Dubai Metro Blue Line Accelerates Progress with Completion of 2,800 Meters of Tunnels and Bridges
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced significant advancements in the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, marking the completion of over 2,800 meters of tunnels and bridges, alongside the full establishment of the foundations for the iconic “Emaar Properties” station. The project is on track for its scheduled opening in September 2029.
The RTA detailed that more than 2,000 meters of tunnel excavation has been completed, with the arrival of the “Al Waqisha 1” drilling machine at the Dragon Souq Station, the first tunnel station in the project. Additionally, over 800 meters of overhead bridges have been constructed, while the deep foundations for the Dubai Creek crossing are currently at 30% completion.
Steady Progress and Timeline
The Dubai Metro Blue Line project is progressing according to the approved timeline, with construction activities encompassing both underground and above-ground works. The RTA emphasized that preparations are underway for the project’s anticipated opening in September 2029.
The excavation works commenced at International City Station (1) and have successfully advanced towards International City Stations (2) and (3). The “Al Waqisha” machine reached the Dragon Souq Station on June 29, marking a pivotal milestone in the tunneling phase.
Advanced Tunneling Technology
The project incorporates cutting-edge tunneling technologies and an integrated manufacturing system, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to enhancing its transport infrastructure. The “Al Waqisha” machine, representing a new generation of tunnel-boring technology, operates with advanced digital guidance and monitoring systems.
During the excavation process, the machine achieves an average progress rate of 13 to 17 meters per day, with the potential to reach 30 meters under optimal conditions. This advancement illustrates the evolution of tunneling technology since the initial phases of the Dubai Metro’s construction.
Construction of Iconic Stations
The RTA confirmed that the deep foundation works for the “Emaar Properties” station have been fully completed. This station is set to be the highest metro station globally, standing at 74 meters tall and covering an area of 11,000 square meters. It is designed to accommodate 160,000 passengers daily and is expected to become a key engineering landmark within the project.
Moreover, significant progress has been made in the construction of overhead bridges, with over 800 meters completed across various sites. Work continues on the Dubai Creek crossing, which will be the first water crossing in the Dubai Metro network and the longest metro bridge over the Creek, measuring 1.3 kilometers in length. The deep foundations for this crossing are currently 30% complete, with an expected finish date in 2027.
Supporting Infrastructure Development
To facilitate the project’s pace, the RTA has established an overhead bridge segment production plant in the Ruwayh area, which currently has sufficient inventory to construct approximately two kilometers of metro track. Additionally, the tunnel ring factory in International City has produced over 1,700 concrete rings, adequate for about three kilometers of tunnels. This production capacity aids in accelerating construction and ensuring a steady supply of structural components.
Tunnel station works have reached 20% completion, with civil and construction efforts ongoing in preparation for the arrival of additional tunnel-boring machines at subsequent project sites.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the main tunnel excavation works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project. The project, with a total budget of AED 20.5 billion, spans 30 kilometers, comprising 15.5 kilometers underground and 14.5 kilometers above ground.
The line will feature 14 stations, including three interchange stations, seven elevated stations, and four underground stations. It is designed to serve nine key areas projected to experience significant population growth under the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
According to the project schedule, the completion rate is anticipated to reach 30% by the end of 2026, with the official opening set for September 9, 2029.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-11 19:06:00 • By the Editorial Desk
