Dubai Metro has unveiled its new Blue Line project, a 30-km route (with 15.5 km running underground) that will strategically link key areas of the emirate through 14 stations. The first metro route crossing Dubai Creek through a 1,300-m viaduct, Blue Line is set for completion in 2029.

 

Approving the project, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,  underscored that investments in infrastructure projects align with Dubai's strategy for comprehensive city development, focusing on meeting present needs while preparing for the future. 

 

He emphasised that national talents have proven their ability to spearhead development, offering creative ideas that resonate with Dubai's ambitious objectives in various fields, driving progress and excellence.

 

"Remarkable achievements don't happen by chance; rather, they result from deliberate planning, creative thinking and a commitment to attaining the highest levels of leadership. The true measure of achievement lies in its positive impact on society. We strive for the best for our society, sparing no effort to achieve it at the highest standards," he stated.

 

Sheikh Mohammed directed the immediate commencement of the project's implementation, adhering to the highest international standards and specifications to meet the demands of demographic expansion in the region. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.

 

It was launched by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, during a ceremony held at Dubai Creek Harbour,

 

Sheikh Maktoum said Dubai remains committed to implementing world-class projects that not only enhance the city’s global standing but also reaffirm its leadership in developing high-level infrastructure that aligns with the emirate's sustainable development goals.

 

He also lauded the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for its efforts in implementing major projects that align with Dubai's future aspirations. 

 

The Blue Line represents a significant advancement as the first metro route crossing Dubai Creek through a 1300-metre viaduct. It will span a total length of 30 km, with 15.5 km running underground and 14.5 km above ground.

 

With its 14 stations, including key interchange points like the Creek Station on the Green Line, Centrepoint Station on the Red Line, and Dubai International City Station 1, along with the iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour, the Blue Line is set to be a pivotal element in the ongoing development of the city's transportation network.

 

The new line is a key integration point between the Red and Green Lines of Dubai Metro. It plays a significant role in realising the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aimed at transforming Dubai into the world’s best city to live in by offering sustainable and soft mass transit solutions. 

 

These solutions are designed to facilitate the mobility of both residents and visitors, promoting well-being and enhancing Dubai's global competitiveness as a leading destination for hosting international events. 

 

Additionally, they align with the aspirations of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to create a '20-minute city.' This innovative concept ensures that more than 80% of essential services are within a 20-minute travel time for residents, fostering a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) approach.

 

The Blue Line will offer a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas along the line 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 anticipated to range from 10 to 25 minutes.

 

It consists of nine elevated stations and five underground stations. By 2030, the Blue Line is anticipated to serve approximately 200,000 passengers daily, with this figure expected to increase to 320,000 passengers daily by 2040. The line is designed to handle an estimated capacity of about 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions at a service interval of about 1.5 minutes.

 

During the event, Sheikh Maktoum was briefed on the models of the designs for both the upper and tunnel sections of the Blue Line stations. 

 

The station in the Dubai Creek Harbour embodies an innovative design that reflects the vision of the new Dubai. This design seamlessly integrates with the urban style of the surrounding modern residential and commercial towers. 

 

Spanning 8,800 sq m, the station is engineered to accommodate approximately 160,000 passengers daily, with a projected increase to around 70,000 passengers daily by 2040.

 

Dubai Metro Blue Line represents the fifth strategic project in public transportation, joining the ranks of the existing Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro Route 2020. It is one of the largest strategic projects in the transportation sector for the upcoming phase.

 

Upon the completion of the Blue Line, Dubai's total railway network will extend from 101 km to 131 km. This includes 120 km for the Dubai Metro and 11 km for Dubai Tram. The number of metro and tram stations will increase from 64 to 78, encompassing 67 stations for the Dubai Metro and 11 for the Dubai Tram. Additionally, the fleet will expand from 140 to 168 trains, including 157 for the Dubai Metro and 11 for the Dubai Tram.

 

During the event, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA. said: "Dubai Metro Blue Line comprises two main routes. The first route begins at the Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf. It then passes through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor, before reaching Dubai International City 1, which has an interchange station."

 

"The route continues towards Dubai International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to the Academic City. This section spans 21 km and features 10 stations," stated Al Tayer.

 

"The second route of the Blue Line starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya. It passes through Mirdif and Al Warqaa, concluding at the Dubai International City 1 Interchange Station. This route measures 9 km in length and includes four stations. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayyah 3," he added.

 

Al Tayer revealed that the Dubai Creek Harbour station will be crafted by the globally renowned firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), one of the largest architectural offices worldwide. 

 

Additionally, the Blue Line boasts the largest underground interchange station within the metro network, covering an expansive area of 44,000 square meters, designed to accommodate approximately 350,000 passengers daily, he stated. 

 

"Notably, the Blue Line sets a precedent as the first transport project of its kind to adhere to green building regulations and specifications, achieving platinum category status," he added.-TradeArabia News Service