His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the primary tunnelling operations for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the emirate’s public transportation network. The project, with an investment exceeding Dh20.5 billion, aims to enhance connectivity and support Dubai’s long-term urban development plans under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The Blue Line will span 30 kilometers, comprising 15.5 kilometers underground and 14.5 kilometers above ground, featuring 14 stations across nine key districts. Among these stations are three interchange points, seven surface stations, and four underground stations, including International City 1, the largest underground interchange station in the network. Designed to serve around one million residents by 2040, the new line will link major residential, academic, and commercial zones, facilitating faster and more efficient travel. It is expected to reduce traffic congestion by approximately 20% along its corridor and offer direct access to Dubai International Airport within 20 minutes.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the architectural and interior designs of the metro stations, highlighting distinctive features such as the Emaar Properties Station, which will be the world’s tallest metro station at 74 meters high and cover 11,000 square meters. The stations’ designs draw inspiration from natural elements—air, water, earth, and fire—to create unique environments reflecting Dubai’s heritage and ambitions.
The tunnelling works commenced with the deployment of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named Al Wugeisha, a 163-meter-long machine equipped with advanced systems for precision excavation through varying geological conditions. Three tunnelling directions will extend from International City 1 Station toward Mirdif, the Auto Market, and Al Warsan (International City 2). The TBM operates continuously, with daily excavation rates estimated between 13 and 17 meters.
Progress on the Blue Line is well underway, with the project approximately 20% complete. Over 10,000 workers and more than 500 engineers, under Emirati leadership, are involved in the construction. The consortium managing the project has maintained a strong safety record, accumulating over 13 million work hours without lost-time injuries. Bridge construction is also progressing, notably the 1.3-kilometer metro bridge over Dubai Creek, the first of its kind to span the waterway.
The Blue Line will integrate into the existing Dubai Metro and Tram network, which currently extends 101 kilometers with 140 trains. Since its initial launch in 2009, the network has serviced nearly 2.8 billion passengers. Average daily ridership on the metro reaches about one million, representing around 40% of the city’s total public transport usage.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that investing in transportation infrastructure is crucial for Dubai’s future competitiveness and sustainability. He described the Blue Line as part of an integrated vision to develop a more connected and efficient urban environment. He also underscored that the city’s ongoing projects—including new airports, digital infrastructure, AI-enhanced government services, and transportation networks—position Dubai as one of the world’s most future-ready cities.
The project is scheduled to reach 30% completion by the end of 2026, with the Blue Line’s official opening anticipated on September 9, 2029. The expansion is expected to support Dubai’s growth and serve as a key element in its strategy to foster sustainable urban mobility.