A Closer Look: Dubai's latest megaproject brings a new metro line to the emirate

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Dubai's growing infrastructure has been given another boost as the emirate's metro network gets the green light to add a new line.

The Blue Line will add 14 stations and 30 kilometres of track, just over half of it underground, to the Metro network.

But how will the surrounding areas be affected?

Here, host Sarah Forster hears from The National's assistant news editor, Jessica Morgan, to get all the details of the big announcement and hear what the economic impact will be.

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Dubai Metro Blue Line: Where will it go and when will it open?

Dubai Metro Blue Line to reduce traffic and boost business

First look at Dubai Metro's Blue Line – in pictures

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  The Dh18 billion ($4.9 billion) Blue Line project will include 14 new stations and add 30km to the Dubai Metro network. All images: Dubai Media Office

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  The expansion is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, launched in January last year, which identified easier commuting among its priorities to cater for a fast-growing population

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  More than half, 15.5km, of the Blue Line will be underground

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  When completed, the Dubai Metro network will be 131km long, encompassing 78 stations served by 168 trains

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  The Blue Line is scheduled to be finished in 2029

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  The design of the new stations will be largely in keeping with those on the current network