The Dubai Metro Blue Line is one of the most highly anticipated mega projects coming to Dubai.
By Findlay Mair
Split into two routes, one spanning 21km and the other covering 9 km, the Blue Line will connect the northeast of the city with the existing Dubai Metro line, making it much easier and quicker to get around.
It is scheduled to be completed by 2029, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, and will eventually reach around one million people.
The RTA has just announced that, after just five months of work since the groundbreaking ceremony in June, the project is now 10 percent complete. It is expected to be 30 percent complete by the end of 2025.
As Dubai continues to evolve and grow its population, new Metro lines and stations are necessary to meet the demand. The new line is expected to decrease traffic congestion by 20 percent once complete and will provide a direct connection to DXB for nine key areas.
The Roads and Transport Authority has revealed the locations that will be served along the route and will eventually announce the names that each station will bear.
Dubai Metro Blue Line route explained
Academic City
The university town has a campus area of more than 129 million square feet and is predicted to accommodate more than 50,000 students by 2029. The area includes several homegrown colleges and imported institutions such as Heriot-Watt University, Middlesex University and University of Wollongong in Dubai. Thinking of studying in Dubai? Here’s how to get a UAE student visa.
Al Jaddaf
The first route of the Dubai Metro Blue Line will begin at the existing Creek Station at Al Jaddaf. The interchange station will allow people on the Blue Line a direct connection with the Green Line. A vibrant neighbourhood in the northern part of the city, this part of Dubai sits right on the waterfront, meaning it is packed with pretty views and things to do.
Al Rashidiya
Another interchange station, Al Rashidiya will be where the second route begins. Currently called Centrepoint Station on the Red Line, the final station on the Red Line will connect with the Blue Line. It is one of three metro stations with a free car park and serves the Al Rashidya community in the north of the city.
Al Warqa
Al Warqa will be found on the smaller second route of the Dubai Metro Blue Line. The residential area is home to around 60,000 residents and the Dubai Safari Park. It provides a much-needed extra transport link to a growing community.
Dubai Creek Harbour
Dubai Creek Harbour will be home to the world’s tallest metro station once the Blue Line is up and running. The landmark “iconic” station will be named Emaar Properties Station for at least the first 10 years of operations. The 11,000 square metre space is designed to handle up to 160,000 passengers, with more than 70,000 expected to use it daily once it is operational.
A 1,300 metre-long viaduct will be constructed to allow the Metro to cross the Dubai Creek.
Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City will sit along the larger 21km route of the Dubai Metro Blue Line. The area is home to one of the largest malls in the city and approximately 77,000 residents. The Metro service will provide a direct link for the area to key parts in the city, and means that there won’t be as much reliance on the abra boat service between the mall and Al Jaddaf Marine Station to get to the Creek Station.
Dubai International Airport
The Blue Line will provide a direct link between the key areas situated along the route and Dubai International Airport. Current estimations state that journeys will connect to the world’s busiest international airport in just 20 minutes. It’s unclear whether the Blue Line will use the existing Metro stations at Terminals 1 and 3 or whether a new station will be constructed to connect the Blue Line.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis is earmarked for major development as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The hub for innovation and knowledge supports the growth of the technology-driven economy and attracts skilled and creative talent to the city. On the Blue Line, a station will sit on the 21km route.
International City
One of the areas to benefit the most from the Dubai Metro Blue Line will be International City. There will be three stations based in International City, including one underground interchange station, allowing for greater connectivity across the existing Metro lines. All three stations will be included on the bigger 21km route. The area is home to Dragon Mart and is visited by more than 200,000 residents and visitors.
Mirdif
The larger 21km route on the Blue Line will link with the Mirdif neighbourhood. Home to the popular Al Mushrif Park and the Mirdif City Centre mall, it’s a suburban community in need of direct transport links.
Ras Al Khor
Ras Al Khor will also be served by the larger route on the Blue Line. Found between the Emaar Properties Station and the International City stops, Ras Al Khor will soon have greater connectivity with DXB and other major areas in Dubai. Ras Al Khor is popular among nature lovers due to its wildlife sanctuary, which is home to all sorts of animals, including flamingoes.
