How many of these amazing Dubai Metro facts are you aware of?
Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze and at the core of its modern infrastructure lies the Dubai Metro—a marvel of engineering, vision and efficiency. As one of the first integrated public transport facilities in the wider GCC region, there are many exciting Dubai Metro facts that you should know about.
General Information
The Dubai Metro was the brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Inspired by a visit to London’s Underground as a child in 1959, Sheikh Mohammed envisioned a similarly advanced, sustainable transport system for Dubai.
The project has become a symbol of the city’s progress and ambition. These general facts and figures about Dubai Metro will help you learn how this system works and more about its main features.
- World’s Longest Driverless Metro Line: In 2011, the Dubai Metro’s Red Line was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest driverless metro line, stretching 52.1 km. The system has since expanded and as of 2025, Dubai Metro boasts a total network length of 89.6 km, with 55 stations across its Green and Red Line Metro Stations.
- Built by Global Experts: The Dubai Metro was constructed by the Dubai Rail Link consortium, comprising leading Japanese firms and a Turkish partner and managed by a French-American joint venture.
- Fully Automated and Climate-Controlled: All trains are driverless and automated, with temperature-controlled cabins and platform edge doors for safety and comfort.
- Power and Sustainability: The system operates on 750 volts DC, supplied by three main substations. It uses regenerative braking technology to minimise power consumption and reduce operational costs.
- Gold Class Cabins: For those seeking a premium experience, Gold Class cabins offer wider, cushioned seats and extra legroom.
- User-Friendly Facilities: All stations are equipped with platform screen doors, CCTV cameras, intercoms and other safety features. Accessibility is a priority, ensuring convenience for all passengers.
- Seamless Transfers: The metro connects with the Dubai Tram at DMCC and Sobha Realty Metro Station, allowing smooth transfers across different modes of public transport.
- Blue Line on the Horizon: Construction of the Blue Line, set to open in 2029, is underway. This 30 km addition will feature 14 stations, including key stops like Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and a direct link to Dubai International Airport (DXB).
- Ambitious 2040 Vision: By 2040, the Dubai Metro is projected to operate 140 stations over 228 square kilometres, supporting the city’s goal to make public transport the backbone of urban mobility.
Fun Facts about Dubai Metro
From driverless trains to sustainability features, here are some quick facts about the Dubai Metro that make it a global benchmark in public transport.
Themed interiors of Dubai Metro Station
Did you know that the Dubai Metro Stations are themed around four basic elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water? Currently, there are 12 earth-themed, 13 water-themed, 11 air-themed and 11 fire-themed stations with a unique shell-shaped roof that pays tribute to the heritage of pearl diving in the UAE.
Fashion show on the go – The Express Fashion Catwalk
In 2013, the Dubai Metro hosted a fashion show, The Express Fashion Catwalk, which all passengers could enjoy. It was a live catwalk show that showcased both day and evening wear from the exclusive Spring/Summer collections of Bloomingdales. It started from the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station around 01:00 pm and travelled all the way down to the Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station and back.
Organised by the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Bloomingdale’s, the show played a significant role in bringing creativity to Dubai’s already thriving couture scene.
Has the highest punctuality rate in the world!
The Dubai Metro caters to the needs of passengers by picking them up and dropping them off at their respective stations without any delay. That’s why it has a 99.7% punctuality rate—the highest for any driverless metro system in the world.
The most crowded day for the Dubai Metro
On November 28, 2013, over 530,395 commuters travelled on the Dubai Metro, which was the most crowded day for the service so far.
Fine for falling asleep on Dubai Metro – You snooze, you lose
Sleeping is prohibited on the Dubai Metro. So, if you fall asleep during your ride on the Dubai Metro, you will have to pay a fine of AED 300. If you violate any laws, you will face consequences. To avoid public transportation fines in Dubai, it is essential to follow all laws and guidelines while using the city’s transit systems.
High paperless transaction rates
Passengers use RTA NOL Cards to check in and check out at the gates of the Dubai Metro stations. They can also pay their respective fare using these electronic cards, provided they have sufficient balance.
In total, there are five types of NOL Cards, including Gold, Silver, Blue, Red and a customised card that passengers can use to avoid any inconvenience aboard the metro in Dubai.
Got two Guinness World Records under its belt
Besides being the longest driverless network, Dubai Metro set a record for the longest human chain with participants from 96 nationalities. Although both records were surpassed later, the fact that it achieved worldwide recognition is a tale in itself.
70 minutes run time
With the Dubai Metro, travelling has become much easier. You can travel from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali via the Red Line within 60 to 70 minutes!
Blue Line will feature the ‘World’s Highest Metro Station’
A recent announcement revealed that the Emaar Properties Metro Station on the Blue Line will be the highest in the world at 74 metres! The master plan was unveiled at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Blue Line, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Travellers can witness this remarkable feat upon the station’s official launch in 2029.
FAQS
What are Dubai Metro ticket prices?
Dubai Metro fares operate on a zonal system and require a Nol card, a rechargeable smart card used across Dubai’s public transportation system. The minimum fare is AED 3 for travel within one zone and increases based on the number of zones crossed.
What are Dubai Metro operational hours?
The Dubai Metro operates according to the following schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 05:00 am – 12:00 am
- Friday: 05:00 am – 01:00 am
- Saturday: 05:00 am – 12:00 am
- Sunday: 08:00 am -12:00 am
Can I rent an apartment near the Dubai Metro?
Yes, from Bur Dubai to Al Nahda, here is a list of top areas to rent flat near Dubai Metro.
Are there any tourist attractions near the Dubai Metro?
From Mall of Emirates to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera, here is a complete list of top tourist attractions near Dubai Metro.
How many passengers will the Blue Line metro be able to carry daily by 2040?
Operating at a two-minute headway, Dubai’s Blue Line Metro will support a throughput of 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions. By 2040, the Blue Line Metro in Dubai is projected to accommodate up to 320,000 passengers daily.
And that’s a wrap to our blog on interesting facts about the Dubai Metro. With new routes making travel easier than ever, living in areas with the best public transportation in Dubai is a no-brainer. Wondering where to start your search? We’ve listed affordable places to live close to metro stations.
To streamline your daily commute via public transport, consider using the RTA apps and services, which offer real-time updates and route planning tools.
Visiting Dubai soon? For added convenience, consider booking one of the many hotels near metro stations in Dubai, such as Holiday Inn Al Barsha or Fairmont Dubai.
