Dubai Metro is set to be extended to Al Maktoum International Airport City in Dubai South, according to Gulf News, which reports that the Dh2 billion project has been newly approved.
What the extension includes
According to Gulf News, citing the Dubai Government Media Office, the extension will add two stations along a three-kilometre route. It will link Route 2020 to the West Terminal of Al Maktoum International Airport, known as DWC. Services are scheduled to begin in 2031.
The airport is separate from Dubai International, known as DXB, although Dubai Airports operates both. The extension will connect with the airport express line and with Etihad Rail's high-speed rail network. The government states that it will make travel easier for passengers, airport staff and visitors, ease traffic on surrounding roads and improve access to urban centres across Dubai.
Who could be affected
Gulf News reports that the link could matter to residents of Dubai South whose housing choices depend on reaching jobs elsewhere in the city. Joseph Salem of Arthur D. Little expects the connection to support people living and working around the aviation hub, and he is quoted saying that the area is set to become home to over a million people living and working around the airport.
According to Gulf News, Salem also sees developers, hospitality operators and logistics companies among those that could benefit, since the scheduled connection gives greater certainty for planning.
What is not yet known
The announcement does not identify the locations of the two stations and does not provide journey times. According to Gulf News, these details will determine how useful the link becomes for individual residential communities.
Property activity in Dubai South was already strong before the approval. A July report from W Capital Real Estate Brokerage, cited by Gulf News, recorded 2,869 transactions worth Dh3.3 billion in June. Those figures predate the metro decision.
Gulf News also notes that the Executive Council approved a separate Dh9.59 billion community services plan through 2040 at the same meeting. The announcement does not allocate specific facilities or spending to Dubai South.