Dubai Metro marks 15 years, with 2.4 billion riders

Since its inception, Dubai Metro has carried approximately 2.4 billion passengers and has grown significantly, with daily ridership averaging 730,000. The metro boasts an impressive punctuality rate of 99.7 percent and has facilitated 4.3 million journeys over 26.8 million kilometers.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), praised the metro as a visionary project initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Al Tayer noted that the metro’s success is due to the continued support and guidance from Sheikh Mohammed and other leaders.

Since its launch, the metro network has expanded from 52 kilometers to 90 kilometers, with the number of stations growing from 10 to 53. The number of trains has increased from 79 to 129, and daily ridership has surged from 20,000 to 767,000. The metro has also created job opportunities for Emiratis and remains the world’s longest driverless metro project.

Notably, in 2016, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the Route 2020 project to extend the Red Line to the Expo 2020 site. The Route 2020 extension, which spans 15 kilometers, connects key areas and supports Dubai’s ambitions as a global hub.

Looking ahead, on November 23, 2023, Sheikh Mohammed approved the Blue Line, a 30-kilometer extension that will connect 14 stations and enhance connectivity across Dubai. The Blue Line will feature the first metro bridge across Dubai Creek and two iconic stations designed by SOM. It will also include the largest underground transfer station and meet platinum-grade green building standards.

The Rail Operations Control Centre, one of the world’s most advanced, manages the metro’s operations, ensuring high safety standards and efficient service. The centre oversees train movements, systems performance, and environmental controls, contributing to the metro’s success and reliability.