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The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Dubai Metro Blue Line: How city's mega-project is being delivered
The Dubai Metro Blue Line is as 'complex' a project as they come because it will deliver rail into existing communities. A senior representative of Parsons Corporation – picked by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority as project management consultants for the build – has told The National about the huge challenges and major benefits of the mega-project that is set to carry 320,000 passengers a day by 2040. 'We're delivering a project in the middle of a live city – into very busy and very dense environments … such as International City and Mirdif,' said Pierre Santoni, president for infrastructure in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The RTA awarded the $5.6 billion contract last year and construction has started. It will have 14 stations, 30km of track, connect to the existing metro, have a bridge spanning Dubai Creek, an iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour and a huge underground interconnector station at International City that all bring a 'huge number of challenges'. The project will involve diverting traffic, tunnelling, pumping water out of the ground so workers can operate in a dry environment and, crucially, rerouting utilities as they pass gas and transmission lines. 'Everybody wants to go home and be able to turn on the electricity,' he said. 'Probably traffic management around the construction zones and making sure the utilities continue running … are the two most visible parts of the challenges.' Parsons Corporation, along with its partner AtkinsRealis, has a five-year contract on the project. A growing metropolis Aerial maps of Dubai clearly show why the new line is needed. The city has expanded south in a bulge of industrial, commercial and residential developments that will now be served by the new rail system. The catchment area for the new metro line is expected to be about 1 million people and Mr Santoni said it was going to be 'totally transformational'. 'It is connecting parts of Dubai that are in dire need of public transport connectivity,' he said. "If you're in International City today and are looking to get to the airport, while it is now partially possible through public transport with the Blue Line travelers will be able to get to the airport within 15 mins making journeys much more efficient and convenient." The line is set open on September 9, 2029 – twenty years after the very first Metro opened – and is set to add about 30 per cent capacity to the current system with the RTA previously stating it would reduce traffic along the alignment by 20 per cent. The metro will also serve Dubai Silicon Oasis, a strategic centre under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and Dubai Academic City, anticipated to host more than 50,000 university students by 2029. Mr Santoni said the stations are 'marginally larger than previous ones' but the size of the trains and length of platforms are largely the same so capacity cannot be increased by adding more trains. Therefore much work has focused on getting trains faster through stations and getting people in and out of the stations quickly using technology and ease of access. Integration is key The soaring station at Dubai Creek Harbour has caught the eye but the project also includes an underground interchange station at International City. Mr Santoni said two tunnels will be dug underneath International City and this will happen largely without disruption to the community. Another station, at the sprawling Chinese Dragon Mart, is noteworthy. Integrating the metro with other modes of transport from ferries to taxis is crucial. He said lessons were learnt from the existing Metro. 'We have personal electric vehicles, mopeds … [and] electric vehicles, charging stations and things like this need to be accommodated in some of the parking areas. 'Whatever mode of transport people use … they should be able to leave it there in a safe way, protected. At the end of the day, nobody wants to spend time getting to the station.' He also pointed to what's known as 'transit-oriented' development – where communities are planned around the system – and this became more prevalent during the metro's Expo extension. 'That was a perfect example,' he said. 'That's why when you arrive, it's a seamless experience in and out and we're trying to do that for the Blue Line a lot more.' The Blue Line also supports urban planning initiatives such as the 20-minute city, ensuring that more than 80 per cent of services are accessible in a 20-minute commute without having to use a car. Turning to the broader economic benefits, it has been put at a '2.6' benefit to cost ratio, meaning for every dirham spent then at least Dh2.6 would come back. This considers time savings, reduced carbon emissions and traffic benefits but crucially does not take into future benefits such as property price rises. Mr Santoni also paid tribute to the RTA and the government of Dubai and said Parsons was grateful to be entrusted with the responsibility of the project. Parsons, meanwhile, has been involved in some of Dubai's most epic projects from the Dubai Canal to the iconic Infinity Bridge that spans the Creek. And Mr Santoni, a civil engineer by trade who arrived in 2005, has had a front-row seat to the huge changes in the city. 'My first project was Discovery Gardens,' he said. 'My second was Jumeirah Lakes Towers. It is amazing to see the growth of the city and … to see that it is doing so well.'
Arabian Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Parsons to Steer Dubai Metro Blue Line Rollout
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Parsons Corporation has been appointed by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority as the Project Management Consultant for the forthcoming Metro Blue Line, under a five-year agreement. The firm will lead design evaluation, procurement facilitation, construction oversight, testing and commissioning, ending with the handover of the system. The line is projected to enter service by September 2029, covering 30 km with 14 stations, and is a core part of Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda geared towards completing the city's next-generation transport network by 2033. The Metro Blue Line, spanning from Centrepoint on the Red Line through Creek station on the Green Line and reaching Academic City, is expected to serve up to 320 000 passengers daily. It will connect key zones such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Creek Harbour and Festival City, reinforcing the mobility framework outlined in the 2040 Urban Master Plan. ADVERTISEMENT Pioneering the metro's expansion, the Blue Line received approval on 24 November 2023 from Dubai's Vice President and Ruler, reflecting a total investment of AED 18 billion. This strategic vision anticipated a launch coinciding with the metro's 20th anniversary. Parsons brings to this contract more than 80 years of global infrastructure and transport systems expertise, and over six decades of regional presence. In Dubai, the firm has supported RTA projects since 2005—from the Metro Red and Green lines and Route 2020 to the Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre and Infinity Bridge—delivering over 100 roads, bridges and tunnels. Chief among Parsons' tasks is aligning technical design with RTA standards, streamlining tender processes, supervising contractor performance, and ensuring operational readiness through rigorous testing. Their involvement utilises advanced project controls to ensure on-time, safe delivery—a critical measure as Dubai moves toward its D33 viability targets. In his capacity as President, Infrastructure EMEA, Pierre Santoni emphasised the importance of Parsons' long-standing local partnership and its commitment to delivering 'innovative technology' and 'world‑class transportation systems' in collaboration with the RTA team. Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development at the RTA, welcomed Parsons aboard, citing their established delivery record in the emirate and reaffirming Dubai's aspiration to embrace 'smart and sustainable transportation' in line with its ambitions to become the world's 'smartest and happiest city'. The Blue Line is positioned to deepen the integration of Dubai's transport ecosystem, with interchange stations at Centrepoint and Creek enabling connectivity across the Red, Green and Blue lines, and future linkages into the Etihad Rail network. As an element of the broader D33 Economic Agenda and the 2040 Urban Master Plan, it is expected to redefine sustainable urban mobility and support anticipated demographic expansion. Risks inherent to large-scale infrastructure development include potential for budget escalation, complex oversight and synchronization with civil contractors. However, Parsons' selection underscores the RTA's continued confidence in its capacity to deliver against these challenges, building on its proven project delivery lineage in Dubai. With completion forecast by 2029, the Blue Line aims to expand the daily ridership beyond current figures—around 755,000 across the Red and Green lines in 2024—with 320,000 passengers expected to onboard the new route alone.
Arabian Business
08-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
RTA selects Parsons as project management consultant for Dubai Metro Blue Line
US-based Parsons Corporation, known for its design and delivery across diverse technologies, has been appointed as the project management consultant on the Dubai Metro Blue Line project by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The Blue Line, spanning 30km and including 14 stations, is expected to commence operations in 2029. Parsons will provide comprehensive project management services, including design review, procurement support, construction supervision, testing and commissioning oversight, and project handover management. Dubai Metro Blue Line Parsons was involved with the first the Green Line. Apart from that, the Chantilly, Virginia-based company has also delivered projects such as the new Abu Dhabi International Airport and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Dubai Design District. Parsons has also worked with the RTA on the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, the iconic Infinity Bridge, and more than 100 highway, bridge and tunnel projects across the emirate. Pierre Santoni, President, Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons, said: ''We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the RTA and are committed to working with their expert team on expanding the Dubai Metro network in line with the RTA's goal to provide seamless, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions that cater to the needs of Dubai's growing population. 'Our team will leverage our 80-plus years of global experience coupled with our local knowledge to deliver a world-class transportation system using the safest methods and most innovative technology available.' Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development, RTA, added: 'We are pleased to appoint Parsons as the project management consultant for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, particularly given the company's extensive and proven experience in delivering projects awarded by the RTA since its establishment in Dubai. Parsons is a key partner in RTA's success and achievements. 'The RTA is committed to working with leading global companies to implement its various projects and initiatives in line with the vision and ambitions of the Government of Dubai to make the Emirate the smartest and happiest city in the world. 'The RTA also strives to play an active role in achieving this vision, which is based on excellence, innovation, and future foresight, while leveraging advanced technologies in the field of smart and sustainable transportation.' The Metro Blue Line will enhance connectivity between key districts, including Mirdif, Silicon Oasis, Creek Harbour, and Festival City. Upon completion, the line is expected to accommodate up to 320,000 passengers per day. Established in 1944, Parsons has a regional presence for over 65 years. It has worked with more than 400 rail and transit clients globally, managing complex infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
Gulf Business
08-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
RTA appoints Parsons to oversee Dubai Metro Blue Line
Image credit: Parsons Parsons Corporation has been appointed as the Project Management Consultant for the Dubai Metro Blue Line by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The five-year contract marks new work for the firm and reinforces its long-standing collaboration with the RTA. As part of the contract, Parsons will oversee key aspects of the project, including design review, procurement support, construction supervision, testing and commissioning, and final handover. The Blue Line is a strategic component of Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda, which seeks to position the emirate among the world's most advanced and connected cities by 2033. The line is expected to be operational by 2029. ''We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the RTA and are committed to working with their expert team on expanding the Dubai Metro network in line with the RTA's goal to provide seamless, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions that cater to the needs of Dubai's growing population,'' said Pierre Santoni, President, Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons. ''Our team will leverage our 80-plus years of global experience coupled with our local knowledge to deliver a world-class transportation system using the safest methods and most innovative technology available.'' Read: Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development at RTA, said: 'We are pleased to appoint Parsons as the project management consultant for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, particularly given the company's extensive and proven experience in delivering projects awarded by the RTA since its establishment in Dubai. Parsons is a key partner in the RTA's success and achievements, which it continues to deliver.' Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). He added: 'The RTA is committed to working with leading global companies to implement its various projects and initiatives in line with the vision and ambitions of the Government of Dubai to make the Emirate the smartest and happiest city in the world. The RTA also strives to play an active role in achieving this vision, which is based on excellence, innovation, and future foresight, while leveraging advanced technologies in the field of smart and sustainable transportation.' Blue Line facts The 30-kilometer Blue Line will feature 14 stations and link major districts such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City. Once completed, the line is expected to handle up to 320,000 passengers daily, supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Parsons has been a key partner in shaping Dubai's transport infrastructure since the inception of the RTA in 2005. Its portfolio includes work on the Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines, Route 2020 expansion, the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Center, the Infinity Bridge, and over 100 other infrastructure projects across the Emirate. With more than six decades of experience in the region, Parsons remains a trusted leader in project and program management, smart mobility, rail, aviation, and urban development, working with more than 400 rail and transit clients worldwide.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
King Salman Park Foundation selects Parsons for Project Management Office services
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) announced today that it has been awarded a contract for Project Management Office (PMO) services by the King Salman Park Foundation for King Salman Park. This 25-month contract marks new work for Parsons. King Salman Park is one of the world's most unique urban transformation projects, featuring 11.6 sq km of green space and over 10 sq km of built-up area. The Park includes cultural landmarks such as the Royal Arts Complex and a vibrant 7.2 km pedestrian walkway known as The Loop, among many other assets. All these elements are designed to support Saudi Vision 2030's 'Quality of Life' Program. Parsons' responsibilities encompass supporting the delivery strategy of the King Salman Park program, as well as overseeing and reporting on the design, procurement, construction, and implementation of smart city initiatives. "King Salman Park is an exceptional project that seamlessly integrates destination and sustainable urban development. Parsons is honored to contribute to this landmark initiative that is transforming Riyadh's urban landscape and establishing a legacy," said Pierre Santoni, President, Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons. "Our team will utilize Parsons' 80 years of global expertise, along with our local experience in designing and managing complex urban projects in the Kingdom, to help deliver this world-class mixed-use development project that will enhance the lives of both residents and visitors." 'Sustainability is at the heart of King Salman Park's vision. Located on the former Riyadh Air Base, the Park will transform the area with the planting of 1 million trees and plants. This initiative will significantly enhance the region's vegetation cover, increase per capita green space, and boost biodiversity, supporting local wildlife. Our plans include strategically placing trees along roadsides and near buildings to absorb CO2, increase humidity, and mitigate the heat island effect,' said George Tanasijevich, Chief Executive Officer, King Salman Park Foundation. With over 65 years of regional presence, Parsons offers extensive expertise in urban development, smart mobility, asset management, design, sustainability, and landscape architecture within the Kingdom. About Parsons Parsons (NYSE: PSN) is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cyber and intelligence, space and missile defense, transportation, environmental remediation, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. Please visit and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn how we're making an impact.
