By Staff Reporter
DUBAI -Dubai has taken a significant step forward in expanding its public transport network, as His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially launched the main tunnelling works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a landmark infrastructure project valued at more than AED20.5 billion.
Spanning 30 kilometres and featuring 14 stations, the Blue Line will integrate both underground and elevated tracks, connecting nine major districts projected to accommodate nearly one million residents by 2040 under the Dubai Urban Master Plan. The line will seamlessly link with the existing Red and Green Lines, offering direct access to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes and helping ease congestion along key routes by up to 20%.
The launch ceremony took place at International City 1 Station, set to become the largest underground interchange in the metro network, covering more than 44,000 square metres. During the event, Sheikh Mohammed initiated operations of the Tunnel Boring Machine “Al Wugeisha,” a 163-metre-long, 2,000-tonne engineering giant capable of excavating between 13 and 17 metres daily while operating continuously.
Currently 20% complete, the project employs over 10,000 workers and 500 engineers, having already recorded more than 13 million work hours without a single lost-time injury. Progress is expected to reach 30% by the end of 2026, with the full line scheduled to open on 9 September 2029.
A key highlight of the project is the iconic Emaar Properties Station, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Standing at 74 metres, it is set to become the tallest metro station in the world.
Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed that Dubai continues to deliver world-class infrastructure driven by strategic planning, strict timelines, and strong national leadership.
