His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially approved the Dubai Metro Gold Line. Unveiled on April 23, 2026, this AED 34 billion infrastructure endeavor stands as the emirate’s largest sustainable transport initiative to date. The directive calls for an immediate commencement of construction, with a target inauguration date of September 9, 2032.
A New Era for Underground Transit
Distinct from its predecessors, the Gold Line will be Dubai’s first fully underground metro route. Spanning 42 kilometers, the line is designed to traverse 18 stations and connect 15 strategic locations across the city. The project aims to serve an estimated 1.5 million residents and visitors by 2040, facilitating access to 55 major development projects currently under construction.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the project’s significance, noting that the new line will expand the existing metro network by 35 percent. Once completed, the Gold Line will increase the total length of the Dubai Metro network to 162 kilometers, bringing the total number of stations to 85.
Strategic Connectivity and Economic Impact
The Gold Line is engineered to function as a comprehensive urban artery, bridging Dubai’s historic center with its rapidly developing future districts. The route originates in Al Ghubaiba, crossing key landmarks such as Mina Rashid, City Walk, Business Bay, and Mohammed Bin Rashid City, before continuing through Nad Al Sheba, Meydan, Al Barsha South, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), culminating at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
This extensive reach offers critical connectivity to the broader transport web. Commuters will be able to transfer to the Red Line at Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates, and to the Green Line at Al Ghubaiba. Furthermore, the line integrates with Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, linking the urban transit system with the national railway network.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), highlighted the economic foresight behind the investment. He stated that the project is projected to yield a 430 percent cumulative economic return over 20 years. This figure is driven by savings in time and fuel, reductions in traffic accident fatality rates, and a decrease in carbon emissions.
Infrastructure for the Future
The project aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, addressing the demands of urban expansion and demographic growth. Beyond the immediate benefits of mobility, the Gold Line is expected to enhance the value of properties near the new stations by up to 20 percent. Operationally, the new route is anticipated to alleviate congestion on the Red Line between Burjuman and ONPASSIVE stations by 23 percent.
The delivery timeframe for the Gold Line is notably aggressive; it is scheduled for completion 30 percent faster than the Blue Line. This accelerated pace reflects the leadership’s commitment to building a world-class city, ensuring that the infrastructure keeps step with Dubai’s accelerating development and global competitiveness. As the backbone of the emirate’s mobility ecosystem, the Gold Line represents a tangible step toward a sustainable, integrated future for millions of residents.