Future of Dubai Metro: 140 Stations by 2024, 96 by 2030

Dubai has approved an ambitious plan to expand the city’s Metro network, increasing the number of stations from 64 to 96 by 2030, and further to 140 stations by 2040. The Executive Council of Dubai said on Sunday that the major expansion aims to enrich economic opportunities, supporting the concept of the ‘20-minute city’ and increasing the number of Metro users.

The plan seeks to interconnect various modes of public transport and improve the overall quality of life in Dubai. To achieve this, the council has introduced incentives for developers to utilize plots near Metro stations, encouraging the provision of additional services.

The Executive Council of Dubai approved a plan for developing areas around Metro stations with the aim of enriching economic opportunities and increasing the share of public transport to 45% and reducing carbon emissions to 16 tonnes per capita.

The scope of the Metro station… pic.twitter.com/cfjXsf1b9x
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 30, 2024

Some of the plan’s key objectives include increasing the share of public transport to 45%, reducing carbon emissions to 16 tonnes per capita, improving the quality of public spaces to encourage walking, and increasing shaded areas. The initiative also aims to boost populations around stations, enhance the diversity of residential, commercial, office, and service spaces, attract more users, and expand economic opportunities.

The scope of the Metro station area development plan will initially expand from the current 64 stations over 84 square kilometers to 96 stations over 140 square kilometers by 2030. By 2040, the plan envisions covering 140 stations over 228 square kilometers, further solidifying Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

Meanwhile, construction on the recently-announced Dubai Metro Blue Line will commence this year. The Dh 18 billion project is set to significantly impact the city's north-east, adding 30 kilometers to the Metro network, with over half of it running underground and featuring 14 new stations.

Upon completion, the Blue Line will connect key areas of Dubai, including Bur Dubai, Deira, Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Marina, JBR, and Expo City Dubai. The project is slated for completion in 2029, aligning with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.