Dubai Metro Map A Complete Guide to Navigating Dubai’s Metro System

Dubai Metro’s sleek, driverless trains connect key parts of the city, making the metro a convenient transit option for residents and tourists alike. The Dubai Metro is a modern rapid transit network with two primary lines (Red and Green) spanning the city. This Dubai metro map guide provides an overview of the system, a station-by-station look at major stops and landmarks, recent expansions and future plans, as well as practical tips for tourists and residents. By the end, you’ll know how to efficiently navigate Dubai’s metro and connect to all the key areas of the city.

Overview of the Dubai Metro System (Red & Green Lines)

The Dubai Metro launched in 2009 and has since grown into a world-class, fully driverless metro network. It consists of the Red Line and Green Line, which combined cover the main populated areas of the emirate. The two lines intersect in the city center, making it easy to transfer and reach different districts. As of mid-2025, the metro network spans over 89 km of track with more than 50 stations in operation. All trains and stations are air-conditioned and equipped with platform screen doors, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience in Dubai’s heat.

On the Dubai metro map, the Red Line is typically shown in red and the Green Line in green. Each station is numbered and clearly labeled, which helps riders track their journey. The metro operates roughly from 5:00 AM until midnight (extended to 1:00 AM on Fridays), with trains every few minutes during peak hours. Both lines use a unified fare system and require a Nol card (Dubai’s contactless transit card) for entry and exit. Overall, the Dubai Metro is an efficient way to bypass traffic and connect to major hubs including downtown areas, business districts, residential communities, malls, and tourist attractions.

Dubai Metro Red Line – Key Stations and Landmarks

The Red Line is the longer of the two and runs in a roughly northeast-southwest direction across Dubai. It connects Centrepoint Station (formerly Al Rashidiya, near Dubai International Airport) at one end to UAE Exchange Station (in Jebel Ali) at the other end, with an additional branch from Jabal Ali to Expo 2020 Station. Along its route of over 30 stations, the Red Line parallels Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s main highway, and serves many of the city’s newest developments and tourist sites. Notable stations on the Red Line include:

• Airport Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 Stations – These stations directly serve Dubai International Airport, offering arriving passengers immediate access to the metro. If you land at DXB, you can hop on the Red Line from Terminal 3 or Terminal 1 and head into the city without stepping outside.

• Deira City Centre Station – Located near one of Dubai’s popular shopping malls in the Deira district, and convenient for hotels in Deira.

• BurJuman Station – A major interchange station between the Red and Green lines. It’s attached to BurJuman Mall and situated in Bur Dubai, making it a key transfer point and a busy stop (over 8.6 million riders in the first half of 2025).

• Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station – The stop for Dubai’s most famous landmarks: the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and The Dubai Mall. A covered walkway connects the station to the Dubai Mall, making it easy to reach the world’s tallest building and the massive shopping/entertainment complex. This station sees heavy tourist use and is one of the Red Line’s marquee stops.

• Business Bay Station – Serving the Business Bay district, a commercial and residential area, and close to attractions like the Dubai Canal. It’s a convenient stop for many offices and hotels.

• Mall of the Emirates Station – Provides access to the Mall of the Emirates, another major shopping mall famous for Ski Dubai (an indoor ski slope). This station is extremely popular with shoppers and tourists.

• Dubai Internet City Station – Located in the heart of Dubai’s technology and media free zones (Internet City and Media City), serving commuters in those business districts.

• Sobha Realty Station (Dubai Marina) – Formerly called Dubai Marina Station, it serves the Dubai Marina area. From here, you can explore the Marina promenade and Dubai Marina Mall. It’s also adjacent to a Dubai Tram station, allowing easy transfer to the Dubai Tram that runs through Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and connects to the Palm Jumeirah Monorail.

• DMCC Station (Jumeirah Lakes Towers) – Another station in the Marina/JLT area, across Sheikh Zayed Road from Sobha Realty. DMCC Station is directly connected to the Dubai Tram’s Jumeirah Lakes Towers stop, which is useful for reaching JBR Beach. This area is a key transport interchange between the metro and tram networks.

• Ibn Battuta Station – Located next to Ibn Battuta Mall (a large themed shopping mall). It’s a convenient stop for residents in Discovery Gardens and visitors to the mall.

• Jabal Ali Station – A pivotal station where the Red Line branches. Jabal Ali is an interchange where some trains continue on the main line to UAE Exchange, while others branch off on the Route 2020 extension toward Expo 2020 Station.

• UAE Exchange Station – The southwestern terminus of the Red Line (main line), situated in the Jebel Ali industrial area. This station mainly serves commuters working in Jebel Ali Free Zone and nearby areas.

• Expo 2020 Station – The terminus of the Red Line’s Route 2020 extension, built to serve the Expo 2020 site. During the Expo event, this station handled large volumes of visitors. Now the Expo site is being redeveloped as District 2020, and the station continues to serve the area for exhibitions and future projects. It is a bit outside the city center, but the metro makes it reachable in about 16 minutes from Dubai Marina.

Traveling on the Red Line offers a scenic tour of modern Dubai – you’ll pass the World Trade Centre and Financial Centre stations (for the downtown business district), see the iconic Emirates Towers and Museum of the Future near Emirates Towers Station, and ride above Sheikh Zayed Road with skyscrapers lining the route. According to recent RTA data, Red Line stations like BurJuman, Al Rigga, Union, Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, and Business Bay are among the busiest, underscoring the Red Line’s role in connecting major business and leisure hubs. If you’re using the Dubai Metro to sightsee, most of the famous new-city attractions are along the Red Line.

Dubai Metro Green Line – Key Stations and Landmarks

The Green Line runs through older historic parts of Dubai as well as some newer communities, forming a rough crescent shape from northeast to southwest. It starts at Etisalat Station in Al Qusais (near the Sharjah border) and ends at Creek Station in Al Jaddaf. The Green Line has around 20 stations and primarily serves the districts of Deira and Bur Dubai, which are the traditional city centers. Key stations on the Green Line include:

• Etisalat Station (e&) – The northern terminus, named after the telecom operator. It features a park-and-ride facility, so commuters from the northern emirates or outer Dubai can park here and take the metro into the city.

• Al Qiyadah & Stadium Stations – Serving the Al Qusais area and located near the Al Maktoum Stadium and residential communities.

• Abu Hail and Abu Baker Al Siddique Stations – Providing access to residential parts of Deira.

• Salah Al Din Station – Close to the Al Ghurair Centre mall and hotels in Deira.

• Union Station – The other interchange station with the Red Line in the heart of Deira. Union is a major transfer hub located near Union Square. From here you can walk to nearby markets and the Deira Corniche.

• Baniyas Square Station – Situated in the old Deira shopping district, near Naif Souk and many budget hotels.

• Gold Souq Station – Formerly Palm Deira Station, it was renamed for its proximity to the famous Gold Souk. This station (along with Al Ras) is ideal for exploring Deira’s traditional markets – the Gold Souk and Spice Souk are a short walk away.

• Al Ras Station – In the heart of the historic Bur Dubai/Deira creekside area. It’s the closest stop to the Spice Souk and also near the old Dubai Creek harbor where you can catch an abra (traditional boat) across the creek.

• Al Ghubaiba Station – Located in Bur Dubai next to the bus station and near the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood and Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort). You can also find the Old Souk and textile market in this area. Al Ghubaiba station is a great starting point to explore the heritage sites on the Bur Dubai side of the creek.

• Sharaf DG Station (Al Fahidi) – This station (recently renamed after a retail brand) is in the Bur Dubai district near Meena Bazaar, a popular shopping area for textiles and electronics. It’s also within walking distance of the vibrant Al Seef promenade along the creek.

• Oud Metha Station – Close to attractions like the Dubai Frame (a short taxi or bus ride away), Zabeel Park, and institutions like the Iranian Club and St. Mary’s Church.

• Dubai Healthcare City Station – Serving the Healthcare City area (hospitals and clinics), and also adjacent to Wafi Mall and the Oud Metha residential area.

• BurJuman Station – As on the Red Line, BurJuman is a crucial transfer point on the Green Line (connecting to the Red Line) and is convenient for visiting BurJuman Mall or the Karama district.

• Al Jadaf Station – The second-to-last station, serving Al Jaddaf area which has some hotels and the cultural attraction Jameel Arts Centre.

• Creek Station – The southern terminus of the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf by the Dubai Creek. This station is near the Al Jaddaf Waterfront area and across the creek from Dubai Festival City (a short taxi or ferry ride can get you there). In the future, Creek Station will interchange with the upcoming Blue Line, further increasing its importance.

Riding the Green Line gives you a taste of “Old Dubai.” Many tourists use it to reach the souks (via Al Ras or Gold Souq stations) and museums, while residents rely on it for daily commutes in older residential areas. The Green Line may be shorter than the Red, but it’s packed with culturally significant stops. Remember that if you need to transfer between Green and Red lines, you must do so at either Union or BurJuman – these are the only two interchange stations connecting the lines. Plan your route accordingly so you don’t miss your transfer.

Major Interchange Stations and Connections

Navigating the Dubai metro map is straight forward, but knowing the interchange points and connections will make your journey even smoother. The two key interchange stations within the metro system are:

• Union Station – Located in Deira (old Dubai), Union is an underground double-deck station where the Red and Green Lines intersect. It’s one of the busiest stations and allows passengers to switch lines easily. Union’s central location makes it a common transfer point for those traveling between the newer parts of the city (along the Red Line) and the older districts (along the Green Line).

• BurJuman Station – Situated in Bur Dubai, BurJuman is the second interchange between the Red and Green Lines. The station is connected to the BurJuman shopping mall. Transferring here is convenient for reaching destinations in southern Bur Dubai or for switching to the Red Line towards Downtown and beyond.

Both Union and BurJuman have clear signage to guide you between platforms. Trains and platform signs indicate the line color and direction (final destination), so you can be sure you’re boarding the correct train when you transfer.

In addition to these intra-metro transfers, Dubai Metro integrates with other transport modes:

• Dubai Tram – The Red Line connects with the Dubai Tram in the Dubai Marina area. If your destination is around Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, or the Palm Jumeirah, you can get off the Red Line at DMCC Station (for JLT area) or Sobha Realty Station (for Marina) and walk to the tram station. The tram will take you around the marina and JBR, and even to the Palm Jumeirah monorail station. This seamless connection expands the reach of the metro to beachfront neighborhoods and the Palm.

• Buses and Taxis – Nearly every metro station has a bus stop or taxi stand nearby. RTA operates feeder buses that sync with metro timings to help passengers get to surrounding neighborhoods. For example, from Dubai Internet City Station you can catch a feeder bus to the Palm Jumeirah, and from Mall of the Emirates Station there are buses to residential areas like Al Barsha. Taxis are readily available outside metro stations as well, providing last-mile connectivity to areas not directly served by the rail network.

• Marine Transport – Uniquely, some metro stations near Dubai Creek connect to water transport. From Al Ghubaiba or Creek station, you can hop on a ferry or abra to cross the creek or enjoy a boat ride. This isn’t an official “interchange” in the map sense, but it’s a good example of how Dubai’s transport modes link up.

When using the metro, it’s good practice to familiarize yourself with these connections on the Dubai metro map. Major interchange stations are marked with special symbols, and other transport links (like tram connections) are usually indicated. By planning your journey with these transfer points in mind, you can reach virtually any key area in Dubai even if it requires a mode change.

Route 2020 Extension: New Metro Stations to Expo 2020

One of the most significant recent updates to the Dubai Metro is the Route 2020 extension of the Red Line. This extension was built to connect the metro to the Expo 2020 site (now known as Expo City Dubai) and surrounding growing communities. Route 2020 is a 15 km spur that starts at Jabal Ali Station and ends at Expo 2020 Station, adding seven new stations to the network. It officially opened in mid-2020 and began carrying passengers to the Expo site by the start of 2021.

On the Dubai metro map, Route 2020 is shown as part of the Red Line (often in a lighter shade or a distinct marker). The extension’s key stations are:

• The Gardens Station – Serving the Gardens community and providing access to nearby residential areas.

• Discovery Gardens Station – Convenient for residents of Discovery Gardens and visitors to the new malls and developments in that area.

• Al Furjan Station – Serving the Al Furjan residential community.

• Jumeirah Golf Estates Station – An impressive station that serves the golf course community of the same name. (This station opened slightly later than the others, but is now operational.)

• Dubai Investment Park Station – Serving the Dubai Investment Park area, which includes residential, industrial, and Expo-related facilities.

• Expo 2020 Station – The terminus station adjacent to the Expo exhibition grounds. It was designed to handle large crowds during events. Even after Expo 2020 ended, this station remains critical as the area transitions into a new business and residential district.

Route 2020 has been a game-changer for the neighborhoods it passes through, providing metro access to about 270,000 residents in communities that previously relied on cars or buses. For example, commuters can now travel from the Dubai Marina area to the far end of the city at Expo in as little as 16 minutes thanks to this extension. The new stations feature modern designs and are equipped to handle Expo-scale passenger flows.

Looking ahead, there are plans to further extend this corridor all the way to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai South. This would eventually link Dubai’s main airport (DXB) on one end of the Red Line to the future mega-airport (DWC) on the other end via the metro. Once completed, travelers could potentially go from one airport to the other entirely by train, which will be very convenient for transit passengers and residents alike.

Future Plans: Dubai Metro Blue Line and Other Extensions

Dubai’s vision for public transport is ever-expanding. A major future project now underway is the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will be a new line added to the network. Approved in late 2023, the Blue Line will span 30 km and feature 14 new stations.. It’s planned to connect the Red and Green Lines, running from Centrepoint Station (Red Line terminus in Al Rashidiya) to Creek Station (Green Line terminus in Al Jaddaf). In doing so, the Blue Line will form a loop or ring that links several important districts currently not served by metro.

According to project details, the Blue Line will directly serve nine high-density districts and is expected to benefit over a million residents by 2040. Some of the key areas along the proposed Blue Line route include:

• Mirdif and Al Warqa – Suburban residential areas near Al Rashidiya.

• Dubai Creek Harbour – A new development across the creek, home to the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower and a growing residential community.

• Dubai Festival City – A mixed-use waterfront community with a large mall, which will gain a metro station.

• Ras Al Khor Industrial Area – An industrial zone that will get metro access, also known for the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.

• International City (Phases 1–3) – A large residential area popular with expats; the Blue Line will have an interchange at International City Station to serve this community.

• Dubai Silicon Oasis & Academic City – Major hubs for tech companies and universities, respectively, which currently rely on road transport. The Blue Line will finally link them to the rail network.

Notably, the Blue Line will include a 1.3 km bridge across Dubai Creek (the first metro crossing over the creek) and a massive underground interchange station at International City. In fact, the planned station at International City 1 will be the largest underground metro station in Dubai at 44,000 m², able to handle up to 350,000 passengers per day. This station will be a major hub where the two branches of the Blue Line meet and where you can transfer between the Blue, Red, and Green lines (indirectly via Centrepoint and Creek).

The Blue Line is targeted to open by 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro. Once it’s operational, Dubai’s rail network will extend to about 120 km of metro lines (plus 11 km of tram line), and the number of metro stations will increase from today’s 53 to 67 stations. This expansion underscores Dubai’s commitment to a “20-minute city” vision, where the vast majority of the population can reach their daily needs within a short transit ride.

Beyond the Blue Line, city planners have floated ideas for additional lines (such as a Purple Line to link the two airports, and others like a Gold Line or Pink Line in the longer term). These are part of future development roadmaps but not yet under construction as of 2025. The confirmed focus for now is completing the Blue Line and extending existing lines to keep up with Dubai’s growth. It’s always worth keeping an eye on RTA announcements for the latest plans, as the Dubai Metro map could see even more lines and stations in the coming decades.

Tips for Using the Dubai Metro (For Tourists and Residents)

Whether you’re a visitor or a new resident, the Dubai Metro is user-friendly. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the system efficiently:

• Obtain a Nol Card: The Nol card is an essential rechargeable smart card for all public transport in Dubai (metro, buses, trams, etc.). You cannot enter the metro without a Nol card – there are no paper tickets. Tourists can buy a Silver Nol card for 25 AED (which includes credit) at any station. For most visitors, the Silver Nol card is the best option, as it’s reusable and offers lower fares per ride than the disposable Red Ticket. If you’re only in town for a couple of days with limited trips, a Red Ticket (paper ticket that you can load single rides or day passes on) might suffice, but otherwise the Silver Nol is more convenient. Remember to tap your Nol card at the entry gate and again when exiting at your destination – the system will automatically calculate the fare based on distance/zones. Keep a minimum balance on your card (at least 7.5 AED) to ensure you can complete trips.

• Use the Dubai Metro Map (and Apps): It helps to have a metro map on hand while planning your journeys. You can Download the official Dubai Metro Map (PDF) from RTA for an up-to-date, high-quality map of all routes and stations. The map is displayed at every station and inside each train as well. Additionally, consider using RTA’s journey planner app or Google Maps on your smartphone – they’ll show you the nearest stations, travel time, and any transfers needed. Stations are labeled clearly with codes (e.g., “R17” for Al Rigga on Red Line, or “G20” for Union on Green Line) which correspond to the map and signposts, making navigation easier.

• Mind the Operating Hours: The metro runs every day, but timings vary slightly. Generally, service starts at 5:00 AM and the last trains depart around midnight (Sunday to Thursday and Saturday) or 1:00 AM (Fridays). On Fridays (weekend in Dubai), the first trains also start a bit later in the morning. Always check the latest timings if you plan to travel very early or very late, especially during holidays (the RTA often extends hours for events and festivals). Missing the last train could leave you needing to find a taxi or bus, so plan accordingly.

• Ride Comfortably and Follow Rules: Dubai Metro trains have designated cabins. There’s a Women and Children car on each train – male travelers should avoid these cabins (marked in pink) out of respect, unless accompanying family. There’s also a Gold Class cabin for Gold Nol card holders who pay a premium for a guaranteed seat and a less crowded space. Regular Silver card holders should stick to the general cabins. Eating or drinking on the metro (and in stations) is not allowed and can incur fines, so save your snacks for later. Likewise, giving up your seat for elderly or pregnant passengers is expected courtesy. Fortunately, trains and stations are extremely clean, safe, and monitored by CCTV and security staff, so the environment is comfortable for all.

• Plan for Transfers: If your journey involves switching lines (Red ↔ Green), remember to do so at Union or BurJuman only. Exiting and re-entering at other stations won’t connect you to the other line. Give yourself a few extra minutes to walk between platforms during transfers. Similarly, if you need to connect to the Tram, factor in the short walk and the tram’s schedule (trams run every 8–10 minutes). The Dubai metro map and signage will indicate where these connections are – pay attention so you don’t miss your stop.

• Leverage Feeder Buses and Taxis: The metro might not drop you exactly at your final destination, but Dubai’s integration of transport means you usually have a quick option onward. Many stations have specific feeder bus routes (with numbers like F01, F02, etc.) that circulate through nearby neighborhoods. These buses accept the same Nol card. For example, from Creek Station (Green Line terminus), you can catch a feeder bus into Dubai Festival City. If buses aren’t convenient, you’ll find taxi stands outside most stations – taxis in Dubai are metered and plentiful, and drivers know the stations well. Using a combination of metro + short taxi ride can often be faster yet still cheaper than a long full taxi trip.

• Travel during Off-Peak if Possible: During weekday rush hours (approximately 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM), trains, especially on the Red Line, can get very crowded with commuters. If you prefer a more relaxed ride and are not on a strict schedule, try to avoid those peak times. Midday, early afternoon, and late evenings (outside of major event nights) tend to be quieter. The front or back ends of the train are often less crowded than the middle during busy times. And if you’re a tourist, you might enjoy the views better when the trains are less packed.

By following these tips and using the Dubai metro map to plan your routes, you’ll find the metro to be an extremely efficient way to explore Dubai. It’s often faster than driving or taking a taxi, especially during heavy traffic. Plus, it’s cost-effective and offers a unique vantage point of the city as you ride above ground on elevated tracks for much of the journey.

Conclusion

Dubai’s Metro system is a testament to the city’s rapid growth and commitment to smart urban transit. With the Red and Green lines connecting nearly every major district – from the historic creekside souks to the futuristic skyscrapers of Downtown and the sprawling communities along Sheikh Zayed Road – the metro has become the lifeline of the city. The recent Route 2020 extension and the upcoming Blue Line show that the network will only become more comprehensive in the years ahead. By familiarizing yourself with the Dubai metro map, key stations, and a few travel strategies, you can navigate Dubai with ease. Whether you are commuting to work, sightseeing as a tourist, or simply exploring new corners of the city, the Dubai Metro offers a clean, reliable, and air-conditioned ticket to your destination. So tap your Nol card, step aboard, and enjoy the ride across this vibrant city on rails!