City Centre Deira Metro Station (code R16) is on the Red Line in Fare Zone 5, located next to City Centre Deira Mall in the heart of Deira. It first opened on 9 September 2009 and was renamed from Deira City Centre to City Centre Deira on 14 June 2022.
Today, it is one of the busiest metro stations in Dubai, serving daily commuters, shoppers heading to City Centre Mall, and airport travellers.
The underground station is fully accessible, with elevators, tactile paths, and facilities for people of determination. Services were temporarily disrupted in April 2024 due to flooding across Dubai, but the station has since reopened and now operates as normal.
What are the metro routes from City Centre Deira?
The routes from City Centre Deira cover both eastbound and westbound directions, connecting passengers to key areas across Dubai. Each route offers distinct advantages depending on your destination and purpose of travel.
Eastbound destinations
Trains heading east from City Centre Deira serve nearby business and airport hubs before terminating at Centrepoint.
| Stop | Current name | Former name | Key detail |
| 1 | Al Garhoud | GGICO | Closest station after City Centre Deira |
| 2 | Airport Terminal 1 | — | Direct access to Dubai International Airport |
| 3 | Airport Terminal 3 | — | Direct access to Dubai International Airport |
| 4 | Emirates | — | Links to the Emirates HQ |
| 5 | Centrepoint | Rashidiya | Eastern terminus of the Red Line |
This direction is especially convenient for airport travellers, with two consecutive terminal stops.
Westbound destinations
Westbound trains from City Centre Deira connect to both business and leisure areas, continuing all the way to Dubai’s western termini.
- Key central stops: Al Rigga → Union → BurJuman → Business Bay → DMCC (formerly JLT).
- Terminals:
- Expo City Dubai (formerly Expo 2020) — serves the exhibition district.
- Life Pharmacy (formerly UAE Exchange) — western terminus.
| Stop | Current name | Former name | Notes |
| Union | — | — | Transfer to the Green Line |
| BurJuman | — | — | Transfer to the Green Line |
| DMCC | JLT | Renamed in 2020s | Business and residential hub |
| Jebel Ali | — | — | Interchange point, no train change required anymore |
| Expo City Dubai | Expo 2020 | Renamed in 2022 | Western terminus option |
| Life Pharmacy | UAE Exchange | Renamed in 2023 | Alternate western terminus |
Update for 2025: Multiple direct routes now operate, meaning passengers no longer need to transfer at Jebel Ali. Always check the train’s destination display for whether it continues to Expo City Dubai or Life Pharmacy.
Are there additional Red Line services from City Centre Deira?
During peak hours, the RTA runs a shorter Centrepoint ↔ Al Fardan Exchange service (formerly Al Khail). This extra route helps ease congestion during morning and evening rush hours.
What is the platform layout at City Centre Deira?
| Platform | Direction | Key destinations |
| 1 | Eastbound (Up) | Airport Terminals, Emirates, Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya) |
| 2 | Westbound (Down) | Union, BurJuman, Business Bay, DMCC, then either Expo City Dubai (formerly Expo 2020) or Life Pharmacy (formerly UAE Exchange) |
Update for 2025: Westbound trains now operate on two direct routes after Jebel Ali. One continues to Expo City Dubai, while the other terminates at Life Pharmacy. Always check the train’s destination display before boarding.
Where can you transfer from City Centre Deira?
- Union Station: A major interchange with the Green Line, where you can travel towards Etisalat by e& (formerly Etisalat) or Creek. This connection gives access to areas like Al Qiyadah and Dubai Healthcare City.
- BurJuman Station: Another Green Line interchange, linking to the same routes. It provides easy access to Oud Metha and nearby districts, and is directly connected to BurJuman Mall for shopping and dining.
What are the timings for City Centre Deira Metro Station?
| Day | First train | Last train |
| Monday to 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. |
Note: These are standard Dubai Metro timings. Train arrivals at City Centre Deira may vary slightly by direction and terminal. Check the RTA S’hail app for live updates, especially during public holidays.
What are the exits and nearby landmarks at City Centre Deira Metro Station?
The station has multiple exits that connect directly to shopping, transport, and nearby landmarks, making it easy to step out into Deira’s busiest areas.
Exit layout
- Exit 1: One of the main exits connects directly to the mall on the east side of the station, making it convenient for shoppers.
- Other exits: Multiple exits lead towards taxi ranks, bus stands, and surrounding commercial buildings across Port Saeed and the wider Deira area. These provide access to nearby hotels and business centres.
Major nearby attractions
- City Centre Deira Mall: The main landmark next to the station, with extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Dubai Clock Tower: Also known as the Deira Clocktower, this historic monument remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, located within a short drive or walk.
- Hotels: Several options nearby, including Novotel Deira Creekside Dubai (formerly Novotel Deira City Centre), about 0.2 miles away, or a 3–4 minute walk.
- Deira district: The station sits in one of Dubai’s most vibrant areas, known for its mix of historic neighbourhoods, traditional markets, and modern commercial hubs.
How is City Centre Deira Metro Station connected to other transport?
- Direct Red Line links: Trains run east to Centrepoint and west to either Expo City Dubai (formerly Expo 2020) or Life Pharmacy (formerly UAE Exchange). A peak-hour route also operates between Centrepoint and Al Fardan Exchange (formerly Al Khail).
- Airport access: Direct stops at Terminals 1 and 3 of Dubai International Airport.
- Feeder buses: Multiple RTA bus routes connect the station with nearby districts.
- Taxis: 24/7 taxi stands outside the exits.
- Green Line transfers: Change at Union or BurJuman for access to Etisalat by e& and Creek.
What are the fares and ticket options at City Centre Deira Metro Station?
Image alt text: Deira metro station in Dubai
Dubai Metro ticket prices are based on zones crossed. From City Centre Deira, short trips start at AED 3.00 with a Nol Silver Card, while longer journeys across three or more zones cost AED 7.50. Gold Class is double the price, and Red Tickets for tourists are slightly higher.
- Nol Silver Card: AED 3.00 (1 zone), AED 5.00 (2 zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones)
- Nol Gold Card: AED 6.00 (1 zone), AED 10.00 (2 zones), AED 15.00 (3+ zones)
- Nol Red Ticket (tourist option): AED 4.00 (1 zone), AED 6.00 (2 zones), AED 8.50 (3+ zones)
- Nol Blue Card (concessionary): AED 1.50–3.75, with free travel for People of Determination
Discounts: Students, senior citizens, and People of Determination get 50% off with a personalized Blue Nol Card.
Payments: Top up instantly at ticket machines, kiosks, and through the Nol Pay app. Online and app recharges may take a few hours to activate.
This system makes travel cost-effective and flexible for both commuters and tourists.
What accessibility features are available at City Centre Deira Metro Station?
City Centre Deira is one of the most accessible metro stations in Dubai, designed to support people of determination and travellers with reduced mobility.
- Elevators: Step-free access linking concourse and platforms.
- Tactile paths: Contrasting strips guide visually impaired passengers.
- Accessible restrooms: Wider entrances and support rails on the concourse level.
- Signage: Bilingual Arabic–English signs and wide passageways aid easy navigation.
- Reserved seating: Available for seniors and people of determination inside trains and on platforms.
- Train features: Wheelchair spaces with audio and visual alerts for boarding.
- Trained staff: Available to assist passengers with special needs.
- Free travel: People of determination travel free with a personalized Blue Nol Card.
These features ensure smooth, inclusive journeys, making it one of Dubai’s most user-friendly stations.
Key takeaways
City Centre Deira Metro Station is a strategic stop on Dubai’s Red Line, linking one of the city’s busiest shopping malls with fast connections across Deira, Downtown, and beyond.
With direct access to Dubai International Airport, quick transfers to the Green Line at Union and BurJuman, and two westbound routes now running to Expo City Dubai and Life Pharmacy, it offers excellent connectivity for both daily commuters and visitors.
The station is fully accessible, supported by elevators, tactile paths, and free travel for people of determination, making it one of the most inclusive hubs on the network.
Combined with nearby hotels, historic landmarks, and 24/7 onward travel by bus or taxi, it remains one of the most convenient gateways into the heart of old and new Dubai.
FAQs
The station is on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, in Fare Zone 5.
Several exits connect directly to the mall via a covered walkway, providing quick and convenient access.
Formerly known as Novotel Deira City Centre, the hotel is just 0.2 miles away, approximately a 3–4 minute walk.
Yes. Features include elevators, tactile paths, accessible restrooms, wide passageways, and reserved seating both in the station and on trains.
– Monday to 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.
Note: Timings are based on terminal departures. Always check the RTA S’hail app for real-time updates, especially on public holidays.
The fare depends on your Nol card type.
– Silver Nol Card: AED 7.50
– Red Nol Ticket: AED 8.50
Yes. It was temporarily closed in April 2024 due to flooding in Dubai. The station has since reopened after full safety inspections.
