Dubai’s next big transport leap is officially on track, and already 10 per cent complete. The Dubai Metro Blue Line, one of the emirate’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, has reached a major milestone just five months after construction began in June 2025. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that over 3,000 workers and 500 engineers are now driving progress across 12 construction sites, moving the city closer to a smarter, faster, and greener commute.

When complete, the 30-kilometre Blue Line will seamlessly connect International City, Mirdif, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Academic City, linking the Red and Green Lines and serving over one million residents by 2040.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, stated that the line’s completion is on schedule, with 30 per cent expected by the end of 2026, and a full launch planned for September 9, 2029, coinciding perfectly with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.

The ’20-minute City’ Vision

“The Dubai Metro Blue Line is one of RTA’s most strategic projects,” Al Tayer said. 

“It connects key residential, economic, and tourism districts, enhances quality of life, and embodies Dubai’s ‘20-minute city’ vision, where 80 per cent of daily essentials are within 20 minutes of travel.”

• About 80 per cent of daily essentials will be within a 20-minute reach by public transport. 
• It will allow direct 20-minute trips to Dubai International Airport, easing congestion and making travel smoother for both residents and visitors.
• Once operational, the line will serve around one million residents and could boost property values by up to 25 per cent around its stations.

So far, over 260 deep foundations and 400,000 cubic metres of excavation have been completed, with major works at International City’s three stations and Academic City’s metro columns. To maintain quality and speed, RTA has even set up two ready-mix concrete plants at Al Ruwayyah 3 and International City.

The project will also feature the world’s tallest metro station, the Emaar Station at Dubai Creek Harbour, which stands 74 metres high and is capable of handling 240,000 passengers daily by 2040. Designed as an architectural landmark, it will be a luminous gateway by night and a natural light-filled hub by day.

Traffic Diversions

To keep Dubai moving smoothly during construction, RTA has rolled out 11 traffic diversions, including around Dragon Mart, with 10 more planned.

Beyond mobility, the project promises to deliver big economic and environmental benefits: a Dh56.5 billion boost by 2040.

RTA says over three million work hours have been completed without a single fatality, underscoring its world-class safety record.

In short, Dubai’s Blue Line isn’t just another metro extension; it’s the future of how the city moves, connects, and grows.

To mark the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad (National Day), Dubai’s toll operator Salik has launched a special competition giving participants the chance to win two recharge cards worth Dh400 each.

Running until December 2, the campaign invites residents to take part in a weekly challenge. Salik will post a new question every week, and five winners will be selected over four weeks to take home the prizes.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Salik encouraged residents to join in and boost their chances of winning, though it has yet to reveal details about the weekly questions.
“A new challenge begins now. Over four weeks, we’ll post one question each week, and five lucky winners will each receive two recharge cards worth Dh400,” the toll authority posted on X.

The initiative comes as part of Dubai’s broader National Month campaign, which runs from Flag Day (November 3) through Eid Al Etihad (December 2). The campaign celebrates the UAE’s proud journey through a series of national, community, and cultural events designed to strengthen national pride and unity.

Residents can follow Salik’s official social channels to take part in the contest and celebrate the spirit of the Union.

The UAE is taking its war on drugs straight to the classroom.

A new school subject, Security and Safety, will soon become part of the national curriculum in primary and secondary schools, a top official revealed during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the newly formed National Anti-Narcotics Authority, said the move aims to instil awareness and resilience among students from an early age.

The initiative follows a major step by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who issued a decree-law in August establishing the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, a dedicated body to unify national efforts in tackling drug-related crimes.

“Sheikh Zayed described the Authority’s creation as a turning point in the UAE’s battle against drugs and addiction,” the statement said.

At the annual meetings, he highlighted key milestones in the UAE’s fight against narcotics both locally and globally. Recently, the country joined a massive international counter-narcotics operation that dismantled criminal networks trafficking drugs worth over $2.9 billion (Dh10.64 billion), in cooperation with 25 countries and several international policing agencies.

The Authority’s upcoming strategy will include wide-ranging community awareness campaigns targeting all age groups, with a special focus on the youth. “Our ultimate goal is to build an integrated ecosystem for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation,” Sheikh Zayed said.

He also noted that the UAE’s crackdown on online drug promotion has already led to 2,297 malicious websites and social media accounts being identified and blocked.