1997-2000
Initial studies for developing a Metro system started back in 1997 with a feasibility study. The study was completed during 1997-2000 and it was concluded that Dubai could not rely solely on Road Transport Systems to meet its future traffic demands. The study findings suggested that there was a definite need for a transit system to ease congestion and adoption of proactive transport polices that would focus on traffic regulation and protection of the environment.

2000-2002
A follow-up planning study was commissioned under the title of PS002 - Dubai Transit Options Study, whereby the initial R700 findings were refined and an initial design concept for a main rail corridor and a Central Business District (CBD) circular were developed with basic design drawings and routes defined.

2002-2004
During this period, a more detailed planning study known as PS007 was commissioned whereby the Dubai Metro team prepared the preliminary engineering design concepts, technical specifications and tender documentations for a design and build Contract based on FIDIC framework and the work was tendered in the market in October 2004.

2005
In July 2005 a design and build Contract was awarded to a consortium known as Dubai Rapid Link (DURL) which is made up of five Japanese & Turkish companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Corporation, Obayashi Corporation, Kajima Corporation and Yapi Markezi of Turkey.

Inauguration
The Dubai Metro Red line inaugurated on 09.09.2009, while the Green line inaugurated on 09.09.2011.