Dubai Metro Rules and Fines (2026)
The Dubai Metro stays spotless because its rules are enforced. Plain-clothes and uniformed RTA inspectors patrol trains daily, and fines are issued on the spot. Here's what's banned and what breaking the rules costs.
The Main Rules
- No eating or drinking anywhere in stations or trains — including water and chewing gum.
- No travelling without a valid Nol card with sufficient balance, tapped in correctly.
- Respect cabin boundaries: Gold Class needs a Gold card; the Women & Children cabin is off-limits to men.
- No sleeping in stations or lying across seats.
- Priority seating must be given to People of Determination, seniors and pregnant women.
- No pets (guide dogs excepted) and no dangerous or smelly goods, including fish!
- Luggage limit: one large suitcase plus one carry-on per passenger.
- No smoking or vaping anywhere on the network.
- E-scooters and bicycles are allowed only folded/foldable and only in designated cabins and times per current RTA policy.
Common Fines
| Violation | Typical fine |
|---|---|
| Eating, drinking or chewing gum | AED 100 |
| Travelling without a valid ticket / insufficient balance | AED 200 |
| Sitting in Gold Class without a Gold card | AED 100 |
| Man travelling in the Women & Children cabin | AED 100 |
| Sleeping in stations or trains | AED 300 |
| Placing feet on seats | AED 100 |
| Misusing the emergency handle without cause | AED 2,000 |
| Smoking on the network | AED 200 |
Fines are set by RTA regulations and can change; the table reflects the commonly enforced amounts. Repeat offences can cost more.
Good Manners That Aren't Fines (But Matter)
Stand on the right of escalators, let passengers off before boarding, keep phone calls quiet, and offer seats to those who need them. Photography for personal use is generally fine, but avoid photographing people without permission — UAE privacy law is strict.
Planning more journeys? Start from the updated Dubai Metro mapDubai Metro map — every line, station and fare zone on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink water on the Dubai Metro?
No. Eating and drinking — including water and chewing gum — are banned in stations and trains, with a typical fine of AED 100. Step outside the paid area if you need a drink.
What is the fine for not having a metro ticket in Dubai?
Travelling without a valid, tapped-in Nol card with sufficient balance carries a fine of around AED 200.
Can men sit in the pink cabin?
No. The pink-marked Women & Children cabin is reserved; men entering it face an AED 100 fine, enforced by regular inspections.