Dubai Metro Blue Line: Foundation Laid for World’s Highest Metro Station

Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Dubai continues to push the boundaries of innovation and infrastructure. In a historic event on June 9, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the first station of the Dubai Metro Blue Line — a project destined to make global headlines.

A Regal Beginning: World’s Highest Metro Station

During the ceremony, the spotlight was on the design of the Emaar Properties station, which is set to become the tallest metro station in the world, standing at an awe-inspiring 74 metres.

The station’s architecture resembles a golden cylindrical structure, radiating a futuristic and royal aesthetic.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) — the same firm behind Burj Khalifa and New York’s Olympic Tower.
The design draws inspiration from the concept of a “crossing gateway”, reflecting Dubai’s role as a global connector.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

The event held deep symbolic meaning. Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed with a historical exhibit featuring:

Rare photographs of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s original metro vision.
Nostalgic images of Sheikh Mohammed’s past visits to metro systems abroad — where the dream of a Dubai Metro was born.
Iconic moments, including the laying of the foundation stone for the original Dubai Metro, reinforcing the city’s visionary continuity.

Significant Date: The Power of ‘9’

The Blue Line’s launch is scheduled for September 9, 2029, aligning with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, which originally launched at 9:09:09 PM on 9/9/2009.
The use of the number 9 ties this milestone with Dubai’s deep appreciation for symbolism and continuity.

Blue Line Highlights: Redefining Public Transport

The Dubai Metro Blue Line is a massive Dh20.5 billion project, built to elevate daily commuting into a seamless, sustainable experience.

Key Infrastructure Stats:

Length: 30 km
Total Stations: 14 (9 elevated, 5 underground)
Trains: 28
Completion Target: 2029
Expected Daily Riders by 2040: 320,000+
Projected Hourly Capacity (Two Directions): 46,000 passengers

Route Coverage:

The Blue Line will connect 9 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 projected to host over 1 million residents under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Travel Efficiency:

Commute Time Range: 10–25 minutes along the full route
Traffic Reduction: 20% on serviced routes

Interchange Stations:

Creek Station (Green Line)
Centrepoint Station (Red Line)
International City 1 Station (Blue Line)

Dubai Creek Harbour Station: The Crown Jewel

Among all 14 stations, the Emaar Properties station at Dubai Creek Harbour will be the most iconic:

World’s highest metro station at 74 meters.
Integrated commercial and investment zones.
Passenger Capacity: 160,000 per day.
Serving: Over 40,000 residents + visitors to the area.

The station will feature natural textures, warm earth tones, and Jura limestone finishes, with glass ceilings allowing daylight to illuminate the space. The interiors are designed to reflect luxury, community spirit, and sustainability.

Infrastructure Firsts:

First metro bridge to cross Dubai Creek (1,300 meters long).
Largest underground interchange station in the network, covering 44,000 sq.m, handling 350,000 passengers daily.

Built by Global Giants

Construction has been awarded to three international firms: