Dubai Metro Blue Line: Route, Stations & Opening Timeline

What Is the Dubai Metro Blue Line?

The Dubai Metro Blue Line is the fourth line of the Dubai Metro network and the largest transport project currently under construction in the emirate. This 30-kilometre, 14-station line will serve the fast-growing eastern corridor — areas the Red and Green lines never reached — connecting them directly to the existing network and to Dubai International Airport. With a contract value of AED 20.5 billion, it is one of the biggest infrastructure investments in Dubai’s history.

Blue Line Route and Stations

The line runs in two branches that meet at International City:

Branch 1: Creek to Academic City

The main eastern branch runs from the Creek area through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour (set to host one of the line’s architectural landmark stations), Ras Al Khor, the three International City stations, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and terminates at Dubai Academic City.

Branch 2: Centrepoint to International City

The northern branch starts at Centrepoint — the eastern terminus of the Red Line in Rashidiya — and runs through Mirdif and Al Warqa before joining the main branch at International City 1.

Interchange Stations

• Creek: interchange with the Green Line
• Centrepoint: interchange with the Red Line
• International City 1: where the two Blue Line branches meet — planned as one of the world’s largest underground metro stations

In total the line will have 14 stations: a mix of elevated and underground stops, with around 15.5 km of the 30 km route running underground.

Opening Date and Construction Progress

The RTA has fixed the opening date as 9 September 2029 — deliberately chosen for the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, which first opened on 9.9.2009. As of mid-2026, construction is roughly 20–25% complete, with the RTA targeting 30% completion by the end of 2026. Key milestones so far:

• December 2024: AED 20.5 billion construction contract awarded to a consortium of MAPA, Limak and CRRC.
• June 2025: foundation stone laid; major works begin across 12 sites.
• Late 2025: 10% construction milestone reached within five months.
• May 2026: tunnelling inaugurated with tunnel boring machines launched from International City toward Mirdif and Al Warqa; 20% completion confirmed.
• July 2026: first phase of tunnelling completed.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Length: 30 km (15.5 km underground, 14.5 km elevated)
• Stations: 14, including 3 interchanges
• Opening: 9 September 2029 (planned)
• Cost: AED 20.5 billion
• Capacity: around 320,000 passengers per day by 2040
• Airport link: direct journeys to DXB in about 20 minutes from the corridor
• Projected economic benefit: AED 56.5 billion by 2040 (time, fuel and accident-reduction savings)

Which Areas Will Benefit Most?

The line is designed for neighbourhoods expected to house around one million residents by 2040. The biggest connectivity winners:

• International City: three stations — the single best-served community on the line, with the mega interchange at International City 1.
• Dubai Silicon Oasis & Academic City: tens of thousands of students and tech workers gain direct metro access for the first time.
• Mirdif & Al Warqa: established villa communities finally connected to the metro network.
• Dubai Creek Harbour & Festival City: waterfront districts tied directly into the wider network.

Property Impact: What Buyers Should Know

Metro access historically lifts nearby property values, and the RTA itself projects land and property values around Blue Line stations could rise by up to 25%. Investors are already positioning along the corridor — but keep perspective:

• Buy for the long term: the uplift story plays out toward and beyond the 2029 opening, not overnight.
• Prioritise genuinely walkable station proximity over “near the line” marketing claims.
• Underground interchange stations (International City 1, Creek) typically anchor the strongest demand.
• Watch service charges and oversupply in high-density clusters like International City.

Read our Dubai property guides before making any investment decision.

How the Blue Line Fits Dubai’s 2040 Transport Plan

The Blue Line is one piece of a much larger expansion. On completion, the Dubai Metro network will reach about 131 km and 78 stations. Looking further ahead, the RTA has announced the Gold Line — 42 km, 18 fully underground stations, around AED 34 billion — targeting opening on 9 September 2032 and linking Al Ghubaiba with Jumeirah Golf Estates. Together, the lines are central to Dubai’s goal of 25% autonomous or public-transport journeys and a 20% cut in corridor traffic congestion.

Tips for Commuters and Investors

• Commuters: if you live in Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City or Silicon Oasis, your 2029 commute is about to transform — factor the line into long-term housing decisions now.
• Tenants: rents near confirmed stations often start climbing 12–24 months before opening; locking in longer leases early can pay off.
• Everyone: follow official RTA announcements for construction updates and traffic diversions around station sites through 2026–2028.

Stay updated with UAE infrastructure news on Gulf Notice, and see our Dubai transport guides for getting around the city today.