The Dubai Metro. ARCHIVE

Dubai’s ambitious transport vision takes a leap forward with the announcement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, set to commence operations on September 9, 2029. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed the timeline on Thursday (December 19), marking two decades since the metro’s historic debut on September 9, 2009. With a Dh20.5 billion investment, the 30-kilometer Blue Line will connect Dubai International Airport to vital urban centers, featuring 14 stations and 28 state-of-the-art trains. This project is poised to transform Dubai’s commuting landscape, accommodating up to 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions and reducing traffic congestion by 20 percent. It will be the first Dubai Metro line with a train crossing over the waters of the Dubai Creek. Half of the new transport route will be below ground, at depths of up to 70m. The Blue Line will service Marsa, Dubai Creek, Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, and urban areas such as Silicon Oasis, Academic City, and others. RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer highlighted the Blue Line's impact, saying, "This project is a cornerstone of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, advancing our goal of a '20-minute city' where residents have essential services within a 20-minute journey." Residents have welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm. "This will not only save time but also reduce travel costs," said Anjali Sharma, a resident of Dubai Silicon Oasis, one of the neighborhoods connected by the line. The Blue Line’s futuristic stations are designed to blend form and function. With sleek, curved structures and symmetrical exits, they will offer a departure from the fully-enclosed designs of the Red and Green Lines. The metro expansion is expected to significantly boost property values near the stations. Areas such as Mirdif and International City are projected to see double-digit increases in property prices and rentals. As Dubai prepares for the launch, the RTA anticipates an eventual increase in daily ridership to 320,000 passengers by 2040, reinforcing the city’s status as a global leader in urban mobility. ICA/Expat Media
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