What is the Dubai Metro Blue Line?
The Dubai Metro Blue Line is Dubai's third major metro line and the most significant expansion since the original Red and Green Line network opened. The project was officially approved on 24 November 2023, carries an investment of about AED 20.5 billion, and is scheduled to open on 9 September 2029.
The line spans 30 kilometres, with 15.5 km underground and 14.5 km elevated. It links major growth districts that currently do not have metro access, including Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Mirdif, and Al Warqa.
The Blue Line connects directly with Creek Station on the Green Line and Centrepoint Station on the Red Line. RTA also says the line is designed to serve roughly one million residents by 2040, with more than 320,000 daily passengers beyond 2040.
The Two Routes Explained
Unlike the Red and Green Lines, the Blue Line operates as two branches joined by a central interchange at International City 1. This Y-shaped layout lets passengers move between the two existing metro lines and the eastern growth corridor without needing a separate shuttle segment.
Route 1: Creek to Academic City
21 km, 10 route stops including the depot connection.
This is the main branch from Creek in Al Jaddaf across Dubai Creek, through Dubai Festival City and Dubai Creek Harbour, then onward to Ras Al Khor, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City.
Creek -> Dubai Festival City -> Emaar Properties (Dubai Creek Harbour) -> Ras Al Khor -> International City 1 -> International City 2 -> International City 3 -> Dubai Silicon Oasis -> Academic City -> Al Ruwayyah 3 Depot
Route 2: Centrepoint to International City 1
9 km, 4 route stops.
This branch starts from Centrepoint in Al Rashidiya and serves Mirdif and Al Warqa before joining the main Blue Line branch at International City 1.
Centrepoint -> Al Warqa -> Mirdif -> International City 1
Confirmed Blue Line Stations and Project Stops
RTA's official route breakdown confirms 14 stations across the two Blue Line branches, plus the Al Ruwayyah 3 depot. The table below lists the named stops and project facilities publicly identified so far. International City 1 is the shared interchange used by both branches.
| Code | Station / Facility | Area | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B01 | Creek | Al Jaddaf | Interchange (Green Line) | Underground interchange with Creek Station on the Green Line. |
| B02 | Dubai Festival City | Festival City | Elevated | Serves Dubai Festival City and nearby waterfront communities. |
| B03 | Emaar Properties | Dubai Creek Harbour | Elevated iconic station | 74-metre landmark station designed by SOM. |
| B04 | Ras Al Khor | Ras Al Khor | Elevated | Provides access toward Ras Al Khor and nearby growth areas. |
| B05 | International City 1 | International City | Underground interchange | Shared junction for both Blue Line routes and the largest underground interchange in the network. |
| B06 | International City 2 | International City | Underground | Serves central sections of International City. |
| B07 | International City 3 | International City | Underground | Eastern International City stop on the Creek to Academic City branch. |
| B08 | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Elevated | Connects one of Dubai's main knowledge and innovation hubs. |
| B09 | Academic City | Dubai Academic City | Elevated terminus | Branch terminus serving universities and education districts. |
| B10 | Centrepoint | Al Rashidiya | Interchange (Red Line) | Existing Red Line station upgraded to connect with the Blue Line. |
| B11 | Al Warqa | Al Warqa | Elevated | Residential catchment area including Al Warqa communities. |
| B12 | Mirdif | Mirdif | Elevated | Major suburban station for one of Dubai's largest family communities. |
| B13 | Al Ruwayyah 3 Depot | Al Ruwayyah 3 | Depot | Train depot included as part of the Blue Line project. |
Some final public-facing station names may still change before the line opens. The official station count remains 14 across the two branches, with International City 1 acting as the shared interchange.
Record-Breaking Firsts
The Blue Line is not just a route extension. It introduces some of the most ambitious design and engineering elements in the Dubai Metro system.
- World's tallest metro station: Emaar Properties station at Dubai Creek Harbour will rise 74 metres and was designed by SOM.
- First metro crossing over Dubai Creek: the Blue Line includes a 1.3 km bridge across the creek.
- Largest underground interchange in the network: International City 1 is planned as the main junction between the two Blue Line branches.
- Green building standards: RTA has described the project as the first transport project of its kind in Dubai to follow platinum-category green building requirements.
Construction Progress and Timeline
The latest official Blue Line progress update publicly available from Dubai Media Office stated on 9 November 2025 that construction had reached 10% within five months and remained on schedule, with a target of 30% completion by the end of 2026.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the Dubai Metro Blue Line project.
RTA announced the main Blue Line contract award for the 30 km, 14-station project.
Foundation stone ceremony took place and the 74-metre Emaar Properties station design was approved.
RTA said construction had reached 10% within five months and remained on schedule.
Official target is 30% completion by the end of 2026.
Target opening date, matching the 20th anniversary of Dubai Metro.
Who Will the Blue Line Serve?
The Blue Line is designed around districts expected to hold around one million residents by 2040. It matters most because it shifts metro access eastward into large residential, academic, and employment zones that are still heavily car-dependent today.
- Dubai Creek Harbour gains a landmark station and direct rail access across Dubai Creek.
- Dubai Festival City gets its first direct metro connection.
- International City receives the biggest public transport upgrade in its history.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City gain stronger connections for students, workers, and businesses.
- Mirdif and Al Warqa become part of the core metro network instead of relying mostly on road transport.
How the Blue Line Fits Into the Wider Network
The Blue Line is the next major expansion of Dubai Metro, but it is no longer the only future line in view. On 22 April 2026, Dubai officially announced the Gold Line.
According to the official announcement, the Gold Line will run 42 km with 18 stations, all underground, connecting Al Ghubaiba on the Green Line with Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates on the Red Line, while also linking to Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates. Its target opening date is 9 September 2032.
Officially, the Blue Line takes Dubai Metro to 67 stations and about 120 km of metro network including Route 2020. After the Gold Line, that is expected to grow to 85 stations and 162 km.
Fares and Nol Cards on the Blue Line
RTA has not yet published Blue Line zone assignments, but the line is expected to use the same fare framework and Nol Cards as the rest of the network. That means current Nol products should continue to work once the line opens.
For current trips, you can use our Fare Calculator and Route Planner. When RTA publishes Blue Line fare zones, we will update this guide and the calculator accordingly.
Impact on Property and Connectivity
Historically, areas near major metro openings in Dubai have seen stronger property demand and easier commuting patterns. The Blue Line is especially important for districts such as International City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Mirdif, and Al Warqa because it should reduce dependence on private cars and support future feeder integration.
RTA typically expands Feeder Buses around new metro corridors, so last-mile links will likely matter almost as much as the stations themselves.