Al Rigga Metro Station sits on the Red Line (R17) in the heart of Deira, right along Al Rigga Road. Opened on 9 September 2009, it has grown into one of the busiest metro stops in Dubai.
According to the RTA’s 2025 data, the station welcomed 6.8 million riders in the first half of the year. This makes it the second-busiest station in Dubai, just behind BurJuman and slightly ahead of Union.
The station connects directly to over 70 bus routes, including services to Sharjah and Ajman, making it a key interchange for both local commuters and intercity travellers.
Within walking distance are some of Deira’s most popular landmarks: Al Ghurair Centre, Reef Mall, the Deira Clocktower, Dubai Creek, and the Gold and Spice Souks. With modern passenger amenities and full accessibility for people of determination, Al Rigga continues to serve as a central hub for residents, workers, and visitors exploring the city.
Metro routes and connections from Al Rigga Metro Station
Al Rigga Metro Station is one of the most connected stops on Dubai’s Red Line, linking Deira to key commercial and leisure hubs across the city. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring Dubai’s landmarks, its central location makes every journey straightforward.
Red Line (M1) routes from Al Rigga
From Al Rigga, passengers can travel eastbound or westbound on the Red Line, making it one of the most connected stations in Deira.
- To Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya, R11): The eastbound terminus has been renamed Centrepoint. This route continues to serve residential areas and provides direct access to Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3.
- To Expo 2020: End-to-end Red Line services run from Centrepoint to Expo 2020 Station.
- To Life Pharmacy: Some services terminate at Life Pharmacy Station, operating as a shorter westbound route.
- To Al Fardan Exchange (R35): During peak hours, additional services terminate at Al Fardan Exchange, the station formerly known as Al Khail.
- Interchange at Union Station: Just one stop from Al Rigga, Union Station remains a key interchange between the Red and Green Lines, offering smooth transfers to destinations such as Al Qusais, Al Ghubaiba, and Dubai Creek.
Major destinations and expected travel times from Al Rigga Metro Station
From the metro station, you can easily reach major Dubai destinations like BurJuman, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai International Airport—all within a short metro ride.
Travel times on the Dubai Metro Red Line
From Al Rigga Metro Station in Deira, passengers can quickly reach some of Dubai’s most popular districts and landmarks. Below are updated Dubai Metro Red Line travel times:
| From Al Rigga | To | Estimated travel time (min) |
| Al Rigga | Union | ~3 |
| Al Rigga | BurJuman | ~5 |
| Al Rigga | Al Karama | ~6 (adjacent to BurJuman) |
| Al Rigga | Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall (Downtown Dubai) | ~18 |
| Al Rigga | Mall of the Emirates | ~31 |
| Al Rigga | Al Khail (formerly Dubai Internet City) | ~39 |
| Al Rigga | Sobha Realty (formerly Jumeirah Lakes Towers) | ~42 |
Note: Travel times are based on current RTA schedules and may vary slightly during peak hours.
H2: Connecting bus routes from Al Rigga Metro Station
Al Rigga Metro Station is one of Deira’s busiest public transport hubs, with multiple bus services linking the area to neighbourhoods across Dubai. The main stop, Al Rigga Metro Bus Stop A – 02, is served by several key routes, including:
- 11A → Gold Souq Bus Station
- 27 → The Dubai Mall
- 77 → Al Garhoud
- C09 → Hor Al Anz East
- C9 → Satwa Bus Station
These routes provide easy access to shopping destinations, business zones, and residential areas across the city.
Intercity connections
While Al Rigga is well connected to local buses, most inter-emirate services to Sharjah and Ajman now operate from larger nearby hubs, such as Union Bus Station. Passengers can reach these terminals in just one metro stop from Al Rigga for onward intercity travel.
With reliable local services and quick links to major bus terminals, Al Rigga remains one of the most connected transport points in Old Dubai.
Nearby metro stations
- Union Metro Station (Red & Green Lines)
- Distance: 1 stop from Al Rigga
- Key feature: Major interchange between the Red and Green Lines; one of the largest underground metro stations in the world
- Accessible areas: Direct connections to Dubai Creek via the Green Line, as well as Al Qusais and Al Ghubaiba
- Deira City Centre Metro Station (Red Line)
- Distance: 1 stop east of Al Rigga, towards Centrepoint
- Key feature: Direct, convenient access to City Centre Deira Mall
- Nearby: Hotels, offices, and family attractions around the mall, along with some of the top restaurants in Deira City Centre for dining and leisure.
- Abu Baker Al Siddique Metro Station (Green Line)
- Distance: 2 stops from Union on the Green Line
- Key feature: Serves residential and business zones in the Hor Al Anz neighbourhood
- Nearby: Hotels, the Hamarain Centre, and Al Muteena Park
Timings and frequency
Al Rigga Metro Station operates under the standard Dubai Metro schedule set by the RTA:
- Monday to 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)
First and last trains
- Eastbound (to Centrepoint, formerly Rashidiya R11): First train departs around 5:02 a.m., with the last service leaving around 11:49 p.m.
- Westbound (towards Expo 2020, Life Pharmacy, and Al Fardan Exchange): First trains depart shortly after 5:00 a.m.; last services vary depending on the destination. On weekdays, services continue until after midnight, while on Fridays trains run until 1:00 a.m.
Note: (Exact first/last train times differ by platform and route—always check the RTA app or station displays for real-time updates.)
Frequency
- Peak hours (6:00–8:30 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m.): Every 3–4 minutes
- Off-peak hours: Every 6–7 minutes
- Late evenings: Slightly longer intervals
This reliable timetable makes Al Rigga Metro Station one of Deira’s most dependable transport hubs, catering to daily commuters, shoppers, and late-night travellers.
Station entrances, exits, and facilities
- Exit 1 – Al Rigga Street: Perfect for visitors heading to nearby restaurants, cafés, Hyatt Place, or Avenue Hotel. For more choices, check out popular hotels in Al Rigga.
- Exit 2 – Al Ghurair Centre: Offers a direct route into the mall, with access to shopping, dining, cinemas, and meeting facilities.
Passenger amenities at Al Rigga Metro Station
Passengers using Al Rigga Metro Station benefit from a wide range of modern facilities designed for comfort, safety, and accessibility:
Real-time travel information
Digital display screens provide live updates on train arrivals, departures, and service changes.
Wayfinding and signage
Directional signs connect the metro with nearby bus stops. Since the RTA’s 2025 upgrade, exits are marked in yellow, platform stickers guide passengers, and pink and gold signs indicate Women & Children and Gold Class cabins.
Accessibility features
The station is fully equipped for people of determination. Facilities include lifts, escalators, tactile guidance paths, dedicated wheelchair spaces on trains, and accessible restrooms.
Comfort and convenience
Air-conditioned waiting areas, Nol card machines, ticket vending services, and small retail outlets make commuting easier.
Key destinations accessible from Al Rigga Metro Station
| Destination | How to get there | Highlights |
| Dubai International Airport | Take the eastbound Red Line towards Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya). | Direct access to Terminals 1 and 3 within minutes. |
| Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall) | Ride the westbound Red Line towards Expo 2020, Life Pharmacy, or Al Fardan Exchange. | Shopping, dining, and attractions like Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain. |
| City Centre Deira Mall | Just one stop east on the Red Line (towards Centrepoint). | Direct link to retail outlets, restaurants, and cinemas inside the mall. |
| Sharjah and Ajman | Take the Red Line one stop to Union Station, then transfer to intercity buses bound for Sharjah and Ajman. | Fast connections to the northern emirates via Union Bus Station. |
| World Trade Centre & Business Districts | Travel westbound on the Red Line to World Trade Centre Station. | Access to exhibitions, trade shows, and commercial hubs on Sheikh Zayed Road. |
Travel tips for Al Rigga Metro Station
- Plan ahead: Use the RTA S’hail app to check schedules, fares, and best routes, one of the must-have apps in Dubai for getting around the city efficiently.
- Nol card: One card works for metro, buses, trams, and some taxis.
- Peak hours: Crowds 6–8:30 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.; trains every 3–4 minutes.
- Exits: Exit 1 for Al Rigga Street (hotels, cafés), Exit 2 for Al Ghurair Centre Mall.
- Live updates: Screens and the RTA app show next departures in real time.
- Rules & security: Expect bag checks; no eating, drinking, or gum allowed.
- Luggage: One large and one small suitcase allowed, placed in luggage areas.
- Cabins: Use Gold Class or Women & Children cabins to avoid fines.
Key takeaways
Al Rigga Metro Station (R17) is among the busiest stops on Dubai’s Red Line. It recorded 6.8 million riders in the first half of 2025, ranking second only to BurJuman.
The station offers fast connections to Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, and major business districts. More than 70 bus routes link Deira to the rest of the city.
Two exits make navigation simple. Exit 1 leads to Al Rigga Street for restaurants, cafés, and hotels such as Hyatt Place. Exit 2 connects directly to Al Ghurair Centre Mall for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Passengers benefit from real-time train information, upgraded RTA signage, air-conditioned waiting areas, Nol card machines, and free Wi-Fi. Frequent trains run from early morning until after midnight, making Al Rigga one of the most reliable hubs in Deira.
FAQs
Al Rigga is on the Dubai Metro Red Line (M1), linking Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya) in the east to Expo 2020, Life Pharmacy, and Al Fardan Exchange in the west.
Take the eastbound Red Line towards Centrepoint. Terminals 1 and 3 are just a few stops away.
Yes, the station is served by local bus routes (11A, 27, 77, C09, C9, and more). For intercity buses to Sharjah and Ajman, passengers should transfer at Union Bus Station (one stop away by metro).
Standard Dubai Metro timings apply — Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m., Friday until 1:00 a.m., and Sunday from 8:00 a.m.
Exit 1 leads to Al Rigga Street for hotels and eateries. Exit 2 connects directly to Al Ghurair Centre Mall for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
