In a bold move towards the future, Dubai city has greenlit its most ambitious transport project yet: the all-new Gold Line of the Metro. Spanning 42 km with 18 stations, this fully underground network is set to reshape how the emirate moves when it rolls out in 2032.
The Gold Line, the emirate’s largest sustainable transport project involving an investment of around AED34 billion ($9.26 billion), was approved by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Gold Line connects to both the Red and Green Lines, while integrating with Etihad Rail, effectively linking Dubai to the UAE’s comprehensive national transportation network, said a WAM news agency report.
Sheikh Mohammed’s approval of the landmark project marks a strategic milestone, reflecting the robustness of Dubai’s economy and its accelerating pace of development as the government continues to deliver ambitious infrastructure projects that boost economic growth and enhance quality of life, further elevating the emirate’s global competitiveness.
Airport Express Line is set to link DXB to DWC in Jebel Ali.
He directed the immediate commencement of the project, with the inauguration scheduled for September 9, 2032.
The new Metro line, running 40 m underground, will serve 1.5 million people and support mobility across 55 mega development projects currently under construction.
“Our landmark projects to build the world’s best city to live in are ongoing. Our future projects will only gather pace. Our mission is to build a better future for millions – for we are a people who say what we do and do what we say,” he added.
The route spans 15 strategic locations, originating in Al Ghubaiba and crossing several landmark developments, including Mina Rashid, City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Nad Al Sheba, Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, Meydan, Al Barsha South, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and culminating at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The Gold Line will connect with the Red Line at two locations; Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates, and to the Green Line at Al Ghubaiba. It also links with Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, said the Wam report.
Its daily passenger number is expected to reach 465,000 people beyond 2040.
The Gold Line will expand the Dubai Metro network from the current 120 km, factoring in the Blue Line, to 162 km, a 35 per cent increase. The number of stations will increase from 67 (including the Blue Line) to a total of 85 stations.
Meanwhile, in another development Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has invited bids from consultants for the study and design of the proposed Airport Express Line, which will link Dubai International Airport in Al Garhoud to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Jebel Ali.
The planned line will run approximately 55 km and include five stations, offering integrated passenger services such as remote airline check-in, baggage drop-off and security screening, aimed at streamlining the travel experience between the two aviation hubs, reported MEED.
The Airport Express Line is expected to originate from the Red Line station at DXB, passing through Al Jaddaf and running along Al Khail Road to a new station at Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), before continuing onwards to DWC.
Two spur lines are also planned. One will connect the JVC station to the Al-Fardan Exchange Metro Station at Emirates Golf Club, while the second will branch towards Business Bay, where an additional station will be developed. Consultants have been given until June to submit proposals for the project.
Tendering activity is also under way for the Route 2020 extension, which will link the Expo 2020 Metro Station to DWC’s West Terminal.