The Guides

Dubai Metro Guide

All you need to know about the driverless mode of transport in the city

Words by Ankita Bhowmick in The Guides · Aug 5th, 2018

The modern and fully automated rail system of Dubai, Dubai Metro is a convenient and affordable mode of transportation that the residents of Dubai rely on. It offers a wide range of features and services and is the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula.

The first section of the red line was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on 9th September 2009 and covered 10 stations. During the first two days of its operation, more than 110,000 people were known to have used it.

The trains feature different types of cabins that include a gold cabin with wide leather seats and panoramic view, a designated cabin for women and children along with general cabins. As of 2017, Dubai Metro witnessed a daily ridership of 353,244 people, according to Gulf News.

Dubai Metro Timings

The metro service features 2 lines, the Red and the Green.

The Red Line has been operating since 2009 and covers stations between Rashidiya and UAE Exchange (formerly known as Jebel Ali). The journey along the entire length of this line takes 1 hour and 8 minutes. This line remains active from 5.00 am until midnight during Saturdays to Wednesdays and till 1.00 am on Thursdays. On Fridays, the train operates 10.00 am until 1.00 am.

The Green Line, on the other hand, started operating from 2011 and covers the stations between Etisalat and Creek. This line is the shorter one and in order to travel its entire length, it takes around 40 minutes. It operates from 5.30 am till midnights during Saturdays to Wednesdays and till 1.00 on Thursdays.

On Fridays, the operation hours are between 10.00 am and 1.00 am. Transfer between the lines can be made at two interchange stations of that of Union and Burjuman (formerly known as Khalid Bin Al Waleed). The trains are quite frequent and arrive around every 4 minutes during the peak hours and every 7 minutes during the off-peak hours.

Dubai Metro Map

Extension of 15 kilometers called the Expo 2020 is currently under construction. It will feature 7 new stations, including 2 underground.

Other lines which are expected to make their way soon include the Purple, Blue, Pink and Gold lines.

The Purple Line will be built along Al Khail Road and will host 8 stations. The Blue Line will cover areas along Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, whereas the Pink Line will be running east to west with a terminus at Al Sufouh. The Gold Line which will be known as the Yellow Line will connect Arabian Raches, Deira and Dubai Marina.

Dubai Metro is a very affordable mode of transportation and is considered quite cheap when compared to similar rail networks in other parts of the world.

Smartcards called Nol Card has to be used to pay for the metro rides. The cards are of different types in order to meet the needs of different sections of the society. They can also be used to pay for other Road and Transport Authority (RTA) mode of transport like Buses, Water Buses, Dubai Tram as well as for RTA's paid parking.

In order to enhance the experience of the commuters, Dubai metro offers them with onboard wi-fi. It also provides accessibility for the disabled passengers and designated areas for luggage to be kept.

Dubai metro service is known to primarily focus on the convenience of the commuters and has on offer services like contrasting tactile guidance path for the visually impaired and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on all trains. It also features platform alerts like audible beeps when doors open and closes along with corresponding flashing light signals.

Other amenities include lift access in all metro station levels and information displays on screens throughout trains and stations. Keeping in mind the safety and security of the commuters, Dubai Metro features over 3000 CCTVs in trains as well as stations. The efficient train network has its own dedicated Metro Police in order to look into the enforcement the rules. Being fully automated, each train and station are equipped with Emergency Call Box (ECB).