World’s highest metro station to be built on Dubai’s new blue line

Dubai is set to claim another world record, this time in its public transportation network. The city will soon be home to the world’s highest metro station, standing at an impressive 74 metres, as part of the newly unveiled Dubai Metro Blue Line. The foundation stone for this ambitious infrastructure project was recently laid by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed also approved the architectural design of the flagship Emaar Properties Station, which will be the tallest metro station in the world.

Designed by the globally acclaimed American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), whose portfolio includes iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, Sears Tower in Chicago, and the Olympic Tower in New York, the station is a modern gateway to the future.

Its striking architecture is inspired by the concept of a "crossing gateway", aligning seamlessly with the urban identity and forward-looking vision of Dubai.

Design, scale, and sustainability

Spanning an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, the Emaar Properties Station is not just about height. It is engineered to accommodate a staggering 160,000 passengers per day, with projections indicating that over 70,000 daily users will commute through the station by 2040.

The interior design reflects a fusion of luxury, tradition, and innovation. Warm, earthy textures meet high-end materials such as Jura limestone, bronze metal wall panels, and granite flooring. Glass ceiling panels at the lobby and platform levels invite natural light, creating an open and inclusive atmosphere.

The materials were carefully selected for durability, environmental efficiency, and cultural resonance—blending stone, bronze, and glass to embody Dubai’s identity.

The station is designed to withstand the emirate’s operational and climatic demands, reinforcing its long-term sustainability and resilience.

Once complete, the Dubai Metro Blue Line will significantly extend the emirate’s transit system, increasing the total length of the rail network to 131 km, and the number of stations to 78, served by 168 trains (including 11 tram trains and 157 metro trains). The Metro’s expansion mirrors the city’s dramatic population and ridership growth.

Since its launch on September 9, 2009, Dubai Metro has carried over 2.527 billion passengers, with 900,000 daily riders recorded in 2024 alone. Ridership stats reveal a steady climb:

Studies indicate this upward trend will continue, with ridership projected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. The number of stations and trains has expanded in tandem:

This makes the Blue Line not just a symbol of vertical ambition but also a key component in easing congestion and supporting the city’s mobility masterplan.

In a major branding move, Emaar Properties has acquired the naming rights for the signature station. Announced during the foundation ceremony, the station will be officially known as Emaar Properties Station for 10 years, starting from its inauguration in 2029. The Dubai government confirmed that further announcements about naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line will follow in the next phase. The Emaar Properties Station, with its record-breaking height and world-class design, sets a new benchmark for urban transport infrastructure, blending aesthetics, efficiency, and vision. As Dubai continues to break boundaries, this project stands as a tangible symbol of its commitment to smart mobility and architectural excellence.