Dubai approves $9.2bn fully underground gold line metro

Dubai has approved the development of the Gold Line metro, a major underground transport project valued at approximately $9.2bn. Extending 42 km with 18 stations, the line will be the emirate’s first fully underground metro corridor and a significant expansion of its urban mobility network.

The Gold Line is designed as a key connector within the city, linking existing metro corridors while integrating with the wider national rail system. It will pass through major districts including Al Ghubaiba, Business Bay, Meydan, and Jumeirah Village Circle, before terminating at Jumeirah Golf Estates. By connecting 15 strategic locations, the route is expected to support mobility across more than 55 ongoing development zones.

The project will rely on advanced tunnel boring techniques, with the entire alignment constructed at depths of up to 40 m. This approach minimises surface disruption while enabling construction through densely developed urban areas. The project is also targeting a delivery timeline around 30% faster than previous metro expansions, reflecting optimisation in tunnelling and project execution.

The line is projected to serve more than 1.5 million people by 2040, with daily ridership expected to reach approximately 465,000 passengers. It is also expected to reduce traffic congestion by removing over 40 million car journeys annually and easing pressure on existing metro lines.

Once completed in 2032, the project will expand the metro network to 162 km and 85 stations, reinforcing its role as a central component of Dubai’s transport system.