Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro Information

The number nine is definitely auspicious for this metro system in Dubai, UAE. It was inaugurated by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, at 09:09:09 pm on the 9th of September, 2009. Currently, it runs on just two lines, serving a total of 49 stations. Not only is it a completely automatic, driverless metro but it is also a fully air conditioned metro service, from the stations to the trains. It’s no wonder that this is such a popular means of public transportation in Dubai with an annual ridership of 164,000,000 passengers.

The 74.6 km long network that is operated by the Serco Group has a number of records under its belt. It is the world’s longest fully automated network according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The establishment of the network was a landmark in itself, being the first urban rail system in the Arabian peninsula. Looking to build on its successful implementation, the construction of 3 more lines has been proposed.

The Dubai Metro in the United Arab Emirates serves passengers daily, although the specific number isn’t provided. The metro is not operational 24 hours a day, with its working hours being Saturday to Wednesday from 5:30 am to 12:00 am, Thursday from 5:50 am to 1:00 am, and Friday from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am.

The Dubai Metro provides air conditioning and passengers can walk between platforms. The metro became driverless in 2009, and there are screen doors on both the metro and monorail platforms.

The fare for a ride on the metro is AED 1.80.

Dubai Metro Map

Map of Dubai Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Dubai Metro map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Dubai Metro system consists of two lines: the Red Line and the Green Line, with a total of 49 stations between them. Here’s a quick guide to the stations on each line:

Red Line: Runs between Al Rashidiya and UAE Exchange and includes the following 29 stations: Rashidiya, Airport Terminal 1, Airport Terminal 3, Emirates, Deira City Centre, GGICO, Union, Al Rigga, ADCB, BurJuman, World Trade Center, Al Jaffliya, Financial Centre, Emirates Tower, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, First Gulf Bank, Noor Bank, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Internet City, Sharaf DG, DAMAC Properties, Nakheel, Nakheel Harbour & Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Tower, Energy, Ibn Battuta (Dubai Marina), Danube, UAE Exchange.

Green Line: Operates between Etisalat and Dubai Creek and includes the following 20 stations: Etisalat, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Al Qusais, Stadium (Dubai), Al Nahda, Abu Hail, Al Qiyadah, Abu Bakr Seddiq, Union, Salahuddin, Palm Deira, Baniyas Square, Al Ghubaiba, Al Ras, BurJuman, Al Fahidi, Al Jadaf, Healthcare City, Oud Metha, Creek.

Both the Red Line and the Green Line intersect at two points, Union Square and Khalid Bin Al Waleed (BurJuman Centre).

Connections to Other Transportation Services

The metro connects with other transport services managed by the RTA, including buses, the water bus and the tram. Transfers between these modes can be made using the Nol Card, which automatically calculates and deducts the fare for each journey. There are no additional fares when transferring to another vehicle within the network. You can transfer to the tram at Jumeirah Lakes Tower metro station on the Red Line, and you can transfer between the Red Line and the Green Line at BurJuman and Union metro stations.

Connection to Airport

There is a direct metro link to Dubai International Airport. The metro stations serving Terminals 1 and 3 are Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3. To reach Terminal 2 by metro, get off at either Stadium or Dubai Airport Free Zone station and take a taxi to Terminal 2.

The metro is the cheapest way to travel from the airport to various parts of Dubai, but it is only convenient if your accommodation is close to a metro station. Otherwise, bear in mind that some areas are not convenient for walking. Public buses also run from the airport to various points in Dubai. Fares are as low as AED2. Lines 401 (Deira) and 402 (Bur Dubai) run every 30 minutes, while lines C1 (Satwa Station) and C2 (Zabeel Park) run every 10 minutes. Lines C1 and C2 run 24 hours a day, while lines 401 and 402 run until 22:00. Taxis and limousines can also be hired from the arrivals area at any time of the day, with a journey into the city taking approximately 10 minutes.

Schedule, Timetables, and Calendar

The Dubai Metro operates every day of the year. From Sunday to Wednesday, stations are open from 6:00 am to midnight. On Thursdays, stations open at 6:00 am and close at 1:00 am. On Fridays, stations open at 13:00 and close at midnight.

At peak times, the waiting time between trains is about two minutes. At other times the waiting time is about four minutes. It takes about one hour and 10 minutes to travel the entire length of the Red Line and about 38 minutes to travel all the stations on the Green Line.

Prices, Tickets, and Cards

The metro fare is paid with either the Nol Card or tickets. The Nol Card is more advantageous for frequent travelers and those who use various modes of transport. Nol cards have a daily limit of AED14.00, so you will not be charged more than this amount per day, regardless of how much you use the transport services. For occasional travelers, the cost difference with regular tickets is minimal. The cards can be recharged with AED balance and used for travel on all public transport in Dubai: bus, ferry, taxi. Rates vary depending on the number of zones traversed, but fares start at AED 1.8 for a short trip (less than 3 km) to AED 5.80 for a journey through all zones. These cards can be purchased at ticket offices and machines at each station.

The Nol Card allows you to use the metro and many other RTA services. Cash payments are not accepted. Discounts are available for people with disabilities, students, and senior citizens. There are also special subscriptions that offer discounts, including the 1 Day Pass, 7 Day Pass, 30 Day Pass, 90 Day Pass, and 365 Day Pass. Children under five years old and shorter than 0.9 meters can travel for free without requiring a ticket or a card.

There are three types of Nol cards: Silver Card, Gold Card, and Blue Card. The tickets are known as Red Tickets. All these cards can be used for paying for parking services.

Public Transport Card Types in Dubai

• Silver Card (AED 25): A rechargeable card with a maximum cash load of AED 5000. The card can be purchased from ticket offices, vending machines, authorised RTA shops or customer service offices. It can be used on all RTA transport systems and is valid for five years. The card is pre-loaded with AED 19 for immediate use. Fares are as follows: one zone = 3 AED, two zones = 5 AED and three or more zones = 7.5 AED.
• Gold Card (AED 25): Works similarly to the Silver Card, but includes access to first class seating at no extra cost. Gold Cards are only available at Metro ticket offices and can be used on all RTA transport systems immediately upon purchase. Like the Silver Card, it is pre-loaded with 19 AED and is valid for five years. Fares are as follows: one zone = AED 6, two zones = AED 10 and three or more zones = AED 15. No documentation is required to purchase this card.
• Blue Card (70 AED): Also known as the Personal Card, it is initially loaded with 20 AED for travel and can be loaded with up to 5000 AED. This card offers theft protection. If it is lost or stolen, the balance remains protected. An SMS and email notification is sent every time the card is used. It offers discounted fares for senior citizens, students and the disabled (50% discount). The card must be activated at a customer service centre and requires ID and photo at the time of purchase. A government-issued disability card is required for the disabled discount. Students must present a school certificate showing their ID, name, current year of study and highest level of education. They must also be between the ages of five and 23. A senior citizen’s card is all that is required for the senior citizen discount, which is only available to UAE citizens or permanent residents. The card can hold different passes such as 1 day pass, 7 day pass, 90 day pass and 365 day pass. Fare costs are as follows: one zone = AED 3, two zones = AED 5 and three or more zones = AED 7.5. Personalised card designs are available at an additional cost of AED 30.
• Red ticket (2 AED): The only ticket available for the metro. It can be purchased from vending machines or RTA offices. The ticket also works on the bus and water bus, but does not offer transfers. You can buy a bundle of 10 tickets for up to 10 journeys. It’s valid for up to 90 days. Fares are as follows: one zone = AED 2, two zones = AED 6 and three or more zones = AED 8.5.

Metro Travel Tips

• Bring a MasterCard or Visa credit card, as these are the only cards accepted to purchase Metro tickets and Nol Cards.
• Stations are named after the nearest landmarks. For example, Dubai Mall station is located near Dubai Mall.
• Bicycles are not allowed on the Metro. Plan where you’ll leave your bike if you plan to use the metro.
• The metro is automatic and there is no driver’s cab. For a beautiful view of the city, try to get a seat near the front window of the carriage.

Metro Rules and Fines

Violations of Metro rules can result in fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 2000. Here are the rules:

• Nol cards are not transferable. Do not use another person’s card.
• Respect all passengers.
• Smoking is prohibited in the metro and in stations.
• Do not put your feet on other people’s seats.
• It is forbidden to sell goods or to advertise in the metro and in the stations.
• Entering the metro without a valid card or ticket may result in a fine of AED 200.
• Damage to seats or other metro equipment may result in a fine of AED 500.
• It is not allowed to eat or drink on the metro. Eating and drinking is only allowed in designated areas at stations.
• Pets are not allowed on the metro or in stations, except guide dogs.
• Do not enter staff-only areas at stations.
• Littering or spitting in the metro or at stations is prohibited.
• Misuse of emergency exits or equipment may result in a fine of AED 2000.
• Metro cars are segregated into men’s and women’s sections. Make sure you enter the appropriate car.
• Gold Card holders are only allowed to sit in first class seats.
• It is forbidden to force the doors of the train open.
• Alcohol is not allowed on the metro or in stations.
• Parking is provided for one day only. Overstaying for more than one day will result in a fine of AED 100 and overstaying for more than 48 hours will result in a fine of AED 240.
• Using forged tickets or cards may result in a fine of AED 500.
• Sleeping in metro stations can result in a fine of AED 300.
• Climbing on the metro can result in a fine of AED 100.
• Reserved seats for pregnant women, people with disabilities and senior citizens should only be used by these persons. Failure to do so may result in a fine of AED 100.
• Failure to comply with the instructions of RTA staff may result in a fine of AED 100.
• Only use areas designated for passengers.
• Weapons and hazardous materials are not allowed on the metro or in stations.
• The sale of Nol cards requires the permission of the RTA.
• Make sure you do not board the metro with an expired ticket or card. Be prepared to show your ticket or card if asked by an inspector.
• It is not allowed to carry fish on the metro.

Fun Facts

1. All metro trains are air-conditioned.
2. For safety reasons, platform doors separate the platforms from the metro tracks.
3. The metro offers breathtaking views as most of the tracks are elevated.
4. The architecture of the stations is a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. The exteriors of the stations have a futuristic look, while the interiors feature traditional Arabic architectural elements such as interior arches and wind towers.
5. Most stations are designed in the shape of a shell.
6. The BurJuman station features jellyfish-shaped chandeliers.
7. The Dubai Metro is considered the “safest metro system in the world”, with a dedicated police force, over 3000 CCTV cameras in trains and stations, a fully integrated radio system for communication between the metro and emergency services, an emergency telephone in every carriage and station, and platform screen doors.
8. In keeping with the city’s reputation for luxury and splendour, the Underground offers a Gold Carriage, which provides a first-class service with leather seats, panoramic views, carpets and unique lighting and design. There is also a carriage reserved for women and children, although it’s not compulsory for women to travel separately. There is also Wi-Fi and telephone coverage throughout the Metro network.

Future Expansions

Four new lines have been proposed: the blue, purple, gold and pink lines. Construction of the purple and blue lines is still under discussion, but could begin in 2027. The blue line will have stations along Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and the purple line will have stations along Al Khail’s Road, covering 50 kilometres of railway and connecting Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai International Airport. The Pink Line is scheduled for completion by 2030 and the Gold Line by 2025, with stations in Deira, Dubai Marina and Arabian Ranches.

The government also plans to extend the existing Green and Red Lines. The Green Line will be extended by 20 kilometres, with 12 new stations to be completed by 2020. The Red Line will add 16 kilometres of track and six new stations, providing connections to the Abu Dhabi and Al Warqa’a regions.

Nearby Attractions

For reference, we’ll use Airport Terminal 1 station on the Red Line as our starting point. To reach these tourist attractions by metro from this station, follow these directions:

Dubai Museum: The journey takes 28 minutes and costs AED 5. Take the red line towards UAE Exchange Station. Get off at BurJuman station and walk to the Four Point Sheraton Hotel. Take the C05 bus towards Ghubaiba Bus Station. Get off at Al Fahidi Metro Bus Stop and walk to Al-Fahidi Street, Al-Fahidi.

Burj Khalifa: The journey takes 23 minutes and costs AED 5. Take the red line towards UAE Exchange Station and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House: The journey takes 40 minutes and costs AED 5. Take the red line towards UAE Exchange Station. Get off at BurJuman station and walk to the Four Point Sheraton Hotel. Take the C05 bus towards Ghubaiba Bus Station. Get off at Falcon Intersection and walk to Al Khaleej Road, Bur Dubai.

Jumeirah Mosque: The journey takes 58 minutes and costs AED 5. Take the red line towards UAE Exchange Station. Get off at Deira City Centre metro station and walk to the City Centre metro bus stop. Take the X28 bus towards Dubai Internet City Seaside Metro Bus Stop. Get off at Dhiyafa and walk to Jumeirah First, Jumeirah Mosque.

Bastakia: The journey takes 20 minutes and costs AED 5. Take the red line towards UAE Exchange Station. Get off at BurJuman station and walk to BurJuman metro station. Take the green line towards Etisalat Station. Get off at Al Fahidi station and walk to Old Dubai in the Al Fahidi area.