Dubai has revealed a bold plan to significantly expand its metro station network aiming to more than double the current 64 stations to 140 by 2040. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to boost economic opportunities, improve public transport connections and enhance sustainability across the city.

Currently, Dubai's metro covers 84 square kilometers with its 64 stations. By 2030, the network will grow to 96 stations expanding over 140 square kilometers. By 2040, Dubai plans to have 140 stations covering 228 square kilometers. This strategic plan highlights Dubai’s commitment to advancing public transport, promoting sustainability and enhancing community well-being.

An essential goal of this plan is to encourage the development of residential, commercial and recreational spaces around metro stations. Dubai aims to create these integrated hubs to offer convenience and accessibility to residents. Approved by Dubai's Executive Council and chaired by HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this initiative includes incentives for developers to build around metro stations. These incentives support the "20-minute city" concept ensuring essential services are easily reachable, thereby improving sustainability and residents’ quality of life.

The strategic plan aims to achieve several key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to increase public transport usage to 45%, reducing cars on the road, traffic congestion and pollution. The plan also aims to lower carbon emissions per person contributing to a cleaner environment.

Improving public spaces for walking and recreation is another critical goal. By encouraging walking and increasing shaded areas, the plan aims to enhance public spaces especially during hot summer months. Fostering population growth around metro hubs and boosting economic activities are also vital. This growth is expected to attract more metro users and spur economic development in these areas.

This visionary plan sets a progressive blueprint for Dubai’s future growth. While Dubai is known for cars the metro expansion aims to transform the city into a "20-minute city," where daily needs like work and shopping are within a short commute without needing a car. This not only enhances convenience but also significantly reduces the city’s carbon footprint.

As part of this initiative, Sheikh Maktoum announced a foreign direct investment (FDI) program. This program allocates AED 25 billion over a decade to attract AED 650 billion in investments to Dubai supporting the objectives of the D33 economic agenda. This underscores Dubai’s commitment to building an integrated economic model to spur growth.

Dubai’s metro expansion plan aims to create a more interconnected, sustainable and prosperous city. By improving public transport and developing integrated hubs around metro stations, Dubai aims to enhance residents’ quality of life. This comprehensive strategy will make living, working and enjoying Dubai’s vibrant environment more accessible ensuring a promising future for the city and its residents.