Sheikh Maktoum launches the Dubai Metro Blue Line project at Dubai Creek Harbour on Friday. WAM

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, a new 30 km metro route that will strategically link key areas in the emirate through 14 stations, in line with the anticipated growth of around one million residents outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, launched the Dubai Metro Blue Line project at Dubai Creek Harbour on Friday.

Sheikh Maktoum said that, guided by the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai remains committed to implementing world-class projects that not only enhance the city’s global standing but also reaffirm its leadership in developing high-level infrastructure that aligns with the emirate’s sustainable development goals.

“We remain dedicated to upholding the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, which seeks to consolidate Dubai’s position as the world’s best city to live in,” Sheikh Maktoum noted.

Dubai Metro Blue Line represents the fifth strategic project in public transportation, joining the ranks of the existing Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro Route 2020. It is one of the largest strategic projects in the transportation sector for the upcoming phase.

Upon the completion of the Blue Line, Dubai’s total railway network will extend from 101 km to 131 km. This includes 120 km for the Dubai Metro and 11 km for Dubai Tram. The number of metro and tram stations will increase from 64 to 78, encompassing 67 stations for the Dubai Metro and 11 for the Dubai Tram. Additionally, the fleet will expand from 140 to 168 trains, including 157 for the Dubai Metro and 11 for the Dubai Tram.

Sheikh Maktoum was briefed by Mattar Al Tayer on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which links the Green Line at Creek Station with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, catering to residential, academic areas and developmental projects.

The line will also serve one of the urban centres highlighted in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, namely the Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre, a knowledge and innovation international hub playing a crucial role in advancing the knowledge and technology economy sector and attracting talented and innovative individuals.

The new line is a key integration point between the Red and Green Lines of Dubai Metro. It plays a significant role in realising the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aimed at transforming Dubai into the world’s best city to live in by offering sustainable and soft mass transit solutions. These solutions are designed to facilitate the mobility of both residents and visitors, promoting well-being and enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness as a leading destination for hosting international events. Additionally, they align with the aspirations of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to create a ‘20-minute city.’ This innovative concept ensures that more than 80% of essential services are within a 20-minute travel time for residents, fostering a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) approach.

The Blue Line will offer a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas along the line namely 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. The travel time between these destinations is anticipated to range from 10 to 25 minutes.

Al Tayer added: “The Dubai Metro Blue Line stands out with several notable features, including an iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour featuring distinctive architectural design. This landmark station will be crafted by the globally renowned firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), one of the largest architectural offices worldwide. SOM is renowned for designing iconic structures such as the Burj Khalifa, the Denver Union Railroad Station in Colorado and the Sears Tower in Chicago. Additionally, the Blue Line boasts the largest underground interchange station within the metro network, covering an expansive area of 44,000 square meters, designed to accommodate approximately 350,000 passengers daily. Notably, the Blue Line sets a precedent as the first transport project of its kind to adhere to green building regulations and specifications, achieving platinum category status.”