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Dubai approves Metro Route 2020 extension to Al Maktoum International Airport City, to open in 2031

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Driverless metro train on a curved elevated viaduct above palm-lined suburbs in southern Dubai at sunset, with an airport control tower and terminal on the horizon Trade and Logistics
Driverless metro train on a curved elevated viaduct above palm-lined suburbs in southern Dubai at sunset, with an airport control tower and terminal on the horizon

The Executive Council of Dubai approved strategic projects worth more than AED 11 billion (US$3 billion), including an extension of Dubai Metro Route 2020 to Al Maktoum International Airport City, with operations due to begin in 2031.

Dubai has approved strategic projects worth more than AED 11 billion (US$3 billion), including an extension of Dubai Metro Route 2020 to Al Maktoum International Airport City, with operations scheduled to begin in 2031. The projects were approved on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at a meeting of the Executive Council of Dubai chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, held on the sidelines of the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

Route 2020 is currently a 15-kilometre extension of the Dubai Metro Red Line that connects Jebel Ali Metro Station with Expo City Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched its operations in July 2020, and the Roads and Transport Authority has described the line as a future link between several Dubai communities and Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central.

The extension is intended to improve connectivity to the airport city as it develops. Dubai plans to move all commercial operations from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport between 2032 and 2035, The National reported.

In a post on X, Sheikh Hamdan said the approved initiatives also include a plan to enhance community services and facilities in Dubai up to 2040, giving priority to residential areas for Emirati citizens.

The Executive Council also approved the findings of a study on the future of Dubai's real estate market. According to Sheikh Hamdan, the study highlighted the sector's strength and resilience and supports its continued development in partnership with the private sector.

The council also directed that the investment policy for funds held for minors and endowments be diversified, with the aim of strengthening portfolio management, diversifying assets, optimising returns and ensuring long-term sustainability.

"We measure success by the tangible impact of our initiatives on people's everyday lives and the opportunities they create for future generations," Sheikh Hamdan said.

Sources