Dubai Metro marks 16 years of transforming urban mobility
- Last updated: September 9, 2025 | 08:43
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai will celebrate the 16th anniversary of the Dubai Metro today. This project has grown to encompass far more than just transportation. It has evolved into a success story of cultural, architectural, and engineering significance, establishing Dubai as a global model for sustainable transport management.
Since opening on 9 September 2009, the Metro has made significant progress in various areas, transforming the daily travel habits of millions of residents and visitors while showcasing Dubai's capacity to blend modernity, innovation, and sustainability.
Since its launch, the metro has firmly established itself as a pillar of the emirate's infrastructure, with more than 2.4 billion passengers using it by the end of last year. This figure reflects the community's confidence in this vital mode of transport.
According to the latest statistics, approximately 143.9 million passengers used the Dubai Metro (including both the Red and Green lines) in the first half of 2025. Burjuman and Al Rigga stations accounted for the largest share of metro passengers: Burjuman Station served 8.6 million passengers on the Red and Green lines combined, while Al Rigga Station served 6.8 million. Union Station served 6.6 million passengers on both lines. Of the Red Line stations, Mall of the Emirates recorded the second highest number of passengers (after Al Rigga), with 5.6 million. Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station followed with 5.4 million passengers and Business Bay Station with 5.3 million. On the Green Line, Sharaf DG station had the highest passenger numbers at 5.1 million, followed by Baniyas station with 4.1 million and Stadium station with approximately 3.6 million.
Studies suggest that the number of passengers using the Dubai Metro is expected to exceed 300 million by 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. The metro service launched with 10 stations in 2009, increasing to 26 stations in 2010 and 46 stations in 2011. The Dubai Tram was launched in 2014, bringing the total number of metro and tram stations to 56. In 2021, Route 2020 of the Dubai Metro was introduced, adding seven stations and bringing the total number of operating stations to 64. A further 14 stations will be added when the Blue Line becomes operational, bringing the total number of stations to 78.
When the metro opened in 2009, there were 16 trains. This increased to 44 in 2010 and then to 79 in 2011. Following the launch of the Dubai Tram in 2014, this figure rose to 90 and then to 140 in 2021. The launch of the Blue Line will see this figure rise to 168, including 157 metro trains.
The metro currently extends for around 90 kilometres across two main lines, the Red and Green lines, and comprises 53 stations that are designed to international standards, combining architectural beauty with practical functionality. Since its launch, the metro has achieved the distinction of being the world's longest driverless automated metro line, reflecting Dubai's commitment to adopting smart solutions and modern technologies for managing mass transportation.
The importance of the metro is also highlighted by its direct contribution to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. According to RTA data, its operation has reduced the number of private vehicle trips by millions each year, positively impacting air quality and pollution levels while reducing the time people spend on the roads.
The RTA has estimated the positive environmental impact of the metro by reducing carbon emissions. This aligns with Dubai's environmental goals and the UAE's vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.