Quick Facts
- Opened
- 9 September 2009
- Operator
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Stations
- 53 (Red 52 + Green 20, 19 shared)
- Lines
- 2 (Red Line + Green Line)
- Daily riders
- ~650,000
- Network
- 75 km (world's longest driverless metro)
- Airport
- Dubai International Airport on Red Line
- Payment
- Nol card (required — no cash on metro)
The Dubai Metro is the world's longest driverless, fully automated metro network. Opened on 9 September 2009 — a date chosen for its symbolic significance (09/09/09) — it operates 53 stations across two lines and 75 km of elevated and underground track.
The metro is operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and is entirely driverless and air-conditioned, a necessity in a city where summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C. The front cabin of each train offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline from an elevated position — a tourist attraction in itself.
The Red Line (52 stations) is the main artery, running from Rashidiya in the east to UAE Exchange in the west, passing through the heart of the city including Dubai International Airport, DIFC, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, and the Palm Jumeirah exchange. The Green Line (20 stations) covers the historic Deira and Bur Dubai districts.
Paying for the Dubai Metro requires a Nol card — a rechargeable smart card sold at all metro stations. There are four types: Silver (standard, AED 25 including AED 19 credit), Gold (premium, AED 25), Blue (for children and those of determination, AED 25), and Red (single-trip paper ticket). The Nol card works on all RTA transport including buses, trams, water taxis, and the Palm Monorail.
The metro has designated Gold Class carriages (first carriage) and Women & Children carriages (last carriage). These are strictly enforced — travelling in them with a standard Silver Nol card or being in the wrong carriage results in a fine.
Dubai's famous attractions are all accessible by metro: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station), Dubai Frame and Dubai World Trade Centre (World Trade Centre station), the Gold Souk (Al Ras station, Green Line), and Dubai Marina Mall (Damac Properties station).
How to Pay
Payment methods: Nol Silver card (standard) · Nol Gold card (Gold Class) · Nol Blue card (concessions) · Nol Red ticket (single trip).
💡 You must have a Nol card — cash is not accepted on Dubai Metro. Buy a Silver Nol card (AED 25, includes AED 19 credit) at any station ticket machine. It also works on all RTA buses, trams, and water buses.
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge — zone-based flat fares — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Dubai Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Dubai Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Nol Silver card (standard), Nol Gold card (Gold Class), Nol Blue card (concessions), Nol Red ticket (single trip).
💡 You must have a Nol card — cash is not accepted on Dubai Metro. Buy a Silver Nol card (AED 25, includes AED 19 credit) at any station ticket machine. It also works on all RTA buses, trams, and water buses.
| Journey | Off-Peak (AED) | Peak (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1–2 (Silver Nol) | AED 3.00 | AED 3.00 |
| Zone 1 only (Silver Nol) | AED 2.00 | AED 2.00 |
| Zones 1–2 (Gold Class) | AED 6.00 | AED 6.00 |
| Daily cap (Silver) | AED 20.00 | AED 20.00 |
| Nol Red single-trip | AED 6.00 | AED 6.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Nol card for the Dubai Metro?
Yes — cash is not accepted on the Dubai Metro. You must tap a Nol card. Buy a Silver Nol card at any station ticket machine for AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit, AED 6 card fee). The Nol card also works on RTA buses, trams, water buses, and the Palm Monorail.
How do I get from Dubai Airport to the city?
The Red Line serves both Terminal 1 (Airport Terminal 1 station) and Terminal 3 (Airport Terminal 3 station) directly. To Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall is about 15 minutes from T3. To Union (city centre) is about 25 minutes. Cost is AED 3.00 with a Silver Nol card.
What is Gold Class on the Dubai Metro?
The first carriage of each train is Gold Class — more spacious seating and exclusive access. It requires a Gold Nol card or a standard Nol card with a Gold Class top-up. The fare is AED 6.00 per trip (double the Silver fare). Strictly enforced — fines apply.
Is there a Women & Children carriage?
Yes — the last carriage of every train is reserved for women and children. Men travelling in this carriage are fined. The middle carriages are for all passengers with a standard Silver Nol card.
What time does the Dubai Metro run?
Saturday to Wednesday: 05:00–midnight. Thursday: 05:00–01:00. Friday: 10:00–01:00. Note: reduced hours on Friday morning in observance of Friday prayers.
Can I use the Dubai Metro to reach the Palm Jumeirah?
The metro reaches Damac Properties station (formerly Nakheel Harbour & Tower) in Dubai Marina. From there, take the Palm Monorail (transfers available) or a taxi/bus to Palm Jumeirah attractions. A direct metro connection to the Palm is being planned.
Is the Dubai Metro tourist-friendly?
Yes — fully air-conditioned, signs in Arabic and English, maps clearly marked. All major tourist attractions (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, Gold Souk, Dubai Frame) are within walking distance or a short bus/taxi ride from metro stations.
What is the Dubai Metro daily cap?
The daily cap with a Silver Nol card is AED 20 — once you reach this amount in a single day, all further rides are free. The weekly cap is AED 40. This makes the Nol card excellent value for frequent daily use.
Source: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.