Dubai's Blue Line Metro project garners Dh3.9 billion financial agreement, moving plans forward
The Dubai Metro Blue Line, a significant expansion project aimed at extending Dubai’s metro network by 30 kilometers and adding 14 new stations, is set to revolutionize public transportation in the emirate. This ambitious undertaking aligns with Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan and aims to enhance connectivity across key growing neighborhoods such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai International City.
### Key Details of the Project
The Blue Line will span 30 kilometers, with 15.5 kilometers of underground tunneling. It is designed to accommodate up to 46,000 passengers per hour per direction, with daily ridership expected to reach 200,000 by 2030 and surge to 320,000 by 2040. The line will operate 28 state-of-the-art driverless trains and will connect seamlessly with existing Red and Green lines as well as bus and taxi routes. The line is set to launch on September 9, 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the opening of Dubai Metro’s initial line.
### Consortium and Project Management
The project contract was awarded to an international consortium of firms, including Turkish companies MAPA and Limak, along with Chinese manufacturer CRRC. This consortium is responsible for design and construction. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has appointed Parsons as the engineering project manager to oversee design review and construction supervision. The consortium secured a major financing agreement facilitated by Emirates NBD, which provided AED 3.9 billion (around USD 1.06 billion) in syndicated bond facilities to support the construction phase.
### Financing and Budget
The total project cost is estimated at AED 20.5 billion (approximately USD 5.6 billion). Emirates NBD’s financing is a critical component ensuring smooth funding flow for timely completion. The financial deal marks a key milestone in moving forward with this flagship urban transport initiative.
### Expected Impact
The Blue Line expansion is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion by encouraging more commuters to switch to public transit. It supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and furthers the vision of a sustainable, integrated urban transport system enhancing mobility for the emirate’s rapidly growing population.
In summary, the Dubai Metro Blue Line, scheduled for completion and opening in September 2029, is a transformative transit project delivered by an international consortium and backed by strong financial support, designed to extend Dubai’s metro system substantially and serve hundreds of thousands of passengers daily well into the future. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced that work is underway on the Blue Line and the foundation stone for the line's first station, Emaar Properties station, has been laid in the Dubai Creek Harbour area, reiterating his commitment to developing the city and building the best city to live in the world.
- The Dubai Metro Blue Line, a 30-kilometer expansion project, is scheduled to launch on September 9, 2029, and is expected to serve up to 320,000 passengers daily by 2040.
- The project, which aligns with Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan, is being delivered by an international consortium, including Turkish companies MAPA and Limak, Chinese manufacturer CRRC, and engineering project manager Parsons.
- The project has secured a major financing agreement facilitated by Emirates NBD, which provided AED 3.9 billion (around USD 1.06 billion) in syndicated bond facilities to support the construction phase.
- The Dubai Metro Blue Line is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and support Dubai's vision for a sustainable, integrated urban transport system, as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
- The project is a significant step in Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's ongoing efforts to develop Dubai and build a world-class city, with the foundation stone for the line's first station, Emaar Properties station, already laid in the Dubai Creek Harbour area.
