Photo Credit : WAM
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has officially launched the main tunnelling works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a landmark infrastructure project valued at over AED20.5 billion, marking a significant step forward in the emirate’s long-term urban mobility strategy.
Spanning 30 kilometres, the new line will feature 14 stations, including underground and elevated sections, and is designed to serve nine major districts expected to house around one million residents under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The project is currently 20% complete, with more than 10,000 workers and 500 engineers engaged in its delivery.
Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that investment in transport infrastructure is central to Dubai’s future growth and global competitiveness. He described the Blue Line as part of a broader vision to build a more connected, efficient, and sustainable city.
The ceremony was attended by several senior leaders, including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The tunnelling works began at the International City 1 station, which will become the largest underground interchange station in the metro network, covering over 44,000 square metres and accommodating up to 350,000 passengers daily.
A key highlight of the launch was the activation of a tunnel boring machine named “Al Wugeisha,” a 163-metre-long, 2,000-tonne machine capable of excavating up to 17 metres per day. Equipped with advanced digital guidance and monitoring systems, the machine will operate around the clock, drilling in three directions towards Mirdif, Al Warsan, and the Auto Market.
The Blue Line will introduce a first-of-its-kind metro bridge crossing Dubai Creek, extending 1.3 kilometres, with construction already underway. Completion of the project is expected to reach 30% by the end of 2026, with full operations scheduled to begin on September 9, 2029.
Officials confirmed that the new line will integrate with existing metro routes, connecting to the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station. It will also provide direct access to key areas such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Academic City, while reducing traffic congestion by up to 20% along its corridors.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority noted that the metro network has already served nearly 2.8 billion passengers since its launch in 2009, with average daily ridership now approaching one million users.
The project also includes the construction of advanced facilities such as concrete batching plants and precast manufacturing sites, aimed at improving efficiency, quality control, and delivery timelines.
Once completed, the Dubai Metro Blue Line is expected to play a central role in supporting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart urban development.
