Dubai Metro has transformed daily commutes across the city, and Mashreq Metro Station (R33), also known as Insurance Market Metro Station, is one of its most recognisable stops. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the station serves the bustling communities of Al Barsha and Al Sufouh, with quick access to shopping, schools, offices, and leisure destinations.
The station has a fascinating history. When it opened in 2010, it was known as Sharaf DG, but was rebranded to Mashreq in 2020. On 5 September 2024, it adopted its latest name — Insurance Market Metro Station — following a 10-year naming rights deal with InsuranceMarket.ae.
For commuters, it’s not just another stop. It’s a central hub that ties together residential comfort, business convenience, and lifestyle attractions. Whether you’re heading to the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Internet City, or planning to live nearby, this station makes life easier.
To help you navigate, here’s a quick guide to what will be covered in this article:
- Routes and connections
- Operating hours
- Tickets, fares, and Nol cards
- Facilities inside the station
- Accessibility for all commuters
- How to plan your commute from the Insurance Market Metro Station
- Nearby attractions and destinations
- Lifestyle near Insurance Market Metro Station
- History of name changes
- Living near Insurance Market Metro Station: pros and cons
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Routes and connections
Whether you’re heading to Mall of the Emirates for some shopping, Dubai Internet City for work or to the airport for a holiday, this station is very well connected.
Where does the station sit on the Red Line?
The Insurance Market Metro Station is located on the Red Line, designated as R33. It sits strategically:
- One stop south of Mall of the Emirates (R32)
- One stop north of Dubai Internet City (R34)
- Platform 1: Trains towards Centrepoint (R11)
- Platform 2: Trains towards Sobha Realty / Expo 2020
Operating hours
The station follows the standard Dubai Metro schedule:
- Monday – Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. (next day)
- Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Pro tip: During major events like Dubai Shopping Festival or Expo, RTA often extends hours — always check the latest notices.
Tickets, fares, and Nol cards
Dubai Metro operates on a zone-based fare system. Insurance Market Metro Station is part of Zone 2, which means your fare depends on how many zones you travel through.
- Nol Red Ticket: Best for tourists or occasional users.
- Nol Silver & Gold Cards: Popular among regular commuters.
- Nol Blue Card: Linked to your Emirates ID for personal use.
Ticket machines located at the concourse accept both cash and cards, and staff are available to assist.
Tip: Just like you calculate your daily metro fare, you can also calculate housing costs. Use See Upfront Costs to check deposits, agency fees, and Ejari charges before renting near the station.
Facilities inside the station
Passengers enjoy modern, well-maintained facilities that make commutes smoother:
- Air-conditioned concourses and platforms
- Ticket vending machines and Nol top-up kiosks
- Public restrooms and baby-changing rooms
- Prayer rooms for men and women
- Free Wi-Fi across all levels
- Retail kiosks and convenience outlets
- Security personnel and CCTV
- Elevators, escalators, tactile paving, and accessible gates
Accessibility for all commuters
Dubai Metro stations are designed to be inclusive. At Insurance Market Metro Station, passengers with reduced mobility or families with strollers benefit from:
- Step-free access from the street to the platform
- Elevators at all levels
- Ramps and wide gates
- Audible and visual announcements in English and Arabic
- Clear signage in multiple languages
This makes the station a model of convenience for all age groups.
How to plan your commute from Insurance Market Metro Station
Your commute on the Dubai Metro is so easy, but here are a few tips to ensure that you’re travelling smart and comfortable.
Travel smart with Nol cards
Always keep a balance on your Nol card to avoid delays at the gates. For frequent commuters, a Silver Card offers the best value. If you prefer a quieter journey, a Gold Card gives you access to more spacious cabins.
Avoid peak hours
The morning rush (7:00–9:00 a.m.) and evening rush (5:00–7:30 p.m.) experience the highest foot traffic, especially in business hubs. If possible, travel slightly earlier or later for a more comfortable ride.
Use feeder buses
Feeder buses extend the metro’s reach into nearby communities, such as Al Barsha South and Knowledge Park. Planning your route with these services can cut walking time and save on taxi fares.
Stay updated on RTA alerts
During events like the Dubai Shopping Festival or New Year’s Eve, RTA may extend operating hours or increase frequency. Check RTA’s mobile app for live updates before starting your journey.
Combine with walking or cycling
Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Barsha have pedestrian bridges and safe sidewalks. For shorter distances, walking or cycling from the station is often faster than waiting for a taxi at peak hours.
Nearby attractions and destinations
Insurance Market Metro Station is surrounded by several key destinations, including Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and the bustling JBR Walk. You can also enjoy nearby attractions such as Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai, and Marina Mall, all easily accessible within a few minutes’ ride.
Mall of the Emirates – World-class shopping and entertainment
Just one stop away, Mall of the Emirates is a global landmark and one of Dubai’s most visited malls. Home to more than six hundred international brands, luxury fashion labels, and high-street retailers, it’s a shopper’s paradise.
Families love its extensive entertainment options, including Ski Dubai, VOX Cinemas, and Magic Planet, which is especially popular with children. Dining is just as diverse, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to quick bites. For commuters living near Insurance Market Metro Station, having this mall within such close reach is a significant lifestyle perk.
Dubai Internet City – The tech and business hub
To the north, Dubai Internet City (DIC) serves as the heart of the city’s tech economy. Hosting global players like Microsoft, Oracle, and Cisco, DIC is more than just office towers — it’s a thriving ecosystem of startups, cafés, coworking spaces, and conference venues.
For professionals, living near Insurance Market Metro Station means easy access to work, networking opportunities, and a vibrant after-hours social scene.
Al Barsha – A residential and business hub
Directly served by the station, Al Barsha is one of Dubai’s most in-demand residential districts. It offers a mix of affordable apartments, family villas, schools, supermarkets, clinics, and gyms.
Al Barsha’s appeal lies in its balance between value and location — residents enjoy lower rents compared to Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, while still being extremely well-connected. The district is also home to small businesses, restaurants, and fitness centres.
Al Sufouh and Sheikh Zayed Road corridor
Just west of the station, Al Sufouh is known for its mix of educational institutions, high-end residential towers, and beachfront hotels. It houses Dubai Knowledge Park, a hub for universities and professional training centres, as well as some of the city’s most prestigious schools, like Dubai College.
Meanwhile, the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor features an endless array of hotels, corporate offices, and serviced apartments, making it popular among business travellers and long-term residents.
Lifestyle near Insurance Market Metro Station
The Insurance Market Metro Station sits in one of Dubai’s busiest areas, so there’s plenty to do and access around it.
Schools and education
Families have access to a wide range of options, including GEMS Dubai American Academy, Dubai National School, American School of Dubai, and Dubai College. Parents appreciate the proximity of schools to the metro, making school runs quicker and less stressful.
Healthcare facilities
Two of Dubai’s best hospitals are within 10 minutes: Saudi German Hospital and Al Zahra Hospital. Clinics and pharmacies in Al Barsha provide day-to-day services, allowing residents to access medical care without the need for extensive travel.
Fitness and leisure
Fitness-minded residents enjoy gyms in the Mall of the Emirates, community fitness centres, and Al Barsha Pond Park, which is ideal for jogging and cycling. Yoga and Pilates studios in Al Sufouh cater to a growing wellness community.
Dining and cafés
Food choices are endless: fine dining at Mall of the Emirates for special nights out, casual restaurants in Al Barsha for everyday meals, and trendy cafés in Dubai Internet City popular among professionals.
Shopping and essentials
Alongside the Mall of the Emirates, residents rely on supermarkets like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Union Coop. Local shops, laundries, and salons in Al Barsha 1 create a neighbourhood feel despite the area’s central location.
Property appeal
Al Barsha offers mid-range apartments at competitive rents, ideal for young professionals and families. Al Sufouh attracts buyers with premium residences, including waterfront properties and high-end towers. The strong rental demand in both communities ensures stable yields for landlords.
History of name changes
Insurance Market Metro Station has seen several rebrandings over the years, each reflecting Dubai’s evolving urban identity and its approach to public–private partnerships.
- Sharaf DG Metro Station (2010)
When the Red Line segment first opened, the station was named after Sharaf DG, one of Dubai’s leading electronics retailers. This naming aligned with Dubai’s early metro strategy of linking stations with recognisable commercial brands to fund infrastructure through sponsorship. - Mashreq Metro Station (2020)
After a decade, the station was renamed Mashreq following a new 10-year naming rights deal with Mashreq Bank, one of the UAE’s oldest and most established financial institutions. This shift reflected the city’s growing emphasis on linking transit with the financial services sector. - Insurance Market Metro Station (2024)
On 5 September 2024, the station was renamed once more after InsuranceMarket.ae secured a fresh naming rights agreement for the next 10 years. This rebranding emphasises Dubai’s commitment to innovative industries and the digital economy, with the insurance sector gaining visibility in one of the busiest metro corridors.
Why do metro stations get renamed?
The Dubai Metro is unique in its use of corporate sponsorship for station naming rights. This model enables private companies to associate their brand with high-traffic stations, while the city generates funds to maintain and expand its metro services. For residents, renaming may cause short-term confusion, but it reflects Dubai’s globalised, business-oriented character.
Impact on commuters and businesses
Each rebranding has required updates to maps, apps, signage, and wayfinding systems. Businesses and hotels nearby often highlight the name change in their marketing to avoid confusion for tourists and new residents. For long-term commuters, it’s simply part of Dubai’s fast-paced growth story.
Living near Insurance Market Metro Station: pros and cons
The area around the station is one of Dubai’s most buzzy, which comes with a whole host of perks but also a few downsides too.
Pros
- Central location with quick access to business hubs and shopping malls
- Affordable rental options in Al Barsha
- Premium lifestyle in Al Sufouh for families and investors
- Strong transport links reduce reliance on cars
Cons
- Busy during peak commuter hours
- Limited parking near the station (unless at malls)
- Property prices may be higher due to strong demand
Key takeaways
Insurance Market Metro Station (R33), formerly known as Mashreq, is one of the most strategically located stops on the Dubai Metro. It connects the thriving communities of Al Barsha and Al Sufouh with shopping, education, healthcare, and business hubs along Sheikh Zayed Road.
The Insurance Market Metro Station is located on the Dubai Metro’s Red Line, between the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Internet City. It serves Al Barsha and Al Sufouh, offering strong connectivity, modern facilities, and convenient access to schools, hospitals, and shopping centres. It serves as a commuter hub and a lifestyle anchor for residents in the surrounding area.
With modern facilities, barrier-free accessibility, and strong transport connections, commuting is easy and convenient. Its proximity to the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Internet City, and premium residential areas makes it a top choice for families, professionals, and investors alike.
The station’s 2024 rebranding reflects Dubai’s vision of innovation and public-private collaboration. Whether you’re a daily commuter or planning a move nearby, this metro station is at the heart of city living.
FAQs
It is on the Dubai Metro’s Red Line.
Mon–Thu: 5:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.; Fri: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.; Sat–Sun: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Primarily Al Barsha, Al Sufouh, and parts of Sheikh Zayed Road.
Sharaf DG (until 2020), then Mashreq (until 2024).
Yes, Al Barsha offers mid-range rentals while Al Sufouh has upscale homes. Check verified listings with a SuperAgent.
Look for R33 – Insurance Market on the official RTA Dubai Metro map.
Living near Insurance Market Metro Station (R33) means unbeatable connectivity, family-friendly amenities, and access to some of Dubai’s top business and leisure hubs. Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or invest, Property Finder has you covered.
Your new home could be just one metro stop away.
