Everything you need to know about Dubai Metro Blue Line
Public transport is a sustainable, cost-effective way to commute, reducing traffic and pollution. Dubai’s fully automated metro already connects key destinations, with the Green and Red lines offering smooth travel. The upcoming Blue Line aims to link major residential areas with the city centre, further enhancing connectivity. Let’s learn about the Dubai Metro Blue Line and how it’s going to serve the city!
Blue Line Overview
As mentioned earlier, the Blue Line is an upcoming metro line on the Dubai Metro network serving the Dubai International Airport and the Al Maktoum International Airport. It will be 30 kilometres long, with 14 stations. Five underground stations will cover 15.5 km of track, and the remaining nine stations will be above ground. Furthermore, the line will run alongside Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
The original proposal for the Blue Line was released in 2006, but the idea was put on hold. The new plan for the metro line announced in 2023 seems to be redesigned to align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This strategic development project will prepare the city for a surge in population and increased need for accommodation and transport.
One key goal of this plan is to offer residents 80% of their daily needs in a 20-minute radius, on foot or by bicycle. With each step, we’ll see new service centres and residences around transit stations, aiming for more accessible urban living.
Dubai Metro Blue Line Route
This new 30 km metro route will connect key areas across the emirate with 14 stations, catering to an expected population growth of around one million people. The line will feature major interchange stations, including Creek Station on the Green Line, Centrepoint Station on the Red Line and Dubai International City Station 1, along with a standout station at Dubai Creek Harbour.
The Blue Line will run in two directions. One route will start at Creek Station on the Green Line in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor and International City (1), which includes an interchange. From there, it will continue through International City (2) and (3), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City.
The other direction will begin at Centrepoint Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya, heading through Mirdif and Al Warqa before reaching International City (1). The line will be a direct link between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas, including Mirdif, Al Warqaa, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City.
The following Dubai Metro Blue Line map will give you an overview of the route.
Additionally, the Blue Line is the first transport project in Dubai to comply fully with green building standards, earning platinum category recognition.
Dubai Metro Blue Line and Economic Returns
By 2040, every dirham invested is projected to generate AED 2.60 in returns, with total benefits exceeding AED 56.5 billion. These gains will come from reduced travel time, lower fuel consumption, fewer accidents and decreased carbon emissions.
The Blue Line is also set to ease traffic congestion on major roads by 20% and increase property values near its stations by up to 25%. It will provide a direct link between Dubai International Airport and key areas along the route, with travel times ranging from 10 to 25 minutes.
Additionally, the line will connect Dubai Silicon Oasis, the city’s fifth urban centre, ensuring all major hubs are integrated into the metro network. It will also be Dubai’s first transport project to meet platinum-grade green building standards, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development.
Interesting Tidbits About Metro Blue Line Dubai
Here are some interesting facts and figures you must know about the Dubai Metro Blue Line:
- The construction for the project will start in April 2025 with all works expected to be completed and operations officially commencing in September 2029, on the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro!
- The Blue Line Metro Dubai will be able to carry up to 46,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with trains running every two minutes. By 2030, it is expected to serve around 200,000 passengers daily, increasing to 320,000 per day by 2040.
- The iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour will be designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) — creators of landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, the Olympic Tower in New York and the Sears Tower in Chicago.
- Spanning 10,800 sq.m., the station is designed to accommodate 160,000 passengers daily, with an anticipated 70,000 daily users by 2040.
- The Blue Line will also include International City (1), the metro network’s largest underground interchange station. Spanning 44,000 sq.m., it can accommodate 350,000 passengers daily.
- Dubai Metro has remained the world’s longest driverless metro for over 15 years. With the Blue Line, the total rail network will expand to 131 km, with 120 km for the metro and 11 km for the tram. Stations will increase from 64 to 78, and the fleet will grow to 168 trains, boosting capacity and efficiency.
- Blue Line Metro Dubai project’s total cost is expected to reach AED 20.5 billion.
FAQs about Dubai Metro Blue Line
Who is going to construct the Blue Line?
Construction is set to begin in April 2025, led by a consortium of Turkish firms MAPA and Limak, along with Chinese company CRRC. A standout feature of the project will be a landmark train station at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by renowned architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the team behind the iconic Burj Khalifa.
What are the other modes of public transport in Dubai?
Apart from the Dubai Metro, the city has a tram service with 11 stations, over 1,700+ public buses, taxis, water taxis and more. Check out our guide to Dubai’s public transport to learn about these modes of transportation.
What is the Red Line and Green Line?
Dubai Metro has two metro lines – the Red and Green Lines. The Red Line runs from Centrepoint in Al Rashidiya and ends at Expo 2020 MS. The Green Line starts at Etisalat (Al Qusais) and ends at Creek Metro Station (Dubai Creek). Check out our Dubai Metro guide for fares and weekday and weekend timings.
Dubai’s public transport system is among the best in the region, offering seamless connectivity across key areas. The Dubai Metro Blue Line will further enhance this network, allowing residents to commute easily.
With improved access to metro stations, areas with the best public transportation in Dubai will become even more attractive for residents and businesses. Additionally, the Blue Line is expected to boost demand for areas to rent apartments near metro stations, offering renters and buyers more convenient housing options. This expansion strengthens Dubai’s position as a city built for smart, sustainable and connected living.
If you’re a tourist looking for an eco-friendly way to explore the city, check out attractions near the Dubai Metro.
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Featured Image Credit: Dubai Media Office Facebook Page
