6 facts you need to know about the Dubai Metro Blue Line

Work is finally underway on the Dubai Metro Blue Line – one of the biggest public transport projects in the emirate.
The Blue Line will provide greater transport links for several busy residential neighbourhoods and allow visitors to explore Dubai more easily.
Passenger numbers are expected to exceed 200,000 per day by 2030, rising to 320,000 per day by 2040 as Dubai continues to grow.
The new line will consist of two routes – one 21km route and a smaller 9km route – and is scheduled to be completed on the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro in 2029.
The Blue Line will have the world's tallest metro station
Emaar Properties Station will be the world's tallest metro station (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
In June, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai approved the design of the 'iconic' Emaar Properties Station on the Blue Line.
The station, which will serve Dubai Creek Harbour, has been described as the 'highest metro station in the world' as it will stand at 74 metres tall.
It was designed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which is the same studio behind the Burj Khalifa.
The exterior design was inspired by the shape of a seashell, and the interior reflects thematic models like heritage, earth, air, fire and water.
More Dubai Metro stations will be named after brands
(Credit: Dubai Media Office)
When the design was approved for the Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour, it was revealed that the property developer would hold the naming rights for at least the first decade of operations.
It will be the first but not the last station to be named after a brand on the Blue Line.
In the next phase of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, the RTA will announce naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line.
It is common for Dubai Metro stations to be named after brands, so you'll need to check ahead when planning any trips.
Once completed, the Dubai Metro and Tram will have 78 stations
Dubai Metro expansion plans have been announced (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
With the addition of 14 brand new stations on the Blue Line, the Dubai Metro and Tram will have 78 stations.
This will be an increase from 64 to 78 stations, with 67 of these serving the Dubai Metro.
In 2024, the Dubai Government revealed that the Dubai Metro will have 140 stations by 2040.
Currently, the Dubai Metro Blue Line is the only additional line that has been announced.
Journey times will be up to 25 minutes
The Dubai Metro Blue Line will have a direct link to Dubai International Airport (Credit: DXB)
The new line will offer direct connectivity between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas once completed.
Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City will all have a faster route to DXB.
And the RTA says that travel time along the route will range from 10 minutes to 25 minutes, allowing more people to get to the airport in a flash.
There will be 9 stations above ground and 5 underground
Plans for a Dubai Metro Blue Line Station have been revealed (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
The Blue Line will span 30km and consist of 14 stations – nine above ground and five underground.
Exact plans for which stations will be on the surface and which will be underground have not been fully revealed.
We do know that it will be home to the largest underground interchange station in the Dubai Metro network, spanning over 44,000 square metres, and that International City is the only announced interchange station on the line.
Stations along the Blue Line will include public bus bays, taxi stands, dedicated areas for bike and electric scooter racks and parking spaces for people of determination.
International City will have 3 stations
The new route provides a better connection to Dragon Mart in International City (Credit: Supplied)
One of the areas to benefit the most from the Dubai Metro Blue Line will be International City.
There will be three stations based in International City, including one underground interchange station allowing for greater connectivity across the existing Metro lines.
All three stations will be included on the bigger 21km route. The area is home to Dragon Mart and is visited by more than 200,000 residents and visitors.
More Dubai Metro Blue Line news
Dubai reveals plans for world's tallest metro station
Here's what it means for your commute
Dubai confirms a Blue Line Metro station name
And more details you need to know
Dubai Metro Blue Line: 14 station locations revealed
What to expect when the route arrives

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NBC News

7 hours ago

• NBC News

He was biking across Iran and documenting it on TikTok. Then war broke out.

From navigating tough weather in Australia to being questioned by police in Egypt, Ian Andersen has faced many challenges in his journeys biking across continents and documenting them on social media. But the American creator, known as 'ridewithian' to his 43,300 followers on TikTok, never had war on his list of possible hurdles — until last week. Amid his 29-day trek across Iran, Andersen found himself stuck just after Israeli forces began a 'pre-emptive' strike on the country. As Iran and Israel continue to trade attacks, visitors like Andersen have scrambled to find ways to safely exit the Middle East. He was among several people to document how he was able to depart the country, and he shared his journey with followers. Andersen said that at first, he was determined to continue his Iran trip 'as intended.' But then his guide, Reza, told him something that made him change course. 'I can no longer protect you,' Reza said, according to Andersen. 'If you're stopped by police, I should just wave goodbye, because there's nothing I can do.' As of Wednesday, the State Department had advised citizens to 'leave Iran now' and to have plans that do 'not rely on U.S. government help.' Other governments have also warned their citizens to leave the region as the conflict unfolds and airspace closes. The United Kingdom has advised against " all travel to Iran." Similarly, Australia has said its citizens should not travel to Israel. Major U.S. carriers like Delta and American have offered rebooking options. Some Americans in Israel have also been able to leave the region after the state of Florida and a nonprofit organization arranged a flight to bring evacuees home. Andersen said his departure was possible only because of Reza, whose last name he did not share to protect his safety, and help from the State Department. 'I had a couple weeks there in country of really positive good experiences," he said in a phone interview. "Experiencing Iran as it should be experienced.' His first vlog from Iran, posted June 2, recorded him crossing into the country from Turkey. Not unlike other influencers whose content focuses on travel, Andersen also posted himself trying different local cuisines — including a fermented yogurt drink, a Persian omelet and kaleh pacheh, a stew made with goat head — and showing the hospitality of the Iranian people. "They tried to give us for free and said we are their guests, but we had to insist," Andersen says in one video, which Reza explains is an example of the "ta'arof," a form of etiquette practiced by Iranians worldwide. As he biked around the country, he also captured the landscape and talked to viewers about the impact of sanctions, asking in one video, "What happens when a country is cut off from the global economy for decades?" The lighthearted, fun tone of his videos began to shift one week ago while he was in Chalus. Many of his followers began commenting, sharing concerns about his safety. "Actually all of us are sad because this is happening," Reza says in one video after they heard news of the attack. "But hope for world without war. ... Everybody needs a peaceful world." The two were headed toward Tehran to try to sort out a visa for Afghanistan, which was the next country on Andersen's itinerary. "It's amazing that even after such an event, you know, an emergency, that people are so friendly," Andersen says after two people eating near them bring them a meal and insist they share with them. The information that was available in Iran was initially unclear, and it left Andersen with questions. Iran plunged into a near-total internet blackout this week, limiting Iranians' ability to access and share information with the outside world. The situation soon became 'too dangerous," Andersen says in another video, and he and Reza decided not to go to Tehran. 'It ended up being a good call, 'cause there was just more and more attacks as the days went by,' Andersen told NBC News as he reflected on his past week. 'There was lots of rumors flying around about what borders might be open," he added. "Like, what, like one of the requirements once you get to the border? Like if you're able to get a visa, if you can just go through. A lifeline came through via an email from the State Department about getting into Azerbaijan." He ultimately was able to exit through Azerbaijan with help from Reza, who drove them to the border. He said he "probably wouldn't be here talking" if it weren't for Reza. "I'm out, and truly grateful for all your prayers, messages, and support," Andersen wrote in a recent video update. "It's an honor to have you following this journey and caring about my wellbeing out here in the Middle East. ... And finally, to my Iranian guide Reza—there's no one I'd rather have had by my side." Andersen said that since he left the country, his thoughts continue to be with the people of both Iran and Israel and that he is also 'thinking about all the people who don't have the option to leave, like I did.' U.K.-based influencers Nadia Akhtar and Irfan Aziz, who go by the handle "fieldofvisions" on TikTok, where they have 60,000 followers, were also in Iran when the strikes began. The couple, who were unavailable for an interview, were traveling with their young son, Zakariya. They quickly realized they were among the last to enter the country on an incoming flight and soon had a front-row seat for the attacks from their balcony. "Iranian forces were intercepting Israeli drones right above us," Aziz says in a video. "That night, we realized this wasn't normal and it's nothing like what has happened before. We needed to start thinking about an exit plan." The advice they got from officials was simple: 'Get out now." Like Andersen, they said they leaned on help from their guide, Ali, to help them get out. Aziz said that at 1:30 a.m. that night, they drove with Ali "through the night despite getting zero sleep" to get to the Turkish border. "It was when we approached Tabriz, seven hours from Tehran, the reality of the situation kicked in," Aziz says in the video, adding that they saw smoke rising in different areas around them. "Locals told us five fighter jets had bombed a cement factory at 5 in the morning. Nowhere was truly safe," he added. Akhtar and Aziz described their goodbyes with their guide when they finally reached Turkey's border as 'emotional.' "Even though we had just met, he sacrificed his own family's safety, leaving them behind in Tehran to help us," Aziz says in part two of his video series about the experience. "And for this, we will forever be grateful to him. But not everyone has the privilege of leaving like we did. Millions of people just like Ali are at the receiving end of the war that has nothing to do with them."

Daily Mirror

8 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Jack Nicklaus had to apologise for text he sent to PGA Tour star after mishap

Jack Nicklaus was left looking a bit sheepish after mistakenly congratulating Justin Thomas at a charity golf tournament before boarding a flight Jack Nicklaus landed in an awkward spot after he prematurely congratulated Justin Thomas during a high-stakes playoff at a charity golf event, prior to boarding his flight. Nicklaus made the mistake of sending a 'well done' text to the American golfer too early during a tense playoff match-up against Collin Morikawa. In 2020, Thomas and Morikawa were tied at the Workday Charity Open, which was held at Nicklaus' Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. The Golden Bear was staying at his home in Florida but had planned to jet back to Ohio to meet the eventual champion. ‌ With the final day's tee times pushed forward due to weather predictions, Nicklaus found himself stepping onto his plane just as the pivotal moments of the tournament were unfolding. ‌ Upon witnessing Thomas drain a phenomenal 50-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole, a thrilled Nicklaus quickly reached out to him with a celebratory text, as reported by Golf Digest. Nicklaus said at the time: "Barbara and I both texted Justin and said to him, 'Wow, what a fantastic putt, unbelievable fantastic super putt, can't believe that you made that putt. Now you've got the chance to win two in a row.'" Yet, the tables turned as Morikawa responded with a remarkable 24-foot putt of his own to equal Thomas and continue the playoff, ultimately triumphing on the third additional hole. Nicklaus added: "And then we got up in the air, and we picked up Wi-Fi after 10,000 feet, and we found out Morikawa won the tournament, and so I had to send him another text and say, 'Oops, a little premature.' "He was good about it. He texted back and he said, 'All's good, it's OK.'" ‌ Thomas' classy response highlighted his true colours, as he didn't take the celebratory blunder to heart. This display of sportsmanship came long before Rory McIlroy's decision not to contact Nicklaus after joining him and an elite group of golfers. Last month, Nicklaus disclosed that he hadn't heard from McIlroy since he joined him in the hall of fame as one of six golfers to win the career Grand Slam. Notably, McIlroy did not attend May's Memorial Tournament, run by Nicklaus, for the first time since 2017. ‌ In a conversation with AP, the 85-year-old expressed uncertainty about McIlroy's absence from the event and mentioned he hadn't spoken to the Northern Irishman since the Masters in April. Nicklaus said: "I really don't know why Rory didn't talk to me. I can't answer that question. There's nothing I can answer. I know he has to make a schedule that works for him and what he has to do. And I understand, because I had to do the same thing. We just weren't included this year." He went on to defend McIlroy, as he added: "I am not throwing Rory under the bus. I like Rory too much. He's a good kid. He's played some great golf. He's had a lot of things that have happened to him. He's got to make his own call on things. "Could he have done them differently? Probably. But that's all right. I could probably have done some of mine differently, too. I'm not complaining about Rory."

Daily Record

13 hours ago

• Daily Record

Dor Turgeman to Rangers on brink of collapse as escalating Israel-Iran conflict sees Maccabi rip up transfer rules

The striker's club have reportedly changed their recruitment strategy due to the impact of the Middle East conflict A deal for top Rangers transfer target Dor Turgeman could be taken off the table by Maccabi Tel Aviv amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Record Sport first revealed the Maccabi Tel Aviv man is a target for the Light Blues as Russell Martin looks to strengthen ahead of a new era at Ibrox. ‌ Rangers ' new American owners 49ers Enterprises have been long-term admirers of the 21-year-old having previously attempted to bring the 21-year-old to Leeds United. ‌ And with Cyriel Dessers reportedly inching towards an exit for AEK this summer, a new striker is top of the agenda after Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers pledged a £20million investment into helping Martin and new sporting director Kevin Thelwell in the market. Record Sport revealed Rangers have been in talks over the deal for the £4m-rated Israeli international - but the picture appears to have changed amid Israel's rising conflict with Iran and the ongoing war in Gaza. Sport 5 report that the club understand that selling key players from Israel "would not be a smart move given the current situation" as the club know it will be difficult to attract players from overseas. It is claimed that Turgeman "certainly" will not be sold before the club's opening of the Champions League qualifiers next month as they prepare for the first leg against Cypriot side Pafos on July 22. It is also noted that Maccabi will "significantly raise the asking price" of players until they feel like they are in an "optimal" position to jump into the market again - with Turgeman among those who are unlikely to be shown the door. ‌ It leaves the new owners at the club with a decision to make over recruitment with their own crucial Champions League qualifier around the corner. Should last season's top scorer Dessers leave the club, new boss Martin could be left with Danilo and Hamza Igamane as his options up front as he attempts to navigate the tricky route to Europe's elite competition and a guaranteed £30m prize pot in the league phase with Panathinaikos up first. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers page, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.