Dubai has unveiled its most ambitious public transport project yet — the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a landmark addition to the emirate’s mobility network.
Approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the project reflects Dubai’s long-term vision to build a fully integrated, sustainable, and world-leading transport system. With massive investment, advanced engineering, and deep urban integration, the Gold Line is set to reshape how people move across the city by 2032.
Here are 20 key things to know about the project:
1. Dubai’s largest transport project
The Gold Line is officially the biggest transport infrastructure project in Dubai’s history.
2. Dhs 34 billion investment
The project carries an estimated cost of around Dhs 34 billion, making it a major national investment in mobility.
3. 42-kilometre underground route
The line will stretch 42 kilometres entirely underground, a first for Dubai Metro.
4. 18 new stations
It will include 18 strategically located stations across the city.
5. First fully underground metro line
Unlike existing lines, the Gold Line will be Dubai’s first completely underground metro system.
6. Connects major districts
The route links 15 key areas, including Al Ghubaiba, Business Bay, City Walk, Meydan, JVC, and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
7. Integration with Red Line
It will connect to the Red Line at Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
8. Integration with Green Line
The Gold Line will connect to the Green Line at Al Ghubaiba.
9. Link to Etihad Rail
It will integrate with Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, connecting Dubai to the wider UAE rail network.
10. Massive passenger capacity
The line is expected to serve 1.5 million people across its catchment area.
11. Daily ridership forecast
After 2040, it is projected to carry around 465,000 passengers daily.
12. Serves 55 mega developments
The route supports mobility for more than 55 major development projects.
13. Expands Dubai Metro by 35%
The network will grow from 120 km to 162 km, a 35% increase.
14. More stations overall
Dubai Metro stations will increase from 67 to 85 stations after completion.
15. Major congestion relief
The Gold Line is expected to reduce traffic congestion on key routes, including a 23% drop on the Red Line corridor between Burjuman and ONPASSIVE stations.
16. Reduces millions of car trips
It is projected to eliminate more than 40 million road trips annually, improving traffic flow.
17. Strong economic returns
The project is expected to generate a 430% economic return over 20 years through savings in time, fuel, and accident reduction.
18. Boost to real estate value
Properties near stations could see value increases of up to 20%.
19. Fast-track delivery timeline
Construction will begin after 2027 tender awards, with completion scheduled for 9 September 2032, delivered 30% faster than the Blue Line timeline.
20. Fully underground engineering feat
The project will use advanced tunnel boring technology to build deep underground with minimal disruption, reaching depths of around 40 metres.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
