Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the Dubai Metro Gold Line, marking the emirate's largest sustainable transport project. The new metro line will extend over 42 kilometres and include 18 stations, becoming Dubai's first fully underground metro line.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Gold Line involves an investment of approximately AED34 billion. It will connect to both the Red and Green Lines and integrate with Etihad Rail, linking Dubai to the UAE's national transportation network. The approval was granted in the presence of several key leaders, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other prominent officials.
The project signifies a strategic milestone for Dubai, reflecting its robust economy and accelerating development. Sheikh Mohammed has directed the immediate commencement of the project, aiming for inauguration on 9 September 2032, which is 30% faster than the Blue Line's delivery timeframe. The Gold Line is expected to serve 1.5 million people by 2040, supporting mobility across 55 mega development projects currently under construction.
Also present during the approval were Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi and Mattar Al Tayer, who highlighted the Gold Line's role in enhancing urban integration and mobility in Dubai. The route will span 15 strategic locations and significantly improve connectivity, linking with the Red Line at Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates, and with the Green Line at Al Ghubaiba.
Mattar Al Tayer emphasized that the Gold Line represents a strategic investment with a projected 430% cumulative economic return over 20 years. The project is set to alleviate congestion, reduce road journeys, and enhance environmental sustainability, all while adhering to international standards of quality and safety.
The project is scheduled for tender issuance in 2026 with construction set to begin following the contract award in 2027. The Dubai Metro network, currently spanning 120 kilometres, will expand to 162 kilometres and 85 stations with the addition of the Gold Line. The Dubai Metro has served over 2.8 billion passengers since its inception in 2009, and this expansion is poised to further solidify its role as a backbone of Dubai's transport ecosystem.