Dubai has announced ambitious plans to more than double its number of metro stations by the year 2040.

The Dubai Metro currently has 64 stations operating over an area of 84 square kilometres.

But, following an announcement across social media channels by the Government of Dubai on Sunday June 30, the Dubai Metro will have 140 stations covering over 228 square kilometres by 2040.

And in the more immediate future, we will see Dubai have 96 stations over 140 square kilometres by 2030.

Dubai Metro plans for expansion (Credit: Government of Dubai)

The plans have been announced as part of the Executive Council of Dubai’s plans to develop the areas surrounding Dubai Metro stations, reducing the impact of carbon emissions in the emirate to 16 tonnes per capita and bringing more economic opportunities to the city.

The plan also aims to boost populations around stations and add more residential, commercial, office, and service spaces around Dubai Metro stations.

Where will the new Dubai Metro stations be?

While the Government of Dubai has not revealed at this time exactly where all these new stations will be, we do have a decent idea of where they are likely to operate.

Currently, the Dubai Metro has two lines in operation. The Green Line stations are in Bur Dubai and Deira in the old town, while the Red Line connects the old city and airport to Downtown, Dubai Marina and Expo 2020 in the southwest.

Work is currently underway on the Dubai Metro blue line which will stretch over a total of 30km, with 15.5 km running underground and 14.5 km above ground.

The project encompasses 14 stations including 3 interchange stations and will integrate with the existing red and green lines.

Dubai Metro plans will eventually more than double the current number of stations. (Credit: Government of Dubai)

We also know that the development and expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport to eventually make it the world’s largest capacity airport will include Dubai Metro stations within it.

Previously mooted plans have included three new lines throughout Dubai but little has been officially said about them for a number of years.

The purple line was said to cover a route from the north to the south of the emirate with Al Maktoum International Airport being one of the key areas included.

The gold line and the pink line were believed to serve routes from the west to the east of the emirate. It has not been confirmed whether it is these lines that will be included in the overarching Dubai Metro plans.