Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has informed that 18 contractors have prequalified to bid for the contract to design and build Dubai Metro’s new Blue Line in UAE.

The contractors and partnerships include:

• Hyundai Rotem, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Nippon (South Korea/China/Japan)
• China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, Limak Holding, Mapa Group (China/Türkiye/Türkiye)
• Siemens, Samsung, Larsen & Toubro, Wade Adams (Germany/South Korea/India/UAE)
• Alstom, FCC, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (France/Spain/China)
• CAF, China Tiesiju Civil Engineering Group, Arab Contractors (Spain/China/Egypt)
• Hitachi, WeBuild (Japan/Italy)

The project's scope entails comprehensive civil works, encompassing detailed design and construction of architectural and structural elements such as viaducts, tunnels, and stations. Additionally, it involves the design and execution of electromechanical works, procurement and delivery of operation and control systems for rail, stations, and facilities, as well as the design, manufacturing, and supply of rolling stock. Expected to be completed in 2029, coinciding with the Dubai Metro's 20th anniversary, the Blue Line comprises nine elevated stations and five underground stations, presenting a significant milestone as the first metro route to traverse Dubai Creek via a 1,300-m viaduct. Stretching 30 km in total, with 15.5 km underground and 14.5 km above ground, the line will establish a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and key areas. These include Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City. Anticipated travel times between these destinations range from 10 to 25 minutes. The Blue Line will feature 14 stations, including crucial interchange points at Creek Station on the Green Line, Centrepoint Station on the Red Line, and Dubai International City Station 1.

Additionally, it will incorporate an iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour. The project encompasses the construction of a metro depot at Al Ruwayyah 3 and boasts the Dubai Metro network's largest underground interchange station, covering 44,000 m2 and designed to accommodate around 350,000 passengers daily.