Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro is one of the world's most modern and automated public transportation systems. It is safe, clean, and completely driverless, carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers every day. For tourists, it is an ideal way to navigate the metropolis without dealing with traffic or taxi fares.

The metro has two main lines: Red and Green. The Red Line runs along the city's main transportation artery, Sheikh Zayed Road, while the Green Line connects the historic center of Dubai. The metro's total length is about 90 km.

Here's how to use the Dubai metro:

To ride the metro, you will need a single-use ticket (one-way, round-trip, or day pass) or a rechargeable Nol card. This card can also be used for other types of transportation, including buses, trams, water taxis, and taxis.

The Nol Silver Card is the most suitable option for tourists and can be purchased in metro stations or supermarkets such as Carrefour and Spinneys. You can load up to 1,000 dirhams onto the card and use it to pay for purchases at shops, cafés, gas stations, water parks, and government services.

The cost of travel on the metro is calculated automatically depending on the distance between stations and the number of zones crossed. Before entering the metro, you must purchase a ticket or Nol card. Tickets and cards are sold at ticket machines and ticket offices at metro stations, as well as online via the Nol Pay app.

If you have a Nol card, simply tap it on the reader when entering and exiting the station. The system will automatically determine the distance traveled and deduct the appropriate amount. This is convenient because you don't have to worry about the number of zones.

Types of Nol cards and fares:

Silver Nol: The most popular option among tourists.

1. 3 AED for one zone
2. 5 AED for two zones
3. 7.5 AED for more than three zones.
4. The card itself costs 25 AED, 19 of which is available for paying for trips.

The Gold Nol card gives access to comfortable Gold Class carriages.

1. 8 AED for one zone
2. 12 AED for two zones
3. 17 AED for more than three zones.
4. It's the ideal choice for those who want to travel in comfort.

The Blue Nol is designed for residents, students, seniors, and people with disabilities. It provides discounts and balance protection in case of loss.

1. Cost: 70 AED (includes 20 AED on the account).

A regular single ticket is convenient for one-time trips but less cost-effective than a card

1. 4 AED for one zone
2. 6 AED for two zones
3. 8.50 AED for more than three zones.

Unlimited travel passes are available for frequent travelers. For example, a weekly pass costs 110 AED. This is a good option if you plan to take the metro several times a day for seven days. Otherwise, it is more advantageous to use a Silver Nol card.

Here's how to get from the airport by metro:

If you have just arrived in Dubai, you can take the Red Line metro directly from Terminals 1 and 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB). The stations are conveniently located inside the terminals, and tickets are sold on site. Passengers are allowed to carry one large bag and one standard-sized handbag.

You can top up your card at station ticket machines (minimum 50 AED) or via the Nol Pay app (minimum 20 AED). To enter the metro, you must have at least 15 dirhams on your card; this is the minimum required to begin your journey.

Main stations and transit areas

The entire Dubai metro system has 53 stations, but not all of them are of interest to tourists. If you plan to explore the city by public transportation, it is worth finding out in advance which stations will help you reach popular attractions, shopping centers, and iconic areas the fastest.

The Red Line connects key areas of the city, including the airport, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, and Mall of the Emirates. Near Jabal Ali station, the line splits into two directions: one towards Expo City and the other towards the Jebel Ali Industrial Area.

The Green Line runs through the old part of the city and is ideal for those who want to see cultural attractions, such as the Al Fahidi District, the Gold Souk, and Dubai Creek. There are seven fare zones in the Dubai Metro system, and the cost of a trip depends on how many zones you cross.

The most popular stations are:

1. Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, one of the busiest and most popular tourist stations, is located on the red line. It is a convenient place to get off if you want to stroll around Downtown Dubai, see the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), or enjoy shopping and entertainment at the Dubai Mall (one of the largest shopping centers on the planet).
2. The Sobha Realty and DMCC stations are also on the Red Line and serve the Dubai Marina area. This modern neighborhood has skyscrapers, promenades, and a resort atmosphere. You can transfer here to the city tram and travel to The Walk, Dubai Harbour, or the JBR beaches. This is the perfect option for those who want to enjoy the seaside and modern architecture.
3. The Mall of the Emirates station is on the Red Line and located next to the mall, which, in addition to shops, is home to the famous Ski Dubai ski resort. It's a great place for family fun or relaxation on a hot day.
4. The BurJuman and Union stations are key transfer points between the Red and Green metro lines. From here, you can conveniently travel to the Bur Dubai and Deira areas, where you can experience the atmosphere of Old Dubai with its narrow streets, traditional markets, museums, and historical sights.
5. If you want to immerse yourself in Arab trading culture and see how gold is sold by weight according to tradition, the Gold Souq station on the Green Line is the ideal starting point. Nearby are the Gold Souq, the Spice Souq, and the Dubai Creek waterfront with its traditional abra boats.

Operating hours and frequency

The metro runs daily. Trains start running at 5:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays. The last train leaves at midnight, except on Fridays when service continues until 1 a.m. During peak hours, trains run every four minutes. Departure times for the first and last trains may vary by station. Metro operating hours may also change on public holidays. There is also a city tram available for travel in coastal areas that is integrated with the metro system.

Carriage classes offer comfort for every taste

The modern Dubai Metro is a fast, convenient, and comfortable way to travel around the city. All trains are divided into three types of carriages:

Standard (Silver Class). These are the main metro cars and are accessible to all passengers.

1. They can be accessed with a regular ticket or a Silver NOL Card. Due to their affordable price, these cars are the most popular option among tourists and locals. Women's cars: They are often marked with pink signs. These cars are exclusively for women and women with children. They provide additional comfort and peace of mind, especially during rush hour. Although women are free to choose other cars, many prefer these because they are less crowded and offer a more private atmosphere. The Gold Class carriages are the most comfortable. They are the premium segment of the Dubai Metro. They have spacious carriages with soft leather seats, panoramic windows, and a minimum number of passengers. They are ideal for those who want to travel with maximum comfort. To access Gold Class, you must purchase a Gold NOL card or a ticket for this class. Gold Class carriages are marked with gold signs and indicators at the entrance, and entry is prohibited without the appropriate ticket.

Accessibility and amenities:

All stations are equipped with elevators and wide entrances for people with disabilities. The cars also have special areas for strollers and wheelchairs. The metro is well adapted for travelers of all types.

Rules of Conduct on the Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro is more than just a means of transportation. It is the city's calling card, a model of technology, comfort, and precision. Nearly 900,000 people use it every day, and thanks to its driverless system and excellent infrastructure, traveling around the city is easy and affordable for tourists and locals alike. However, to ensure everyone can enjoy these conveniences, it's important to remember that the metro is a public space. This means that rules of respect and basic norms of behavior are especially important here:

1. Give up your seat and maintain order. At first glance, small things may seem unimportant. However, it is precisely these things that shape the overall experience. For example, a seat occupied by a bag or an electric scooter blocking the aisle can ruin the trip for others. Taking off your backpack during rush hour and placing it at your feet not only frees up space but also shows consideration. Folding up your scooter and not cluttering the aisles with luggage helps others pass through easily.
2. Special carriages are not just a formality. The Dubai Metro has special carriages: Gold Class for "gold" card holders, as well as a cabin for women and children. These are for the convenience and safety of all passengers. Men should not enter the women's car, even if it is empty. You should also never try to enter Gold Class without a ticket. Respecting these areas is a basic courtesy.
3. Safety comes first. The metro is not a place for dangerous or prohibited items. Leave anything that could threaten others at home, including alcohol, sharp objects, and flammable substances.
4. Calm and quiet are part of the travel experience. Loud conversations, music, and watching videos without headphones are not permitted in metro cars. Being silent and restrained on public transportation is a sign of respect for others' personal space. If you need to talk, please do so quietly. If you need to watch a video, use headphones. Remember, everyone travels with different moods and plans, and some people may just want peace and quiet.
5. Respect Dubai's culture. Although Dubai is an open, multicultural city, it also deeply respects tradition. Avoid public displays of affection or behavior that could be considered inappropriate. It is especially important to be mindful of the moral and behavioral norms accepted in the UAE while riding the metro.
6. Do not sit on the floor or lie on the seats. It sounds simple, but not everyone thinks about it. Not only is sitting on the floor or sprawling across several seats unsightly, it is also inconvenient for others. Respect personal space and maintain good hygiene.
7. Charging devices at stations is not
8. Sockets at metro stations are for technical use only. If you need to charge your phone, it's better to have a portable battery. Plan ahead, and do not use resources intended for business purposes.

Traveling by metro in Dubai is convenient and enjoyable. The system is reliable and safe, offering one of the fastest ways to reach the city's attractions. Buying a Nol card will save you money and time, and the flexible fare system makes getting around the metropolis affordable for everyone.