Dubai Metro turns 15: Why it is lifeline of the fast growing city
All you need to know about the world's longest driverless metro system in Dubai
Dubai: Dubai Metro has become the backbone of the city's transport system which is fast expanding with new development projects coming up at a phenomenal pace.
As Dubai's population has already crossed 4 million people with new people coming to settle here from around the world every day, the world’s longest driverless metro system has been a big success with more than 2.4 billion riders using the trains.
Dubai Metro turns 15 on September 9, 2024, with a remarkable journey since its launching on 09/09/2009.
The 15th anniversary of Dubai Metro marks a significant milestone in its journey of transforming the city’s mass urban transit. A symbol of Dubai’s spirit of innovation and excellence, the metro has become a vital lifeline connecting key areas across Dubai, providing reliable and sustainable transport for residents and visitors alike.
Since opening on 9 September 2009, the Dubai Metro has grown to keep pace with the city’s rapid urbanisation, playing an important role in shaping it into a major global hub for business and tourism and enhancing its status as a city of the future.
2.4 billion riders
Over the last decade and a half, Dubai Metro has consistently grown in ridership, reaching approximately 2.4 billion passengers. The metro has been instrumental in meeting the demands of the city’s rising population and expansion, achieving remarkable success in operational efficiency, punctuality, and adherence to the highest global safety standards.
730,000 daily passengers
With an average daily ridership of approximately 730,000 passengers, the metro today is the preferred mode of transportation for numerous residents and visitors. The metro maintains an impressive punctuality rate of 99.7%, consistently surpassing its targets and upholding high safety standards and operational efficiency. Since its establishment, Dubai Metro has facilitated 4.3 million journeys, encompassing 26.8 million kilometres.
. @rta_dubai launches academic scholarship programme for 15 Emirati students born on 9/9/2009 to mark #Dubai Metro's 15th anniversary. Comprehensive programme supports students through practical training in high school, specialised engineering education at university, and career… pic.twitter.com/PqKseqI3gv
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 8, 2024
Backbone
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated: “The Dubai Metro is one of the visionary initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It aims to provide a world-class public transport infrastructure, positioning Dubai as a global hub for finance and business.
The concept is anchored in His Highness’s firm belief in the importance of a metro system to meet the growing population and urban development needs of the city. His Highness envisioned the metro as the backbone of a transportation network that links all key areas in the emirate, ensuring safe and smooth travel for passengers. His Highness also directed that the metro’s facilities must have the highest standards of elegance and luxury.”
Positive indicators
Al Tayer expressed his satisfaction with the positive indicators reflecting continuous growth in Dubai Metro’s ridership, demonstrating that the substantial investments made by the Government of Dubai in developing public transportation infrastructure have been successful and effective.
Route 2020
On 29 June 2016, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the awarding of the Route 2020 project contract to extend the Dubai Metro’s Red Line from Jebel Ali Station to the Expo 2020 site. Valued at AED10.6 billion, the contract was awarded to the Expo Link Consortium, which includes French, Spanish, and Turkish companies.
On 8 July 2020, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially launched the Route 2020 line of the Dubai Metro. Route 2020 spans 15 kilometres (11.8 kilometres above ground and 3.2 kilometres underground). Operational accuracy.
Credit: DMO
Fast Facts about Dubai Metro
Here are some key numbers and milestones of the Dubai Metro
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Number of Lines: 3 (Red Line, Green Line and Route 2020)
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Total length: 52 km in 2009 and 90 km in 2024
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Number of stations: 10 in 2009 and 53 in 2024
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Passengers carried in 15 years: 2.4 billion
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Average daily ridership: 20,000 in 2009 and 767,000 in 2024
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Total journeys: 4.3 million
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Total kilometres (from 2009 to Sept. 2024): 26.8 million
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Emirati employees: 228
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Punctuality rate: 99.7%
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Number of operating trains: 129
Metro riders over the years:
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2009 (from Sept. to Dec.2009): 6.089 million
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2010: 38.089 million
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2011: 69.001 million
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2012: 109.049 million
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2013: 137.076 million
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2014: 164.031 million
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2015: 178.065 million
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2016: 191.033 million
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2017: 200.075 million
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2018: 204.041 million
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2019: 202.098 million
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2020: 113.063 million (despite COVID-19)
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2021: 151.026 million
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2022: 225.142 million
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2023: 260.034 million
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2024 175.46 million (first 8 months)
Key Milestones of the Dubai Metro Journey
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21 March 2006: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai inaugurated the construction works of the Dubai Metro project during an official ceremony held at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
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29 July 2006: The first concrete pillar for the Dubai Metro elevated bridge was constructed between the sixth and seventh intersections on Sheikh Zayed Road.
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10 January 2007: Sheikh Mohammed launched the main tunneling works for the Dubai Metro project, marking the start of drilling from Union Station towards Dubai Creek and extending to Burjuman Station.
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20 September 2008: Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the technical trial run of the Dubai Metro on the test track.
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9 September 2009: Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the official operation of the Red Line, which started with ten stations.
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9 September 2011: Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the official operation of the Dubai Metro Green Line.
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29 June 2016: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the awarding of the Route 2020 project contract to extend the Dubai Metro Red Line.
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5 September 2016: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone for the Route 2020 project.
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8 July 2020: Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the official operation of the Dubai Metro Route 2020.
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23 November 2023: Sheikh Mohammed approved the route of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which spans 30 kilometers.