New Images Show How World's Tallest Metro Station Will Look
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Dubai, known for the world's tallest building among its iconic skyscrapers, is now set to have the world's tallest metro station, as the United Arab Emirates positions itself as a leading force in the Middle East's modernization.
Why It Matters
The planned station on a new metro line is another example of how Gulf countries are competing with megaprojects aimed at attracting foreign investment as they seek to diversify economies that have historically relied on oil exports.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have all prioritized American investment in key infrastructure projects, including business deals with the family of U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom they have forged strong alliances during his second presidential term through pledging billions of investments and arms purchase—and a gift plane.
A screengrab from a Dubai's government shows what the world's tallest metro station would look like.
A screengrab from a Dubai's government shows what the world's tallest metro station would look like.
Dubai Government Media Office Instagram account
What To Know
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line and approved the design of the Emaar Properties Station, which will rise 74 meters—making it the highest metro station globally.
The station covers about 11,000 square meters, and is expected to accommodate up to 160,000 passengers, with daily ridership projected at over 70,000 by 2040, according to the Dubai government's media office.
Screengrab from video announcing Dubai's Metro Blue Line
Screengrab from video announcing Dubai's Metro Blue Line
Dubai Government Media Office Instagram account
The station was designed by American company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), also behind the city's landmark Burj Khalifa, as well as the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago.
In 2024, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a consortium of two Turkish and one Chinese company to develop the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which spans 18 miles and includes 14 stations.
Last month, the Walt Disney Company and Miral announced a deal Wednesday to create a new Disney Park resort in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.
What People Are Saying
Dubai Government Media Office: "A central gateway allows natural light to flood down to the platform level, creating a bright and welcoming space during the day. Sunlight reflects off the stone surfaces, underscoring the station's timeless elegance. By night, it transforms into a radiant beacon that guides travelers, with a carefully planned lighting strategy that enhances its architectural character and reaffirms its role as a gateway to Dubai's bright future."
Mattar al-Tayer, Director General of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said in 2024: "Additionally, the Blue Line will feature International City (1), the largest underground interchange station in the metro network. Covering over 44,000 square meters, this station will have the capacity to handle 350,000 passengers daily, significantly enhancing connectivity across the metro system."
What Happens Next
The project is set to be officially inaugurated in September 2029.
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