His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid a visit to the site of the Dubai Metro Blue Line Tunnelling Works.

Moreover, on his official X account, Sheikh Mohammed stated that the project will span 30 km. With half of it being underground, it will have 14 iconic stations, serving one million people and reducing congestion in Dubai by 20 per cent.

Timeline

Additionally, ahead of the launch deadline set for September 9, 2029, Sheikh Mohammed revealed that 10,000 employees and engineers are racing against time on a budget of AED20 billion to complete “the world’s newest and most beautiful metro”.

Details on the Dubai Metro Blue Line Tunnelling Machine

Sheikh Mohammed gave the signal to operate the tunnel boring machine known as TBM. This marked the commencement of the excavation works.

Also, the TBM measures 163 meters in length. Furthermore, it weighs over 2,000 tons. The machine operates around the clock, and achieves an average excavation length ranging from 13 to 17 meters per day.

Furthermore, the Blue Line will link the neighbourhoods of Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Al Warqaa, Mirdif, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Academic City, and Dubai International City. Additionally, it will link interchanges with existing and future metro lines and with the Etihad Rail network.

Similar Projects

These works are also alongside the AED34 billion being spent on the Gold Line. The Gold Line is expected to be complete by September 9, 2032.

Other Major Developments in Dubai

Moreover, Sheikh Mohammed added that these ongoing works are alongside several major developments planned in Dubai. These include “our new global airport, future transport lines, the International Financial Center in a new look, digital infrastructure and government services powered by self-driving artificial intelligence technologies, and many more projects we will launch in the coming months”.

Also, Sheikh Mohammed believes these make Dubai “the world’s most future-ready city”.

He continued: “Investing in the transport sector is an investment in the future and a key pillar of enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness.

“The Dubai Metro Blue Line represents an extension of an integrated vision aimed at building a more connected, efficient and sustainable city.

“Moreover, our projects in Dubai are delivered to the highest international standards, guided by clear plans and precise timelines, and driven by national talent capable of turning vision into tangible achievements on the ground. Their delivery is overseen by 180 rail experts and engineers.”

Dubai Metro Blue Line Tunnelling Project Factsheet

Total Line Length: 30 km.

Tunneling Length: 15.5 km (running entirely underground).

Elevated Section: 14.5 km.

Total Stations: 14 (9 elevated, 5 underground).

Projected Completion: September 9, 2029 (20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro).

Tunnel Depth: Reaches up to 70 meters at its deepest points

Excavation Method: Twin-bore tunnels utilizing pressurized Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) designed to handle Dubai’s sandy soil and high water table.