The RTA has awarded the AED 20.5 billion Dubai Metro Blue Line Project to a MAPA-LIMAK-CRRC consortium, backed by a sustainable finance package led by Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has concluded AED 3.9 billion Syndicated Bonding Facilities to a consortium created by MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC that will deliver the new Dubai Metro ‘Blue Line’ Project.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially awarded the design and build contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line Project to a consortium comprising MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC. Backed by a financing arrangement led by Emirates NBD, this landmark initiative marks a major milestone in Dubai’s strategic journey toward sustainable, connected, and future-ready urban mobility.
Valued at AED 20.5 billion, the Blue Line is a central component of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to expand the emirate’s world-class public transportation network, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity between key locations and communities.
Slated for completion by September 2029, the state-of-the-art electrified railway will integrate seamlessly with Dubai’s existing Red and Green Metro lines, as well as bus and taxi services, to serve an estimated 350,000 daily passengers by 2040.
As part of the financing journey, Emirates NBD engaged with the consortium to provide a collaborative and comprehensive funding solution. The bank’s involvement aligns with its Sustainable Finance Framework, classifying the Blue Line as Green Financing under the “Clean Transportation” category.
Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, stated:
“The Dubai Metro ‘Blue Line’ Project is a milestone undertaking that will strategically and significantly empower the continuous development of the emirate by providing a rising population with new, efficient, accessible, and reliable public transportation and mobility solutions. This major transaction positions Emirates NBD as the go-to banking partner for diverse mega projects that are transforming Dubai’s landscape, capabilities, and global appeal.”
The consortium partners expressed pride in supporting Dubai’s mobility transformation:
Murathan Doruk Günal, Vice President & CEO at MAPA, commented:
“We are proud to be part of this landmark infrastructure project, which is an integral part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The successful closing of the financing with Emirates NBD reflects the trust placed in our consortium’s ability to deliver complex, high-impact projects.”
Serdar Bacaksız, Board Member at Limak Group of Companies, added:
“The Dubai Metro Blue Line is a testament to Dubai’s forward-thinking approach to urban development. This financing agreement with Emirates NBD empowers us to bring our global expertise to life and support Dubai’s ambition for a seamlessly connected, sustainable city.”
The Dubai Metro Blue Line project reaffirms Dubai’s status as a global leader in smart and sustainable infrastructure and signals another giant leap in creating a mobility ecosystem that is efficient, future-ready, and people-centric.
