The Dubai metro is the world’s longest driver-less and fully automated metro rail network. Dubai Metro system is renowned for its efficiency and convenience, making it a popular choice for residents and tourists alike. It provides an extensive array of opulent amenities and services.
The Roads & Transport Authority owns the Dubai Metro. It began running on September 9, 2009. Right now, a group made up of the French company Keolis and the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries runs it. They work together as Keolis-MHI.
Dubai Metro Lines
The Dubai Metro, featuring both Red and Green lines, stands out as one of the most sophisticated and contemporary railway systems globally. Dubai Metro Blue line project will be operated as estimated in 2029.
Dubai Metro Blue Line
Under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directive, Dubai’s Metro system is expanding with the Blue Line. This Dh18 billion project spans 30km, serving diverse communities like Mirdif and International City.
With 14 stations, including elevated and underground segments, the extension aims to enhance connectivity and streamline commuting. This move underscores Dubai’s commitment to innovative and accessible public transport.
اعتمدنا بحمدالله أكبر مشروع جديد في قطاع النقل العام في دبي .. “مسار الخط الأزرق لمترو دبي ” .. بطول 30 كم نصفه تحت الأرض بأعماق تصل ل70 متر .. وبتكلفة 18 مليار درهم .. ويغطي مناطق يصل سكانها مليون نسمة .. مثل مرسى خور دبي، وفيستيفال سيتي والمدينة العالمية والراشدية والورقاء… pic.twitter.com/ykKRZdjKvC
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 24, 2023
Dubai Metro Zones
The Dubai Metro network is divided into zones that determine the fare for traveling within the network. Currently, there are 6 zones, with zones 1, 2, 5, and 6 encompassing Dubai Metro stations. When calculating fares, the number of zones traveled through is considered, not the difference in zone numbers.
The maximum fare for one journey on a silver Nol card is 7.5 dirhams. Here are the stations categorized by zones:
Zone 1
- Danube
- UAE Exchange
- Dubai Investment Park
- EXPO 2020
Zone 2
Red Line Stations under Zone 2
- ONPASSIVE
- Equiti
- Mall of the Emirates
- Mashreq
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Khail
- Sobha Realty (Marina)
- DMCC (JLT)
- Energy
- Jabal Ali
- Ibn Battuta
- The Gardens
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Furjan
Tram Stations under Zone 2
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Dubai Marina Mall
- Dubai Marina
- Marina Towers
- Mina Seyahi
- Media City
- Palm Jumeirah
- Knowledge Village
- Al Sufouh
Zone 3
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
Zone 5
Green line stations under Zone 5
- Etisalat by e&
- Al Qusais
- Airport Free Zone
- Al Nahda
- Stadium
- Al Qiyadah
- Abu Hail
- Abu Baker Al Siddiqueo
- Salah Al Din
- UNION
- Baniyas Square
- Gold Souk
Red line stations under Zone 5
- Centrepoint
- Emirates
- Airport T3
- Airport T1
- GGICO
- City Centre
- Al Rigga
Zone 6
Green line stations under Zone 6
- Al Ras
- Al Ghubaiba
- Sharaf DG
- BURJUMANI
- Oud Metha
- Healthcare City
- Jadaf
- Creek
Red line stations under Zone 6
- ADCB
- max
- World Trade Center
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
Metro Stations
Red Line Metro Stations
- Centrepoint
- Emirates
- Airport Terminal 3
- Airport Terminal 1
- GGICO
- City Centre Deira
- Al Rigga
- Union
- Burjuman
- ADCB
- max
- World Trade Center
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- ONPASSIVE
- Equiti
- Mall of the Emirates
- mashreq
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Khail
- Sobha Realty
- DMCC
- Jabal Ali
- Ibn Battuta
- Energy
- Danube
- UAE Exchange
- The Gardens
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Furjan
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Dubai Investment Park
- EXPO 2020
Green Line Metro Stations
- etisalat by e&
- Al Qusais
- Dubai Airport Free Zone
- Al Nahda
- Stadium
- Al Qiyadah
- Abu Hail
- Abu Baker Al Siddique
- Salah Al Din
- Union
- Baniyas Square
- Gold Souq
- Al Ras
- Al Gubaiba
- Sharaf DG
- Burjuman
- Oud Metha
- Dubai Healthcare City
- Al Jadaf
- Creek
Tram Line Stations
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Dubai Marina Mall
- Dubai Marina
- Marina Towers
- Mina Seyahi
- Media City
- Palm Jumeirah
- Knowledge Village
- Al Sufouh
Dubai Metro Structure
A Dubai Metro train consists of different types of cabins tailored for various categories of passengers, including cabins reserved for Nol Gold cardholders, specific sections allocated for women and children, and general seating areas.
Dubai Metro Accessibility
Ensuring commuter convenience remains a key priority for Dubai Metro services. Here are the accessibility features provided for metro users:
1. Tactile Guidance Path:
A contrasting tactile guidance path is available for individuals with visual impairments.
2. Platform Alerts:
Platform alerts include audible beeps during door operations and corresponding flashing light signals.
3. Wheelchair Access:
Dedicated spaces for wheelchair users are available on all trains.
4. Lift Access:
Lift access is provided to reach all levels of metro stations.
Dubai Metro Timings
Operating Hours:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Thu | 5:00 AM to Midnight |
| Friday | 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (next day) |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM to Midnight |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM to Midnight |
Wait Times:
Peak Hours: Expect trains roughly every 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
Off-Peak Hours: Trains typically arrive every 7 minutes.
Holiday Hours: During special occasions like Eid or New Year’s Eve, the Dubai Metro may extend its operating hours to handle higher passenger volumes. It’s always best to check the official RTA website for any updates on these days.
Dubai Metro Fares
Dubai’s public transport is divided into 6 zones, making fares easy to understand. Here’s the breakdown:
Zones & Fares: You’re only charged for the number of zones you travel through, regardless of the transport mode (Metro, Bus, Tram, Water Bus).
Multi-Mode Journeys: Need to switch modes? No problem! Just check-in within 30 minutes to be charged as a single trip. You can transfer up to 3 times on one journey.
Nol Card Types & Costs: Fares by your Nol card type:
| Within Zone 1 | Within 2 Adjacent Zone | More Than 2 Zones | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nol Cards | Amount AED | Nol Cards | Amount AED | Nol Cards | Amount AED |
| Silver | AED 3 | Silver | AED 5 | Silver | AED 7.5 |
| Gold | AED6 | Gold | AED 10 | Gold | AED 15 |
| Personal | AED 3 | Personal | AED 5 | Personal | AED 7.5 |
| Red | AED 4 | Red | AED 6 | Red | AED 8.5 |
Reading Suggestion: Dubai Digitalises Nol Cards: Mobile Payments with a Simple Tap at counters
Who Gets Discounts?
Students, Social Affairs beneficiaries, Senior Citizens & Residents: Enjoy 50% off with a Personal Card.
People of Determination & Children: Ride for free with a Personal Card.
Remember: Discounted and free travel require a valid Personal Nol Card.
Dubai Metro Nol Cards
Gold Card
Price: AED 25, including AED 19 balance
Validity: Five years
Top-up limit: AED 1,000 (anonymous); AED 5,000 (registered)
Benefits: Access to Gold Class seats on Dubai Metro
Valid for use on: All public transport
Silver Card
Price: AED 25, including AED 19 balance
Validity: Five years
Top-up limit: AED 1,000 (anonymous); AED 5,000 (registered)
Benefits: None
Valid for use on: All public transport
Personal Card
Price: AED 70, including AED 20 balance
Validity: Five years
Top-up limit: AED 5,000
Benefits: Recover your balance if your card gets lost or stolen, secure online services for credit top-up
Valid for use on: All public transport
Red Card
Price: AED 2
Validity: 90 days
Top-up limit: Rechargeable use for maximum of ten journeys or five daily passes
Benefits: None
Valid for use on: Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and bus services
Student Card
Price: AED 70, including AED 20 balance
Validity: 1 year
Top-up limit: AED 5,000
Benefits: 50 percent off on Dubai bus, Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro services.
Valid for use on: Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and bus services
Dubai Metro Fines
Dubai Metro is like any public transport system, it has rules to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for everyone. However, it’s important to be aware of the Dubai Metro fines list, fine payment methods, and inquiry processes to ensure a smooth travel experience. Here’s everything you need to know.
Dubai Metro Fines List
| Violation Description | Amount AED |
|---|---|
| Use of public transport facilities and relevant transport services or to enter or exit the fare zone areas without payment of exact fare. | AED 200 |
| Failure to present the Unified Card upon request. | AED 200 |
| Using a card designated for others. | AED 200 |
| Using an expired card. | AED 200 |
| Using an invalid card. | AED 200 |
| Selling Unified Cards without prior permission from the Authority. | AED 200 |
| Using Counterfeit card. | AED 500 |
| Causing a disturbance or inconvenience in any way to users of Public Transport and Public Facilities and Services. | AED 100 |
| Accessing or sitting in areas designated for specific categories. | AED 100 |
| Eating and Drinking in areas where eating and drinking are not allowed. | AED 100 |
| Sleeping in passenger shelters or any place where sleeping is prohibited. | AED 300 |
| Damaging, vandalising or destroying equipment or seats on Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services. | AED 2000 |
| Parking vehicles in areas designated for metro users for a period exceeding the permitted period. | AED 100 per day & Up to 1000 |
| Entry into restricted areas inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services in violation of posted warning signs and boards. | AED 100 |
| Standing or sitting in non- passenger areas inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services. | AED 100 |
| Putting feet on seats. | AED 100 |
| Selling or promoting, in any way goods and commodities inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities. | AED 200 |
| Failure to comply with the instructions of the inspectors or authorised personnel of the Authority or obstructing the performance of their duties. | AED 200 |
| Using Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services contrary to the Authority’s instructions posted on signboards. | AED 200 |
| Bringing animals into Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services, except guide dogs for blind persons. | AED 100 |
| Spitting, littering, or performing any act that would compromise the cleanness of Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services. | AED 200 |
| Smoking inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services. | AED 200 |
| Misusing lifts or escalators. | AED 100 |
| Boarding the Public Transport Facilities and Services by climbing or jumping. | AED 100 |
| Opening the doors or attempting to access or leave Public Transport while it is moving between stations and stops. | AED 100 |
| Carrying or using materials or equipment that may cause inconvenience to users of Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services or endanger their safety. | AED 100 |
| Causing any distraction or obstruction to driver of Public Transport Facilities and Services while he is driving. | AED 200 |
| Carrying Alcoholic beverages inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services. | AED 500 |
| Carrying hazardous items, including weapons, sharp tools or inflammable materials, inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services. | AED 1000 |
| Using any security or safety device or tool, including emergency exits where it is not necessary. | AED 2000 |
| Misuse of the emergency buttons | AED 2000 |
Fine Inquiry
1. Find Your Fines:
There are three ways to search for outstanding Dubai metro fines:
A. Fine Number: Have the specific fine number handy? Enter it directly to find the details.
B. Emirates ID: Use your Emirates ID number for a quick and secure search.
C. Passport Number: If you’re a visitor, enter your passport number to check for any fines.
2. Review Your Fines:
Once you’ve searched, you’ll be presented with a list of your outstanding fines, including details like the violation, amount, and due date. Review the information carefully to ensure accuracy.
Dubai Metro Fine Payment
Paying Your Dubai Metro Fines – It’s Easy! There are several convenient ways to settle your Dubai metro fines:
A. On-the-Spot: If caught by an inspector, you can pay the fine immediately for a quick resolution.
B. Online: Visit the dedicated RTA website portal for a fast and secure online payment option. Just have your fine number ready!
C. RTA Customer Happiness Centers: Prefer in-person assistance? Head to any RTA center across Dubai. Simply provide the fine number you received from the RTA when the fine was issued.
D. Bus Passenger Self-Service Machines (For Bus Fines): For bus-related fines, some stations offer self-service machines for your convenience.
Disagreeing with a Dubai Metro Fine?
Think you were unfairly fined on the Dubai Metro? Don’t worry, you can contest it! Here’s what you need to do:
Gather Your Evidence:
Before appealing, ensure you have all the necessary documents:
- Fine Details: This includes the fine number from the notification and a copy of the notification itself.
- Your Nol Card: Provide a copy of your Nol card (or the card number) used during the incident.
- Proof of Identity: If you’re a visitor, include a copy of your visit visa, entry stamp, and passport.
- Supporting Documents: Attach any additional documents that strengthen your case.
Submit Your Appeal:
Once you have everything, there’s a simple way to dispute the fine:
Email the RTA:
Send an email to ask@rta.ae with the subject line “Fine Appeal [Fine Number]”. Remember to attach all your supporting documents.
That’s it! The RTA will review your appeal and contact you with the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I pay for the metro in Dubai?
A: You can’t pay with cash directly, but you’ll need a Nol card. This rechargeable card lets you tap and pay for metro rides, buses, trams, and even water buses! You can buy a Nol card at metro stations, bus stations, convenience stores, and top it up at vending machines or customer service centers.
Q: Can tourists travel in metro in Dubai?
A: Absolutely! Tourists can use the Dubai Metro with a Nol card. There are different Nol card options, including single-journey red tickets or refillable Silver or Gold cards.
Q: What are the lines of the metro in Dubai?
A: Dubai Metro has two main lines:
Red Line: Covers most of central Dubai, including iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
Green Line: Connects key areas like Deira City Centre and Dubai International Airport.
Q: Which is cheaper, metro or bus in Dubai?
A: The metro is generally cheaper than the bus for longer journeys, especially when crossing multiple zones. However, for short trips within the same zone, the bus fare might be slightly lower.
Q: Is metro cheaper than taxi in Dubai?
A: Yes, the metro is significantly cheaper than a taxi, especially for longer distances. Taxis offer convenience for door-to-door travel, but the cost can add up quickly.
Q: What is the cheapest way to get around Dubai?
A: The Nol Silver card on the metro is one of the cheapest ways to get around Dubai, especially if you plan on making multiple journeys across different zones.
Q: How much is a 1-day metro pass in Dubai?
A: There isn’t a specific 1-day pass for the metro. However, a Nol Silver card allows you unlimited rides within a 24-hour period, but you’ll be charged based on the number of zones you travel through.
Q: Is electric scooter allowed in Dubai Metro?
A: No, electric scooters are not allowed on the Dubai Metro or Tram. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai prohibits electric scooters due to safety concerns. The potential fire risk and the limited space inside the trains could pose a danger to passengers.
Conclusion:
Dubai’s Metro system offers a convenient, efficient, and affordable way to explore the city. Now you’re equipped with all the essential information! From understanding operating hours and wait times to navigating fares and fines, you’re ready for a smooth journey. Remember to check the official RTA website for any updates on holidays or special events, and download the Dubai Metro app for real-time information and trip planning. So, grab your Nol card, choose your mode of transport, and experience Dubai like a pro!
