With Dubai’s ever-expanding metro network, stations like National Paints Metro Station (previously jebel ali metro station) play a vital role in connecting the city’s fast-moving residents and curious explorers. Located in the Jebel Ali area, this interchange station sits at the junction of two major metro routes.
Previously known as Jebel Ali Metro Station, it was renamed as National Paints Metro Station in 2024 as part of RTA’s naming rights initiative. Today, the station acts as the gateway to Route 2020, making it a crucial stop for anyone travelling between the heart of Dubai and its southern and western reaches.
This guide outlines:
- Which metro line does National Paints serve?
- Standard operating hours
- Where do you go from National Paints Metro Station?
- What is the frequency of trains from National Paints?
- What are the amenities available at National Paints Metro Station?
- Other transport options from National Paints Metro Station
- What’s around National Paints?
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Which metro line does National Paints serve?
This strategic location makes National Paints (jebel ali metro station) a vital node in Dubai’s metro network. If you’re travelling to or from Expo City Dubai, Dubai Investments Park, or Discovery Gardens, this is where you switch to take a train towards Rashidiya or Jebel Ali Village.
Standard operating hours
The Dubai Metro typically operates from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, but the operating hours vary on different days of the week.
| Day | Operating Hours |
| 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 p.m. |
Train timings may vary slightly depending on operational factors. Always check the RTA Dubai app or Journey Planner before you travel. For a complete overview of public transport options in Dubai, check our Dubai public transport guide
Where do you go from National Paints Metro Station?
The station is a crucial link in the metro network that runs along the western coast of Dubai. You can access all parts of the city from here.
Towards Centrepoint (Formerly Rashidiya)
Heading north from National Paints (jebel ali metro station) takes you into Dubai’s vibrant core. Trains from this direction connect you with Dubai’s central landmarks and bustling business districts.
Major stops along this direction include:
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Business Bay
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- DIFC
- Union (interchange to Green Line)
- Centrepoint (terminal station near Rashidiya and Dubai Airport)
This route is ideal if you’re headed toward the airport, city centre, or interchange hubs that connect to the Green Line.
Tentative first and last train timings are as follows:
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
| Monday – Thursday | 5:20 a.m. | 10:50 p.m. |
| Friday | 5:20 a.m. | 11:50 p.m. |
| Saturday | 5:20 a.m. | 10:50 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8:20 a.m. | 10:50 p.m. |
Towards Life Pharmacy (formerly UAE Exchange)
If you’re continuing southwards on the Red Line, you’ll pass through:
- Jebel Ali Industrial Area
- Danube
- Energy
- Life Pharmacy (last stop on the Red Line)
This stretch primarily serves industrial zones and quieter residential communities, making it ideal for workday commutes and local exploration. Indicative train timings are as follows:
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
| Monday – Thursday | 6:18 a.m. | 11:40 p.m. |
| Friday | 6:18 a.m. | 12:40 a.m. (Sat) |
| Saturday | 6:18 a.m. | 11:40 p.m. |
| Sunday | 9:18 a.m. | 11:40 p.m. |
Towards Expo 2020 (Route 2020)
National Paints is where the Route 2020 line begins, a futuristic corridor developed to support the Expo and its surrounding zones.
Key destinations include:
- The Gardens
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Furjan Properties
- Dubai Investments Park
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Expo 2020 Station
These areas are a mix of modern residential districts and upcoming commercial hubs. Here’s a suggestive timetable of trains running on this route:
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
| Monday – Thursday | 5:00 a.m. | 11:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 5:00 a.m. | 12:30 a.m. (Sat) |
| Saturday | 5:00 a.m. | 11:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8:00 a.m. | 11:30 p.m. |
What is the frequency of trains from National Paints?
Trains arrive at National Paints Metro Station every few minutes. During busy hours in the morning and evening, a train comes every 3 to 5 minutes. In quieter times, the wait is around 5 to 7 minutes.
At night, trains may come slightly less often. It is best to check the RTA app or station screens for the most up-to-date information. No matter where you are headed, trains are frequent and reliable.
What are the amenities available at National Paints Metro Station?
Despite being more of a transit hub than a shopping stop, National Paints Metro Station is well-equipped to handle high footfall with ease.
Access and entrances
The station has multiple entry and exit points connected to feeder bus stops that serve local communities. There are drop-off zones nearby for taxis and ride-hailing services. Pedestrian walkways link the station to nearby offices and housing areas.
Inside the station
The station offers clean, air-conditioned waiting areas, along with lifts and escalators to ensure easy access for all passengers. NOL card recharge kiosks and ticket machines are conveniently available to make travel seamless.
For added support, an RTA help desk is on-site to assist with queries or trip planning. Digital signage throughout the station helps passengers navigate platforms and interchange points efficiently.
Accessibility
Passengers benefit from full accessibility at the station, with step-free access from the entrance to the trains, dedicated areas for wheelchair users, and clear audio and visual announcements throughout.
Other transport options from National Paints Metro Station
Feeder bus services
The RTA runs multiple bus services from National Paints Station, serving nearby residential and commercial clusters. Key routes include:
- F54: Jebel Ali Village and Industrial Area
- F48: Towards Al Furjan and Discovery Gardens
- Route to Ibn Battuta Bus Station for onward travel
Ride-hailing and taxis
Taxis and ride-hailing services, such as Careem and Uber, are easily accessible outside the station. There is usually a steady stream of available cars during peak hours.
No direct tram connection
Unlike some other metro stations, National Paints does not connect to the Dubai Tram network. However, tram-linked stations like DMCC and Sobha Realty are just a few stops away.
What’s around National Paints?
Although it’s primarily a commuter hub, there are a few notable locations and conveniences nearby:
- Jebel Ali Village: A serene, leafy residential community offering a peaceful escape from the city.
- Festival Plaza Mall: A short ride away, featuring IKEA, food courts, and expansive hypermarkets.
- Jebel Ali Recreation Club: A casual leisure spot with restaurants, fitness facilities, and social spaces.
- Expo City Dubai: A futuristic cultural hub, initially created for the grandeur of Expo 2020.
Key takeaways
National Paints is a major interchange where the Dubai Metro’s Red Line splits. One-line heads to Expo 2020, the other to Life Pharmacy and Centrepoint. It connects residential, industrial, and commercial zones in Jebel Ali, Discovery Gardens, and Dubai Investments Park.
The station is fully accessible, with air-conditioned platforms, NOL card top-up machines, and dedicated help desks. Feeder buses and taxis make it easy to travel from and to the station.
FAQs
National Paints is the new name for the previously known Jebel Ali Metro Station. They are both essentially the same station.
Yes. National Paints (jebel ali metro station) is the interchange point where the Red Line branches out to Route 2020.
There is limited RTA parking nearby, but it’s more of a transfer station than a park-and-ride facility. Consider parking at Expo 2020 or Ibn Battuta instead.
The station has no direct retail outlets, but Festival Plaza and Jebel Ali Village are easily accessible via short rides.
Yes, though not directly. You can take a metro to Ibn Battuta and catch the E101 bus to Abu Dhabi from the Ibn Battuta Bus Station.
