In a landmark moment for the city’s urban development, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the Blue Line Metro on June 9, 2024. This major transit project is set to transform mobility in Dubai, with passenger operations scheduled to begin on September 9, 2029—perfectly timed with the 20th anniversary of the original Dubai Metro launch.
Symbolic Beginnings and Strategic Vision
The choice of dates is more than coincidence. Dubai Metro first launched on 9-9-2009 at exactly 9 PM, 9 minutes and 9 seconds past the hour. The Blue Line’s inauguration will mirror this symbolism, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to innovation and planning. During the ceremony, a historical gallery showcased Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, inspired by visits to global cities and initiated decades ago by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Emaar Properties Station: An Architectural Marvel
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Emaar Properties Station, set to become the highest Metro station in the world at 74 metres. Designed by global architecture giants Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)—the firm behind the Burj Khalifa and iconic structures worldwide—the station features a regal, golden cylindrical design with embossed motifs. Covering 11,000 sqm, it will accommodate 160,000 daily passengers and serve 40,000 residents from Dubai Creek Harbour alone.
The station will feature:
- Bronze metal walls and Jura limestone finishes
- Granite flooring and naturally-lit glass ceilings
- Commercial and investment opportunities integrated into the space
Emaar secured naming rights for the next 10 years, with more naming rights announcements expected soon.
Massive Expansion: 14 Stations, 30 KM, 9 Key Districts
The AED 20.5 billion project, awarded to construction firms Mapa, Limak, and CRRC, adds 30 km to the existing network and brings the total number of stations to 78, spanning 131 km. The Blue Line will connect nine major districts:
- Mirdif
- Al Warqa
- International City 1 and 2
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Academic City
- Ras Al Khor
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Dubai Festival City
Interchange Hubs & Infrastructure
The Blue Line will include 14 new stations, including:
- Creek Station (Green Line)
- Centrepoint Station (Red Line)
- International City 1 (Blue Line)
- A landmark underground interchange station spanning 44,000 sqm (largest in the network)
All stations will feature:
- State-of-the-art ticketing and seating areas
- Accessible ramps, prayer rooms, and restrooms
- Public bus bays, taxi stands, bike and scooter areas
- Parking for People of Determination
Connecting Dubai’s Core Urban Centers
According to the official Blue Line Metro map, the network will link Dubai’s most critical metropolitan hubs. This will create seamless transit between:
- Bur Dubai
- Deira
- Downtown
- Business Bay
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
- Expo City Dubai
Blue Line Metro Station Locations
The 14 stations of the Blue Line will be located at:
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Dubai Festival City
- Ras Al Khor
- Dubai International City 2 and 3
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Academic City
- Metro Depot Al Ruwayyah 3
- Dubai International City 1
- Al Warqaa
- Mirdif City Centre
- Al Rashidiya
Blue Line Metro Timeline & Operating Hours
Construction began in 2024, with completion targeted by 2029. Operating hours will mirror those of the Red and Green lines:
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next day) |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Projected Impact and Capacity
By 2040, the Blue Line is expected to:
- Carry 320,000 daily passengers
- Reduce road congestion by 20%
- Serve districts housing over 1 million residents
Travel time between stations will range from 10 to 25 minutes.
Fare Structure & Nol Card Options
Blue Line will use the same fare system as Red and Green Lines:
Ticket Pricing:
| Zones | Silver Card | Gold Card | Personal Card | Red Ticket |
| 1 Zone | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 3 | AED 4 |
| 2 Zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 5 | AED 6 |
| 3+ Zones | AED 7.5 | AED 15 | AED 7.5 | AED 8.5 |
| Students/Seniors | – | – | 50% discount | – |
| People of Determination | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Children under 5 | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Nol Card Prices:
- Blue Nol Card: AED 70, max recharge AED 5,000
- Gold Nol Card: AED 25, up to AED 5,000 (registered)
- Silver Nol Card: AED 25, up to AED 5,000 (registered)
- Red Nol Card: AED 2, max 10 trips
Developer Profile: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
The Blue Line is another feather in the cap for SOM, one of the world’s most influential architectural firms. In Dubai, their contributions include the Burj Khalifa and now the landmark Emaar Properties Station. Their design vision integrates luxury, resilience, and urban harmony.
FAQ
What is the total cost of the Blue Line Metro project?
AED 18 billion.
Is the Metro widely used in Dubai?
Yes. Ridership grew from 1.7 million in 2022 to 1.92 million in 2023.
What is the total network length after completion?
131 km, 78 stations, served by 168 trains.
How many new stations will the Blue Line add?
14 brand-new stations.
Who officially announced the Blue Line?
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA.
For more on real estate and transport development in Dubai, stay tuned to Throne Reports. Check out our related posts like “Dubai Real Estate Breaks All Records: $18.2B in May 2025” and the “Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport Expansion: 1M Jobs, Housing & Phase 1 by 2032” for savvy commuter living or check it on the Wiki!
