Ambition is the city of Dubai’s mantra and its metro system is no exception. One of the highest frequented stations in the entire emirate, Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai is also one of the most convenient and traveller-friendly stations on the network—just one of 53 operational stations throughout the emirate. From a tourist visiting Ski Dubai for the first time to commuters passing through Al Barsha for their jobs and residents shopping at Carrefour on weekends, the station is an all-in-one urban hub that provides links for people.
So here’s all you need to know, from the exact position of the station and its hours to the ticketing arrangement and bus links, accessibility, local attractions and the tricks that most travel sites won’t tell you. Whether you’re making plans to go to the Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai or simply improving your Dubai commute, this article is your single location.
In which Area is Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai Located?
Located in the Al Barsha 1 neighbourhood, the Mall of Emirates Metro Station is situated on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), one of Dubai’s main roads. It is set next to the Mall of Emirates complex, one of the few Dubai metro stations where the metro station and destination are the same building.
Its geographical location puts the station in the middle of Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina and thus acts as a vital interchange hub for both tourists and business travellers. It is located on the Red Line (Line 1) of Dubai Metro, one of the two running lines, stretching approximately 52.1 kilometres from Rashidiya in the east to UAE Exchange in the west.
Walking nearby landmarks include:
· Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai (direct access via a covered walkway)
· Ski Dubai, the famous indoor skiing resort
· Al Barsha Mall
· Dubai American Academy
· Several five star hotels such as Kempinski Mall of the Emirates and Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates
Let’s Understand Red Line and Position Where Mall of Emirates fits in?
Dubai Metro, Red Line is the backbone of Dubai’s public transport system and is operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai is conveniently located between two other busier stations:
· Sharaf DG Station — one stop to the east (towards Rashidiya / Dubai Creek)
· Dubai Internet City Station – 1 stop West (Towards UAE Exchange / Expo 2020 area)
This location provides the station with an outstanding connectivity. Major attractions such as Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Union Station (a Red-Green Line interchange), Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Marina Mall are no more than 15 minutes away via metro. This is the extent of cross-emirate and centred accessibility that is offered by few other stations of the network.
The major stations on the Red Line close to Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai are:
| Station | Direction | Approximate Travel Time |
| Sharaf DG | East (Rashidiya) | ~3 minutes |
| Dubai Internet City | West (UAE Exchange) | ~3 minutes |
| Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | East | ~18 minutes |
| Dubai Marina | West | ~8 minutes |
| Airport Terminal 1 | East | ~38 minutes |
| UAE Exchange | West | ~14 minutes |
The Design of Stations, Architecture and Layout
Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai is an elevated station — a format adopted for a majority of the Red Line, which is built overhead Sheikh Zayed Road. The building has a striking form, and the facade has a modern and clean appearance, which is consistent with the overall architectural style of Dubai’s metro stations, designed by the Halcrow Group.
There are several levels in the station:
· Ground Level – Bus stops, taxi bays, pedestrian entry points.
· Concourse Level: Ticketing machines, NOL top up kiosks, RTA customer service and retail kiosks.
· Platform Level: Two platforms serving trains in both directions (towards Rashidiya and towards UAE Exchange)
Station facilities include:
· Waiting rooms with air-conditioning on every floor.
· Covered pedestrian bridge (direct link to Mall of Emirates, distance of about 200 metres, climate controlled)
· Access points for dedicated Women & Children cabins (front of train, clearly marked)
· Boarding zones (first carriage) for Gold Class passenger service
· Accessible, disability-friendly lifts and ramps
· Concourse level clean restrooms and prayer rooms
· Several ATMs and small convenience store
The station serves tens of thousands of passengers on a daily basis, especially on weekends and during Dubai Shopping Festival, the International Events, School Holidays, etc.
Dubai Metro Timings – When Can You Ride?
One of the most common queries concerning Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai is regarding its timings. The Dubai Metro operates a schedule which differs from day to day, and by being aware of this avoid missing trains and wasting time waiting for them.
Standard Operating Hours (Red Line):
· Thursdays & Fridays: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
· Thursday: 05:00 AM – 01:00 AM (next day)
· Friday: 01:00 PM – 01:00 AM (next day)
Please note: On a Friday the service starts later in the afternoon for the Jumu’ah prayers. The frequency (headway) of trains in peak hours is about 2-3 minutes; for off peak hours it is in between 7-10 minutes. During peak hours passengers should be at their platform 5 minutes earlier than their expected departure time.
Fare Structure/NOL Card: How to pay
The NOL Card is the universal card for all transportation modes of Dubai public transport, such as the Dubai Metro, Dubai Buses, water taxis (Abra), Dubai Tram and Dubai RTA approved taxis. It can be found at all stations and some stores in the city.
Types of NOL Cards:
· Silver: Regular commuter card, reloadable (Red Card)
· Gold Card: for Gold Class cabin (premium seating)
· Blue Card: Personalised card with links to the card holder’s identity; insurance & other benefits
· Paper Card (Single use): For persons who travel occasionally; limited use card
Metro Fare Zones (Red Line — from Mall of Emirates):
Dubai Metro fares work on a zoning basis rather than on a per station basis. The Zone 3 for the fare structure applies to Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai.
· Zone 1 journey (1–3 stations): AED 3.00 (Silver); AED 6.00 (Gold)
· Zone 2 journey (4–7 stations): AED 5.00 (Silver); AED 10.00 (Gold)
· Zone 3+ journey (8+ stations): AED 7.50 (Silver); AED 15.00 (Gold)
AED 7.50 is a minimum balance needed for boarding. Refill using RTA kiosks or RTA app.
How to Reach Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai?
Access to the station is dependent on where you are traveling from in Dubai. The most frequently used pathways are:
From Dubai International Airport:
From Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 or 3, ride the red line to Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai – no transfers are required. Time to reach the destination is about 35-40 minutes.
From Downtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa:
Get on the Red Line at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station towards UAE Exchange. Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai is about 18 mins away, 6 stops to the west.
From Dubai Marina / JBR:
At Dubai Marina station on Red Line towards Rashidiya. It takes under 10 minutes to get to Mall of Emirates, which is 2-3 stops east.
By Bus (RTA Integration):
There are a number of RTA bus services that can be taken at Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai:
· Route F09: Al Barsha Residential Areas
· Route 81 (to Jumeirah and Satwa)
· Route 93: Media City and Knowledge Village
Bus stops are located at a ground level bus bay directly under the station structure.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing:
Careem and Uber can be found anywhere in Mall of Emirates. Well signposted taxi drop-off and pick-up points with very little waiting time at the ground level.
By Car (Self-Drive):
Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai features a multi-level car park with more than 7,500 spaces that are accessible via Sheikh Zayed Road. It is, however, strongly discouraged to drive at peak hour (5-8 PM on weekdays) as there is congestion.
Mall of Emirates: What’s Out There Past the Station Gates?
After getting off at Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai, one can simply walk through the air-conditioned bridge and be inside one of the biggest shopping malls in the world. Covering more than 223,000 square metres of leasable retail space, Mall of Emirates is a retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination that is setting a new benchmark for what a shopping mall can achieve.
Mall of Emirates’ main attractions:
· Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope and snow park covering 22,500 sq.m, which features chairlifts, a black diamond slope and penguin encounters.
· VOX Cinemas — an IMAX and 4DX multiplex with high quality.
· Carrefour Hypermarket is one of the biggest grocery stores in the area.
· Magic Planet — a family entertainment area, featuring rides, games and simulators.
· Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (DUCTAC) – a complete performing arts centre.
· More than 630 retail outlets, featuring Apple, Samsung, Louis Vuitton, Zara, H&M and various dozens of high street and luxury brands.
· Over 100 dining options from casual, fine dining to international fast food types
Inclusive Design & Accessibility at the Station
This is because the RTA has dedicated substantial efforts to ensure the accessibility of Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai Metro Station to people of determination (in accordance with the UAE’s framework for inclusive use of language).
Accessibility features include:
· Wheelchair accessible lifts at each level
· Tactile ground surface indicators with information for visually-challenged passengers.
· Large wide gates suitable for wheelchair and prams
· Priority seating on all train carriages
· Customer service is available at all times, and staff can help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
· Braille signage at main decision points on station.
Safety, Security & Etiquette at the Station
Dubai Metro stations are one of the safest public transport environments in the world. Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai is equipped with CCTV surveillance and RTA security guards monitor the area 24 hours a day.
Here are some key regulations passengers need to follow:
· No eating or drinking on metro property or in the train (fines are in effect)
· Station is smoke-free inside and out
· Women and children are to be kept in the special compartments (first carriage of each train)
· The shoes are required to be worn at all times inside the station
· Disruptive behaviour and loud music is not allowed
The RTA inspectors, who are working in plain clothes at busy times of the day, have been given the authority to issue fines on the spot for the violation of these rules, from AED 50 to AED 500.
How to take the Metro to Mall of Emirates?
But there are some tips that experienced Dubai commuters have discovered that make using the metro a smoother and quicker experience:
· Come early on weekends: Saturday mornings are the busiest, consider coming before 11 AM to avoid the crowds;
· Download the RTA app: You can track trains in real time, calculate fares and get service updates—all for free.
· On long journeys, Gold Class (AED 15 for a cross-emirate trip) is worth it as it assures you a seat on a quieter, less crowded carriage, if you are travelling from the airport or from the far eastern end of the Red Line.
· Ride the Dubai Metro one stop west to Dubai Internet City and ride the Dubai Tram with your shopping trip to Jumeirah Beach Residence or Palm Jumeirah.
· Stay up to date on services at UAE public holidays: Metro schedules are longer and trains are much busier on national holidays, such as UAE National Day or Eid.
FAQs: Mall of Emirates Metro Station Dubai
Q1. What is the metro line that runs to Mall of Emirates Station?
The Red Line (Line 1) of the Dubai Metro, which is run by the RTA, is the only line that connects to Mall of Emirates Metro Station.
Q2. Is Mall of Emirates Metro Station connected directly to the mall?
Yes. A pedestrian walkway with air-conditioning and a roof will be directly linked to Mall of Emirates’ ground floor, thus obviating the need for station-goers to step outside.
Q3. How many hours is Mall of Emirates Metro Station open?
Saturday to Wednesday: 5:00 AM – midnight. Thursday: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Friday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM.
Q4. What is the price for travelling to Mall of Emirates via metro?
It charges from AED 3.00 for short-distance and up to AED 7.50 for long-distance rides with a Silver NOL card. Gold Class fares are double the Silver fare.
Q5. What are the nearby stations to Mall of Emirates station?
Sharaf DG Station (one stop east) and Dubai Internet City Station (one stop west) are the immediate neighbouring stations.
Q6. Is there a bus from Mall of Emirates Metro Station?
Yes. There are several bus routes that depart from the bus bay on the ground floor, such as Routes F09, 81 and 93, which goes to Al Barsha, Jumeirah and Media City, respectively.
Q7. Is there parking available near Mall of Emirates Metro Station?
There are more than 7,500 parking spaces at the mall. No separate station park and ride but available mall car park is sufficient.
Q8. Are there any facilities for persons with disabilities at the station?
Yes. The station has lifts, wheelchairs are able to pass through the fare gates, tactile flooring and braille signage, and staff are on hand 24 hours a day.
Q9. Is it allowed to eat and drink within Mall of Emirates Metro Station?
No, eating and drinking is not allowed and will be fined on the spot at AED 50 or higher.
Q10. How long does it take to reach Mall of Emirates from Dubai International Airport by metro?
It takes about 35-40 mins to reach either from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 without any change of train.
Conclusion
Mall of Emirates Metro Station is much more than just a train station as it is a hub that brings together Dubai’s best public transport with one of its most celebrated lifestyle destinations. This station is clean, safe, accessible and brilliantly connected – all of which make the Dubai Metro one of the best urban rail networks in the world.
The metro is always the better, quicker and cheaper way to get from the airport on a tourist visa, from Al Barsha on a daily commute, or just to avoid the traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road. Pick up an NOL card, take the appropriate signage and jump straight to the doorstep of one of the world’s great shopping destinations with Dubai’s metro.
Read Another Topic: Madinat Zayed Mall | A Premier Shopping Destination in Abu Dhabi
