Dubai Metro celebrates 15th anniversary

The Dubai Metro celebrated its 15th anniversary since its launch on 9 September 2009. The Dubai Metro has the world’s longest automated network, with electric trains travelling without drivers.

In 15 years, the Dubai Metro has served 2.4 billion passengers. The speed of movement reaches 90 kilometres per hour. The metro has three types of carriages: standard, gold (for NOL Gold Card holders) and for women with children (marked in pink).

In honour of the holiday, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has prepared a number of gifts. Among them are commemorative souvenirs, NOL travel cards with exclusive designs, as well as the Dubai Metro Music Festival, which will be held at metro stations from 21 to 27 September.

Dubai Metro has become the most popular mode of public transport in the emirate. It was used by 37 per cent of all passengers in the first half of 2024, with average daily passenger numbers reaching 1.98 million, up from 1.88 million in the same period in 2023.

Dubai’s Executive Council this summer announced ambitious plans to develop the city’s public transport system, with the number of metro stations set to double by 2040.

Currently, 55 metro stations (35 on the red line and 20 on the green line) and 11 tram stops operate in the emirate. By 2030, the total number of stations will reach 96 and the length of rail lines will reach 140 kilometres.

Meanwhile, by 2040, the number of stations will rise to 140 and the urban transport network will cover more than 228 square kilometres of Dubai’s area. The plans will support the ‘20 Minute City’ development strategy, which also includes creating new spaces for walking and increasing the number of shaded areas.

The development of the metro network will increase the population of the new neighbourhoods and the amount of commercial, office and service space in them, further boosting the economy and small businesses.