Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station (formerly Al Khail Metro Station and originally Nakheel) sits on the Dubai Metro Red Line in Zone 2. It serves Tecom (Barsha Heights) and nearby business districts, with easy links to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Dubai International Airport. The RTA renamed the station in March 2025 under a naming-rights agreement with Al Fardan Exchange.
Here’s a quick guide to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
- How has Al Fardan Exchange metro station’s name evolved over time?
- Where is Al Fardan Exchange metro station located?
- Public transport access and connectivity
- What facilities and services are available at the station?
- What should you know about the Dubai Metro Red Line?
- What are the operating hours of Al Fardan Exchange metro station?
- How do you get to and from the station easily?
- What future developments could impact Al Fardan Exchange metro station?
- Key takeaways about Al Fardan Exchange metro station
- FAQs
How has Al Fardan Exchange metro station’s name evolved over time?
- 2010: Opened as Nakheel.
- 2020: Renamed Al Khail.
- 2025: Renamed Al Fardan Exchange (RTA naming-rights partnership).
Why was the station renamed?
The RTA granted naming rights to Al Fardan Exchange. In practice, that means clearer wayfinding and smarter, branded touchpoints at the station, in line with Dubai’s public–private model for funding upgrades.
Where is Al Fardan Exchange metro station located?
Quick facts at a glance (coordinates, line, interchanges)
- Line / code: Red Line (R35)
- Coordinates: 25°05′20″N, 55°09′29″E
- Road access: Sheikh Zayed Road, between Interchanges 4 and 5
- Nearby areas: Tecom (Barsha Heights), Dubai Media City, business districts along Sheikh Zayed Road
Why this location matters for commuters and property seekers
Expect shorter walks and quicker trips to offices, schools, hotels, and everyday amenities – useful if you’re choosing a home or workplace near Sheikh Zayed Road.
Public transport access and connectivity
Getting here is simple thanks to the Red Line and strong interchange options nearby. Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station sits right on the Red Line (R35), the main route linking Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, the airport, and major business hubs along Sheikh Zayed Road.
For commuters coming from other parts of Dubai, here’s what you need to know:
- Metro services: Direct trains on the Red Line connect the station to key destinations across the city. A shorter peak-hour service now runs between Centrepoint and Al Fardan Exchange, cutting travel time during rush hours.
- Direct bus routes: Bus 83 and feeder bus F58 stop right at the station, offering easy access from nearby areas.
- Other bus connections: Routes like C1, 91, and X23 connect to hubs such as BurJuman or Al Ghubaiba. From there, passengers can transfer to the Red Line to reach Al Fardan Exchange.
- Travel planning: The RTA S’hail and Wojhati apps give real-time directions, schedules, and the best bus–metro connections.
- Accessibility: Elevators, escalators, and step-free pathways make the station easy to navigate for everyone.
Become a true expert with our Guide to Mastering the Dubai Public Transport.
What facilities and services are available at the station?
Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station provides a full range of amenities for commuter comfort and safety:
- Air-conditioned platforms and waiting areas
- Nol card and ticket machines
- Elevators and escalators
- Prayer rooms (men and women)
- Public restrooms and baby-changing facilities
- Retail and convenience stores (Al Fardan Exchange branding visible)
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-site security and CCTV
- Information desk and multilingual signage
Accessibility: step-free paths, wheelchair-friendly elevators, tactile guidance, accessible toilets, priority seating, and staff support
What should you know about the Dubai Metro Red Line?
Dubai Metro Red Line is the main line, connecting key residential, commercial, and leisure hubs across the city.
Key facts and destinations covered
- Length & coverage: 52.1 km with 29 stations, running from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange
- Key destinations served: Dubai International Airport (T1/T3), Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and major employment hubs along Sheikh Zayed Road
How Al Fardan Exchange fits into the Red Line network
- Sits between Dubai Internet City (R34) and Sobha Realty (R36) on the Red Line
- Connects Tecom (Barsha Heights) to major employment and lifestyle hubs across the city
- High daily footfall from commuters and residents, with swift connections to business districts, retail centres, and leisure spots.
Why this matters for commuters and property seekers
- Faster cross-city travel on the Red Line
- Predictable frequencies throughout the day
- One-change access to shopping, dining, and leisure clusters
Tip: Shortlist homes within walking distance of Red Line stations to simplify your daily commute.
What are the operating hours of Al Fardan Exchange metro station?
Typical operating hours are:
| Day | Operating Hours |
| Monday – Thursday | 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (midnight) |
| Friday | 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. (next day) |
| Saturday | 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (midnight) |
| Sunday | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (midnight) |
Note: Train timings and hours may change during holidays or events. Always check the RTA website or mobile app before travelling.
Check out our guide to the Dubai Metro Timings 2025: Red & Green Line Schedule
How do you get to and from the station easily?
Transfers and nearby amenities make this station easy to use day to day.
Nearest metro stations for transfers
- Sharaf DG — quick Red Line transfer point
- Burjuman — major interchange for cross-line connections
- Check first/last train times on event days or holidays to avoid delays.
What’s within walking distance
- Daily needs: Shopping malls, grocery stores, cafés, and convenience retail
- Work & lifestyle: Offices and hospitality venues nearby
- Leisure landmarks: Dubai Media City and Emirates Golf Club are an easy hop away
Useful station tips for daily commuters
- The station includes three tracks; the middle track is used for train holding.
- Trains open on the left-hand side at this stop — handy for picking exits.
Pro move: Save your preferred exit in your transit app to shorten your walk to nearby offices and towers.
What future developments could impact Al Fardan Exchange metro station?
Dubai continues to upgrade stations and expand capacity through partnerships and new lines.
Role in Dubai’s transport vision
Dubai keeps investing in its metro through public–private partnerships. Naming rights bring in funding, support upgrades, and encourage innovation. With the Al Fardan Exchange partnership, passengers can expect better wayfinding, smarter tech, and more convenient services in line with RTA’s goal of a modern, connected network.
RTA’s long-term expansion plans
RTA has plans to grow the metro network, with the Gold Line mentioned as a future project. Timelines may shift, but the focus is clear: expand coverage, improve interchanges, and boost capacity. Al Fardan Exchange is well placed to benefit as a key Red Line stop for Tecom and Barsha Heights.
Key takeaways about Al Fardan Exchange metro station
Renamed in 2025, the station – formerly known as Al Khail and Nakheel – sits between interchanges 4 and 5, serving Tecom, Barsha Heights, and nearby landmarks.
It is equipped with a full range of facilities, including Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, retail outlets, restrooms, accessibility features, and ticketing services.
Operating hours run from 5:00 a.m. to midnight on most days, extending to 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and starting later at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays.
The station is also well connected through multiple bus and feeder routes that link it to the wider city.
Its renaming forms part of Dubai’s wider strategy to use public–private partnerships in modernising and expanding the transport network.
FAQs
The station was renamed in March 2025 under a naming rights agreement between RTA and Al Fardan Exchange. The partnership gives the company brand visibility and helps fund transport infrastructure improvements.
The station offers Nol card machines, prayer rooms, retail outlets, free Wi-Fi, elevators, escalators, CCTV security, and accessibility features for people of determination.
You’ll find it on Sheikh Zayed Road, between interchanges 4 and 5, in Zone 2 near Tecom and Barsha Heights.
– Monday–Thursday: 5:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
– Friday: 5:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. (next day)
– Saturday: 5:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
– Sunday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
The station opened as Nakheel in 2010, was renamed Al Khail in 2020, and became Al Fardan Exchange in March 2025.
