Dubai Metro turns 17

The iconic Dubai Metro is marking its 17th anniversary on Tuesday.

The driverless service was flagged off on 09-09-2009 at 09:09:09 pm by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

In the first half of 2026, the urban rail network served 136.5 million riders across its Red and Green lines, stats from Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) showed. It added that BurJuman and Union stations topped the list of the busiest stations, with 8.4 million riders and 6.5 million respectively. 

The network is set for major expansions over the next few years, with the 30km Blue Line gearing up for launch on September 9, 2029. It will comprise of 14 stations, serving nine key districts in the Emirate. 

The fourth, Gold Line, was also unveiled in April. Extending over 42 kms and comprising 18 stations, it will become the first fully underground metro line.