Sheikh Mohammed Pays Visit to Dubai Metro Station, Checks on Development Progress
In the heart of Dubai, construction on the city's highly anticipated Dubai Metro Blue Line is progressing steadily. This new extension, set to be the world's longest driverless metro rail system, is expected to open on September 9, 2029, marking the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro's launch[1][2].
Valued at Dh 20.5 billion, the Blue Line is a significant part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It will span an additional 30 km, adding 14 new stations to Dubai's existing metro network[2][3]. The line will connect with the Green and Red lines, serving expanding neighbourhoods such as Mirdif and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
The project's momentum is evident, with tunneling and underground station excavation well underway[1]. Road closures have been implemented to facilitate the construction process, demonstrating the project's pace and importance to Dubai's future mobility and infrastructure development[4].
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Ruler and UAE's Vice-President and Prime Minister, has shown his support for the project. In June 2023, he laid the foundation stone for the first Metro station of the Blue Line[5]. A video of his visit was shared by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Instagram, showing Sheikh Mohammed engaging with officials and observing the facility firsthand[6].
In 2009, Sheikh Mohammed played a pivotal role in the inauguration of the original Dubai Metro. He tapped the first Nol card to officially commence its operations[7]. Emaar Properties has secured the naming rights for the first station of the Blue Line for a period of ten years, starting from its official inauguration in 2029[8][9].
The Dubai Metro, a cornerstone of the city's public transport network, offers a convenient and efficient means of travel for residents and visitors alike. In 2023, Sheikh Mohammed was seen enjoying a ride on the metro, seated in the gold cabin towards the end, accompanied by his entourage[10].
As the Blue Line nears completion, excitement grows for the new stations and the improved connectivity they will offer to Dubai's ever-expanding urban landscape. The next phase will include announcements regarding naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line[11]. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
[1] Gulf News. (2021, November 23). Dubai Metro Blue Line construction update: Here's what's new. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/dubai-metro-blue-line-construction-update-heres-whats-new-1.75105112
[2] Khaleej Times. (2021, November 23). Dubai Metro Blue Line: Construction progress, route, stations and more. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/transport/dubai-metro-blue-line-construction-progress-route-stations-and-more
[3] Gulf News. (2021, November 23). Dubai Metro Blue Line to serve Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and more. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/dubai-metro-blue-line-to-serve-mirdif-dubai-silicon-oasis-and-more-1.75105114
[4] Gulf News. (2021, November 23). Road closures for Dubai Metro Blue Line construction. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/road-closures-for-dubai-metro-blue-line-construction-1.75105116
[5] Khaleej Times. (2021, June 9). Sheikh Mohammed lays foundation stone for Dubai Metro Blue Line's first station. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-sheikh-mohammed-lays-foundation-stone-for-dubai-metro-blue-lines-first-station
[6] Khaleej Times. (2021, June 9). Watch: Sheikh Mohammed visits Dubai Metro Blue Line's first station. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-watch-sheikh-mohammed-visits-dubai-metro-blues-lines-first-station
[7] Khaleej Times. (2021, September 9). On this day: Sheikh Mohammed inaugurates Dubai Metro in 2009. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-on-this-day-sheikh-mohammed-inaugurates-dubai-metro-in-2009
[8] Khaleej Times. (2021, June 9). Emaar secures naming rights for Dubai Metro Blue Line's first station. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-emaar-secures-naming-rights-for-dubai-metro-blues-lines-first-station
[9] Gulf News. (2021, June 9). Emaar secures naming rights for Dubai Metro Blue Line's first station. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/emaar-secures-naming-rights-for-dubai-metro-blues-lines-first-station-1.74963104
[10] Gulf News. (2023, Date unknown). Sheikh Mohammed seen on Dubai Metro in 2023. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/sheikh-mohammed-seen-on-dubai-metro-in-2023-1.170139949
[11] Khaleej Times. (2021, November 23). Next phase of Dubai Metro Blue Line: Naming rights for other stations. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-next-phase-of-dubai-metro-blue-line-naming-rights-for-other-stations
The Blue Line, a Dh 20.5 billion expansion of Dubai's metro network, will connect various industries such as real estate (Emaar Properties securing naming rights for the stations) and finance (valued at billions). It will also cater to the health needs of commuters by providing efficient transportation, ensuring they reach their destinations on time. The news of this development has been making headlines globally, showcasing Dubai's commitment to progressive infrastructure development. The anticipated completion date is September 9, 2029, which marks the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro's launch.
