Dubai is already known for amazing infrastructure but magnificent new projects keep coming. One of them is set to become the tallest train station in the world. The new 74-metre (242ft) tall Emaar Properties Station will be the standout feature of Dubai’s upcoming Metro Blue Line. The design has been approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Once finished, it will be the highest metro station anywhere on the planet. The building has been designed by American firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the same company behind the Burj Khalifa, as well as New York’s Olympic Tower and Chicago’s Sears Tower.
According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the station will span 11,000 square metres and eventually serve up to 160,000 passengers per day.
By 2040, it’s expected to have more than 70,000 daily riders.
It will also play a big role in serving the rapidly growing Dubai Creek Harbour area, which is home to around 40,000 residents.
The Blue Line will stretch for 18 miles and include 14 new stations, expanding the city’s rail network to 131km (81 miles) with 78 stations and 168 trains.
The project is expected to officially open in September 2029.
The architecture is being described as a “crossing gateway,” with a 38-metre-wide glass and stone façade and an opening that lets natural light pour through during the day.
At night, the building will glow with carefully designed lighting that transforms it into a “beacon” for commuters.
Inside, the design focuses on comfort and sustainability. The station will feature tall walls in earthy tones, Jura limestone, bronze metal panels, granite flooring and glass ceiling panels to create a space that is both elegant and practical.
Every material was chosen to withstand Dubai’s harsh climate while keeping the building energy efficient and long-lasting.
As Dubai Government Media Office put it: “A central gateway allows natural light to flood down to the platform level, creating a bright and welcoming space during the day.
“Sunlight reflects off the stone surfaces, underscoring the station’s timeless elegance.
“By night, it transforms into a radiant beacon that guides travelers, with a carefully planned lighting strategy that enhances its architectural character and reaffirms its role as a gateway to Dubai’s bright future.”
In addition to Emaar Properties Station, the Blue Line will also include International City (1), a huge underground interchange covering 44,000 square metres.
It’s set to become the largest of its kind in the metro network, with capacity for up to 350,000 passengers a day.