Dubai Metro Red Line Station List 2026: From Airport to Expo City (Full Guide)

If the Green Line is the soul of Old Dubai, the Dubai Metro Red Line is undoubtedly the city’s lifeline. Stretching across the backbone of the city—Sheikh Zayed Road—this line connects major international hubs like the Dubai International Airport to world-famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina.

Whether you are a tourist landing at Terminal 3 or a resident heading to Business Bay, the Red Line is the fastest way to navigate the “New Dubai” landscape. In this guide, we provide the most up-to-date Dubai Metro Red Line station list, including the crucial Jabal Ali branch and essential travel tips for 2026.

Quick Facts: Dubai Metro Red Line

Key details to keep in mind before you tap your Nol card:

• Total Stations: 35 Stations (Main line + Expo 2020 branch).
• Total Distance: Approximately 52 Kilometers.
• Key Highlights: Connects Airport Terminal 1 & 3 directly to the city center.
• The Fork (Branch Line): At Jabal Ali station, the line splits toward UAE Exchange and Expo City Dubai.
• Interchange Points: Union and BurJuman (Switch to Green Line).
• Travel Zones: This line crosses Zones 2, 5, and 6.

Full Dubai Metro Red Line Station List 2026

The Red Line spans across multiple zones (2, 5, and 6). Below is the complete list of stations starting from Centerpoint toward the southern parts of the city.

Main Route: Centerpoint to UAE Exchange

Station Code	Station Name	Zone	Nearby Landmarks / Key Connectivity
R11	Centerpoint	5	Huge Free Parking, Near Mushrif Park
R12	Etisalat (Rashidiya)	5	Residential Area, Bus Links
R13	Airport Terminal 3	5	Direct Access to Emirates Terminal
R14	Airport Terminal 1	5	Direct Access to International Flights
R15	GGICO	5	Garhoud, Hotels & Schools
R16	Deira City Centre	5	DCC Mall, Pullman Hotel
R17	Al Rigga	5	Dining Hub, Budget Hotels
R18	Union (Interchange)	5	Transfer to Green Line, Al Ghurair
R19	Burjuman	6	Transfer to Green Line, Burjuman Mall
R20	ADCB	6	Karama (Shopping & Food)
R21	Max (Al Jafiliya)	6	Dubai Frame, Zabeel Park
R22	World Trade Centre	6	Exhibition Centre, DWTC
R23	Emirates Towers	6	Museum of the Future, DIFC
R24	Financial Centre	6	DIFC, Gevora Hotel
R25	Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall	6	Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Fountain
R26	Business Bay	6	Canal View, Corporate Offices
R29	Al Safa	2	Safa Park, Sheikh Zayed Road
R31	Onpassive (Al Safa)	2	Residential & Commercial
R32	Equiti	2	Gold & Diamond Park
R33	Mall of the Emirates	2	Ski Dubai, MOE Mall
R34	Mashreq	2	Al Barsha Hotels
R35	Dubai Internet City	2	TECOM, Knowledge Village
R36	Al Khail	2	Emirates Golf Club
R37	Sobha Realty	2	Dubai Marina, JLT
**	R38**	DMCC	2
R39	Jabal Ali	2	Interchange for Expo 2020 Branch
R40	Ibn Battuta	2	Ibn Battuta Mall, Bus Station
R41	Energy	2	Industrial Hub
R42	Danube	2	Jebel Ali Free Zone
R43	UAE Exchange	2	Terminal Station (End of Main Line)

If you need to travel towards the Gold Souq or Al Qusais, you can switch to the other line at Union. View the complete Dubai Metro Green Line station list for a seamless transfer.

The Expo City Branch (The Fork)

If you are at Jabal Ali station, you can switch to this branch to reach the following stations:

Station Code	Station Name	Landmark
R70	The Gardens	Residential Community
R71	Discovery Gardens	Affordable Housing Hub
R72	Al Furjan	Residential Villas
R73	Jumeirah Golf Estates	Luxury Golf Communities
R74	Investment Park (DIP)	Industrial & Residential
R76	Expo City Dubai	Expo 2020 Site, Exhibition Hub

The Red Line “Fork”: How to Reach Expo City vs. Jebel Ali

Red Line is not a straight line. At Jabal Ali Station (R38), the track splits into two directions. To avoid getting on the wrong train, follow this simple rule:

1. If you are going to UAE Exchange:

• Look for the train labeled “Direction: UAE Exchange” on the platform screens.
• This route covers Ibn Battuta Mall and Jebel Ali Free Zone.

2. If you are going to Expo City Dubai:

• You must get off at Jabal Ali Station.
• Cross over to the dedicated platform for the Expo 2020 Branch.
• Look for the train labeled “Direction: Expo City Dubai”.

Pro Tip: Check the digital display inside the train and on the platform. If you miss the announcement at Jabal Ali, you might end up in the industrial area instead of the Expo site!

Interchanging with the Green Line

If your destination is in Old Dubai (like Gold Souq or Al Nahda), you need to switch to the Green Line at one of these two “Hub” stations:

1. Union Station: Best for travelers coming from the Airport.
2. BurJuman Station: Best for travelers coming from Dubai Marina or Mall of the Emirates.

Note: You do not need to “Check Out” with your Nol card when switching lines. The fare is calculated as a single journey.

Operating Hours & Peak Times (2026 Update)

The Red Line is much busier than the Green Line, especially during office hours.

• Monday – Thursday: 05:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
• Friday: 05:00 AM – 01:00 AM (Next Day)
• Saturday: 05:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
• Sunday: 08:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)

Peak Hour Warning: Between 07:30 AM – 09:00 AM and 05:30 PM – 07:30 PM, the trains are extremely crowded. If you have heavy luggage (from the Airport), try to travel in the Gold Class or avoid these specific windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

The Dubai Metro Red Line is the backbone of the city’s transit system. By understanding the Jabal Ali fork and knowing your interchange points, you can save both time and money. Whether you’re heading to work in Business Bay or sightseeing at the Dubai Marina, this 2026 station list is your go-to resource for a stress-free journey.