Dubai Metro: The Complete System Overview
The Dubai Metro is the backbone of public transport in Dubai and the world's longest fully automated driverless metro network when it opened. Operated by Keolis-MHI for the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), it carries hundreds of millions of passengers a year across the Red and Green Lines — with the Blue Line arriving in 2029.
A Short History
- 9 September 2009: Red Line opens (the famous 09/09/09 launch at 9:09:09 pm).
- 9 September 2011: Green Line opens.
- 2021: Route 2020 branch opens for Expo 2020 Dubai.
- 2024–2026: fleet refurbishment and major track maintenance across both lines.
- 9 September 2029: Blue Line scheduled to open.
How the System Works
Trains are fully driverless, air-conditioned, and divided into three sections: Gold Class (premium cabin at the front — see our Gold Class guide), a Women & Children cabin, and standard Silver Class. Fares are paid with a Nol card, tapped in and out at the gates, and priced by the number of fare zones you cross. Stations are enclosed and air-conditioned, with lifts, escalators, tactile paths and accessible gates throughout.
Network Facts (2026)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Lines in service | 2 (Red, Green) + 1 under construction (Blue) |
| Stations | 55 in service; 69 from 2029 |
| Interchanges | Union, BurJuman (+ Creek, Centrepoint, International City 1 from 2029) |
| Tram connection | Sobha Realty & DMCC stations link to the Dubai Tram |
| Airport stations | Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 (Red Line) |
| Operator | Keolis-MHI for the RTA |
Why the Metro Beats Driving
Trains run every few minutes at peak times, are unaffected by Sheikh Zayed Road traffic, and cost a fraction of taxi fares — a cross-city trip costs at most AED 7.50 in standard class. Park-and-ride facilities at Centrepoint and Etisalat by e& make it easy to combine car and train. Start with our step-by-step guide if it's your first ride.
Planning more journeys? Start from the Dubai train map — every line, station and fare zone on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates the Dubai Metro?
The Dubai Metro is owned by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and operated by Keolis-MHI. The trains are fully automated and driverless.
When did the Dubai Metro open?
The Red Line opened on 9 September 2009 and the Green Line followed on 9 September 2011. The Route 2020 branch opened in 2021, and the Blue Line opens on 9 September 2029.
Does the Dubai Metro connect to the tram?
Yes. Sobha Realty and DMCC stations on the Red Line connect by footbridge to the Dubai Tram, which serves Dubai Marina, JBR and Al Sufouh.