Dubai's RTA Awards US$5.6 Billion Contract for Metro Blue Line Project

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that it has awarded the contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project to a consortium of three leading Turkish and Chinese companies: MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC. The project, which spans 30 kilometres and includes 14 stations, is valued at US$5.6 billion (AED20.5 billion).

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the launch of the Dubai Metro Blue Line project during a press conference held at the One&Only Za’abeel Hotel.

"The event was attended by the heads of the consortium companies: Mehmet Nazif Gunal, Chairman of the Board MAPA, Nihat Özdemir, Chairman of the Board LIMAK, Liu Gang, Chairman CRRC, along with senior RTA officials, including Abdul Muhsen Ibrahim Younes Kalbat, CEO of the Rail Agency; Ahmed Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Finance; and Saeed Al Marri, Director of Contracts and Procurement.

H.E. Al Tayer said the launch of the Dubai Metro Blue Line project embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to prioritise infrastructure development as a cornerstone of Dubai’s comprehensive growth.

H.E. added: "It also reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE."

“The project builds on the remarkable success of the Dubai Metro since its inauguration on 9 September 2009. As the backbone of Dubai’s transportation network and the preferred choice for residents and visitors, the Dubai Metro now accommodates over 850,000 riders daily and has transported nearly 2.5 billion riders since its launch. It currently accounts for 60% of all public transport users in the emirate,” H.E. Al Tayer said.

“The new Blue Line aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, reinforcing Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live in. It offers sustainable and flexible public transport solutions that enhance mobility for residents and visitors, elevate quality of life, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for events and activities.

The Blue Line also supports urban planning initiatives like the 20-Minute City, ensuring that over 80% of services are accessible within a 20-minute commute, while promoting transit-oriented development (TOD).”

He further highlighted that the project underscores Dubai’s commitment to advancing infrastructure development to meet the needs of population and urban growth, foster integration between various public transport modes, and support the city’s aspirations as a future-ready metropolis.