Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a Dh34 billion fully underground metro line spanning 42 kilometres, set to serve 1.5 million residents and complete by September 9, 2032.
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Sheikh Mohammed Announces the Dubai Metro Gold Line
The Dubai Metro Gold Line is official. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the project on Wednesday, April 22, describing it as the largest transportation project in Dubai's history.
The fully underground line will run at depths of up to 40 metres, pass through 15 strategic areas across the emirate, and connect the existing Red and Green Lines while also integrating with Etihad Rail.
Sheikh Mohammed directed the immediate start of the project and stated: "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."
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What the Gold Line Will Cover
The Dubai Metro Gold Line will serve as the main arterial route connecting Dubai's historic centre with its future districts. The route begins at Al Ghubaiba and passes through Mina Rashid, City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Nad Al Sheba, Meydan, Al Barsha South, Jumeirah Village Circle, and terminates at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
It will connect with the Red Line at Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates, link with the Green Line at Al Ghubaiba, and connect with Etihad Rail at two stations: Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The line will support more than 55 major real estate developments currently under construction across the city.
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The Numbers Behind the Project
The scale of the Gold Line is significant across every metric.
The project carries a Dh34 billion investment and will expand Dubai's metro network from 120 kilometres to 162 kilometres — a 35 percent increase. The total number of stations will rise from 67 to 85, adding 18 new stations along the underground corridor.
Once fully operational, the line is expected to carry approximately 465,000 passengers daily by 2040. It will reduce over 40 million road journeys annually and ease congestion on the Red Line between Burjuman and ONPASSIVE stations by 23 percent.
Long-term projections indicate a cumulative economic return of up to 430 percent over 20 years of operation.
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How the Gold Line Will Be Built
The Dubai Metro Gold Line will use advanced tunnel-boring technology, adding underground tunnel length equivalent to twice the size of the metro's existing tunnels. Construction is designed to proceed without disrupting daily life, traffic, or existing developments.
Tendering is expected in 2026, with contract awards scheduled for 2027 and construction beginning shortly after. The project is scheduled for completion on September 9, 2032.
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Why September 9 Matters for Dubai Metro
Every Dubai Metro milestone has been tied to the date September 9. The original Red Line launched on 09.09.2009 at precisely 09:09:09 pm in a moment that became symbolic of Dubai's precision and ambition.
The Green Line followed on September 9, 2011. The Blue Line, currently under construction, is scheduled to open on September 9, 2029. The Gold Line continues that tradition with its 2032 completion target on the same date.
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What the Gold Line Means for Dubai Residents
For the 1.5 million residents the Gold Line is designed to serve, the impact will be direct. Faster connections between key residential and commercial zones, reduced road congestion, and seamless links to the wider metro and national rail network will redefine daily commuting across large parts of the city.
Combined with the Blue Line currently under construction, Dubai's metro network is entering its most ambitious expansion phase yet.
