The Dubai Metro will soon be home to the world’s highest metro station. While laying the foundation stone of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also approved the distinctive architectural design of the iconic Emaar Properties Station, the highest metro station in the world, standing at 74 metres.
Tallest Metro Station in the World
Inspired by the concept of a crossing gateway, the station was designed by the renowned American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), one of the world’s leading design studios. The firm’s portfolio includes iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago.
The station is designed to integrate harmoniously into the existing urban environment and embodies the vision of ‘Dubai: A Gateway to the Future’. Covering an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, the station is designed to accommodate up to 160,000 passengers per day, with the number of daily users expected to exceed 70,000 by 2040. With the completion of the Blue Line project, Dubai’s rail network will expand to a total of 131 km, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains.
Outstanding Progress
The Dubai Metro has transported over 2.527 billion passengers from its launch on 9/9/2009 through the end of 2024. The Metro recorded a daily average of 900,000 passengers in 2024. Ridership has grown steadily over the years, from 38.887 million in 2010 to 69 million in 2011, reflecting a growth rate of 77 per cent. It continued to rise to over 109 million passengers in 2012, before surpassing 200 million in 2017, jumping to 260 million in 2023 and hitting 275.4 million in 2024.
According to studies, the number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. His Highness was also briefed on the expansion of metro stations. The service began in 2009 with 10 stations, reaching 26 stations in 2010 and growing to 46 stations in 2011. By 2014, the Dubai tram started operations, and the number of metro and tram stations soared to 56. In 2021, the launch of the metro’s Route 2020 added seven more stations, raising the total to 64. The upcoming Blue Line will add 14 new stations to the network, which will bring the total number to 78.
His Highness was also briefed on the growth in the number of trains, which rose from 16 at the Metro’s launch in 2009 to 44 in 2010. The figure reached 79 trains by 2011 and increased to 90 with the inauguration of the Dubai Tram in 2014, further expanding to 140 by 2021. With the Blue Line coming into operation, the total number of trains will increase to 168, comprising 157 metro trains and 11 tram trains.
Architectural Masterpiece
The interior design of the station is curated to create a sense of luxury. Towering walls rise elegantly, finished in natural textures and warm, earthy tones that strengthen the connection to the land, reflect the spirit of place, and embody the community’s resilience and cohesion. The overall architectural language creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all visitors.
The material palette features premium, durable finishes such as Jura limestone and bronze metal wall panels at the platform level, complemented by robust granite flooring. At both the lobby and platform levels, glass ceiling panels allow natural light to permeate the space, enhancing the feeling of openness and elevating the overall passenger experience. The combination of natural stone and polished metal creates a balance between elegance and sophistication, giving the station a distinctive character that unites tradition with modernity.
The station’s construction materials were meticulously chosen to reflect a blend of heritage and modernity, incorporating stone, glass, and bronze, forming a symbol of Dubai’s continuous pursuit of progress. Its dynamic form and architectural scale create a distinctive visual presence. Sustainability, longevity, and resilience to operational and climatic conditions were central to the selection process, supporting the station’s ambition to meet the highest standards of environmental efficiency.
Naming Rights
During the ceremony, it was announced that Emaar had secured the naming rights for the iconic Emaar Properties Station for 10 years, starting from its official inauguration in 2029. The next phase will include announcements regarding naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line.
The Blue Line will stretch 30 kilometres, bringing the total length of Dubai’s rail network to 131 kilometres and 78 stations. The new line is set to significantly enhance the emirate’s transport infrastructure, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to smart urban development and sustainable mobility.
The Dh56 billion project will expand the network by 30km, connect to the Red and Green Lines, introduce a first-ever metro bridge over Dubai Creek, and link major areas including Academic City, Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Festival City.
