Dubai has once again set its sights on breaking world records, today announcing that the upcoming Blue Line of its iconic metro system will feature the world's highest metro station. The Emaar Properties Station, poised to soar to a remarkable 74 meters, is a centerpiece of the ambitious AED 18 billion ($5.6 billion) Blue Line project, which will further expand the city's state-of-the-art public transport network.
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| Dubai's Metro Reaches for the Sky with Blue Line's World's Highest Station |
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation
The Emaar Properties Station, designed by the renowned American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the masterminds behind the iconic Burj Khalifa, is envisioned as a "crossing gateway." Its futuristic, cylindrical design with intricate motifs is set to become an architectural landmark in its own right, harmonizing with Dubai's ever-evolving skyline. Spanning approximately 11,000 square meters, the station is engineered to accommodate a staggering 160,000 passengers daily, with projections of over 70,000 daily users by 2040.
The interior promises a blend of luxury and tradition, featuring warm, earthy tones and high-end materials such as Jura limestone, bronze metal wall panels, and granite flooring. Glass ceiling panels will flood the lobby and platform levels with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The selection of materials emphasizes durability and environmental efficiency, reflecting Dubai's commitment to sustainable development. In a significant branding move, real estate giant Emaar Properties has secured the naming rights for this flagship station for a period of ten years, commencing from its inauguration.
The Blue Line: A New Artery for a Growing City
The Dubai Metro Blue Line is a 30-kilometer extension that will weave through some of Dubai's most populous and rapidly developing areas. It will add 14 new stations to the network – nine elevated and five underground – bringing the total length of the Dubai Metro to 131 kilometers with 78 stations.
The new line is strategically designed to serve key districts including Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City, directly impacting an estimated one million residents. The project will also feature a spectacular 1,300-meter-long viaduct, the first of its kind for the Dubai Metro, crossing the historic Dubai Creek.
The Blue Line will be integrated seamlessly with the existing Red and Green Lines, featuring three key interchange stations: Creek Station (interchange with the Green Line), Centrepoint Station (interchange with the Red Line), and a new interchange station at International City 1. The project also includes the construction of the network's largest underground interchange station, spanning an impressive 44,000 square meters, with a projected capacity of 350,000 passengers per day.
Construction on the Blue Line is set to commence this year, with the grand opening scheduled for September 9, 2029, a date that poignantly marks the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro's inauguration.
Engineering Marvels and Sustainable Solutions
The entire Blue Line project is being developed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, with all stations designed to meet Platinum Category certification for green buildings. This commitment to eco-friendly construction and operation is a testament to Dubai's leadership in sustainable urban development.
The project will be undertaken by a consortium of international engineering and construction firms, ensuring the highest standards of quality and innovation are met. The introduction of the Blue Line is expected to have a significant positive impact on the city, with projections indicating a 20% reduction in traffic congestion in the areas it serves and an estimated AED 56.5 billion in economic benefits by 2040 through savings in time and fuel.
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The expansion of the metro network is a critical component of Dubai's strategy to enhance the quality of life for its residents and to solidify its position as a global hub for business and tourism. By providing a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transport, the Blue Line will not only ease daily commutes but also contribute to a more sustainable and connected urban future for Dubai. As the city continues to grow and evolve, the Dubai Metro remains a cornerstone of its vision for a world-class, integrated public transportation system. The addition of the world's highest metro station is not just a feat of engineering; it is a symbol of Dubai's unwavering ambition to reach new heights.