Dubai Breaks a New Record: Metro Blue Line to Feature World’s Highest Metro Station

December 23, 2024

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Dubai Market Trends & News

Dubai has just hit the fast-forward button on its next big move in public transport. On June 9, 2025, the Blue Line metro station foundation was officially laid by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This milestone signals the start of one of the city’s most ambitious infrastructure projects to date, with passenger operations scheduled to begin on September 9, 2029, in celebration of the Metro’s 20th anniversary. Let’s find out everything about the Dubai Metro Blue line in our comprehensive guide.

A Dh56 Billion Leap Toward Smarter Mobility

The Blue Line is part of a wider Dh56 billion expansion of Dubai’s rail network, reinforcing the city’s long-term commitment to smart, sustainable mobility. Once completed, the line will add 30 kilometres to the existing system, bringing the total metro length to 131 kilometres across 78 stations. This bold investment supports Dubai’s urban growth strategy and aims to create seamless connectivity between its ever-evolving neighbourhoods.

In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the project is expected to generate significant economic, social, and environmental returns. By 2040, it’s projected to deliver a benefit-cost ratio of 2.6, with over AED 56.5 billion in total benefits, including savings in time and fuel, reduced accident rates, and lower carbon emissions.

A Tribute to the Past, A Vision for the Future

The foundation-laying ceremony took visitors on a meaningful journey through time. A special exhibit displayed rare images of Sheikh Mohammed’s past visits to international cities and moments captured aboard UK rail networks, the very environments that first sparked the vision for Dubai’s metro.

A particularly touching photo showed him laying the first stone of the original Metro years ago, a reminder of how dreams evolve. This new development not only pushes transportation forward but also pays homage to the vision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who imagined a Dubai seamlessly linked by rail long before it became reality.

Introducing the Emaar Metro Station: The Highest in the World

During the ceremony, Emaar Metro Station was officially revealed, set to become the tallest metro station globally, reaching a height of 74 metres. Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the station is inspired by the concept of a "gateway to the future" and will feature integrated commercial and investment opportunities.

Spanning approximately 11,000 square metres, the station is engineered to accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily, with projected ridership exceeding 70,000 by 2040. It will also serve the expanding community of Dubai Creek Harbour, expected to house around 40,000 residents.

As part of the Blue Line network, the station will be linked by Dubai’s first-ever metro bridge crossing Dubai Creek, stretching 1,300 metres to enhance connectivity between key areas of the city.

Beyond its impressive scale and transport function, the station’s design reflects Dubai’s identity, a fusion of luxury, innovation, and cultural depth. Visitors will be welcomed by soaring walls clad in Jura limestone, bronze metal panels, and granite flooring, all in warm, earthy tones that evoke a strong connection to place and heritage. Expansive glass ceiling panels at both the lobby and platform levels will allow natural light to flood the interiors, creating a vibrant, airy atmosphere.

In recognition of its prominence, Emaar has secured exclusive naming rights for a 10-year period, starting from the station’s official opening in 2029. Additional announcements regarding naming rights for other Blue Line stations are expected soon.

Blue Line Route Overview and Station Breakdown

The Dubai Metro Blue Line integrates seamlessly with the existing Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro. The route covers 30 kilometers, featuring 15.5 kilometers of underground tracks and 14.5 kilometers of elevated tracks. 

The total investment for the project is a staggering AED 20.5 billion, awarded to a consortium of MAPA, Limak, and CRRC, renowned Turkish and Chinese construction giants.

The Dubai Metro construction projects are central to Dubai's vision of creating a sustainable and efficient urban transit network. The RTA’s $5.6 billion contract ensures advanced safety measures, particularly in areas prone to flooding. 

Dubai Metro Blue Stations and Destinations

The Dubai Metro Blue Line is designed to connect Dubai International Airport with nine key areas, namely Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City. The travel time between these destinations is expected to vary between 10 and 25 minutes.

Key Interchange Stations

The line boasts three significant interchange stations:

  • Creek Station (Green Line)
  • Centrepoint Station (Red Line)
  • International City Station 1

Additionally, an iconic architectural station at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, will serve as a landmark.

Dubai Metro Blue Line Routes

The Blue Line introduces two distinct routes, ensuring optimal connectivity:

Route 1: Starting at Al Khor Interchange Station on the Green Line, it passes through Dubai Festival City, Ras Al Khor, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, terminating at Dubai Academic City. This 21-kilometer route comprises 10 stations and features a mix of underground and elevated tracks.

Route 2: At Centrepoint Station on the Red Line, this 9-kilometer route connects Mirdif, Al Warqa, and International City, offering commuters convenient access to residential and commercial hubs through four stations.

Metro Blue Line is a significant addition to the Dubai public transport infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and supporting the city's vision for a sustainable and efficient transit system.

FAQs

The Blue Line metro station foundation refers to the official beginning of construction for Dubai’s new metro line. It was laid by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on June 9, 2025, marking a major milestone in Dubai’s Dh56 billion transport expansion. The project is part of a broader plan to connect key districts, support sustainable urban mobility, and enhance access to Dubai International Airport through a 30 km metro route.
 

The Dubai Metro Blue Line launch is set for September 9, 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro. Once operational, the line will enhance citywide connectivity, linking key urban and residential areas.
 

The Emaar Properties Station Dubai will be located along the Blue Line and serve the Dubai Creek Harbour area. It will be one of the key stations on the route.
 

The Blue Line will connect Dubai International Airport to areas like Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City.
 

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