicon Oasis, Academic City Dubai Metro plans will eventually more than double the current number of stations. (Credit: Government of Dubai) Despite work only beginning on the Dubai Metro Blue Line this year, RTA and Dubai Police have discussed the requirements of the project and what will ensure the safety of city residents. Speaking in February 2024, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, announced that work had begun. He said: 'RTA is consistently expanding and upgrading the public transport network. '2024 is set to mark the commencement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which will stretch over a total of 30km, with 15.5 km running underground and 14.5 km above ground. You might also like: New Dubai Metro Blue Line map: What the new route could look like 'The project encompasses 14 stations including three interchange stations, connecting key areas in Dubai to cope with the projected demographic growth of surrounding areas to one million people as per the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040. Dubai's #RTA announced that in 2023, the combined ridership of public transport and shared mobility, including Dubai Metro, Tram, buses, marine transport, shared mobility services, and taxis, reached around 702 million, up 13% from 2022's 621.4 million. The average daily… — RTA (@rta_dubai) February 18, 2024 'It also integrates with the Red and Green lines of the Metro, offering a direct link between Dubai International Airport and nine principal areas situated along its route. The journey time between these destinations is expected to vary from 10 to 25 minutes,' added Al Tayer. Plans for Dubai Metro Blue Line were first announced in November 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. At the time, HH Sheikh Mohammed said: 'The Blue Line Route of the Dubai Metro… (will) cost 18 billion dirhams.' But this estimated cost has since risen to Dhs20.5 billion following the announcement, in December 2024, of a consortium of three major construction companies to build the project. Turkish firms MAPA and Limak, as well as Chinese construction company CRRC will form a consortium to build the project. HH Sheikh Mohammed also confirmed where the Blue Line will operate when the plans were first announced. He added: '[The Dubai Metro Blue Line] covers areas with a population of up to a million people such as Marsa, Dubai Creek, Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, and urban areas such as Silicon Oasis, Academic City, and others. The new line will transport 320,000 new passengers daily.' The Dubai Metro map (Credit: Interestingly, and unlike the current Metro Lines, just over half of the Dubai Metro Blue Line will be underground and the remainder above ground. With hundreds of millions of riders on the Dubai Metro every year, the commencement of work on the Blue Line is bound to be exciting news for public transport users in Dubai. Currently, Green Line stations are in Bur Dubai and Deira in the old town. The Red Line connects the old city and airport to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Expo 2020 in the south-west. More Dubai transport news Dubai reveals plans for quicker bus journeys More than 11,000 trips are made daily on city buses 6 wild public transport projects coming soon to Dubai From Elon Musk's underground tunnel to a trackless tram 57 major road projects coming to Dubai by 2027 — here's what to expect And how they'll improve your journey
Time Out Dubai
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
RTA highlights remote work, Salik toll gates and Dubai Blue Line in traffic plans
The Roads and Transport Authority has highlighted a number of programmes aimed at improving traffic flow in Dubai. An RTA workshop titled Connecting Bridges outlined the authority's many plans to improve the flow of traffic in Dubai as the city faces rapid population growth in the coming years. Flexible working hours, remote work, staggered school schedules, and distance learning were all highlighted as possible solutions that would require the public and private sectors to collaborate on implementing. A study published in 2024, carried out by the RTA and Dubai Government Human Resources Department, found that traffic would significantly reduce on some of the city's most notoriously busy roads if remote working and flexible working were introduced. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stressed the importance of implementing supportive policies such as remote work in a coordinated manner. These policies could contribute to improving traffic efficiency by 20 to 30 percent, according to the RTA. RTA organized a high-level workshop titled 'Connecting Bridges'. Bringing together participants from 50 government and private-sector entities and property developers, and the attendance of several director generals from government authorities and departments, and more than 100… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 1, 2025 In addition to the call for more flexible working patterns to be adopted, the RTA revealed that 30 road and transport projects worth Dhs40 billion will be delivered in the next three years. Included in these plans is the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will serve nine key districts expected to accommodate around one million residents by 2040. On the whole, the Dubai population is projected to reach eight million by 2040, while millions of tourists are expected to come to the emirate every year. Over the past decade, Dubai's population has grown at an average annual rate of over 6 percent, significantly outpacing the global average of 1.1 percent. The Dubai Metro Blue Line will cover a 30km route (Credit: Adobe Express) As a result of the growing population, we're also seeing a sharp increase in vehicle ownership in Dubai, with 2.5 million vehicles registered on our roads in 2024. With a growing population and more cars than ever on the road, it's no wonder that traffic density is on the rise and that the RTA are seeking creative solutions as well as major transport infrastructure projects. The workshop also revealed that the variable Salik toll gate pricing introduced earlier this year had led to a nine percent drop in traffic volume on Sheikh Zayed Road. The workshop brought together participants from 50 government and private-sector entities including the likes of Careem, Dubai Airports, Dubai Municipality and Emaar. His Highness 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 was also in attendance. In other Dubai news The unbelievably cool Dubai hotels launching in 2025 and beyond From sky-high pools to private islands 8 major Emirates updates that could impact your next holiday Key updates you need to know UAE public holiday dates 2025 revealed: All the days off this year The important dates to know
ARN News Center
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- ARN News Center
Variable Salik rates reduces Sheikh Zayed Road traffic by 9%
The introduction of variable Salik rates from January this year has helped reduce traffic flow on Sheikh Zayed Road by 9 per cent, new data released by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has revealed. Presented during an RTA workshop titled 'Connecting Bridges', the stats showed that "several measures have already been introduced" to improve traffic flow including "flexible working hours, remote work policies, dynamic road and parking tariffs, and broader restrictions on heavy vehicle movement". With the population of the city set to reach eight million by 2040, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasised that tackling rising traffic density requires a focus on sustainable, long-term solutions. Key among these is improving traffic flow efficiency by 20-30 per cent. Al Tayer further emphasised that expanding the use of big data and AI will help better understand community needs and offer sustainable, long-term solutions. Over the next three years, the RTA will deliver more than 30 strategic road and transport projects, with a total investment exceeding AED 40 billion, to keep pace with Dubai's rapid growth. This includes the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will serve nine key districts expected to accommodate around one million residents by 2040, and additional corridor enhancements to support a population projected to reach eight million by 2040. Attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the workshop brought together participants from 50 government and private-sector entities to work together on road infrastructure and mobility services. Some of the major roadblocks Outlining the main factors contributing to traffic density, Al Tayer cited that Dubai's annual population growth rate at 6 per cent significantly outpaced the global average of 1.1 per cent. Vehicle ownership has also increased, with the number of registered vehicles reaching 2.5 million in 2024. Additional factors like diverse driving behaviours shaped by the city's multicultural population, limited trip planning, and a general lack of awareness around peak travel hours have also contributed.
TAG 91.1
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- TAG 91.1
Variable Salik rates reduces Sheikh Zayed Road traffic by 9%
The introduction of variable Salik rates from January this year has helped reduce traffic flow on Sheikh Zayed Road by 9 per cent, new data released by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has revealed. Presented during an RTA workshop titled 'Connecting Bridges', the stats showed that "several measures have already been introduced" to improve traffic flow including "flexible working hours, remote work policies, dynamic road and parking tariffs, and broader restrictions on heavy vehicle movement". With the population of the city set to reach eight million by 2040, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasised that tackling rising traffic density requires a focus on sustainable, long-term solutions. Key among these is improving traffic flow efficiency by 20-30 per cent. Al Tayer further emphasised that expanding the use of big data and AI will help better understand community needs and offer sustainable, long-term solutions. Over the next three years, the RTA will deliver more than 30 strategic road and transport projects, with a total investment exceeding AED 40 billion, to keep pace with Dubai's rapid growth. This includes the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will serve nine key districts expected to accommodate around one million residents by 2040, and additional corridor enhancements to support a population projected to reach eight million by 2040. Attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the workshop brought together participants from 50 government and private-sector entities to work together on road infrastructure and mobility services. Some of the major roadblocks Outlining the main factors contributing to traffic density, Al Tayer cited that Dubai's annual population growth rate at 6 per cent significantly outpaced the global average of 1.1 per cent. Vehicle ownership has also increased, with the number of registered vehicles reaching 2.5 million in 2024. Additional factors like diverse driving behaviours shaped by the city's multicultural population, limited trip planning, and a general lack of awareness around peak travel hours have also contributed. Despite this rise in traffic volumes, Dubai continues to outperform several global cities, including Singapore, London, Sydney, and Montreal, in average travel time, according to annual traffic analysis reports by TomTom.
