AECOM Bags Consultancy Contract for $5.5 Billion Dubai Metro Gold Line Project

Dubai, UAE (Metro Rail Today): The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has appointed Aecom as the consultant for the highly anticipated Dubai Metro Gold Line project, a $5.5 billion expansion designed to enhance urban connectivity and ease congestion across key residential and commercial hubs.

The US-based engineering and infrastructure consulting firm secured the contract after submitting the lowest bid of AED628 million ($171 million) in June 2024—approximately 18% lower than the second-lowest bid from the UK’s Mott MacDonald. Other contenders included Parsons (US) and AtkinsRealis (Canada), which quoted AED843 million and AED1.16 billion, respectively.

Under the awarded contract, Aecom will deliver comprehensive consultancy services spanning five stages:

• Concept Design

• Preliminary Design

• Preparation of Tender Documents

• Construction Supervision

• Defects and Liability Period

The Gold Line will commence at Al-Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai, passing through Business Bay, Meydan, Global Village, and Dubailand, before connecting with other metro lines to offer seamless interchanges and improved travel efficiency.

Key Project Facts

• Total Cost: USD 5.5 billion

• Consultancy Contract Value: AED628 million ($171 million)

• Developer: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

• Consultant: Aecom (USA)

• Competing Bidders: Mott MacDonald (UK), Parsons (USA), AtkinsRealis (Canada)

• Timeline: Design and preparatory work underway; construction to commence post-approvals with phased implementation expected through the late 2020s.

Strategic Importance

The Dubai Metro Gold Line is a strategic addition to the city’s world-class public transport network and a key component of Dubai’s Vision 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to reduce road congestion, expand sustainable mobility, and promote smart urban development.

Once complete, the Gold Line will not only alleviate pressure on the existing Red Line, but also offer enhanced access to rapidly developing areas such as Meydan and Dubailand.

It will feature advanced signaling systems, computerized control operations, and eco-friendly metro technology, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to sustainable and smart urban transport solutions.

“Dubai’s continued expansion of its metro network reflects the city’s foresight in sustainable mobility planning,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group.
“With Aecom leading the Gold Line consultancy, Dubai is ensuring global best practices in design and project execution. This development will not only decongest critical corridors but also serve as a benchmark for integrating modern infrastructure with environmental responsibility.”

Complementing the Blue Line Expansion

The Gold Line project complements Dubai’s AED20.5 billion Blue Line initiative, currently under development by a consortium comprising Limak Holding, Mapa Group, and China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC). The Blue Line’s foundation-stone ceremony, attended by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscored Dubai’s commitment to transforming its transport landscape with sustainable, high-capacity metro systems.

With Aecom’s appointment, the Dubai Metro Gold Line project has taken a crucial step forward. As part of the broader Dubai Metro expansion strategy, the project will strengthen connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and reinforce Dubai’s status as a global leader in smart and sustainable urban transit infrastructure.