Mall of the Emirates Metro Station (Al Barsha) Guide

The Mall of Emirates Metro Station is located in Al Barsha 1, on Sheikh Zayed Road. It connects directly to Mall of the Emirates via an enclosed bridge and runs on the Red Line (Station Code 32, fare Zone 2). 

Trains run from early morning to midnight most days. Check the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) updates for the latest service status, especially after the April 2024 flooding.

Quick guide to this article:

• Introduction to Mall of Emirates Metro Station
• Location & network
• Station layout and facilities
• Accessibility for all passengers
• Operating times & platforms
• How to get there
• Parking
• Nearby attractions
• Living near the station
• Hotels & accommodation
• Dining & shopping
• Sustainability and eco‑friendly commuting
• Recent developments and history
• Getting around Al Barsha from the station
• Rider tips and etiquette
• Peak times and best times to travel
• Nol Card guide for first‑time riders
• Safety and security features
• Approximate metro journey times from the station
• Area guide: Al Barsha and Barsha Heights
• Living near the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
• Travelling with children or luggage
• Dining picks near the station
• Hotels’ quick list (walking distance)
• Traveller checklist
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Introduction to Mall of the Emirates Metro Station

The Mall of the Emirates Metro Station is a vital link between Al Barsha and the broader city. It offers quick, air‑conditioned access to the mall and smooth connections to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Dubai International Airport. The layout is simple, wayfinding is clear, and facilities cover everything from Nol Card machines to prayer rooms.

Location and network

The station stands on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha 1. It is elevated, opened on 9 September 2009, and operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The official code is 32, and the station is located in Fare Zone 2. A climate‑controlled walkway links the concourse to the Mall of the Emirates in minutes.

Station layout and facilities

The station has a number of facilities that help ease the experience of travellers.

Ground level

Entrances and exits open to Sheikh Zayed Road and local streets. You’ll find ticket machines, Nol Card top‑up kiosks, and a customer service desk. The enclosed bridge starts here for direct mall access.

Mezzanine

Restrooms and prayer rooms are located on this level, alongside small retail kiosks offering snacks and essentials. Clear signage and lifts guide you towards the platforms.

Platforms

Two side platforms serve northbound and southbound Red Line trains. Escalators, lifts, and wide doors support smooth movement at peak times.

Facilities list

• Nol Card sales and top‑ups
• Accessible toilets and prayer rooms
• Elevators, ramps, and wide gates
• Free Wi‑Fi
• Feeder buses and taxi ranks outside

Accessibility for all passengers

The station is fully accessible for people of determination. Expect ramps, lifts, tactile paving, and wide gates. Parents with prams will also find routes straightforward.

Operating times and platform information

Weekly and weekend timetables vary, so it’s important to take note of the station’s operational timings.

Operating hours

• Monday – Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Timings can change on public holidays or special events. Always check RTA updates before travelling.

Platform layout

• Platform 1: towards BurJuman, Union, and Centrepoint
• Platform 2: towards Sobha Realty and DMCC

How to reach the Mall of Emirates Metro Station

Pick the option that suits your time, budget, and weather. The notes below outline what to expect door-to-door.

By metro

Red Line services stop here in both directions. The enclosed bridge takes you straight into the mall, which is helpful in hot weather.

By bus

Feeder buses connect the station to Al Barsha 1 and Al Barsha 3. Buses usually run every 6–10 minutes during service hours. Typical fares range from AED 3 to AED 6.

By taxi

The taxi rank sits outside the station. Rides to most Al Barsha destinations take 2–5 minutes. Expect fares in the AED 26–31 range depending on traffic.

On foot

Al Barsha 1 is easily accessible on foot from the station. Routes take between 13 and 40 minutes, depending on your address.

Parking at Mall of the Emirates

Use the mall’s multi‑storey car parks and enter the station via the enclosed bridge. This park‑and‑ride approach suits families, visitors, and anyone combining errands with a metro trip.

Nearby attractions and landmarks

Mall of the Emirates is the star attraction. It features over 600 shops, a diverse dining mix, and significant entertainment options. Magic Planet keeps children busy with rides and games. VOX Cinemas screens the latest films.

Al Barsha Pond Park is closed for outdoor time. You’ll find walking loops, play areas, and spots for a quiet break. Key schools nearby include Dubai American Academy and GEMS World Academy, which adds to the area’s family appeal.

Living near the station

Being near the metro saves time and reduces the need for car use. Daily commutes feel simpler, and everyday errands become easier with the mall next door. Families value the mix of schools, parks, clinics, and shops. Professionals like the direct links to Barsha Heights and Dubai Internet City.

Hotels and accommodation nearby

Al Barsha offers stays for every budget. The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is directly connected to the mall. Hilton Garden Inn and Novotel Suites are situated a short walk away, and numerous serviced apartments line Al Barsha 1. These options are suitable for more extended visits, relocations, or business trips.

Dining and shopping inside the Mall of the Emirates

Expect a full spectrum of dining, from quick food court stops to sit‑down restaurants. International names such as The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s sit alongside regional favourites. Shopping encompasses luxury fashion, high-street staples, electronics, and homeware, so errands rarely require a second stop.

Sustainability and eco‑friendly commuting

Choosing the metro over driving reduces emissions and helps ease peak‑hour congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road. For many residents, living near the station lowers monthly transport costs and adds daily steps to the routine.

Recent developments and history

The station opened with the Red Line on 9 September 2009. Since then, it has hosted events such as the Dubai Metro Music Festival. In April 2024, flooding led to temporary closures across parts of the network, including this stop. Before you set out, check the latest service notices on the RTA website for any planned works or disruptions.

Getting around Al Barsha from the station

Feeder buses F32, F33, F35, and J01 spread out from the station to cover Al Barsha. Short taxi rides take you to most neighbourhood spots in minutes. Barsha Heights, Dubai Internet City, and Media City are a few stops away by metro.

Rider tips and etiquette

• Travel light if possible. Platforms can get busy during peak hours, and compact bags make boarding easier.
• Stand on the right on escalators and let others pass on the left. This keeps foot traffic flowing.
• Queue up before the doors and let passengers exit first. Trains stop briefly at this station.
• Keep phones on silent and use headphones. Quiet carriages create a comfortable experience for everyone.
• Hold buggies and luggage steady. Trains accelerate smoothly, yet sudden stops can happen.

Peak times and best times to travel

Weekday mornings from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. are the busiest. 

Shopping peaks on Fridays and Saturdays, especially around lunch and early evening. 

If you prefer quieter platforms, aim for mid‑mornings on weekdays or later evenings after 8:00 p.m.

Nol Card guide for first‑time riders

• A Nol Card is required to ride the metro and buses. You can buy or top up at station machines or the customer service desk.
• Nol Red Tickets suit tourists. They work for a set number of journeys. Silver and Gold cards are suited for regular riders. Blue cards are personalised and can be registered.
• Fares depend on the zones you cross. The Mall of the Emirates is located in Zone 2, and many popular areas fall within one or two zones of it.
• Tap in at the entry gates and tap out at your destination. The system calculates your fare automatically.

Safety and security features

• CCTV operates throughout the station and on trains.
• Platform edge markings and announcements support safe boarding.
• Lifts and wide gates help in emergencies. Follow staff instructions if an evacuation is needed.
• If you lose an item, contact the customer service desk. Note the time and carriage to assist recovery.

Approximate metro journey times from the station

• Dubai Marina (DMCC): around 15–20 minutes during off‑peak times.
• Downtown Dubai (BurJuman or Union): around 20–25 minutes.
• Dubai International Airport (via Centrepoint): around 35–45 minutes, depending on transfer timing.
• Barsha Heights (Internet City): around 5–10 minutes.

Area guide: Al Barsha and Barsha Heights

Al Barsha offers a central location with schools, clinics, and supermarkets all in proximity. Streets are easy to navigate, and parking is fair for the area.

Barsha Heights, just a few stops away, is a popular destination for professionals. It hosts offices, hotels, cafés, and coworking spaces, all linked by the Red Line.

Families enjoy Al Barsha Pond Park and nearby community centres. The area features a mix of high-rise, mid-rise, and villa districts, offering a range of housing choices. 

Property perspective: living near the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station

Homes near the station appeal to commuters who value time savings and a walkable lifestyle. Rents reflect the convenience of the location, yet choices range from studios to larger apartments.

When comparing Al Barsha with nearby communities, consider their connectivity, building amenities, and average prices together. Proximity to schools and parks is a bonus for many households. Consider soundproofing, sunlight, and parking availability when shortlisting buildings. These details make a daily difference.

Travelling with children or luggage

• Use lifts rather than escalators with prams or heavy suitcases. The lift signs are evident on each level.
• Stand behind the yellow lines and hold children’s hands when trains approach. Carriages can be busy at peak times.
• If you are heading to Ski Dubai, plan footwear and layers. Moving from the metro to a cold venue is easier with a cardigan or jacket in your bag.

Dining picks near the station

Food courts inside the mall serve quick, budget-friendly meals, while cafés are ideal for a coffee break before your train. Families will find plenty of casual dining spots with child-friendly options. For a quieter meal, the upper-level restaurants or nearby hotels are a calmer choice, especially on midweek evenings.

Hotels’ quick list (walking distance)

• Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates — direct access to the mall via private corridors.
• Hilton Garden Inn Al Barsha — modern rooms and a straightforward walk to the station.
• Novotel Suites Dubai Mall of the Emirates — popular with families and longer stays.
• Serviced apartments in Al Barsha 1 — flexible for relocations and project work.

Traveller checklist

• Check your Nol Card balance before you enter the gates.
• Keep your card handy to avoid queues at peak times.
• Follow station signs for lifts if you have luggage or a pram.
• Plan indoor footwear if you are visiting Ski Dubai.
• Confirm live service status on RTA channels during rain or special events.

Key takeaways

Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, located in Al Barsha 1 on the Red Line, is one of Dubai’s busiest and most convenient stops. An enclosed bridge connects the station directly to the Mall, providing passengers with seamless access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

The station is designed with clarity and accessibility in mind, featuring lifts, ramps, and user-friendly layouts that facilitate easy movement. Frequent trains, feeder buses, and taxis are available outside, making onward travel simple. 

Nearby attractions include Ski Dubai, VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet, and Al Barsha Pond Park, making the station a perfect choice for residents who value convenience and connectivity.

FAQs

Share