Connect with us

News

Reach Dubai Airport in 20 minutes: How Dubai’s new Metro Blue Line will transform your daily commute

Published

on

Spread the love

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.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

on

Spread the love

Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

Continue Reading

News

UAE public holiday announced: 3-day weekend coming up on August 28

Published

on

Spread the love

Planning your next long weekend? The UAE has confirmed Friday, August 28, as a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors.

The holiday commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, an occasion included among the UAE’s official public holidays. As the date follows the Islamic calendar, the timing changes from year to year.

A three-day break for many residents

With the holiday falling on a Friday, employees who follow a Monday-to-Friday working week can enjoy three days off:

  • Friday, August 28: Public holiday
  • Saturday, August 29: Weekend
  • Sunday, August 30: Weekend

That means residents can make the most of the break with a short trip, a staycation or a relaxed weekend at home.

Another UAE holiday is coming

The next major public holiday on the UAE calendar will be Eid Al Etihad, with celebrations and the official holiday scheduled for December 2 and 3.

Continue Reading

News

What the UAE’s new vape excise price means for consumers and retailers

Published

on

Spread the love

The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a new rule that sets a minimum excise price for liquids used in electronic smoking devices.

Beginning September 1, vaping liquids will be subject to a minimum excise price of AED 1 per millilitre.

The ministry confirmed that the existing minimum excise prices for cigarettes, water pipe tobacco (shisha), and other tobacco products will remain unchanged.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to improve tax compliance, respond to developments in the tobacco and vaping industry, and create a more consistent pricing framework across tobacco and electronic smoking products.

The UAE will also continue applying its 100% excise tax on all tobacco products covered under the country’s excise tax regulations.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/