Dubai: Dubai commuters rejoice! The wait is over. Dubai Metro’s Blue Line begins construction this year, slashing travel times and connecting key areas like Dubai International Airport, Academic City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis in under 30 minutes.
Here is all you need to know about how this new line by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will make your public transport experience a lot easier.
What is the Dubai Metro Blue Line?
The Blue Line will be a third line on the Dubai Metro network, with the current network having a Red and Green line. The line will be 30km long and include 14 stations.
On Sunday, February 18, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said that the year 2024 is set to mark the commencement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line project.
The Dh18 billion Blue Line project was approved in November last year, and once completed, it will connect key areas in the city to the Dubai International Airport.
This is expected to decrease traffic congestion by 20 per cent and appreciate the value of land and properties near stations by up to 25 per cent, according to the RTA.
When will the Blue Line be completed?
The project is scheduled for completion in 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.
What is the new route?
The Blue Line will offer a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and these nine key areas:
1. Mirdif
2. Al Warqa
3. Internationalnal City 1
4. International City 2
5. Dubai Silicon Oasis
6. Academic City
7. Ras Al Khor Industrial Area
8. Dubai Creek Harbour
9. Dubai Festival City
There will be a total of 14 stations on this route, with nine elevated stations and five underground stations. Trains from the Blue Line will cross over Dubai Creek through a 1,300-metre viaduct.
Once the Blue Line is completed, the number of Metro and tram stations will increase from 64 to 78.
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Expected travel time
The travel time along this route is anticipated to range from 10 to 25 minutes.
Two main routes
First route
According to Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) the route plan for the Blue Line comprises of two main routes. The first route begins at the Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf. It then passes through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor, before reaching Dubai International City 1, which has an interchange station.
The route continues towards Dubai International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to the Academic City. This section stretches for 21km and features 10 stations.
Second route
The second route of the Blue Line starts from the Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya. It passes through Mirdif and Al Warqaa, ending at the Dubai International City 1 Interchange Station.
This route measures 9km in length and includes four stations.
Neighbourhoods and locations that will benefit from the new route
According to RTA, the new extension plans to serve densely populated areas in Dubai and by 2040 it is anticipated to serve regions with a combined population of around one million individuals. For example, Academic City alone is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029.
