Dubai’s AED 34 billion Gold Line metro project has moved further into the procurement stage, with contractors preparing their prequalification submissions for one of the emirate’s largest upcoming rail infrastructure programmes.
The Dubai Metro Gold Line itself is not a newly announced project. It was formally approved in April 2026 as part of Dubai’s continued expansion of its urban rail network. The latest development is the progress of the contractor prequalification process, bringing the project closer to its main tender and eventual construction phase.
Prequalification Process Progresses
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for the Gold Line design-and-build contract in June 2026, following an earlier invitation for contractors to express interest in the project in May.
The initial deadline for qualification statements was 17 August 2026. According to the latest industry reporting, contractors are now preparing to submit prequalification statements on 7 September 2026.
The prequalification stage is an important procurement milestone, as it will establish the contractors and consortiums eligible to participate in the subsequent tender process for the project.
RTA has previously indicated that the main project tender is expected to be issued during 2026, with contract award targeted for 2027.
AECOM Already Appointed as RTA Consultant
The Gold Line’s consultancy and preliminary engineering activities were already underway before the current contractor procurement.
AECOM was selected by RTA in October 2025 to provide consultancy services for the Dubai Metro Gold Line.
The consultancy appointment covers five stages of the project:
- Concept design
- Preliminary design
- Preparation of tender documents
- Construction supervision
- Defects and liability period
AECOM had submitted an offer of approximately AED 628 million (USD 171 million) for the five-stage consultancy assignment.
This means the current prequalification should be distinguished from the earlier consultancy procurement: AECOM is supporting RTA as project consultant, while the current procurement is aimed at selecting the design-and-build contractor or consortium responsible for delivering the Gold Line.
Major Integrated Design-and-Build Contract
The Gold Line is expected to be delivered through a major integrated design-and-build contract.
The successful contractor or consortium will have responsibility covering:
- Civil and underground works
- Stations
- Electromechanical systems
- Railway systems
- Rolling stock
- Testing and integration
- Support for initial operations and maintenance
The breadth of the package is expected to make the Gold Line a significant opportunity for international metro contractors, tunnelling specialists, railway systems suppliers and multidisciplinary consortiums.
Dubai’s First Fully Underground Metro Line
With an estimated investment of AED 34 billion (approximately USD 9.2 billion), the Gold Line will become Dubai’s first fully underground metro line.
The planned railway will extend for approximately 42 km and include 18 stations, passing through 15 strategic areas of Dubai.
The route will run between Al Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai and Jumeirah Golf Estates, while providing interchange and integration with the existing Dubai Metro network and the future national railway network.
Key connections are planned with:
- Dubai Metro Red Line
- Dubai Metro Green Line
- Etihad Rail passenger services
The project is expected to serve approximately 1.5 million residents and improve connectivity to more than 55 major developments across Dubai.
Significant Expansion of the Dubai Metro Network
Once completed, the Gold Line is expected to increase the overall length of the Dubai Metro network by approximately 35%.
RTA has stated that the line will increase the network — including the Blue Line currently under construction — from approximately 120 km to 162 km, while increasing the number of stations from 67 to 85.
The project will also introduce new metro loops intended to improve connectivity between key residential, commercial and development areas.
Advanced tunnel boring technology is expected to be used extensively, with the entire alignment constructed underground to minimise disruption to existing communities and urban developments.
Target Opening: September 2032
The Gold Line is currently scheduled to open on 9 September 2032.
The progression of contractor prequalification therefore represents an important transition for the project — from planning and preliminary procurement towards the selection of the international contracting teams that could ultimately deliver the new railway.
With the Blue Line already under construction and the Gold Line progressing through procurement, Dubai is entering another major phase of metro network expansion.
Sources: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), MEED
Related Railway News
