Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is continuing to advance its ambitious plans to expand the emirate’s metro network, supporting sustainable public transport and keeping pace with Dubai’s rapid urban and economic growth.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, confirmed that the Authority is currently implementing the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, while the tender for the Gold Line project will be launched by the end of this year. The estimated cost of the two projects is around AED 55 billion, and the total length of the Dubai Metro network will increase from the current 90 kilometers to 162 kilometers following the completion of the Blue Line in 2029 and the Gold Line in 2032, representing an 80% increase. He noted that Dubai’s metro projects are being implemented in accordance with the highest international standards, based on clear plans and precise timelines, and are overseen by national engineering and professional talent alongside engineers from different countries, whose combined cumulative experience exceeds 2,500 years.
The remarks came during a press conference held by His Excellency to mark the launch of the first Dubai International Rail and Mobility Conference and Exhibition 2027, as Dubai continues to strengthen its transport and rail infrastructure and improve connectivity across the emirate.
Dubai Metro Network to Reach 162 Kilometers
The new expansion projects mark an important step in the continued development of Dubai Metro, with the network expected to grow from 90 kilometers today to 162 kilometers once the Blue and Gold Lines are completed.
The Blue Line is scheduled for completion in 2029, while the Gold Line is targeted for completion in 2032, increasing the overall length of the metro network by around 80%.
The expansion reflects the scale of Dubai’s investment in developing its public transport system, with the two projects estimated to cost approximately AED 55 billion. The projects are also being supported by extensive national and international engineering expertise to ensure they are delivered according to the highest approved standards.
Blue Line Progress Reaches 24%
In a positive indication of the project’s progress, Abdulmohsen Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of the Rail Agency at the Authority, confirmed that the Blue Line project is being implemented on schedule and that there have been no direct impacts from the political developments witnessed in the region on the project’s implementation timeline. He added that the line will officially open on September 9, 2029, noting that the project has reached 24% completion.
The progress confirms that work is continuing in line with the approved schedule, supporting Dubai’s plans to expand its metro network and increase its capacity to serve new residential and commercial areas.
Once operational, the Blue Line is expected to become an important addition to Dubai’s public transport network, particularly as the emirate continues to experience steady urban expansion and growth in both its population and visitor numbers.
Dubai International Rail and Mobility Conference 2027
The latest updates on Dubai’s metro projects come as the emirate prepares to host the first edition of the Dubai International Rail and Mobility Conference and Exhibition 2027, a specialized event focused on railways and mobility.
The event will take place from May 31 to June 2, 2027, at Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme, “Building the Future of Rail and Mobility.”
It is expected to attract more than 5,000 participants, over 60 exhibitors representing international companies and organizations, and more than 70 speakers, including officials, decision-makers, industry leaders, experts, and specialists.
The event is expected to serve as an international platform for discussing the rapid changes taking place across the railway industry and for exploring new directions and solutions that can help improve the integration, efficiency, and sustainability of mobility systems.
Dubai Metro Remains a Key Pillar of Public Transport
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer affirmed that modern railway networks and mobility systems are a key driver of economic growth, a supporter of urban development, and an effective tool for connecting communities and markets, enhancing sustainability and global competitiveness, and improving quality of life in cities. He also noted that railways form the backbone of public transport systems. As an example, Dubai Metro accounts for 40% of the total number of public transport users in the emirate and has carried nearly three billion passengers since operations began on September 9, 2009.
