Construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line is underway in International City, Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

Construction of the long-awaited Dubai Metro Blue Line is now underway in International City, marking a major transformation for one of Dubai’s oldest and most affordable freehold communities. On Thursday (February 5), Expat Media reporters saw heavy activity at the construction site near the entrance of International City 1, across Dragon Mart. The area has been cordoned off for months, with cranes, construction trucks, work barracks and workers on site. A large signboard confirms the project details: the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is leading the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, with consultants Parsons and Atkins Realis and contractor Dubai-based MLCC. The Blue Line is a 30-kilometre rail expansion that will connect nine key districts across Dubai. It is expected to open in 2029. Once completed, it will include 14 stations—both underground and elevated—and is expected to serve more than one million residents by 2040. Once operational, the Blue Line will allow direct travel to Dubai International Airport within 20 minutes from key districts. Authorities expect the new line to reduce traffic congestion by 20 percent in served areas. The expansion will bring the Dubai Metro network to 131km, with 78 stations and 168 trains. Daily ridership is forecast to reach 320 million by 2031.

Major boost for International City

The arrival of the Metro is expected to significantly enhance International City, which is popular for its affordable housing and diverse dining scene. Earlier this month, the RTA introduced paid parking in the area, improving parking availability for residents and visitors. Previously, residents complained of limited parking spaces being occupied by rental cars, delivery bikes, commercial vehicles and non-residents. Under the new system, visitors must pay for parking from 8am to 12am, while residents can apply for one free parking permit. With the Metro on the way, property values and rental demand in the area are expected to rise.

Route and connectivity

The Blue Line will connect Dubai International Airport to the following areas: • Mirdif • Al Warqa • International City 1 & 2 • Dubai Silicon Oasis • Academic City • Dubai Creek Harbour • Dubai Festival City • Ras Al Khor Industrial Area The project has two main routes: Route 1: Creek Interchange Station (Green Line) to Academic City (21km), passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City 1, International City 2 and 3, and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Route 2: Centrepoint Interchange Station (Red Line) to International City 1 (9km), passing through Mirdif and Al Warqa. There will be three interchange stations at Creek, Centrepoint and International City 1, along with a new metro depot at Al Ruwayah 3.

Landmark Dubai Metro station

One of the highlights of the expansion is Emaar Properties Station, which will stand 74 metres high. Designed by US-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the station is inspired by the concept of a “crossing gateway” and will serve as a striking urban landmark. Covering 11,000 square metres, the station is expected to accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily. By 2040, daily footfall is projected to exceed 70,000. The Blue Line is a central part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, supporting the vision of a “20-minute city” where 80 percent of essential services are accessible within a 20-minute journey. PIA/ICA/Expat Media
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