The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that the much-awaited Dubai Metro Blue Line will commence operations on September 9, 2029. A Dh20.5-billion contract for the construction of the project has been awarded to three major companies: Turkish firms Mapa and Limak, along with Chinese company CRRC.
The Blue Line’s opening date, 9-9-2029, is symbolic, marking the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro. The original Dubai Metro launched on 9-9-2009 at 9:09 PM, making the Blue Line’s launch a nostalgic nod to that historic moment.
Spanning 30 kilometers and featuring 14 stations, the Blue Line will operate 28 trains and is projected to serve 200,000 riders by 2030, with the number increasing to 320,000 by 2040. The line will have the capacity to carry 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions and is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on the routes it serves by 20%.
The new line will offer seamless connectivity between Dubai International Airport and key urban areas, with travel times ranging from 10 to 25 minutes. Key areas along the line include Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City.
Residents have expressed excitement about the Blue Line’s potential to reduce commuting costs and improve travel efficiency. The new line is a key part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to create a “20-minute city,” enabling residents to access essential services within 20 minutes of travel.
The Blue Line stations will feature a sleek, futuristic design, distinguishing them from the fully-enclosed stations on the existing Red and Green Lines. The new stations will feature smooth, curved structures with oval-shaped platforms that arch over the tracks, while the side structures housing exits will showcase modern, symmetrical, and curved designs.
The introduction of the Blue Line is expected to boost property prices and rents in areas like International City, Silicon Oasis, Ras Al Khor, Mirdif, and Al Warqa, with land values near stations anticipated to rise by up to 25%.
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