The $9bn+ Dubai Metro Gold Line makes headway as state-owned RTA invites contractors to express interest. The announced bidding is for a contract to build a new Gold Line, as part of its expansion of the Dubai Metro network. The notice was issued in mid-May with a submission deadline of 13 June. Dubai officially announced the launch of the new Gold Line in April.

In a post on social media site X, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the project will cost about AED34bn ($9.2bn). The Gold Line will also increase the total length of the Dubai Metro network by 35%. Moreover, the project is scheduled for completion in September 2032. The Gold Line will be a fully underground network covering more than 42 kilometers, with 18 stations. Another major rail project Dubai is part of is the Gulf Railway, also known as the GCC Railway project. Dubai is advancing its end of the $250 billion railway project. Its route is incorporated into the broader network through the United Arab Emirates’ national railway, known as Etihad Rail.

Scope of Implementation on the Dubai Metro Gold Line

Other than being fully underground, the Dubai Metro Gold Line is also expected to pass through 15 areas in Dubai. Once complete, it is expected to benefit 1.5 million residents. The project is expected to provide connectivity to over 55 under-construction real estate development projects. The Gold Line will start at Al-Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai and also end at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

It will be connected to Dubai Metro’s existing Red and Green lines and will integrate with the Etihad Rail passenger line. The contractor will be responsible for the design and build of all civil works, electromechanical equipment, rolling stock and rail systems. The selected contractor will also be required to assist in the systems maintenance and operations during an initial three-year period.

In October last year, MEED exclusively reported that the RTA had selected US-based engineering firm Aecom to provide consultancy services for the Dubai Metro Gold Line project. Stage one covers concept design while stage two covers preliminary design. On the other hand, stage three covers the preparation of tender documents, stage four encompasses construction supervision and stage five covers the defects and liability period.

Project Factsheet:

• Project Name: Dubai Metro Gold Line
• Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Estimated Investment Value: $9.2 Billion (AED 34 billion)
• Project Type: Urban Metro Rail Expansion (Underground Rapid Transit Line)

Timeline

• April 2026: Official project announcement by Dubai leadership
• May 2026: Expression of Interest (EOI) process launched for contractors
• 13 June 2026: Submission deadline for contractor bids
• 2032: Target completion date (September 2032)

Site & Scale

• Total Length: ~42 kilometers
• Stations: 18 underground stations
• Network Expansion: +35% increase in Dubai Metro total system length
• Coverage: 15 key urban areas across Dubai
• Population Served: Estimated 1.5 million residents

Project Teams

• Project Authority: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
• Project Leadership: Government of Dubai / UAE leadership
• Consultancy Firm: AECOM (USA) – multi-stage design and advisory role

Infrastructure Scope

• Fully underground metro corridor
• Civil works: tunneling, stations, and structural systems
• Electromechanical systems installation
• Also rail systems and rolling stock procurement
• Integration with existing Red and Green Metro Lines

Strategic Objectives

• Expand Dubai Metro capacity by 35%
• Improve urban mobility and reduce road congestion
• Support rapid real estate and population growth corridors
• Strengthen integration between metro, rail, and airport infrastructure

Current Status

• Expression of Interest process underway
• Also contractor bidding scheduled through June 2026
• Consultancy and also design phases partially advanced (AECOM involvement)
• Project moving from planning into procurement and early delivery stage