If you are planning a day around the Union Metro Station in Dubai, you are bound to be spoilt for choice. Union Metro station is the interchange spot between the Red and Green lines, and it puts you some steps away from the most interesting spots of the city. From Dubai Creek to family-friendly malls, there is so much to explore around the Union Metro station. Then there is always the added advantage of an easy commute.
In this guide, you will explore the 12 best things to do near Union Metro station that will satiate the foodie, the shopper, and the cultural enthusiast in you.
- Dubai Creek
- Jewellery shopping at Dubai Gold Souk
- Spice shopping at Spice Souk
- Perfume shopping at Perfume Souk
- Heritage House and Al Ahmadiya School
- Bait Al Banat – Women’s Museum
- Heritage trails in Deira
- Deira Clock Tower
- Al Ghurair Centre
- Al Seef
- Naif Museum
- Waterfront market in Deira
- How to move around the Union Metro station quickly?
- Handy itinerary to plan half a day around the Union Metro station
- What to consider before getting a house around the Union Metro station?
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
1. Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is best explored on a traditional wooden abra. These motorised wooden boats run between Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souk or Al Sabkha. A ride on these boats costs 1 AED. These boats also operate on some additional routes, such as Al Fahidi and Al Sabkha, on regular intervals. Taking rides on these boats is the fastest way to get a heritage experience in Dubai.
From Union Metro Station, you can either walk or take the Green Line one stop to Baniyas Square. From there, simply follow the signs to Al Sabkha Abra Station. To cross the creek, hop on a traditional abra—route CR2 takes you across the water, while route CR1 connects you directly to Deira Old Souq and Bur Dubai. At just 1 AED per person, this is not only the most budget-friendly way to travel, but also one of the most scenic rides you can enjoy.
2. Jewellery shopping at Dubai Gold Souk
One short ride to Al Ras or Creek on an abra will take you to the legendary gold market of Dubai – Gold Souk. From delicate jewellery to heavy bridal sets, you will find the lanes adorned with designs you might have never seen in so much abundance. You can also go window-shopping in the Gold Souk and learn about different karats and designs available before you decide to buy.
The fastest way to reach here is to take an abra to Dubai Old Souq. Alternatively, an abra to Al Sabkha will also take you to your destination. Walk a few minutes to reach the lanes of the jewellery hub of Dubai. To hop onto the next stops from Union Station, take an abra back to Deira.
3. Spice shopping at Spice Souk
Once the shopper in you is satiated in Gold Souk, you can then move on next door to Spice Souk. The lanes of this market are adorned with saffron, various spice blends, and dried limes. There, you will also find vendors who will offer tastings and help you with the usage and quality of their offerings. Do not hesitate to bargain a good deal here.
Take an abra to Deira Old Souk or a metro to Al Ras from Union Metro station. Take a two to three-minute stroll and you will reach Spice Souk.
4. Perfume shopping at Perfume Souk
If you wish to explore something that is unique to Dubai, explore the Perfume Souk in Deira. Here, you will find bespoke blends of perfumes, bakhoor, and oud oils. This market gives you the option to leave with many souvenirs that you can take back for family and friends. Typically, shops here open late in the morning and again in the evening. Therefore, it is advisable to check the store timings before visiting.
5. Heritage House and Al Ahmadiya School
Al Ahmadiya was founded in 191,2 and it is one of the oldest semi-formal schools of Dubai. It has now been restored as a heritage site open for visitors. The Heritage House is right next to the school and it highlights the Emirati lifestyle and architecture in the early days. Check timings of operation before you plan your visit. To get there, take the Green Line metro to Al Ras and then walk while following the signs.
6. Bait Al Banat – Women’s Museum
Only a few minutes away from the souks, you will find the Bait Al Banat Women’s Museum. A walk through this museum will show you how the UAE celebrates the lives and achievements of women of the UAE. There are various archives and exhibitions to highlight this. It is highly insightful and concise. Therefore, it can easily be combined with your visit to the Gold Souk. Check the timing of the operation before you visit.
7. Heritage trails in Deira
This year in August, three heritage walks were introduced for tourists by Dubai Municipality. The total distance covered in these walks is about 1.8 kilometres and they take you through all the historic markets of Deira. These walks were introduced to enhance the paths while keeping the original character of the place intact. With these heritage walks, it has become easier to curate a route through the souks of Old Deira market.
8. Deira Clock Tower
A short walk away from the Union Metro station, Deira Clock Tower is a must-visit heritage location for history lovers. Built in the 1960s, the Deira Clock Tower recently got an overhauling with landscaping and lightings installed on the roundabout. This place is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Dubai and many people visit for a quick photo stop. To reach here, walk in east direction from Union Metro station via Al Maktoum road.
9. Al Ghurair Centre
One metro station away from Union Metro station, Al Ghurair is home to one of the first malls in Dubai. The distance from Union Metro station is so short that you can even walk. Al Ghurair is home to some of the finest cafés, family dining experiences and high-street brands. It is the best place to take a short break while hopping between different souks and abra rides.
10. Al Seef
Take an abra from Baniyas to Al Seef to experience the beautiful promenade of museums, heritage lanes, dhow and cafés. Al Seef is across the water but easily reachable by an abra from the Union Metro station. It is perfect to visit during the golden hour. To reach there, you can either take the Green Line metro to Al Fahidi, walk or take an abra CR6 between Al Seef and Baniyas.
11. Naif Museum
A short taxi or bus ride from Union takes you to Naif Souk, a go-to for fabrics, abayas and value shopping. Nearby, Naif Museum displays police history in a historic fort setting; it is compact and worth a quick stop if open. From Union, a brief ride to Baniyas and a walk or short taxi to Naif.
12. Waterfront market in Deira
If you wish to explore local markets of Dubai, Waterfront Market in Deira is the place to be. You can shop for several locally produced items under one roof. Waterfront market also has some casual eateries and promenades that serve lip-smacking food.
The facilities and timings of the market are listed on the official site. So, make sure that before visiting you have gone through those details.
How to move around the Union Metro station quickly?
Downloading the official Dubai Metro & Tram Map will help you in all practical ways to get around the Union Metro station. You can hop on the Green Line metro, get down at the next station – Baniyas Square – to take an abra ride. For Al Ghurair, get off at Salah Al Din station. Traditional abras run throughout the day on all important routes. Keep an eye on the RTA route codes CR1. This is the route to take if you wish to go to Deira Old Souk from Bur Dubai and back. The route code CR2 can be taken for Dubai Souq to Al Sabkha and back.
Handy itinerary to plan half a day around the Union Metro station
Start at Union Metro Station, stroll to Deira Clocktower, then take the metro to Al Ras for the Gold and Spice Souks. Cross the water on an abra and return to Baniyas for the Perfume Souk and Women’s Museum. End with dinner on the Deira Creekfront.
What to consider before getting a house around the Union Metro station?
Deira, Al Rigga and surrounding communities remain popular with commuters who want fast metro access and walkable amenities. For pricing, trends and transaction heatmaps, explore Data Guru on Property Finder and compare nearby buildings before you shortlist. When you are ready to view, reach out to a SuperAgent for quick, accurate responses.
Key takeaways
You can easily plan a full day around the Union Metro Station using short metro hops and AED 1 abra rides. Heritage sites, Gold and Spice Souks, and riverfront walks are minutes away. Use official RTA and Visit Dubai resources for timings, and check Data Guru if you are also scouting nearby homes.
FAQs
Yes. Locals sometimes say Union Station, but the official name on maps and signs is Union. It is a major interchange where the Red and Green Lines meet.
A standard motorised traditional abra across the Creek is AED 1 per person, paid in cash at the station. This is the standard cost for all important routes – CR1 and CR2. These routes include Dubai Old Souq–Al Sabkha and Bur Dubai–Deira Old Souq.
Most souk shops open in the morning and evening with an afternoon break, and many open later on Fridays. Exact hours vary by shop; see the official Visit Dubai pages and look for signs at each souk entrance.
Property Finder’s Market Watch Digest (Q2 2025) highlights the quarter’s ongoing strength in transactions and demand across Dubai. Use these quarterly digests to time your move and benchmark communities around Union.
