The X22 bus route is one of Dubai’s express bus services, designed to connect Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 with Business Bay quickly and affordably. Operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), it is widely used by commuters travelling between industrial zones and central business districts.
As an express route, the X22 makes fewer stops than regular buses and focuses on peak-hour travel, offering a practical alternative to driving or multi-transfer metro journeys.
- Overview of the X22 bus service
- Route and major stops
- Schedule and frequency
- Travel time and distance
- Fare and payment method
- Features and suitability for passengers
- Tips and caveats
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of the X22 bus route service
The X22 is part of Dubai’s express (“X”) bus network, where routes are designed for faster journeys with limited stops.
The X22 is an express RTA bus linking Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 with Business Bay, passing through key residential, commercial, and tourist areas.
It primarily serves daily commuters from Al Qusais and nearby Sharjah-border districts, while also providing direct access to Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and the Dubai Mall area. The route integrates with major interchange points, allowing onward connections to the Dubai Metro and other bus services.
Route and major stops
The X22 follows a long east–west corridor across Dubai. While the RTA introduced minor stop adjustments across its network, the main corridor and major stops remain consistent.
Key stops (Al Qusais → Business Bay)
Major stops along the route typically include:
- Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 Terminus
- Al Qusais Public Transport Depot
- Dubai Carmel School
- Sahara Centre
- Al Nahda 1 (Burj Al Noor area)
- NMC Hospital
- DAMAC Park Towers
- The Dubai Mall / Dubai Fountain Street
- Bay Square
- Coral Tower
- Empire Heights Towers
- XL Tower, U-BORA Tower, Lillian Tower
- Business Bay Metro Bus Stop (Landside)
Key stops (Business Bay → Al Qusais)
The return route mirrors most of the above stops in reverse, starting from Business Bay Landside and ending at Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 Terminus. Some micro-stops may vary following network optimisation.
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Schedule and frequency
The X22 continues to operate as a peak-focused service, but weekday operating hours were extended in 2026.
- Operating days: Monday to Saturday
- No service on Sundays
Monday to Thursday (both directions):
- First bus: approximately 5:30 AM
- Last bus: approximately 10:30 PM
Friday and Saturday:
- Service operates on a reduced schedule compared to weekdays
- Exact last-bus timings vary and should be checked via the S’hail or Wojhati apps
The route still does not operate during mid-day hours, with no buses typically running between around 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Frequency by time of day
| Direction | Morning peak | Evening peak | Midday |
| Al Qusais → Business Bay | Every 8–12 min | Every 15–25 min | No service |
| Business Bay → Al Qusais | Every 10–25 min | Every 12–20 min | No service |
Frequencies may vary slightly depending on traffic conditions and operational adjustments.
Travel time and distance
The full route covers approximately 27–30 kilometres, depending on direction and final stop configuration.
- Typical journey time: 50–65 minutes
- Peak hours: Morning (7–9 AM) and evening (5–7 PM) may increase travel time
- Express routing helps keep journeys faster than standard bus services
Fare and payment method
The X22 uses Dubai’s zonal fare system.
- Fare range: AED 5 to AED 7.50, depending on the number of zones travelled
- Payment method: RTA Nol Card only
- Cash is not accepted
- Minimum balance required to start a journey: AED 7.50
Passengers must tap in and tap out to ensure the correct fare is calculated.
Features and suitability for passengers
The X22 is designed for functional, high-capacity commuting rather than luxury travel.
On-board comfort and accessibility
- Fully air-conditioned buses
- Priority seating for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people of determination
- CCTV and standard RTA safety systems
- Clear signage and stop announcements on most buses
Recommended for
- Daily commuters travelling between Al Qusais and Business Bay
- Workers living near the Sharjah–Dubai border
- Residents heading to Downtown Dubai or The Dubai Mall area
- Budget-conscious travellers seeking a direct route without multiple transfers
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Tips and caveats
Planning ahead makes the X22 far more convenient.
- There is a mid-day service gap; plan alternative transport between late morning and afternoon
- Friday schedules may vary due to prayer timings
- Always check S’hail or Wojhati for real-time updates
- Tapping out is essential to avoid maximum fare charges
Key takeaways
The X22 is a fast, express RTA bus connecting Al Qusais Industrial Area 2 with Business Bay. Following RTA upgrades in 2026, weekday operating hours now extend into the late evening, while the service continues to focus on peak travel periods. With a zonal fare system, Nol-only payment, and journey times of around an hour, the X22 remains one of the most cost-effective ways to travel between eastern industrial areas and central Dubai.
FAQs
No. The X22 does not operate on Sundays. Services resume on Monday morning.
The fare ranges from AED 5 to AED 7.50, depending on the number of zones travelled.
No. All RTA buses accept Nol cards only.
During morning and evening peaks, buses typically run every 8–25 minutes, depending on direction and time.
Most journeys take 50–65 minutes, with longer times possible during peak traffic
