Dubai Metro Blue Line achieves major construction milestones

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the completion of more than 2,000 meters of tunnel excavation works. It also announced the arrival of the "Al Waqisha 1" drilling machine at the Dragon Souq Station, the first tunnel station in the project. In addition, more than 800 meters of overhead bridges have been completed. The deep foundations of the iconic "Emaar Properties" station have also been completed at 100%. Meanwhile, the deep foundations of the Dubai Creek crossing have reached 30% completion. The project is being implemented according to the approved schedule. Preparations are underway for its opening in September 2029. In detail, the Authority said that the Dubai Metro Blue Line project is progressing steadily and rapidly across all construction stages. This includes underground and above-ground works, tunnel excavation, and the construction of bridges and stations. Latest tech The project uses the latest tunnelling technologies and an integrated manufacturing system. These support the delivery of one of the largest future transport projects in the emirate. The project reflects Dubai's vision of building a more connected, efficient, and sustainable city. The Authority explained through its digital platforms that the giant tunnel-boring machine "Al Waqisha" completed the excavation of more than 2,000 meters of tunnels. The work started from International City Station (1) and continued towards International City Stations (2) and (3). The machine reached Dragon Souq Station on June 29. This station is the first tunnel station within the project. Its arrival marked the completion of the first phase of tunnelling works. The Authority noted that Al Waqisha represents an advanced generation of tunnel-boring machines. It operates using the latest digital guidance and monitoring systems. During excavation works, the machine achieves an average progress rate of between 13 and 17 meters per day. It can reach 30 meters per day when operating at standard drilling capacity. This reflects the significant development in tunneling technology since the early stages of the Dubai Metro's construction. Construction of the stations On the construction side, the Authority confirmed that the deep foundation works for the iconic "Emaar Properties" station have been completed 100%. Construction of the station is currently underway. The station will be the highest metro station in the world, standing 74 meters tall. It will cover an area of 11,000 square meters and have a capacity of 160,000 passengers per day. It is expected to become one of the project's most prominent engineering landmarks. The Authority added that overhead bridge construction has achieved significant progress. More than 800 meters have been completed across various project sites. Work is also continuing on the Dubai Creek crossing. This will be the first water crossing in the Dubai Metro network. It will also be the longest metro bridge crossing the Creek, with a length of 1.3 kilometres. The deep foundations for the Creek crossing have reached 30% completion. The crossing is expected to be completed during 2027. To support the pace of implementation, the Authority said that the overhead bridge segment production plant in the Ruwayh area currently has enough inventory to build about two kilometres of metro track. The tunnel ring factory in the International City has produced more than 1,700 concrete rings. This stock is sufficient for about three kilometres of tunnels. It helps accelerate construction, reduce implementation time, and ensure a continuous supply of structural components. The Authority also stated that tunnel station works have reached 20% completion. Civil and construction works are continuing in preparation for the arrival of tunnel-boring machines at the remaining project sites in the next stages. 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, which has a total cost of AED 20.5 billion and a length of 30 kilometres. Of this, 15.5 kilometres will be underground and 14.5 kilometres will be above ground. The line includes 14 stations. These consist of three interchange stations, seven elevated stations, and four underground stations. The project will serve nine key areas. These areas are expected to have a significant population under the Dubai Urban Plan 2040. According to the project schedule, the completion rate is expected to reach 30% by the end of 2026. The project is scheduled to open on September 9, 2029.