Dubai unveils $9 billion Gold Line metro expansion to link city center with suburbs

Dubai announced plans on Wednesday for a new Dh34 billion ($9 billion) Metro Gold Line that officials described as the largest transportation project in the emirate’s history, according to The National.

The 42-kilometer route is expected to serve more than 1.5 million residents and expand the Dubai Metro network by 25%.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, said the line would pass through 15 key areas of the city and connect with major real estate developments currently under construction.

“We are pleased to announce the largest transportation project in Dubai: a new 42-kilometer metro line,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X.

He said the project would strengthen connectivity to 55 major developments and reflected Dubai’s continued investment in future growth.

The Gold Line is scheduled to open on Sept. 9, 2032, marking 23 years since the launch of the Dubai Metro in 2009.

Authorities said the line will include 18 new stations and feature the emirate’s first fully integrated underground route.

The route will run from Al Ghubaiba in old Dubai to Jumeirah Golf Estates. It will also connect with Dubai’s existing Red and Green metro lines, as well as Etihad Rail, which is expected to begin passenger services before the end of the year.

Maps released by authorities show the line passing near densely populated districts including Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Motor City, MBR City and Business Bay.

Officials said the line is projected to carry up to 465,000 passengers daily after 2040.

They added that the project will include an advanced tunnel network double the size of the metro system’s current tunnel infrastructure.

The Gold Line is the latest expansion of Dubai’s fast-growing public transport network, as the city seeks to keep pace with population growth and reduce road congestion.

Dubai has also announced the Metro Blue Line, due to open in September 2029 on the system’s 20th anniversary.

That Dh20.5 billion project will add 14 new stations and connect neighborhoods including Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai International City.

Officials said the Blue Line will add 30 kilometers to the network, including 15.5 kilometers underground.

Once completed, Dubai’s metro system is expected to extend to 131 kilometers, with 78 stations and 168 trains.