Quick Guide to Dubai Metro: Timings, Rules, and Lines

Dubai is a home to luxury and opulence. From sky-soaring buildings to innovative architectural designs, it leaves the competition in the dust. Likewise, the futuristic transportation system of Dubai is a remarkable achievement.

The Dubai Metro was inaugurated in 2009, and since then, it has been the mainstay of public transportation in Dubai. It is convenient for both residents and tourists to go around the city.

The Metro system has also been upgraded with the ever-growing developmental projects and expansion of residential communities. So, stay up to date with the routes and schedules of the Dubai Metro to have a seamless travel experience.

This article provides a complete detour of the Dubai Metro, along with details about routes, nearest stops from prime locations, schedules, and timings for 2025, as well as a deeper insight into its operations.

Whether you are here as a tourist or someone who has recently moved to Dubai from UK, familiarize yourself with the Metro's schedules and timings so that you can make your travel feel like a breeze.

dubai metro

Overview of the Dubai Metro System

1. A Brief History

Let us first get to know a little about the background history of Dubai Metro. The public transportation facility was inaugurated on 9th September 2009. Since then, it has been widely used by daily commuters and tourists.

Metro has two main operating lines: the Red Line and the Green Line. These lines cover Dubai's prime locations. The Red Line covers the greatest distance from Rashidiya (northeast) to the UAE Exchange (southwest).

The Green Line, on the other hand, is limited to a short route connecting key areas, mainly the Al Fahidi district and Dubai Creek.

2. Key Features of the Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro blends state-of-the-art technology and convenience to create a world-class public transportation experience. Below are its key features:

Fully Automated System

Dubai Metro, one of the world's largest driverless metro networks, is smooth and safe. Innovations in control systems improve on-time performance and dependability.

Extensive Network

It consists of two primary lines, the Red Line and the Green Line, which service key areas of the city.
Route 2020 is an expansion plan that connects the metro to the Expo 2020 site and beyond.

Connectivity

It connects directly to all significant landmarks, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, and Expo City. Other means of transport, such as buses, trams, and water taxis, are also integrated into this service.

Accessibility

It is convenient for people with disabilities and includes ramps, elevators, and tactile-sequence guidance for visually impaired passengers.

Stations are designed so that distribution, layout, and even signage are easy to navigate, with multi-language announcements to help.

Smart Ticketing System

Run on NOL card, an integrated smart card system that allows users to travel on the major public transport modes (tram, coach, metro, water). NOL cards are convenient, inexpensive, and can be recharged online or at metro stations.

High Standards of Comfort

Most stations and trains are fully air-conditioned, making traveling more comfortable in Dubai's hot summers. Trains are categorized into three classes: Gold Class (premium), Women and Children, and Silver Class (standard).

Sustainability

Its eco-friendly transport solution helps curb carbon footprints by reducing public transport preference.

Safety and Security

Bonus: You’re also fitted with CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, and staff devoted to keeping passengers safe.

Efficiency and Frequency

The trains are frequent, with barely any wait time between connections. The metro runs from early morning to late at night every day, with expanded hours on weekends and public holidays.

Affordable Travel

The metro routes are cheaper: passengers pay depending on the number of fare zone(s) they cross.

Dubai Metro is more than a mere transport system; it is an extensive Dubai plan geared towards a sustainable, connected, and world-class sphere.

What are the Dubai Metro Timings?

1. Opening Time

Below is a detailed breakdown of Dubai Metro's opening and closing times. The metro opens for public commuters every day from 05:00 AM., but Sunday metro timings are different.

The following are the operating hours of the red and green lines. There might be a slight variation in timings based on the departure point and the respective line used.

2. Metro Time in Dubai Schedule

On Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, the service hours are 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM. On Fridays, they operate from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Dubai metro timings on Sunday start at 8:00 AM and end at midnight.

a) Red Line

The Red Line is one of the main lines of the Dubai Metro, covering key areas from Centrepoint to Expo 2020. It includes major stations such as Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, and Jebel Ali. It has:

Approximately 52.1 km, making it the world's longest single-line driverless metro.
35 stations, including major landmarks and business districts.
Connects key areas such as the airport, downtown, and business hubs.
High frequency during peak hours.

The Red Line Route has two branches. The original one started in 2009 and is called Line 2. It operates between the UAE Exchange and Jebel Ali. The one that opened in 2021 is called Line 1 (Route 2020) and runs from Centerpoint to Expo 2020.

While traveling through the Red Line route of the Dubai Metro system, you need to know the starting times of these lines. The metro is most crowded during peak hours, usually 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM.

During these times, the metro runs more frequently to accommodate more passengers. During peak hours, the Metro operates at an interval of 2 to 5 minutes. This can increase up to 6-8 minutes during slack hours.

A slight change in operating hours and timings may be observed on special occasions and public holidays. Listen to the public announcements attentively and carefully read the train signs so that you get off at your desired station. The opening and closing hours of Dubai Metro throughout the week are given below.

Jebel Ali

Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:03 AM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:03 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:05 AM

UAE Exchange

Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:12 AM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:12 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:14 AM

Center point

Monday to Thursday: 5:00 AM – 12:08 AM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:08 AM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 1:06 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:07 AM

Expo 2020

Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5:00 AM – 1:08 AM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:08 AM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:09AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:09 AM

dubai metro stations

b) Green Line

The Green Line is another central line of the Dubai Metro, connecting key areas from Etisalat by e& to Creek. It includes essential stations such as Al Qusais, Dubai Healthcare City, and Al Jadaf. Its main features are:

Approximately 22.5 km, covering significant parts of the city.
Has 20 stations, including residential, commercial, and healthcare areas.
Links key residential areas with business and healthcare hubs.
High frequency during peak hours to accommodate passenger traffic

The operating hours of this route vary according to the day. A summarized schedule of the Dubai Metro's Green Line based on RTA Metro Opening Times is given as follows:

Creek Dubai

Monday to Thursday: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Etisalat by E&

Monday to Thursday: 5:03 AM – 12:04 AM
Friday: 5:03 AM – 1:04 AM
Saturday: 5:03 AM – 12:03 AM
Sunday: 8:03 AM – 12:02 AM

3. Special Timings During Holidays and Events

During festivals, special occasions, and public holidays, the service hours of Dubai Metro are extended. This move is to accommodate the spike in the number of commuters. The main occasions with exclusive timings include:

New Year's Eve: New Year's Eve in Dubai is a one-of-a-kind event following a huge influx of visitors from across the globe. Thus, the operating hours of Dubai Metro are extended to facilitate the tourists attending celebrations and enjoying the fireworks displays.
Eid Holidays: The service hours are increased to cater to the masses traveling to popular destinations and visiting malls.
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF): Likewise, the timings are adjusted to synchronize with the extended hours of shopping malls during the holiday season.

4. Ramadan Timings

Ramadan holds great significance in the Muslim community. So, to accommodate the people observing fasts and offering Taraweeh (late-night prayers) in this holy month, the Dubai Metro adjusts its timings accordingly.

It usually starts operating a bit later and then runs past midnight. The specific timing each year may be subjected to variation in accordance with the Islamic calendar.

5. First and Last Metro Train Timings

For those who have early flights to catch or who have to get back home in the wee hours, the timings of the first and last trains should be known.

Red Line

The first train starts operating at 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday and Sunday Metro time starts at 8:00 AM.
The last metro train departs at midnight (12:00 AM) Monday through Thursday and Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, Dubai Metro timings extend until 1:00 AM.

Green Line

From Monday to Saturday, the first train departs at 5:30 AM, and on Sunday, it is 8:00 AM.
The last train leaves at 12:00 AM from Monday to Thursday and Sunday. However, it is extended up to 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday.

Tips for Commuting on the Dubai Metro

1. Peak Hours and Off-Peak Hours

To have a seamless journey by Metro Dubai, you should know about the peak hours because it is when the trams and stations are most crowded.

The rush hours are mostly 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the morning and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the evening. Apart from these hours, you will encounter fewer crowds, short waiting periods, and a relaxed experience.

2. Purchasing Tickets

The Dubai Metro operates on the Nol Card System. This is basically a smart card that can be used on all public transportation facilities in Dubai. The different types of NoI Cards are as follows:

Red Card: It is perfect for tourists and seasonal travelers.
Silver Card: Ideal for regular passengers.
Gold Card: This card gives access to the VIP Gold Class cabins, which ensures a smooth and exquisite travel experience.
Blue Card: These are personalized cards for regular commuters. They offer balance protection in case the card is lost.

3. Metro Etiquette

To ensure a smooth travel experience for all the commuters, there is a list of some basic etiquette rules which you are supposed to follow:

Stand on the Right: While using the escalator in the station, stand on the right side. This ensures enough room on the left side for people to pass.
Priority Seating: Priority seating is reserved for the elderly, expecting mothers, and disabled people. Respect that!
No Eating or Drinking: Eating and drinking are prohibited in both the station and the Metro.
Maintain Silence: Keep the noise down so that other passengers do not get disturbed.

dubai metro nol card

4. Navigating the Metro with Ease

Using the Dubai Metro App

If you use Dubai Metro on a regular basis, the Dubai Metro App is a must-have app on your phone. It gives real-time details and information about trains' arrival and departure, their schedules, station locations, and, the cherry on top, the estimated fare as well.

It also offers a route planning service, which helps you find the quickest route to your destination.

Metro Map and Signage

Clear-cut instructions, maps, and directions are available at the Dubai Metro stations. The Metro map is very easy to comprehend owing to its color-coded lines. The interchange stations are also marked on the map.

You can either get your free map from any station or, to make it easy, you can download an e-version from the Dubai Metro website.

Interchange Stations

You can easily switch between the Red and Green lines through the interchange stations. These include:

Union Station: It is based in Deira. Union Station is one of the most popular and busiest stations, offering a connection between the Red and Green line routes.
BurJuman Station: BurJuman Station is located near the BurJuman Mall and serves as an interchange point.

Dubai Metro Rules

1. Can I take a suitcase with me?

Each passenger is allowed two suitcases. The larger suitcase must be no more than 81cm x 58cm x 30cm in dimensions, and the smaller one must be less than 55cm x 38cm x 20cm. The suitcases must be stowed in the respective luggage areas of each cabin.

2. Can I bring an e-scooter with me?

E-scooters have been banned in Dubai Metro on 1st March 2024.

3. Are kids allowed to ride alone in the Dubai Metro?

It is compulsory for children under eight to have an adult companion. For the age group of 8 to 11, parents have to sign a written permission allowing their child to travel solo in Dubai Metro. Those above 12 do not have any age-related travel restrictions.

4. What are the public transport fines in Dubai?

Dhs100 fines are applied for:

Laying feet on the seats.
Bringing food or drinks to prohibited areas.
Traveling with your pets in public transport, except for the guide dogs for sight-deprived people.
Sitting on reserved seats (such as areas designated for ladies, elderly, disabled, etc.).
Entering into the restricted zones of the Metro service.
Sitting or even standing in the areas where passengers are not allowed.
Creating disturbances that annoy fellow passengers.
Misuse of elevators and escalators.
Jumping into the transport facilities.
Attempting to get off the train while it is moving.
Carrying such equipment or materials that can put other passengers in dangerous situations or cause inconvenience.

Dhs100 per day and up to Dhs1,000

If you park your vehicle in the designated zone for Metro users above the permitted time, you will get fined.

Dhs200 fines are applied for:

Actions compromising the hygiene and sanitation of the public transport facility (e.g., spitting, littering).
Smoking inside the train or station.
Failure to provide the Nol Card when requested.
Unauthorized travel through the Metro without paying the fare.
Using someone else's card.
Using an invalid card beyond its expiry.
Unauthorized sales of NoI Cards without RTA's permission.
Promoting commercial products or selling them inside the public transport facility.
Non-compliance with the orders and instructions issued by the inspector or other authorized personnel.
Failure to comply with the instructions given on the signboards.

Dhs300 fines are applied for:

Taking a nap or sleeping in the passenger waiting areas or any other place where resting is prohibited.

Dhs500 fines are applied for:

Using fake, forged cards
Taking alcoholic beverages with you inside public transport facilities

Dhs1,000 fines are applied for:

Risky behavior, including carrying sharp tools, weapons, or inflammable materials inside the Metro, puts others' lives at stake.

Dhs2,000 fines are applied for:

Intentionally damaging or vandalizing the seats and other equipment in the trains and stations.
Unnecessarily using safety devices and emergency exits.

Closing In

Dubai Metro is an integral part of Dubai's public transportation system. It provides a convenient means of transit to visitors and residents alike.

By getting familiar with the Dubai metro working hours, schedules, routes, and stations, you can enjoy a seamless travel experience across Dubai.

From traveling to occasionally popular destinations or commuting daily to your workplace, Dubai Metro offers a cost-effective and affordable way to get around.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for Dubai Metro, giving you insights into all the important aspects. We hope this helps you navigate this global metropolis and have a pleasant experience.

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