HH Sheikh Mohammed Launches Dubai Metro Blue Line Tunnelling
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the Dubai Metro Blue Line construction site at International City 1 on 3 May 2026, reviewed station designs and formally launched the tunnelling phase by activating TBM Al Wugeisha. Full account of what happened, what was said, and the compl
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the Dubai Metro Blue Line construction site at International City 1 on 3 May.
During the visit, His Highness received a full briefing on the project’s progress, reviewed the architectural designs for the station interiors, and formally commanded the activation of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Al Wugeisha — officially launching the tunnelling phase of the Blue Line project. This is the complete account of what happened, what was reviewed, and what was said.
⚡ Quick Brief — The Visit and What It Means
- 📅 Date: 3 May 2026
- 📍 Location: International City 1 underground construction site, Dubai Metro Blue Line
- 🚇 What was launched: Tunnelling phase — TBM Al Wugeisha activated, excavating in 3 simultaneous directions
- 🏗️ Project status: 20% complete as of 3 May 2026 — target 30% by end of 2026
- 👥 Workforce: 10,000+ workers, 500+ engineers, 180 rail specialists
- 📅 Opening date: 9 September 2029
What His Highness Did at the Construction Site
The visit to the International City 1 site followed a structured sequence. His Highness arrived, received a full project briefing, reviewed station designs, and then gave the formal command to begin tunnelling. Here is exactly what happened at each stage.
Who Attended the Visit
| Attendee | Role |
|---|---|
| HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid | First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, UAE Minister of Finance |
| HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid | Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai |
| HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum | President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman, Dubai Airports; CEO, Emirates Airline Group |
| HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid | Chairman, UAE Olympic Committee |
| HE Mattar Al Tayer | Director General and Chairman, RTA Board of Executive Directors |
| Senior executives, MAPA-LIMAK-CRRC Hong Kong | Project delivery consortium leadership |
TBM Al Wugeisha — The Machine Now Drilling Beneath Dubai
The TBM is named Al Wugeisha by the RTA — a practice used to give identity to machines that spend years underground, invisible to the city above but fundamental to what it becomes.
What His Highness Said
Three statements made during and after the visit carry significance for residents, investors and anyone following the city’s development.
“Our projects in Dubai are delivered to meet the highest international standards, guided by clear plans, precise timelines, and national talent capable of turning vision into tangible achievements in practice.” — HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 3 May 2026
“Investing in the transport sector is an investment in the future and a key pillar of enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness.” — HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 3 May 2026
“We are the world’s most future-ready city. Whoever bets on Dubai, bets on the future.” — HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 3 May 2026
The Blue Line Project — Full Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| November 2023 | His Highness approves the Dubai Metro Blue Line route |
| December 2024 | Contract awarded to MAPA-LIMAK-CRRC Hong Kong consortium, AED 20.5 billion |
| June 2025 | Foundation stone laid by His Highness — construction begins across 12 sites |
| November 2025 | 10% completion confirmed by RTA — 3 million work hours, zero fatalities |
| 3 May 2026 | His Highness visits site, reviews station designs, formally activates TBM Al Wugeisha — 20% complete |
| End of 2026 | Target: 30% completion |
| June 2026 | Dubai Creek Bridge structures begin taking visible shape above ground |
| 9 September 2029 | Blue Line opens — 20th anniversary of Dubai Metro |
Project by the Numbers
The Gold Line — What His Highness Also Signalled
In the post shared on 3 May, His Highness referenced both the Blue Line and the Gold Line together — announced on 22 April 2026 — describing them as forming “the world’s newest and most beautiful metro.” He also indicated further infrastructure announcements are coming in the months ahead, including a new global airport, future transport lines and AI-powered government services.
What is the Dubai Metro Gold Line? Announced on 22 April 2026, the Gold Line is a fully underground 42km metro line with 18 stations running from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates via Business Bay, MBR City, Meydan and Nad Al Sheba. Budget: AED 34 billion. It connects to both the Red and Green Lines and to Etihad Rail. Opening date: 9 September 2032.
More on the Dubai Metro Blue Line
Frequently Asked Questions — Dubai Metro Blue Line
When does the Dubai Metro Blue Line open?
A: The Dubai Metro Blue Line opens on 9 September 2029 — the 20th anniversary of Dubai Metro, which first opened on 9 September 2009. The project is 20% complete as of May 2026, with a target of 30% by end of 2026.
How much does the Dubai Metro Blue Line cost?
A: AED 20.5 billion (approximately USD 5.6 billion). The contract was awarded in December 2024 to a consortium of MAPA (Turkey), LIMAK (Turkey) and CRRC Hong Kong. The project covers 30km of track, 14 stations and the first metro bridge ever built over Dubai Creek.
Which areas does the Dubai Metro Blue Line serve?
A: The Blue Line serves nine districts: Al Jaddaf, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City (three stations), Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Mirdif, Al Warqa and Al Rashidiya — covering a projected population of over one million residents by 2040.
How does the Blue Line connect to the existing Dubai Metro?
A: The Blue Line connects to the Green Line at Creek Interchange (Al Jaddaf) and to the Red Line at Centrepoint (Al Rashidiya). These two interchange stations allow passengers to transfer between all three lines without leaving the paid zone. A future connection to Etihad Rail is also planned at Academic City.
What is the Dubai Metro Blue Line budget and who is building it?
A: The Blue Line costs AED 20.5 billion and is being built by the RTA in partnership with the MAPA-LIMAK-CRRC Hong Kong consortium. Over 10,000 workers and 500+ engineers are deployed across 12 construction sites, supervised by 180 rail specialists. The project has completed over 13 million work hours without a single lost-time injury.
What is the Gold Line and how is it different from the Blue Line?
A: The Gold Line was announced on 22 April 2026. It is a fully underground 42km line with 18 stations running from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates via Business Bay, MBR City, Meydan and Nad Al Sheba. Budget: AED 34 billion. It opens on 9 September 2032. The Blue Line (30km, AED 20.5bn) covers eastern Dubai and opens in 2029. The Gold Line covers central and south-western Dubai and opens in 2032.
How does the Blue Line affect property values in Dubai?
A: The RTA projects that the Blue Line will boost property values by up to 25% around metro stations along its route. Districts including Mirdif, Al Warqa, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Creek Harbour — all currently without metro access — are expected to see the strongest uplift as the 2029 opening approaches.
Sources: RTA Dubai — Blue Line project page, Dubai Media Office, Khaleej Times. Published 4 May 2026.
