In a landmark development for Dubai’s transport infrastructure, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line on Monday, June 9. The ambitious project is set to begin operations on September 9, 2029, aligning with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro — a tribute to the city’s continuous innovation in urban mobility.
The ceremony took place with senior officials and project partners in attendance, marking the start of construction on one of the city’s most transformative infrastructure ventures to date.
World’s Highest Metro Station Unveiled: Emaar Properties Station
One of the major highlights of the Blue Line project is the unveiling of Emaar Properties Station — set to be the highest metro station in the world at 74 metres. Designed by the globally renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the station is a golden cylindrical structure, blending elegance and innovation.
The station will span 11,000 square metres, accommodate up to 160,000 daily passengers, and serve around 40,000 residents of Dubai Creek Harbour. With luxurious interiors, natural textures, bronze finishes, and granite flooring, the design reflects the premium standard associated with Dubai’s urban landscape.
A Historic Date and a Vision Fulfilled
June 9 holds special significance in Dubai Metro’s journey. The original Metro network was launched at 9:09:09 PM on 9-9-2009, and this new milestone mirrors that historic moment. The event also paid homage to the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s vision, with a dedicated gallery showcasing archival photographs of his travels and early aspirations to create a metro system in Dubai.
Game-Changing Metro Connectivity Across 9 Key Districts
The Blue Line will cover 30 km with 14 stations — including nine elevated and five underground stations — and will serve vital areas like Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City. These districts are expected to house over one million residents under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The network will connect with existing Red and Green lines through three major interchange stations: Creek Station (Green Line), Centrepoint (Red Line), and International City 1 Station.
Travel time along the line is projected to range from 10 to 25 minutes, drastically improving intra-city mobility while reducing congestion on major roads by 20%.
Largest Underground Interchange Station in the Region
A standout feature will be the largest underground interchange station in the region, covering 44,000 square metres with a capacity of up to 350,000 passengers per day. The line will also include bus bays, taxi stands, dedicated cycling and scooter areas, and facilities for People of Determination, creating a fully integrated transport ecosystem.
Environment-Friendly, Economically Viable
The Dh20.5 billion Blue Line project is being built by a consortium of Turkish and Chinese firms — Mapa, Limak, and CRRC — and is expected to generate over Dh56 million in annual profits. Notably, it is Dubai’s first public transport project to fully meet green building standards, achieving Platinum certification.
Impact on Dubai’s Real Estate Market
The Blue Line is set to elevate property values and unlock high-potential investment zones across its route. Areas like Dubai Creek Harbour, Academic City, and Silicon Oasis, currently in development or transitioning, will witness increased demand for both residential and commercial spaces. Real estate experts predict a spike in ROI due to improved accessibility, especially in districts that were previously underserved by rail transport.
As has been proven with previous Metro expansions, proximity to Metro stations significantly boosts property desirability. Buyers and investors — especially those seeking long-term value and connectivity — will find these upcoming zones highly attractive post-2029.
A Gateway to the Future
Sheikh Mohammed described the Blue Line as a symbol of “Dubai’s ongoing journey towards sustainable development and future-ready infrastructure.” With the world’s tallest Metro station, a bridge across Dubai Creek, and next-generation design standards, the Blue Line will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also position Dubai as a global leader in urban mobility.
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