Dubai Metro

Atkins provided full multidisciplinary design and management of the civil works on Dubai Metro. This included geotechnical and site investigations, bored tunnels, viaducts and bridges, route alignment, depots and additional specialist services such as fire and ventilation, environmental impact, concrete durability, noise and vibration reduction and landscaping.

The first line of the Dubai Metro opened to the public on 09 September 2009. It is the longest automated, driverless system in the world and it has eased traffic congestion by improving mobility throughout Dubai.

A key challenge has been to integrate the specialist skills from Atkins' international offices to work with our local presence on this tightly programmed project. Another challenge was to tackle the project in a carbon-critical way. Our approach resulted in less glass and more insulation than the original designs. Our recommendations saved just over 500m3 of aluminium and a saving of approximately 12,900t (CO2-e) and reduced estimated peak cooling load by around 35%.