Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project to a consortium of three Turkish and Chinese companies: MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC.
The $5.5 billion Blue Line project involves the construction of the railway line covering a total length of 30 kilometers, comprising 15.5 kilometers of underground tracks and 14.5 kilometers of elevated tracks, with 14 stations along the route. The line includes three interchange stations: Al Khor on the Green Line, Centrepoint on the Red Line, and International City (1). A signature architectural station will be constructed in Dubai Creek Harbour, serving as a highlight of the project. Additionally, the Blue Line will feature Dubai Metro’s first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter bridge.
Construction for the project is slated to begin in April 2025, with all works expected to be completed and operations officially commencing in September 2029. This milestone will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro Red Line.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai RTA, said: “The project builds on the remarkable success of the Dubai Metro since its inauguration on 9 September 2009. As the backbone of Dubai’s transportation network and the preferred choice for residents and visitors, the Dubai Metro now accommodates over 850,000 riders daily and has transported nearly 2.5 billion riders since its launch. It currently accounts for 60% of all public transport users in the emirate.
“The new Blue Line aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, reinforcing Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live in. It offers sustainable and flexible public transport solutions that enhance mobility for residents and visitors, elevate quality of life, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for events and activities.
The consortium appointed for the project was chosen through an international tender process that attracted five alliances comprising 15 leading global companies specializing in metro systems and infrastructure. These alliances submitted detailed technical and financial proposals, with three consortia advancing to the final stage. After a thorough evaluation process, the contract was awarded to the consortium led by MAPA from Turkey, in partnership with LIMAK and CRRC. MAPA and LIMAK will oversee civil works, while CRRC will handle the rail systems.
Mehmet Nazif Gunal, Chairman of the Board MAPA Lead Consortium said: “On behalf of the MAPA-LIMAK-CRRC Consortium, we are honored and proud to be entrusted with the prestigious Dubai Metro Blue Line project. We do not underestimate the challenges that a project of this scale and complexity will have to overcome to achieve successful completion and the start of commercial operations on the Blue Line by 9/9/29. This date represents 20 years since the opening of the first metro lines in Dubai, which have been instrumental in the extraordinary growth of the city and in bringing highly flexible and accessible mobility. We are confident that with the support and encouragement of our esteemed client and appointed consultants, together with the combined local, international, and technical strengths of our consortium members and design partner, we will meet the challenges as one team for the success of the project.”
Integration with the Red and Green Lines
Dubai Metro has upheld its status as the world’s longest driverless metro system for over 15 years. With the completion of the Blue Line, the total rail network—including metro and tram—will expand from 101 kilometers to 131 kilometers, comprising 120 kilometers for Dubai Metro and 11 kilometers for Dubai Tram. The number of stations will also increase from 64 to 78, with 67 stations for the metro and 11 for the tram. Furthermore, the fleet size will grow from 140 to 168 trains, including 157 trains dedicated to the metro and 11 for the tram, further enhancing the capacity and efficiency of Dubai’s public transport network.
The Blue Line ensures seamless connectivity and integration between Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines through two routes. The first route starts at Al Khor Interchange Station on the Green Line in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City (1), an interchange station. From there, it continues to International City (2) and (3), Dubai Silicon Oasis, and ends at Dubai Academic City. This 21-kilometre route includes 10 stations and features a mix of underground and elevated tracks. The second route begins at Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya, passing through Mirdif and Al Warqaa to the interchange station at International City (1). This 9-kilometre route comprises four stations. The project also includes the construction of a train depot in Al Ruwaiyah 3.
Iconic station designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
The Blue Line includes an iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour, distinguished by its unique architectural design that embodies Dubai’s forward-thinking vision. Designed by the globally renowned firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)—creators of landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago—the station harmonizes with the modern urban character of the surrounding residential and commercial towers. Spanning 10,800 square meters, the station is designed to accommodate 160,000 passengers daily, with an anticipated 70,000 daily users by 2040. Additionally, the Blue Line will feature International City (1), the largest underground interchange station in the metro network. Covering over 44,000 square meters, this station will have the capacity to handle 350,000 passengers daily, significantly enhancing connectivity across the metro system.”
Passenger numbers
The Dubai Metro Blue Line is projected to accommodate approximately one million residents by 2040. These areas include Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City—one of Dubai’s most promising developmental hubs—and International City, which features the Chinese Market and expansive residential complexes housing over 200,000 residents and visitors.
The line will also serve prominent residential neighbourhoods such as Al Rashidiya, Al Warqaa, and Mirdif, along with Dubai Silicon Oasis, a strategic urban centre under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and Dubai Academic City, anticipated to host over 50,000 university students by 2029. With a capacity of 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions and a train frequency of approximately two minutes, the Blue Line is expected to serve nearly 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, rising to 320,000 passengers daily by 2040.
Economic returns
The Blue Line project of Dubai Metro is projected to yield AED2.60 in economic, social, and environmental benefits for every dirham invested by 2040. The total benefits of the project are expected to exceed AED56.5 billion by 2040, driven by savings in time, fuel consumption, reduced accident-related fatalities, and lower carbon emissions.
The Blue Line also supports urban planning initiatives like the 20-Minute City, ensuring that over 80% of services are accessible within a 20-minute commute, while promoting transit-oriented development (TOD).
The line is anticipated to reduce traffic congestion on key road corridors by 20% and boost the value of land and properties surrounding its stations by up to 25%. It will also offer direct connectivity between Dubai International Airport and key areas along the route, with travel times ranging from 10 to 25 minutes.
Furthermore, the line will connect Dubai’s fifth urban center, Dubai Silicon Oasis, ensuring that all major urban hubs in the city are integrated into the metro network. Notably, the Blue Line will be the first transport project in Dubai to comply with platinum-grade green building standards.