Dubai Metro launches new Red Line route – what you need to know

Move aims to strengthen network amid population boom

It is hoped the new route will ease congestion on Dubai Metro's Red Line. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Monday announced a new direct route on the Dubai Metro Red Line.

It will connect Centrepoint Station with Al Fardan Exchange Station, complementing the two existing direct routes – Centrepoint to Expo City and Centrepoint to Life Pharmacy Station.

It is hoped the new route will help ease crowding on the Red Line during peak hours by giving commuters another option.

Building infrastructure in a growing city

The announcement of the new route comes days after Dubai’s population officially passed four million.

Dubai Metro opened with the Red Line in 2009, expanded to include the Green Line in 2011 and has since continued to grow. It will take another major step forward in 2029 when the Blue Line is opened.

Upgrades to bus services are also being made by the RTA and road improvements have been aimed at cutting congestion.

More than 395 million journeys were made on Dubai's expanding public transport network in the first half of 2025, a 9 per cent increase on the same period last year.

The Dubai Metro has maintained its position as the most popular mode of public transport for passengers in the emirate.

The RTA said 143.9 million trips were made via Dubai Metro from January to the end of June, representing 36.5 per cent of all trips completed on public transport.

What is the Dubai Metro Blue Line?

The Dh20.5 billion ($5.58 billion) project will include 14 new stations, connect with the existing Green and Red lines, and serve expanding neighbourhoods such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai International City.

It will add 30km to the Metro network, 15.5km of which will be underground. When complete, the network will be 131km long with 78 stations served by 168 trains.

The public transport drive is central to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which has easier commuting among its priorities.

The RTA said the Blue Line would connect five principal urban regions – Bur Dubai/Deira, Downtown/Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Marina/JBR and Expo City Dubai.