Dubai Metro Blue Line Update 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Dubai’s Metro Blue Line Update 2026 has moved from blueprint to building site and it’s one of the biggest transport projects the Middle East has ever seen.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line is the third line joining Dubai’s fully automated metro network, officially approved in November 2023 and now firmly under construction.
With a budget of AED 20.5 billion and a workforce of 10,000 engineers and workers on site, it will serve around one million residents across nine eastern districts currently without metro access.
The Route
The Blue Line runs in a Y-shape across 30 kilometres, splitting into two branches that meet at an underground hub in International City.
Branch A — Creek to Academic City (21 km)
- Creek / Al Jaddaf — interchange with Green Line
- Dubai Creek Harbour — world’s tallest metro station
- Dubai Festival City — major mall and waterfront district
- Ras Al Khor — industrial area and wildlife sanctuary
- International City 1 — underground Y-junction hub
- International City 2 & 3 — residential community
- Dubai Silicon Oasis — tech and innovation district
- Academic City — terminus, serving 50,000+ students
Branch B — Centrepoint to International City 1 (9 km)
- Centrepoint / Al Rashidiya — interchange with Red Line
- Mirdif — near Mirdif City Centre mall
- Al Warqa — residential area, Dubai Safari Park
- International City 1 — merges with Branch A
Passengers can travel directly from Academic City to both the Red and Green lines, no train change needed.
A World Record Station
The standout stop is Dubai Creek Harbour — branded Emaar Properties Station for its first ten years. At 74 metres tall, it will be the world’s highest metro station, designed by SOM (the same firm behind the Burj Khalifa). The 11,000 m² space is engineered for up to 160,000 passengers per day.
Construction in 2026
On 3 May 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum personally launched tunnelling operations, activating the first boring machine — named Al Wugeisha.
The project is currently around 20% complete and on track for 30% by end of year. Civil works are led by Turkish contractors MAPA and Limak, with China’s CRRC supplying 28 new driverless trains.
Quick FAQs
When does the Dubai Metro Blue Line open?
9 September 2029 — the Metro’s 20th anniversary.
How many stations does the Blue Line have?
14 stations across two branches, with three interchange points.
Which areas does it serve?
Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, International City, Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Mirdif, Al Warqa and Ras Al Khor.
Will it connect to existing metro lines?
Yes — to the Green Line at Creek (Al Jaddaf) and the Red Line at Centrepoint (Al Rashidiya).
