Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded an AED20.5 billion ($5.58 billion) contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project to a consortium of three prominent Turkish and Chinese companies: MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC.
The project is set to commence operations on September 9, 2029, the RTA announced on Thursday as it awarded the contract.
“The consortium selected for the Blue Line project was chosen through an international tender process that attracted five alliances comprising 15 leading global companies specialising in metro systems and infrastructure. These alliances submitted detailed technical and financial proposals, with three consortia advancing to the final stage. After a thorough evaluation process, the contract was awarded to a consortium led by MAPA from Turkey, in partnership with LIMAK and CRRC. MAPA and LIMAK will oversee civil works, while CRRC will handle rail systems,” said His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the board of executive directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
“We do not underestimate the challenges that a project of this scale and complexity will have to overcome to achieve successful completion and the start of commercial operations on the Blue Line by 9/9/29. This date represents 20 years since the opening of the first metro lines in Dubai, which have been instrumental in the extraordinary growth of the city and in bringing highly flexible and accessible mobility. We are confident that with the support and encouragement of our esteemed client and appointed consultants, together with the combined local, international, and technical strengths of our consortium members and design partner, we will meet the challenges as one team for the success of the project,” he added.
The Blue Line
The Blue Line project spans 30 kilometres and includes 14 stations. The line will offer a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas along the line namely Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City. The travel time between these destinations will range from 10 to 25 minutes.
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The Blue Line consists of nine elevated stations and five underground stations, served by a total of 28 trains. By 2030, the Blue Line will serve approximately 200,000 passengers daily, with the figure likely to increase to 320,000 passengers daily by 2040. The line will handle a capacity of about 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions at a service interval of about 1.5 minutes.
Interchange stations
The line includes three interchange stations: Al Khor on the Green Line, Centrepoint on the Red Line, and International City (1). A signature architectural station will be constructed in Dubai Creek Harbour, serving as a highlight of the project. Additionally, the Blue Line will feature Dubai Metro’s first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter bridge.
Strategic project
Dubai Metro Blue Line represents the fifth strategic project in public transportation, joining the ranks of the existing Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro Route 2020. It is one of the largest strategic projects in the transportation sector for the upcoming phase.
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Upon the completion of the Blue Line, Dubai’s total railway network will extend from 101 km to 131 km. This includes 120 km for the Dubai Metro and 11 km for Dubai Tram. The number of metro and tram stations will increase from 64 to 78, encompassing 67 stations for the Dubai Metro and 11 for the Dubai Tram. Additionally, the fleet will expand from 140 to 168 trains, including 157 for the Dubai Metro and 11 for the Dubai Tram.
Economic value
The Dubai Metro Blue Line project aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, offering economic, social and environmental returns. By 2040, the project will yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 (AED2.60 in benefits for every AED1 spent). The total anticipated benefits exceed AED56.5 billion by 2040. These benefits include substantial savings in time and fuel, reduced accident-related fatalities and lower carbon emissions.
The Blue Line will also decrease traffic congestion on its served routes by 20 percent and appreciate the value of land and properties near stations by up to 25 percent.
