Dubai is advancing its vision of a smarter, more connected city with two major transport projects now underway: the construction of the Dh20.5-billion Dubai Metro Blue Line and the launch of two new marine stations on Dubai Creek. These developments are set to significantly reduce congestion, cut travel times, and boost mobility across key urban and waterfront areas.
Metro blue line construction begins with traffic diversions
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun construction on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a massive infrastructure project that will expand the city’s rail network by 30 kilometres and add 14 new stations. As part of the initial works, a key traffic diversion has been introduced near Centrepoint Station, affecting access from Airport Road to the multi-storey car park.Motorists can now reach the car park via 49C Street, making a left turn west of the facility. The RTA has urged drivers to follow all directional signboards, plan trips ahead, and use alternative routes to avoid delays. Similar traffic changes are also in effect near Creek Station, as early construction continues there as well.The Blue Line is expected to open by September 9, 2029, and is designed to carry 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions. It aims to reduce traffic congestion by 20% on the routes it serves, cutting travel time between key residential areas and Dubai International Airport to just 20 minutes.
Expanding the metro: What the blue line will include
When complete, the Blue Line will extend the total length of the Dubai Metro network to 131km, serving 78 stations and operating 28 trains. The project is expected to generate Dh56 million in profits and carry 200,000 passengers per day by 2030, with that number projected to rise to 320,000 by 2040.The route will serve nine major districts:
- Mirdif
- Al Warqa
- International City 1 & 2
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Academic City
- Ras Al Khor Industrial Area
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Dubai Festival City
These areas are expected to be home to over one million people, as envisioned in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.The Blue Line will include:
- 14 stations, with:
- 9 elevated stations
- 5 underground stations
- 3 interchange stations:
- Creek Station (Al Jaddaf, on the Green Line)
- Centrepoint Station (Al Rashidiya, on the Red Line)
- International City 1 Station (on the Blue Line)
- An iconic new station at Dubai Creek Harbour
Travel times along the Blue Line will range from 10 to 25 minutes, significantly improving daily commutes for thousands of residents.
RTA opens two new marine stations on Dubai creek
In a separate milestone, the RTA has also inaugurated two new marine transport stations:
- Old Dubai Souq Station
- Al Sabkha Station
Both are strategically located on Dubai Creek and support the RTA’s Marine Transport Strategic Plan 2020–2030, which aims to make water transport a key part of the emirate’s mobility network.These stations follow the design principles of recently upgraded facilities like Bur Dubai and Old Deira Souq, combining modernisation with heritage preservation.Key upgrades include:
- 50% increase in shaded waiting areas
- Improved lighting
- New investment and retail spaces
- Use of sustainable, eco-friendly materials
- Full accessibility in compliance with Dubai’s Code for People of Determination
- Air-conditioned rest areas for abra operators, improving working conditions
The stations were completed simultaneously to reduce costs and accelerate delivery, with a new operational plan in place to ensure timely trips, safe navigation, and efficient services.Marine transport ridership is on the rise, with 9.7 million passengers using the network in the first half of 2025 alone — a strong indicator of public confidence in Dubai’s evolving transport infrastructure.
A unified vision for land and water mobility
Together, the Dubai Metro Blue Line and the new marine stations reflect a city-wide push to create a seamlessly integrated, multimodal transport network. These upgrades are not only addressing current mobility needs but are also being built with future urban growth and sustainability in mind.As work progresses, the RTA continues to advise residents and commuters to stay informed about diversions and changes, and to plan travel in advance. Whether by rail or water, Dubai’s transport infrastructure is moving swiftly toward a more connected, efficient, and accessible future.
