Dubai Metro Red Line | Stations, Route Map, History & Future Expansion

Explore the Dubai Metro Red Line on the Dubai Map. View stations, routes, Expo City extension, Blue Line connections, travel times, and how the Red Line connects key areas across Dubai.

History

History of the Dubai Metro Red Line

The Dubai Metro Red Line was conceived in the early 2000s as part of Dubai’s long-term urban mobility vision to reduce road congestion and support rapid economic and population growth. Construction began in 2006, marking the UAE’s first large-scale rail transit project and one of the world’s earliest fully automated, driverless metro systems.

The Red Line officially opened on 9 September 2009, initially serving key corridors along Sheikh Zayed Road. By April 2010, the full core route was operational, connecting Dubai International Airport with major business districts, residential areas, and emerging urban zones across the city. The introduction of the Green Line in 2011 established interchange stations at Union and BurJuman, reinforcing the Red Line as the backbone of Dubai’s metro network.

A major milestone came with the Route 2020 extension, launched to support Expo 2020 Dubai, which extended the Red Line from Jabal Ali to Expo City Dubai and opened in 2021. Today, the Red Line continues to evolve through service optimizations and future integration with the upcoming Blue Line, securing its role as Dubai’s primary east–west transit corridor and a key driver of urban development.

Dubai Map

Dubai Metro Red Line on the Dubai Map

The Dubai Metro Red Line is fully visualized on the Dubai Map, showing its complete route, all stations, interchange points, and direct connections across the city. The map includes existing metro lines, the future Blue Line, Dubai Tram, and the Palm Monorail, providing a unified view of Dubai’s present and planned rail network.

Using the Dubai Map, you can clearly see how the Red Line intersects with the upcoming Blue Line at key interchange stations, strengthening east–west connectivity and linking historic districts with emerging urban zones. This integrated layout helps illustrate how Dubai’s rail infrastructure works as a single system, supporting mobility, urban growth, and long-term development across the city.

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Dubai Metro Red Line in Numbers

Opening Year

2009

Total Line Length

approx. 67 km

Total Stations

35 stations

Main Line + Branches

2 branches (Life Pharmacy & Expo City)
 
 

Key Interchange Stations

5+
(Union, BurJuman, Jabal Ali, DMCC, Sobha Realty)

Travel Time (End to End)

approx. 65–75 minutes (Centrepoint to Life Pharmacy / Expo City)
 

Train Type

Fully automated, driverless metro

Maximum Operating Speed

up to 95 km/h

Peak Frequency

as low as 2.5 minutes during peak hours

Daily Ridership (Network Share)

part of a metro system serving 700,000–900,000 passengers per day

Major Extension

Route 2020 to Expo City (opened 2021)
 

Future Integration

Direct interchange with the upcoming Blue Line
 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dubai Metro Red Line

What is the Dubai Metro Red Line?

The Dubai Metro Red Line is the main east–west metro corridor in Dubai, connecting Dubai International Airport with major business districts, residential areas, Jebel Ali, and Expo City Dubai through a fully automated, driverless rail system.

How long is the Dubai Metro Red Line?

The Red Line is approximately 67 kilometers long, making it the longest metro line in Dubai and one of the longest driverless metro lines in the world.

How many stations are on the Dubai Metro Red Line?

The Dubai Metro Red Line has 35 stations, including interchange stations with the Green Line, Dubai Tram, Route 2020, and future connections to the Blue Line.

Which areas does the Red Line connect?

The Red Line connects key areas such as Dubai International Airport, Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali, and Expo City Dubai.

Why is the Dubai Metro Red Line important for urban development?

The Red Line supports Dubai’s long-term urban growth by improving mobility, reducing road congestion, and enabling transit-oriented development across major business and residential corridors.

What is Route 2020 on the Red Line?

Route 2020 is an extension of the Red Line that branches from Jabal Ali and connects directly to Expo City Dubai. It opened in 2021 and serves several residential and investment-focused communities along the corridor.

How does the Red Line connect with the Blue Line?

The Dubai Metro Blue Line will connect with the Red Line at Centrepoint station. This interchange and the full connection can be clearly viewed on the Dubai Map on this page.

Can I see all Red Line stations on the Dubai Map?

Yes. All Dubai Metro Red Line stations, branches, interchanges, and connections are fully visible on the Dubai Map, alongside other metro lines, tram routes, and the Palm Monorail.

Is the Dubai Metro Red Line fully automated?

Yes. The Red Line operates as a fully automated, driverless metro system, with onboard staff present for passenger assistance and safety.

How long does it take to travel the full Red Line?

End-to-end travel time on the Red Line typically ranges between 65 and 75 minutes, depending on the destination branch and service pattern.

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