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.

Dubai Metro Map

Map of Dubai Metro showing various lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or Download Dubai Metro Map in PDF.

Dubai Metro Timings and Frequency

The metro has different timings for different days. From Saturday-Wednesday it operates from 05:50 am in the morning till 00:00 am, midnight. On Thursdays it runs for a slightly longer time period from 05:50 am in the morning, till 01:00 am the next day. Fridays offer 12- hour service from 13:00 pm in the afternoon, till 01:00 am the next day.

The frequency of the trains differ with the lines. The average distance between two stations is just 1.5 km. The Red Line has a headway of about 3:45 minutes during peak hours, and 7 minutes during off-peak hours.

For more information on timings, frequency and other such information on the metro, you can visit the website at: http://dubaimetro.eu/about-dubai-metro

Dubai Metro Fares, Tickets and Cards

The metro uses Nol cards and Nol tickets for travelling. The Nol silver card is valid for 5 years and holds up to AED 500 worth of credit. It’s suited for frequent travelers. Nol Gold card’s validity and credit limit is same as sliver card, however, with a gold card, riders can travel on Gold class cabins on the metro. There’s a Nol Blue card for frequent travelers that is personalized. With this card, students and senior citizens can avail a discount of 50%.

The system uses a Nol Red ticket for occasional use. It’s a paper ticket that can be purchased for AED 2 and remains valid for 90 days. The ticket is prepaid based on the number of zones travelled. A one day permit is also available that can be purchased for 14 AED.

The metro journey falls in 4 tiers. Tier 0 equals to a distance of 3 km or less. A regular ticket can be purchased for AED 1.80. For seniors and students travelling in regular class, it’s available for AED 0.90. For Gold class, it costs AED 3.60.

Tier 1 starts and ends in the same zone. Regular class costs AED 2.30. For students and seniors, it costs AED 1.50. For Gold class, it costs AED 4.60.

Tier 2 starts in one zone and ends in a neighboring zone. Regular class costs AED 4.10. For seniors and students, it costs AED 2.05. For Gold class, it costs AED 8.20.

Tier 3 exceeds two zones. Regular ticket is available for AED 5.80. Seniors and Students can avail it for AED 2.90. For Gold class, it costs AED 11.60.

Here is the same information in a tabular form:

Dubai Metro Parking

Essentially all stations in Dubai have small parking stations, thereby enabling their passengers to enjoy ‘park and ride’ facilities. However, there are only 2 stations in total that can accommodate more than 2,500 cars at a time. The Rashidiya station and the Etisalat station, on the red and green lines respectively. Passengers of the metro can make use of this service for free, whereas others have to pay 10Dhs/hr or 5Dhs/hr.

For more information on the park and ride facilities offered, you can visit the  website at: http://dubaimetro.eu/park-and-ride

Dubai Metro Rules and Tips

The metro provides for an exclusive compartment only for women and children to give them a sense of safety while travelling. However, these rules aren’t confined to them and they can travel in any compartment of their choice. In case of damage or loss of a ticket, a fine needs to be paid. The management team has around 700 trained medical professionals to take care of any medical emergency that arises. The metro doesn’t allow transit of bicycles or big luggage.

Dubai Metro Lines

Currently, the Dubai metro serves two lines spanning over a length of 70 km. The first two lines serve 49 stations, including nine underground stations. The purple line and blue line are proposed lines. Each metro line has its own distinct color.

● Red line – The red line was opened to the public in the month of September 2009. The trains operate between Al Rashidiya and Jebel Ali. The length of the route is 52.1km serving 29 stations. It takes around 70 minutes to travel the full line.

● Green line – The green line was opened in 2011 and the trains operate between Etisalat and Creek. The length of the route is 22.5km serving 20 stations. It takes 39 minutes to travel between the terminals.

● Purple line – The purple line is a proposed line which is going to span about 49 km in length. The line is planning to serve 8 stations and the train is going to operate between the Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The original proposed completion date of purple line was in 2012.

● Blue line – The blue line is another proposed line that is said to measure around 47km in length. The line is planning to serve 18 stations and the train is going to operate between the Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The original proposed completion date of blue line was in 2011.

The red line is further getting extended to 15.5km with 6 new stations. The green line too has expansions plan which will see it get extended by 11km from Al Jaddaf to International city.