As being a city Dubai is divided into different zones in terms of public transport. It is split into 7 public transportation zones. but 3 of these are outside the Dubai Metro area. And currently, the metro route runs through 4 zones: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 5 and Zone 6. Zones 3, 4 and 7 contain other areas of public transport, including buses.
The number of zones you travel through determines the cost of your journey and not the difference in the numbers of the zones. For example, if you go from Mall of the Emirates Metro station in Zone 2 to Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa station in Zone 6 that is counted as 2 zones as you have only travelled through Zones 2 and 6, it does not mean that you have travelled through 4 zones as the other zones are not on your route.
Image of Dubai Metro
Google Map View of Dubai Metro
Map by Zone
Map Pdf
It is also applicable to transfers from the metro to other modes of public transportation such as buses, tram and water buses. But for a single journey on two different modes of transportation to be charged as one, the transfer must be done within 30 minutes. In order to have the correct fare calculated, you need to swipe in and out on every mode of transport that you use, otherwise you will be charged the maximum fare for your journey (or possibly for each journey if you use more than one mode of transport).
Also, if you take a bus or private cab after taking the Dubai Metro then you may need to take account of the extra zones when calculating your fare for that journey.
Dubai Metro route
Dubai Metro route map acts as a trip planner and assistance in finding the best route for getting to your destination in due time. Find information on where each station is located and plan your trip on Dubai Subway accordingly. The metro route map will help you to choose quickly the stations near your holiday rentals in Dubai for your route. It helps understand you this metro network better.
On the above map you can see Both these metro lines (red and green) in Dubai intersect at two key stations in the city: Burjuman and Union. They are known to be two of the busiest train stops in Dubai.
To use the metro, passengers must catch the train in the direction they want to travel; this is done by visiting one of the two platforms at each station. On the red line, these two platforms are named Al Rashidiya and UAE Exchange in relation to the desired direction of travel. On the green line, the two platforms are named Etisalat and Creek. The Dubai Metro schedule is such that you can catch a train every 5 minutes from whichever station you are at.
In November 2020, five metro stations were renamed: Al Safa (Previously Noor Bank), Umm Al Sheef (Previously First Abu Dhabi Bank), Al Khail (Previously Nakheel), Dubai Marina (Previously DAMAC Properties) and Sharaf DG (Previously Al Fahidi).
Dubai Metro Network -Everything you need to know about the world’s longest automated rail system
Located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Dubai Metro is the first urban metro network to run in the Gulf’s Arab states and the world’s longest fully automatic driverless train system.
History
Due to the fast-growing population of Dubai and severe traffic congestion problems. Stemming from rapid growth in the population, plus an economy progressively based upon financial services, air transport, property development and tourism. This population was anticipated to reach three million by 2017 and five million by 2020, by which time travel demand could cause issues, with estimated rise to 22 million daily passenger journeys. Congestion is already estimated to cost the city state some US$1.4bn each year. The key aim to establish this integrated system is to help reduce rising levels of traffic congestion.
Therefore, Dubai Municipality recognized the need for a rail system to relieve growing motor traffic levels and support continuing urban development based on studies that began in 1997. So basically, planning of the Dubai Metro began under the directive of Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The construction began in 2006. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum himself inaugurated the Red Line, with just 10 stations in September 2009. The system has eased the daily commute for thousands of workers in the emirate. Around 1.74 million passengers used the metro in its first month.
The Red Line was the first line to be completed, in April 2010. The Green line was opened in September 2011. With two more lines planned. The intention is for 320km of metro lines to be in place in Dubai by 2020 started. According to the statistics released by the RTA (Roads and Transportation Authority). The average number of passengers travelling on the Red Line is estimated at around 180,000 a day. Green Line passenger capacity is estimated to be 100,000 a day.
In February 2012, the Dubai Metro won the Guinness World Records award for the longest driverless metro network in the world, spanning 74.69km.
About
The Dubai Metro is one of the most advanced, modern public transport networks in Dubai that facilitates the needs of the city’s busy professionals. The Dubai Metro is operated by the company name ‘Serco’.
The total number of working stations are 49 (29 on the red line, 20 on the green line) operating 87 trains. The two lines (red and green) of the Dubai Metro are stretched over a distance of 74.6 km with nine of stations being underground. The Dubai Metro runs every day of the week.
The original construction cost of the Dubai Metro project was estimated to be was AED 15.5 billion/US$4.2 billion which in time went up to 80% that is, AED 28 billion/US$7.8 billion. 4000 CCTV cameras have been installed across trains and stations on the Dubai Metro for safety and check. 643 is the maximum number of passengers that can be accommodated on a single track.
Dubai Metro Operates 50 trains at peak times with a maximum running speed of 90km an hour. In full operation, Dubai Metro carry approximately 1.2 million passengers on an average day, and 355 million passengers a year.
Fares
Compared to other systems around the world fares are extremely cheap. Ticket prices for Dubai Metro for adults range from AED 2.00 to AED 6.50 depending on the distance. Discounted tickets are available for registered students and senior citizens monthly pass holders. Children aged 5 and below are free to travel. Advance ticketing discounts can also be availed.
Contactless tickets or cards must be purchased before beginning a journey. They are available at all metro stations, bus stations and authorised sales agent (Carrefour, Spinneys etc.). A touch-on-touch-off (TOTO) smart card-based fare payment system was also introduced in 2010.
Train Layout
This new layout was introduced in July 2019. Each train has five carriages. At one end of the train, the carriage is divided into two cabins, with one being a Gold Class cabin. The carriage at the other end of the train is women and children.
Gold Class cabin has leather seats and is naturally less crowded. The women and children carriage offers extra space for the stroller. The remaining area is for Silver Class (Standard class) passengers. Fines are imposed on passengers travelling in the wrong cabin.
Parking
There are three large parking and ride facilities on the Dubai Metro where drivers can leave their cars.
- One is at Rashidiya (Red Line) with a space capacity of 2700 vehicles.
- The other one is at Jabal Ali (Red line) with 3000 space capacity.
- The third one is at Etisalat (Green Line) which can accommodate almost 2300 cars.
Parking is free for Metro users.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free to use on the Dubai Metro with the name ‘WiFi UAE’. You can also have a premium option but this service is paid. It offers longer browsing and higher speed.
Timings
The Dubai Metro is open seven days a week, and timings for metro stations are:
For Red Line
- Saturday to Wednesday: 5 am to midnight
- Thursday: 5 am to 1am
- Friday: 10am to 1am
For Green Line
- Saturday to Wednesday: 5.30 am to midnight
- Thursday: 5.30 am to 1am
- Friday: 10am to 1am
Remember, the first and last train times vary for each station, and metro operating hours can also change during public holidays.
Trains run frequently on both lines – usually every four minutes during peak hours, and seven minutes at off-peak times.
Route 2021_ Expo 2021 Extension Line
One of the most exciting projects for Expo Dubai is Route 2020, an upcoming extension of the Dubai Metro. This will be a 15-kilometre track with seven stations, including three elevated and two underground stations. Route 2020 was officially inaugurated in July 2020 and now it is partially opened from 1st January 2020, between Jabal Ali and Al Furjan.
The Red Line’s Jebel Ali station will be the interchange station for Route 2020. The new track will also include stops at communities such as Al Furjan, Discovery Gardens, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Investments Park. The route will ultimately end at the Expo 2020 site.
Its timing is slightly different from others.
- Saturday to Wednesday: 5.00 am to midnight
- Thursday: 5.00 am to 1am
- Friday: 10am to 1am
Handicap accessible Facilities
Wheelchair accessibility of the Dubai Metro, in stations and on trains, is excellent. All stations are equipped with elevators at each entrance. Given that, many stations have up to 4 entrances, spread out across multiple blocks, wheelchair travellers won’t have to search for the entrance with an elevator all are equipped. Elevators also exist between the station concourse and train platform. Metro trains are level with the station platform, and the gap is often less than one inch. Whether using a manual or powered wheelchair, you won’t have any difficulty using the metro system.
Wheelchair accessible restrooms are also located beyond the fare gates in every Dubai Metro station. They are extremely accessible and would meet the ADA requirements of the United States. Wheelchair spaces are available in several cars throughout each train. Entrances nearest the wheelchair spaces are marked with the international wheelchair accessibility and disability logo on the glass wall which separates the platform from the tracks.
There are dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on all the trains. Also, the ticket counter is within easy reach for wheelchair users.
Dubai Metro Lines
The two lines of the Dubai metro are Red line (Rashidiya-UAE Exchange metro stations) and the Green Line (Etisalat-Creek Metro stations).
Red Line:
The Red Line runs from Al Rashidiya station in the east to Jabel Ali in the west to UAE exchange and travels parallel along Sheikh Zayed Road for most of its length. The first section was inaugurated on 9 September 2009 and construction was declared complete on 28 April 2010.
It has 29 stations spanning 52.1km, which have been opened in phases from 2009 to 2011. The line is the world’s longest single metro line to use the driverless train, as recognized by Guinness World Records in 2011.
There are two designated transfer stations along the line; Union and Bur Juman stations, where the Green and Red Lines intersect, allowing passengers to change between lines. The Red Line has its main depot at Rashidiya and an auxiliary depot at UAE exchange.
Trains arrive every 4 minutes on average during peak hours and every 7 minutes during off-peak hours. A journey along the entire length of the Red Line (from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange) takes 1 hour and 8 minutes.
The Red Line metro stations include:
- Al Rashidiya (11)
- Emirates
- Dubai International Terminal 3
- Dubai International Terminal 1
- GGICO
- Deira City Centre
- Al Rigga
- Union
- Burjuman
- ADCB (Previously Al Karama)
- Al Jafaliya
- World Trade Centre
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- Al Safa (Previously Noor Bank)
- Umm Al Sheef (Previously First Abu Dhabi Bank)
- Mall of the Emirates
- Mashreq (Previously Sharaf DG)
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Khail (Previously Nakheel)
- Dubai Marina (Previously DAMAC Properties)
- DMCC (Previously JLT)
- Jebel Ali (Previously Nakheel Harbour & Tower)
- Ibn Battuta
- Energy
- Danube
- UAE Exchange
The Green Line:
The Green Line is one of the two lines in the Dubai Metro network in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It runs through Deira and Bur Dubai, generally parallel to Dubai Creek. There are 20 stations in this, spanning from Etisalat to Dubai Creek covering 22.5 km. Out of 20 stations, 12 are and 8 underground stations.
It is attended by 25 driverless trains travelling at a maximum speed of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph) and stopping 20–30 seconds at each station. The Green Line is shorter. The trip from Etisalat to Creek takes 40 minutes.
Trial running began in October 2010, with the line inaugurated on 9 September 2011 and opened to the public the next day. The last 2 stations (Jaddaf and Dubai Creek) were opened on March 1, 2014. Each of the trains has a seat capacity of 643 seats.
The Green Line was initially 17.6 kilometres (10.9 mi) long upon opening, however, following the extension from Dubai Healthcare City to Dubai Creek, the length increased to 22.5 kilometres (14.0 mi) long.
The Green Line metro stations include:
- Etisalat
- Al Qusais
- Dubai Airport Free Zone
- Al Nahda
- Dubai Stadium
- Al Qiyadah
- Abu Hail
- Abu Baker Al Siddique
- Salah Al Din
- Union
- Baniyas Square
- Gold Souq (Previously Palm Deira)
- Al Ras
- Al Ghubaiba
- Sharaf DG (Previously Al Fahidi)
- Burjuman
- Oud Metha
- Dubai Healthcare City
- Al Jaddaf
- Creek
Dubai Metro Fines
To travel in Dubai Metro, make sure to be aware of certain rules and regulations to avoid fines. Common rule violations that can charge penalties, ranging from AED 100 to AED 2,000. We will tell you which violation cost you how much fine.
Block access to luggage area
The luggage area is not a free-standing area. During the morning and evening rush. travellers wanting to deposit their bags in the luggage area can’t do so because someone is blocking access to it or even standing inside it. Please avoid standing there. Otherwise, you get an AED 100 fine for doing so.
Illicit ride in Gold Class or Ladies Section
Men are not allowed in ladies section except if belong biologically. Meanwhile in Gold Class, you’ll be fined if you fail to show your Nol Gold Card to the attendant inside the coach. Fine: AED 100
Causing inconvenience to others
If for any reason other passengers complain about you while in transit, you can get into trouble. This could be anything from stepping on someone’s toes, bringing in objects that are too obstructive, or bringing in pets. Fine: AED 100
Sitting in areas not allocated for sitting
It is not allowed to sit on the floor, on the sides of the escalator, on the stairs or the connecting tube between two train cars in a moving Metro. Fine: AED 100.
Using someone else’s NoL card
The violation is incurred when you use the personalized NoL card of someone else (Blue Card). Getting caught doing so will get you a fine of AED 200.
Selling goods or promoting anything
If someone is found selling something inside the Metro, you’ll end up paying AED 200 fine.
Sleeping
There are exceptions to the rule. First and foremost, you cannot sleep in the waiting areas of the Metro, but you can sleep while in transit. If you get caught in the waiting areas, an AED 300 fine awaits you.
Damaging any part of the train
Tampering with and damaging any part of the train also falls in this category and you can also get fined for damage made in the Metro stations. Fine: AED 500
Using the emergency features of the Metro.
Unless there is an emergency. In a tightly packed train, be mindful about where you’re standing on the train, especially during rush hour. Because if you bumped into any emergency button it will get you a fine of AED2000.
Carrying Alcohol Beverages or smoking Inside the Train
Carrying an alcoholic beverage or smoking inside the train is prohibited. Fine AED 500
Putting Feet on Seats in Metro Stations and Trains
Its appealing to rest your feet against the opposite chair. Even if the seat is empty. Avoid putting feet on seat otherwise it will cost you AED 100.
Using an Expired NOL Card
NOL Silver & Gold cards are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. So, if you have been using the same silver NOL card for the past 5 years, you will have to renew it. Using expired NOL cards can set you back by AED 200.
No Pets Allowed
Other than these animals are also not allowed on train except guide dogs. Fine AED 200.
Also Read: How to verify TRN online?
Branches to pay the fines in Dubai
1. Registration Qusais should be transaction
2. Al Barsha Registration should be transaction
3. Aweer Registration should be transaction
4. Hatta Registration should be transaction
5. Jebel Ali Registration should be transaction
6. Warsan Registration should be transaction
7. Shamel Nad Al Hamar should be transaction
8. Shamel Al Added should be transaction
9. Shamel Muhaisna should be transaction
10. Union cooperative Al Safa only RTA fines (Parking fines and salik fines)
11. Licensing Department Deira
12. Licensing Department Barsha
13. The unified Al Tawar Center
for the parking fines only: Karama Municipality Center
Fines to pay for green line metro
Fine Payments & refunds can be made at the following stations:
1. Al Nahda
2. Khalid bin Al Waleed
3. Oud Metha
Contact Dubai Metro:
Below are the customer service details of Dubai Metro, including phone and email. Dubai metro customer service is handled by RTA (Roads and Transportation Authority). The RTA has a call centre for queries which is open 24/7 and can be reached through its toll-free number. Besides contact details, the page provides a brief overview of the subway and its services.
To reach Dubai Metro customer service for queries, complaints or feedback, go to their website (www.rta.ae) and click on ‘Contact Us’ on top bar. You will see all the details to reach out to them in the images below.
