Dubai Metro celebrates 17 years with record ridership and expansion plans

The Dubai Metro is celebrating its 17th anniversary, marking its evolution from a 10-station network at its 2009 launch to a comprehensive system comprising 55 stations across the Red and Green lines. In 2025, the network recorded 294.7 million riders, representing a 7 percent increase from the previous year, with daily ridership averaging approximately 900,000 passengers.

To meet growing demand, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is planning significant expansions. The upcoming Blue Line, a 30-kilometre extension, is expected to launch on September 9, 2029, connecting the Red and Green lines and serving areas such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai International Academic City. Additionally, a proposed 42-kilometre underground Gold Line, valued at AED 34 billion, is slated to begin operations by September 9, 2032.