Dubai Metro will be extended to Al Maktoum International Airport, giving passengers a direct rail link to the emirate’s second airport from 2031. The Dh2 billion project was announced on Tuesday, 10 November, by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in a post on X.
The extension was approved at a meeting of Dubai’s Executive Council held during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026, as part of a wider package of infrastructure and community projects worth more than Dh11 billion, according to Gulf News and Khaleej Times.
What the Metro extension involves
The new section will continue the existing Route 2020 line, which began as a 15km extension of the Red Line, into Al Maktoum International Airport City, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC). It will connect directly to the airport’s West Terminal.
Gulf News reported that the extension adds around 3km of track and two new stations. It is being developed jointly by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Engineering Projects Establishment.
Sheikh Hamdan said in his post: “Guided by Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision, we remain committed to improving quality of life in Dubai.”
How it fits with other rail plans
According to Khaleej Times, the Metro extension is a separate project from the proposed airport express line that would link Dubai International Airport (DXB) with Al Maktoum International. Both reports said the new Metro section is designed to integrate with that express line and with Etihad Rail’s planned high-speed rail network.
The link is expected to reduce reliance on private vehicles within the airport city, Khaleej Times reported.
Quick facts
- Project: Extension of Dubai Metro Route 2020 to Al Maktoum International Airport City
- Cost: Dh2 billion
- Length: About 3km with two new stations (Gulf News)
- Key stop: Direct link to the airport’s West Terminal
- Developers: RTA and Dubai Engineering Projects Establishment
- Opening: Services scheduled to begin in 2031
Other projects approved at the same meeting
The Executive Council also approved a Dh9.59 billion plan for community services running to 2040. Gulf News reported that it covers healthcare, schools, sports facilities, safety services, amenities for senior Emiratis and public spaces, with priority given to residential neighbourhoods for Emirati citizens. It will be rolled out in phases under the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, working with Dubai Municipality.
A Dubai Land Department study presented at the meeting projects around 365,000 additional residential units and about 1.1 million square metres of new office and retail space by 2030. The study put current occupancy at 97 per cent for residential property, 98 per cent for retail and 94 per cent for offices.
The council also reviewed an investment policy for Awqaf Dubai, the emirate’s endowments body, whose assets reached Dh13.5 billion in 2025. Its targets for 2030 include a Dh10 billion increase in its real estate portfolio and growth of more than 35 per cent in its securities portfolio.
What it means for residents and travellers
For now, nothing changes on the existing network. Route 2020 services continue as normal, and travellers heading to Al Maktoum International still need to use road transport, taxis or buses.
Once the extension opens, residents living along the Red Line and Route 2020 corridor are expected to be able to reach the airport’s West Terminal by Metro without changing to another mode of transport. Station names, fares and detailed timings have not yet been announced.
The project adds to a run of recent transport announcements in the emirate, including the opening of the Al Khaleej Street tunnel earlier this month.
Sources: Gulf News, Khaleej Times
