The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai is advancing its efforts to mitigate traffic congestion with the planned introduction of the Dubai Metro’s Gold Line. This new line aims to enhance connectivity between the older parts of Dubai and the newer residential and commercial developments.

According to a report by MEED (Middle East Business Intelligence), the procurement process for the Gold Line has already commenced, marking a significant step in this initiative. The Gold Line is set to begin at Al Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai and extend through key areas such as Business Bay, Meydan, Global Village, and Dubailand.

As part of the project’s first phase, the RTA has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to attract global firms for the lead consultancy role, with the submission deadline set for May 2025. This consultancy contract will encompass various aspects, including concept design, preliminary design, and preparation of tender documents. It may also involve optional phases like construction supervision and post-construction services during the defects liability period.

Several notable firms, including AECOM (US), AtkinsRéalis (Canada), Jacobs (US), Mott MacDonald (UK), Parsons Corporation (US), and SYSTRA (France), are expected to compete for the consultancy role.

In addition to the Gold Line, the RTA officially launched the Dubai Metro Blue Line project in December 2024. This 20.5 billion dirham project will span 30 kilometers and feature 14 stations, connecting critical urban areas such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, Mirdif, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The Blue Line will include a combination of underground and elevated tracks, with three major interchange stations: Al Khor (on the Green Line), Centrepoint (on the Red Line), and International City (1). A standout feature of the Blue Line will be a signature station at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), which is projected to cater to 160 000 passengers daily by 2040.

Furthermore, the Blue Line will introduce Dubai Metro’s first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1 300-meter bridge, enhancing both the visual and functional aspects of the project.