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Sheikh Mohammed announces Dh34-billion 'fully underground' Dubai Metro Gold Line
Dubai's new 'Gold Line' metro project will connect both the Red and Green Lines, integrate with Etihad Rail, and is scheduled for completion on September 9, 2032
- PUBLISHED: Wed 22 Apr 2026, 3:09 PM UPDATED: Wed 22 Apr 2026, 4:04 PM
Dubai is set for its largest public transport expansion with the launch of a new Dubai Metro line announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Dh34-billion 'Gold Line' project will connect both the Red and Green Lines, integrate with Etihad Rail, and is scheduled for completion on September 9, 2032.
On Wednesday, April 22, Sheikh Mohammed said the ‘Gold Line’ will be a fully underground metro line spanning 42km, running at depths of up to 40 metres and passing through 15 strategic areas across the emirate. In a social media post, he described it as the largest transportation project in Dubai’s history, designed to strengthen connectivity across the city’s rapidly expanding residential and commercial zones.
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He directed the immediate start of the project and wrote: "We are pleased to announce the largest transportation project in Dubai: a new 42-kilometre metro line. It will pass through 15 key strategic areas across the city, serve approximately 1.5 million residents, and strengthen connectivity to 55 major real estate developments currently under construction."
The Dubai Ruler also reiterated the city's long-term development vision, and said: "Our landmark projects to position Dubai as the world’s best city to live in are on track. Our future endeavours will not stop; rather, they will accelerate. Our plan is to build a better future for millions of people. We stand by our words and deliver on them."
Dubai Metro Gold Line Project, the largest transportation project in Dubai, with a total cost of AED 34 billion.@rta_dubai pic.twitter.com/ekmE8zcosV
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 22, 2026
Gold Line to transform Dubai's transport system
“There is no finish line for progress and excellence,” boomed Sheikh Mohammed's voice in a video that flashed out the major details of the transportation project.
The largest transportation project in Dubai's history is designed for better connectivity across the city’s expanding key residential and commercial zones.
It will ease congestion across major roads by reducing over 40 million journeys annually, improving traffic flow, enhancing quality of life, and advancing environmental sustainability. The new metro line will also lessen congestion on the Red Line between Burjuman and ONPASSIVE stations by 23%.
Once fully operational, the line is expected to serve around 465,000 passengers daily by 2040, supporting the emirate’s growing demand and expanding urban population. The project will also support more than 55 major real estate developments currently under construction.
The Gold Line will expand the Dubai Metro network from 120 kilometres, including the Blue Line, to 162 kilometres, a 35% increase. The number of stations will rise from 67 to 85. It will introduce loops that enhance seamless mobility across short and long distances in key areas. This will further strengthen the integration and sustainability of the mass transit network.
Dubai Metro integration
Serving as the main arterial route, the Gold Line bridges Dubai’s historic centre with its future districts. The route spans 15 strategic locations, starting in Al Ghubaiba and crossing landmark developments such as 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 ending at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The Gold Line will connect with the existing 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. However, there is no indication yet that the new line will connect with the under-construction Blue Line, which is expected to be completed by September 9, 2029. Connecting the country's transport network more closely, the new route will link with the UAE’s passenger rail service, Etihad Rail, at two stations.
Fully-underground metro line
The project will use tunnel‑boring technology and will have an underground track length equivalent to twice the size of the metro's existing tunnels. The project will use exceptional construction techniques and the latest technologies and equipment for tunnelling, without disrupting daily life, traffic, or existing developments.
Tendering for the project is expected in 2026, followed by contract awards in 2027; construction will subsequently begin. The development will deploy advanced tunnel-boring technology to significantly expand the metro’s underground network, reportedly adding tunnel length equivalent to twice the current system. In parallel, plans are underway for the Dubai Loop, a high-speed subterranean transport network designed to dramatically cut commute times through narrow 12-foot-wide tunnels. It remains unclear whether the Dubai Loop will be integrated with the Gold Line to enable seamless connectivity across the network.
The Gold Line is expected to deliver strong long-term economic value, with projections indicating a cumulative return of up to 430 per cent over 20 years of operation.
Why is September 9 significant for Dubai Metro?
Dubai Metro is the backbone of public transport in Dubai. It was on 09.09.2009 at precisely 09.09.09pm that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum flagged off the Dubai Metro for the first time.
This was a deliberate and symbolic launch moment that tied the metro to precision, ambition, and national identity. Since then, every new metro line has been inaugurated on September 9.
The Dubai Metro Green Line was officially opened on September 9, 2011, with public service beginning on September 10, 2011. It acts as a 23km key route connecting heritage districts of Deira and Bur Dubai via 20 stations, including 8 underground and 12 elevated stations.
The under construction Dubai Metro Blue Line is scheduled to open on September 9, 2029, exactly 20 years after the Red Line's launch, with construction expected to be 30 per cent complete by early 2026. The 30-km line will feature 14 new stations, including 5 underground and 9 elevated, connecting key areas such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City to the existing network.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.