Dubai’s landscape is in a constant state of evolution, and its world-class public transport network is no exception. The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is embarking on its most ambitious infrastructure project yet: the Dubai Metro Blue Line.

Announced in late 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this AED 18 billion project is set to be a game-changer for commuters and residents. It will bridge the gap between the existing Red and Green Lines, bringing seamless connectivity to new, rapidly growing communities.

Whether you’re a resident in Mirdif, a student in Academic City, or an investor eying properties in Dubai Creek Harbour, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line.

What is the Dubai Metro Blue Line? An Overview

The Blue Line is a new 30-kilometre rapid transit line that will significantly expand Dubai’s metro network. It is a cornerstone of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to make the city more sustainable and create a “20-minute city” where residents can access 80% of their essential services within a 20-minute journey.

Here are the top-line facts about the project:

  • Total Length: 30 km
  • Track: 15.5 km underground and 14.5 km elevated.
  • Total Stations: 14 (5 underground, 9 elevated)
  • 3 Interchange stations: Centrepoint (Red Line), Creek (Green Line), International City 1 (Blue Line)
  • Total Cost: AED 18 billion.
  • Projected Ridership: 320,000 passengers daily by 2040.
  • Travel time: 25 minutes from the Creek to the Academic City & 17 minutes from Centrepoint to the Academic City.
  • World’s tallest metro station: Dubai Creek Harbour (74 meters)
  • 1.3 km bridge across Dubai Creek.
  • Target Completion Date: September 9, 2029.
  • Depot: Main maintenance facility at Al Ruwayyah 3, east of Academic City.
  • Future integration: Linked with the planned Etihad Rail network for regional connectivity.

The project will connect nine key areas, including Mirdif, Al Warqa, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City, which are projected to be home to over one million people by 2040.

Dubai Metro Blue Line Route and Stations

The most innovative feature of the Blue Line is its distinctive ‘Y-shaped’ structure, which creates two distinct routes that merge at a central interchange: International City 1 Station.. This design cleverly connects both the Red and Green lines to Dubai’s eastern neighbourhoods.

1. The Creek Branch Route (Green Line to Academic City)

This 21-km branch will start from the Creek interchange station on the Green Line and will have 10 stations.

  • Creek (Interchange with Green Line)
  • Dubai Festival City
  • Dubai Creek Harbour (The new iconic station: Emaar Properties Station)
  • Ras Al Khor
  • International City 1 (Interchange for both Blue Line branches)
  • International City 2
  • International City 3
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis
  • Academic City
  • Al Ruwayyah 3 (Location of the main depot)

2. The Centrepoint Branch Route (Red Line to International City 1)

This shorter 9-km branch will start from the Centrepoint interchange station on the Red Line and will have 4 stations.

  • Centrepoint (Interchange with Red Line)
  • Mirdif
  • Al Warqa
  • International City 1 (Interchange where both branches meet)

This route is a massive win for residents in Mirdif and Al Warqa, who will finally have a direct link to the Dubai Metro network, significantly cutting down commute times.

Key Features of the Dubai Metro Blue Line Project

This isn’t just another metro line; it’s a showcase of Dubai’s commitment to cutting-edge design and engineering.

The World’s Tallest Metro Station

The crown jewel of the Blue Line will be the Emaar Properties Station at Dubai Creek Harbour.

  • Height: 74 metres, making it the world’s tallest metro station. And will be 38 metres wide
  • Design: Designed by the legendary architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the same firm behind the Burj Khalifa.
  • Capacity: The 11,000-square-metre station is designed to handle 160,000 passengers daily.
  • Aesthetic: The design is inspired by a “crossing gateway,” featuring a soaring façade that allows natural light to flood the platforms.

A New Creek Crossing

For the first time, a Dubai Metro line will cross the iconic Dubai Creek. The project includes a 1,300-metre-long (1.3 km) viaduct, offering passengers stunning views as they travel between Al Jaddaf and Dubai Festival City.

The Largest Underground Interchange

The International City 1 Station will become the largest underground interchange station in the entire Dubai Metro network. Spanning 44,000 square metres, it will be the crucial Y-junction merging the Creek and Centrepoint branches and is built to accommodate up to 350,000 passengers per day.

Completion Date and Construction Timeline

The RTA has set a firm and symbolic deadline for the Blue Line’s launch.

The Dubai Metro Blue Line is scheduled to be operational on September 9, 2029.

This date is significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro’s original opening in 2009.

Construction is already underway. After the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2025, the project has progressed rapidly. As of early November 2025, 10% of the construction was already complete, with over 500 engineers and 3,000 workers on-site.

Here’s a complete breakdown of key milestones and the timeline.

Milestone Timeline / Target
Project approval by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum November 2023
Contract awards & design finalisation 2024
Groundbreaking & foundation stone ceremony June 2025
10% progress milestone November 2025
30% completion target End 2026
Main civil & structural works 2025 – 2028
System integration & testing 2028 – 2029
Official inauguration 9 September 2029

How Will the Blue Line Impact?

For current and future residents, the Blue Line’s impact will be profound. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Increased Property Values: It’s a well-known trend in Dubai. The RTA projects that land and property values near Blue Line stations could increase by up to 25%.
  • Reduced Traffic: The line is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 20% along its corridors, easing the daily commute for thousands.
  • Connecting Underserved Communities: Areas like Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, and Silicon Oasis will become more accessible and attractive, offering residents car-free access to the rest of the city.
  • A Hub for Students: The direct link to Academic City will be a massive benefit for the 50,000+ students in its universities, making it a more practical and affordable place to live and study.
  • Boosting the “20-Minute City”: By linking residential hubs (like DSO and Mirdif) with commercial centres (like Festival City and Dubai Creek Harbour), the Blue Line is a key enabler of the Dubai 2040 plan, enhancing quality of life.

Dubai Metro Blue Line: Timings

The RTA has confirmed that the Blue Line will adopt the same operating hours as the Red and Green Lines, ensuring seamless integration for all commuters.

While these timings are subject to slight changes by 2029, they are expected to follow the current metro schedule:

Days Operating Hours
Monday – Thursday 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Friday 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next day)
Saturday 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Sunday 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)

Dubai Metro Blue Line: Fares and Ticket Prices

Will the new Blue Line cost more? Good news for commuters: the RTA has confirmed that the Blue Line will be fully integrated into the existing public transport network. This means it will adopt the same ticket prices and Nol Card options as the Red and Green Lines.

Your fare will be calculated based on the number of zones you cross during your journey. All your existing Nol Cards (Silver, Gold, Personal, and Red Tickets) will be valid for travel on the Blue Line.

Here is the current RTA fare breakdown, which will apply to the new line:

Nol Card Type 1 Zone 2 Adjacent Zones More than 2 Zones
Silver Card AED 3 AED 5 AED 7.5
Gold Card AED 6 AED 10 AED 15
Personal Card AED 3 AED 5 AED 7.5
Red Ticket AED 4 AED 6 AED 8.5

The RTA also offers special concessions for different commuters:

  • Students, Seniors (UAE Nationals), and Social Affairs beneficiaries: Receive a 50% discount (with a Personal Card).
  • People of Determination: Travel for free (with a Personal Card).
  • Children (under 5 years old): Travel for free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total cost of the Dubai Metro Blue Line?

The project’s total investment is estimated at AED 18 billion.

2. How many new stations will the Blue Line add?

The Blue Line will add 14 new stations to the Dubai Metro network.

3. Which areas will the Blue Line serve?

It will directly serve nine key areas: Al Jaddaf, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, International City (1, 2, and 3), Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Mirdif, and Al Warqa.

4. How long will the travel time be?

The line is designed for efficiency. Travel time between Creek and Academic City stations is expected to be around 25 minutes, while the journey from Centrepoint to Academic City (via International City 1) will be approximately 17 minutes.

5. Who is building the Blue Line?

The project is being developed by a consortium of international and local firms, including Turkish firms MAPA and Limak, and the Chinese company CRRC. The iconic Emaar Properties Station is designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).

6. How will the Blue Line affect property prices and rents?

This is the most significant impact for residents and investors. The RTA projects that properties near Blue Line stations could see their value increase by up to 25%. We are already seeing rents in communities along the route, such as Academic City and Dubai Silicon Oasis, increase as the project progresses.

7. What’s special about the Emaar Properties Station?

It is set to be an architectural landmark. At 74 metres high, it will be the world’s tallest metro station. Designed by the architects of the Burj Khalifa, it will serve the Dubai Creek Harbour community and can accommodate 160,000 passengers daily.

8. How will the Blue Line be different from the Red and Green Lines?

The Blue Line’s main purpose is to connect the Red and Green Lines, which currently operate independently. It will create a loop and open up new areas of the city that are not on the existing lines, like Mirdif and Academic City. It will also feature new, state-of-the-art trains and sustainable, “green building” certified stations.

9. Will I need to switch trains at International City 1?

Not necessarily. The Y-shape design means there will be two direct routes:

  • One route from Creek (Green Line) all the way to Academic City.
  • One route from Centrepoint (Red Line) all the way to Academic City.

The International City 1 station will act as the merge point for these routes and the main interchange.

10. Will the new line connect to Etihad Rail?

Yes, the RTA has stated that the Blue Line will feature an interchange with the Etihad Rail network, further integrating Dubai’s public transport with the wider UAE rail system. This adds another layer of strategic importance for national travel.

The Blue Line is more than just a transport project; it’s a vital artery that will connect Dubai’s established centres with its future hubs, making the city more integrated, sustainable, and liveable for decades to come.