Latest news with #Route2020
Arabian Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Blue Line Metro to Debut on 9 September 2029
Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority has confirmed the Blue Line of the Metro will begin operations on 9 September 2029, coinciding deliberately with the 20th anniversary of the Red Line's inauguration on 9 September 2009, signalling a significant milestone in the city's transport evolution. The 30 km line will feature 14 stations, linking residential and commercial hubs such as Al Jaddaf, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Academic City, and is projected to serve nearly one million people by 2040. Incorporating 15.5 km of underground track and 14.5 km elevated, it will integrate both existing Red and Green Lines through interchanges at Centrepoint and Creek stations. International City 1 will serve as a crucial Y‑junction interchange. Construction is underway following Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's foundation‑stone ceremony on 9 June 2025, where he approved a visionary design for the flagship Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour. The station, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, will be the tallest metro station globally at 74 metres and accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily, rising to over 70,000 by 2040. ADVERTISEMENT Engineered for efficiency, the Blue Line will include a 1.3 km viaduct over Dubai Creek—the first metro bridge of its kind in the emirate. Travel time along key stretches will range from 10 to 25 minutes, significantly reducing travel duration across connected zones. From a passenger operations standpoint, the system is designed to move around 46,000 people per hour in both directions, with a projected daily ridership of 200,000 by 2030, increasing to 320,000 by 2040. By then, the total Dubai Metro network—comprising existing lines, the new Blue Line, and the Route 2020 extension—will cover about 131 km with 78 stations and 168 trains. Economically, the Blue Line represents a Dh20.5 billion investment, undertaken by a consortium of MAPA, LIMAK and CRRC, selected through international tender. It aligns with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to deliver sustainable, transit‑oriented growth within a 20‑minute urban framework. The line's stations meet platinum‑grade green building standards, underscoring Dubai's commitment to eco‑friendly infrastructure. The RTA forecasts that the Red, Green and Blue lines combined could produce economic and environmental benefits exceeding Dh56.5 billion by 2040 through fuel savings, reduced accidents, and lower carbon emissions. For commuters, the impact will be immediate: daily traffic on major corridors served by the Blue Line is expected to decrease by approximately 20%. Moreover, real estate values within station catchments could climb by up to 25%. Local residents, including students and workers, will benefit from faster commutes and better connectivity, particularly in academic and industrial zones. The new Emaar Properties Station itself is set to carry naming rights held by Emaar for at least ten years, with further station sponsorships anticipated. Its shell‑inspired exterior and use of premium materials—such as Jura limestone, bronze paneling, granite flooring and glass ceilings—reflect a commitment to aesthetic excellence and place‑based identity. During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the Blue Line's role in enhancing community integration and positioning Dubai as a leading global city. He noted that the line would 'empower communities, enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable urban growth'. The route serves nine districts—Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City phases, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City—and links directly with Dubai International Airport for seamless airport‑to‑destination transfers. As construction progresses, RTA officials have called for greater attention to commuter needs during the build‑phase, including adequate parking and reduced road disruptions. Feedback from future daily users—students, residents, workers—underlined anticipation for improved access and decreased dependence on private cars.
Gulf Today
10-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai Metro passengers likely to exceed 300 million by 2026
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a key milestone in the expansion of the city's public transportation network. Upon arriving at the venue of the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority. According to studies, the number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the expansion of metro stations. The service began in 2009 with 10 stations, reaching 26 stations in 2010 and growing to 46 stations in 2011. By 2014, the Dubai Tram started operations, and the number of metro and tram stations soared to 56. In 2021, the launch of the Metro's Route 2020 added seven more stations, raising the total to 64. The upcoming Blue Line will add 14 new stations to the network, which will bring the total number to 78. Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on the growth in the number of trains, which rose from 16 at the Metro's launch in 2009 to 44 in 2010. The figure reached 79 trains by 2011 and increased to 90 with the inauguration of the Dubai Tram in 2014, further expanding to 140 by 2021. With the Blue Line coming into operation, the total number of trains will increase to 168, comprising 157 Metro trains and 11 Tram trains. He also reviewed the evolution of both the interior and exterior designs of metro stations. The exterior design of the elevated stations was inspired by the shape of a seashell, alongside the distinctive iconic architecture of Expo and Emaar Properties stations. The interior design of the stations reflects seven thematic models: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, in addition to unique design elements developed specifically for Expo and Emaar Properties stations. Sheikh Mohammed received a further briefing from Al Tayer on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which links the Green Line at Creek Station, and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station. The line serves residential and academic zones, as well as key development projects, with an estimated population of one million by 2040. It also connects to the Dubai Silicon Oasis - one of the urban centres outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan - a hub for innovation and knowledge that supports the growth of the technology-driven economy and attracts skilled and creative talent. Al Tayer stated, 'The Blue Line comprises two main routes. The first runs from Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station. The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. This section spans 21 km and connects 10 stations.' 'The second route of the Blue Line starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya. It passes through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. This route measures 9 km in length and links four stations. The project also includes the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayah 3,' said Al Tayer. Sheikh Mohammed watched a film highlighting the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which links the red and green lines of the Dubai Metro and serves economic, academic, tourism, and residential areas expected to house one million people by 2040. It connects these areas with direct journeys to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes. It also supports the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan by extending metro services to the fifth urban centre and contributing to a 20% reduction in traffic congestion along the roads served by the Blue Line. WAM
Gulf Insider
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Metro Blue Line To Have World's Highest Metro Station
The Dubai Metro will soon be home to the world's highest metro station. While laying the foundation stone of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also approved the distinctive architectural design of the iconic Emaar Properties Station, the highest metro station in the world, standing at 74 metres. Inspired by the concept of a crossing gateway, the station was designed by the renowned American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), one of the world's leading design studios. The firm's portfolio includes iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago. The station is designed to integrate harmoniously into the existing urban environment and embodies the vision of 'Dubai: A Gateway to the Future'. Covering an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, the station is designed to accommodate up to 160,000 passengers per day, with the number of daily users expected to exceed 70,000 by 2040. With the completion of the Blue Line project, Dubai's rail network will expand to a total of 131 km, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains. The Dubai Metro has transported over 2.527 billion passengers from its launch on 9/9/2009 through the end of 2024. The Metro recorded a daily average of 900,000 passengers in 2024. Ridership has grown steadily over the years, from 38.887 million in 2010 to 69 million in 2011, reflecting a growth rate of 77 per cent. It continued to rise to over 109 million passengers in 2012, before surpassing 200 million in 2017, jumping to 260 million in 2023 and hitting 275.4 million in 2024. According to studies, the number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. His Highness was also briefed on the expansion of metro stations. The service began in 2009 with 10 stations, reaching 26 stations in 2010 and growing to 46 stations in 2011. By 2014, the Dubai tram started operations, and the number of metro and tram stations soared to 56. In 2021, the launch of the metro's Route 2020 added seven more stations, raising the total to 64. The upcoming Blue Line will add 14 new stations to the network, which will bring the total number to 78. His Highness was also briefed on the growth in the number of trains, which rose from 16 at the Metro's launch in 2009 to 44 in 2010. The figure reached 79 trains by 2011 and increased to 90 with the inauguration of the Dubai Tram in 2014, further expanding to 140 by 2021. With the Blue Line coming into operation, the total number of trains will increase to 168, comprising 157 metro trains and 11 tram trains. The interior design of the station is curated to create a sense of luxury. Towering walls rise elegantly, finished in natural textures and warm, earthy tones that strengthen the connection to the land, reflect the spirit of place, and embody the community's resilience and cohesion. The overall architectural language creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all visitors. The material palette features premium, durable finishes such as Jura limestone and bronze metal wall panels at the platform level, complemented by robust granite flooring. At both the lobby and platform levels, glass ceiling panels allow natural light to permeate the space, enhancing the feeling of openness and elevating the overall passenger experience. The combination of natural stone and polished metal creates a balance between elegance and sophistication, giving the station a distinctive character that unites tradition with modernity. The station's construction materials were meticulously chosen to reflect a blend of heritage and modernity, incorporating stone, glass, and bronze, forming a symbol of Dubai's continuous pursuit of progress. Its dynamic form and architectural scale create a distinctive visual presence. Sustainability, longevity, and resilience to operational and climatic conditions were central to the selection process, supporting the station's ambition to meet the highest standards of environmental efficiency. During the ceremony, it was announced that Emaar had secured the naming rights for the iconic Emaar Properties Station for 10 years, starting from its official inauguration in 2029. The next phase will include announcements regarding naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line.
Emirates 24/7
05-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
RTA signs MoU naming DP World as ‘Organising Partner' for 10th Dubai International Project Management Forum
RTA signs MoU naming DP World as 'Organising Partner' for 10th Dubai International Project Management Forum The MoU aims to showcase Dubai's leading position and its capabilities in executing major projects Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DP World, naming the company as an Organising Partner for the 10th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF), themed "Sustainable Future that has recently been concluded." This MoU represents a milestone in the continued collaboration between the two entities and further enhances the forum's reputation as a leading global platform for specialised project management conferences and forums. The MoU was signed by Moaza Saeed Al Marri, CEO of the Executive Affairs Sector, RTA and Chair of the Higher Organizing Committee of DIPMF, on behalf of RTA, and Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, on behalf of DP World. Moaza Saeed Al Marri expressed her pleasure in signing the MoU with DP World as an Organising Partner for the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF). She remarked: 'This partnership had strengthened the forum's position on the global stage as a premier platform for presenting innovative ideas in strategic project management, particularly in large-scale projects such as major airports and ports. The forum also serves as a showcase of the best practices and creative solutions for managing complex projects.' She added: "Partnering with DP World is integral to the forum's continued success and its growing recognition on regional and international stages. This collaboration aligns with our vision of establishing a benchmark forum that brings together top experts and specialists to share valuable insights. It also highlights Dubai's exceptional ability to manage and deliver landmark projects with precision. Among these achievements are the successful completion of the Red Line extension of the Dubai Metro (Route 2020) during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the construction of the iconic Infinity Bridge, celebrated for its complex design." Abdulla Bin Damithan said: "We are honoured to support the Dubai International Project Management Forum. Our partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority underscores DP World's dedication to driving innovation and excellence in infrastructure and logistics development. The forum is a crucial platform for sharing expertise, fostering collaboration, and exploring advanced project management solutions." He continued: "Our strategic partnership with the RTA is fundamental to advancing sustainable infrastructure and logistics. This collaboration highlights Dubai's leadership and expertise in delivering transformative and large-scale projects. The forum has been an invaluable opportunity to share insights and best practices, from enhancing global transport infrastructure to integrating smart technologies that optimise supply chain efficiency. We remain fully committed to supporting initiatives that shape the future of trade, logistics, and sustainable urban development." Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
