I have been to Dubai many times and used the Dubai Metro several times. It is a reliable way to get around in Dubai. The metro is a quick, clean, and user-friendly way of getting where you want to go. The information on the utilization of the metro is my own. The guide lets everyone, whether it is tourists or residents of Dubai, have a glance at the metro system.
History of the Dubai Metro
The directorate ascertained a trial run of the Dubai Metro back in 2009. Dubai was the first city to have this fundamental mass transit system. Throughout its timeline, the metro has been a means for many people to get around Dubai daily. Growth has been immense to it since 2009.
Metro Lines
There are primarily two lines that you have to use in the Metro:
Red Line
This is the longest line, filled with stops such as Rashidiya, facing the UAE Exchange. It goes through many parts of downtown Dubai. The one at the Dubai International Airport station saves time for transit passengers as well as provides services to travellers and other users.
Green Line
Shorter, yet the Green Line connects from places like Etisalat to Creek. It traverses through older or historical Dubai. This line really takes you back in time if you are into old traditions and want to see the old parts of Dubai.
How to Use the Dubai Metro
Buying Tickets
A Nol card is a must to use the metro. Nol cards are very important because they are the only means of payment for travel in Dubai. Purchase of these cards is available at any metro station. There are four types of Nol cards among which the following are the most common cards: The last one over here is also useful for mobile apps like booking Ubers, Careem, etc.
- Red Ticket: primarily for those who are not regular travellers or need it infrequently.
- Silver Card: Primarily optimal for the people who use it recurrently. This can be done using the RTA Dubai App.
- Gold Card: This card accesses you to the first class of the metro.
- Blue Card: This card is personalized just for you. You can use it on your smartphone too.
My everyday habit is always to bring a silver card. I just have it and add money to it. I can also use it on buses and water taxis.
Using the Metro
First of all, you have to enter a metro station. After the gate opens, you simply have to touch your NOL card with the card reader. Walking through immediately is the second step.
The platform to which the trains come is searched, and then, time to wait for the train. When the train pulls up, people get on. When it gets to your stop, it is time to leave the train. Touch the card when you get out.
Remember that you should always tap your card on both ends when you are coming and going, as this helps compute the exact distance you traveled and, therefore, the exact amount of the charge.
Important Stations and What’s Near Them
Red Line Stations
Roishidyia: This is the first station of the Red Route, where you can follow the train’s direction to the Airport Terminal station, which is the closest to the airport and is also a major highway terminal.
- Dubai Airport Terminal 1: It operates the majority of international flights.
- Dubai Airport Terminal 3: Fly by Emirates? This is the place you need to go (Emirates flights take off from Terminal 3).
- Deira City Centre: A huge shopping mall.
- Union: This is a transfer station. Take the Green Line metro by bounds north or the Red Line metro by bounds south.
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall: Here, you can see the world’s biggest building, Burj Khalifa, and a retail center, Dubai Mall.
- Mall of the Emirates: This has a shopping mall and slopes for skiing.
- UAE Exchange: This is the last place on the Red Line.
Green Line Stations
Etisalat: The journey starts from here.
- Baniyas Square: It is near the oldest market area of Dubai called “Al Bastakiya”.
- Gold Souq: This is the center, the Market, known as the Gold Souq, where you can buy gold jewelry.
- Al Ghubaiba: The creek waterfront is the site of the Al Ghubaiba station which subsequently then connects to the stations where one can access boats for Creek Crossing.
- Creek: This is the last station on the Green Line.
Rules and Tips for Using the Metro
Metro Rules
Rules to be strictly followed on the Metro are. No eating or drinking in the train. No gum to be chewed, No smoking of any substance.
Dress modestly. Please don’t wear clothes that expose the majority of your body. Noise should be kept to a minimum; be polite to others. Everyone ought to follow these measures, as they will surely help make transportation neat and comfortable for each traveler.
Special Train Cars
The Metro has some unique train cars:
Gold Class: It costs more, but the benefit is that the cars are less crowded.
Women and Children Only: These cars are specially assigned to women and children. Their pink signage easily recognizes them.
It happens quite a lot that the Women’s & Children’s cabins have more space.
Best Times to Travel
Most of the commuters who are going to work [to study] board the train at the following times:
- 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
If you can help it, it better not be on the train at these times because it is quite packed then. Trains are usually less crowded in the middle of the day and late at night.
Connecting to Other Transport
Buses
Many metro stations have convenient bus stops. The Nol Card you have can be used here, too. It helps you to get to the places the metro doesn’t go.
Taxis
If you are traveling somewhere that is not served by the metro. You can find a taxi outside most of the stations.
Water Transport
Some of the stations are connected to water transport, which makes them popular. There is the Dubai Ferry for atmospheric trips along the Dubai coastline, and traditional bras that you can use to get from one side of Dubai Creek to the other. Sometimes, I pick out the abra. The vistas are more amazing, especially when I can find the city’s water from the river.
Planning Your Journey
Using Apps
These apps are useful for planning your metro trip.
- RTA Dubai: A real-time app for all the useful info needed for your trip and a trip planner.
- Google Maps: This mobile and web app shows you the metro routes and the timings for each trip.
I constantly draw on the RTA Dubai app. It is very easy to check out the timings of trains through this app.
Metro Operating Hours
The Metro operates in these time slots:
- Saturday to Wednesday: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Thursday: 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (the next day)
- Friday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM (the next day)
However, notice that these times may be adjusted around holidays or other related events.
Fares and Tickets
Fare Zones
Price areas are according to some zones:
- Zone 1: A trip including the central part of Dubai suggested to travelers or tourists
- Zone 2: Options to get you to places out of Metro’s path in Dubai.
The cost for the trips in the area of Zone 1 is less than for the trips in the area of Zone 2.
Conclusion
The Dubai Metro is the smart way to communicate in Dubai. It’s efficient, spotless, and convenient. It is a viable means of transportation to access major places of interest. Dedication to the rules, a good plan, and an easy trip are some ideas you will have as you use the metro. This manual will aid you in having a favourable experience on the Metro.
