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.

Things got heated during the UAE vs Qatar World Cup qualifier, and FIFA isn’t letting it slide.

Following the fiery 2026 World Cup qualifier on October 14, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has announced a series of suspensions and fines targeting officials and players from both sides.

Matar Obaid Saeed Mesfer Al Dhaheri, supervisor of the UAE national team, has been hit with a 16-match suspension and a 10,000 Swiss franc fine (Dh45,500) after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour and physical assault against the match referee.

Two-match ban for Qatar

Over on the Qatari side, Tarek Salman has received a two-match ban and a 5,000 Swiss franc fine (Dh22,750) for dangerous play during the same match.

The match itself ended in a 2–1 win for Qatar, securing their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the UAE continues its campaign with crucial playoff matches against Iraq to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Breach of disciplinary code

In a separate decision, FIFA fined the Saudi Arabian Football Federation 11,500 Swiss francs for breaches of its disciplinary code after fans lit fireworks during Saudi Arabia’s 0–0 draw with Iraq, a result that booked Saudi Arabia’s place in the tournament.

For context, the UAE Football Association has also been enforcing stricter discipline internally. Earlier this year, it suspended players Khalid Al Dhanhani and Sultan Adel for five matches each and fined them Dh500,000 for misconduct during a national team camp.

Together, these measures underline the zero-tolerance stance of FIFA and the UAE FA when it comes to professionalism and player conduct during critical World Cup qualifying stages.

Source: KT/GN

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.