RTA Dubai has introduced three new routes on the Dubai Metro Red Line: Centrepoint–Life Pharmacy, Centrepoint–Expo City Dubai, and a peak-hour Centrepoint–Al Fardan Exchange shuttle. See timings, stations served, and how the change cuts travel time.
At a glance:
- 3 routes now run on the Red Line:
- Centrepoint ↔ Life Pharmacy (end-to-end, no transfer)
- Centrepoint ↔ Expo City Dubai (direct to Expo branch)
- Centrepoint ↔ Al Fardan Exchange (peak-hour shuttle)
- Peak-hour shuttle times: 7:00–9:00 and 16:00–20:00
- No more transfer needed at Jebel Ali to reach the southwestern terminus
- RTA ridership keeps growing: 395M public transport journeys in H1 2025; the Metro accounts for 143.9M (36.5%)
Why this change matters
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reconfigured the Red Line to ease crowding, shorten journey times, and give commuters simpler, more direct options. With Dubai’s population exceeding four million and continued network growth (Blue Line expected by 2029), the Red Line upgrade is designed to keep the city moving.
About the Dubai Metro Red Line
- Opened: 2009 (Green Line followed in 2011)
- Recent growth: Expo 2020 extension now fully integrated
- What’s new: Three distinct operating patterns so more riders can travel end-to-end without transfers, especially at Jebel Ali
The three new Red Line routes
- Centrepoint ↔ Life Pharmacy Station (full-length service)
- Start/end: Centrepoint (near Dubai International Airport) to Life Pharmacy Station in Jebel Ali (formerly UAE Exchange).
- What’s better: End-to-end riders no longer have to switch at Jebel Ali; just stay seated from one side of the city to the other.
- Centrepoint ↔ Expo City Dubai (direct Expo branch service)
- Start/end: Centrepoint to Expo City Dubai via the Expo branch.
- Key areas served: Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and more.
- Why it helps: Expo City Dubai-bound passengers get a direct train with no Jebel Ali transfer.
- Centrepoint ↔ Al Fardan Exchange (formerly Al Khail) — Peak-hour shuttle
- Purpose: Adds extra capacity on the busiest urban stretch during rush hours, turning back at Al Fardan Exchange.
- Peak times: 7:00–9:00 and 16:00–20:00 (Monday–Friday typical; check RTA for weekend/holiday variations).
- Major city stops on this shuttle:
- Centrepoint
- Emirates
- Airport Terminal 3
- Airport Terminal 1
- Al Garhoud
- City Centre Deira
- Al Rigga
- Union
- BurJuman
- ADCB
- Max
- World Trade Centre
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- ONPASSIVE
- Equiti
- Mall of the Emirates
- InsuranceMarket
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Fardan Exchange
What this means for your commute
- Faster journeys: Fewer transfers and better frequency where demand is highest.
- Simpler trips: Two direct end-to-end routes plus an urban core shuttle during peak hours.
- Better reliability: Splitting services reduces bottlenecks and balances train loads.
How to plan your trip
- Pick the route that matches your destination: Life Pharmacy for the southwest terminus, Expo City Dubai for the Expo branch, and Al Fardan Exchange shuttle for central city trips at rush hour.
- Check headways and first/last trains: Use RTA’s Journey Planner or the S’hail app for live timings.
- Station names change: Several stops carry sponsored names (e.g., Max, Equiti, ONPASSIVE, InsuranceMarket, Al Fardan Exchange). Confirm your stop in the app if you haven’t travelled recently.
RTA ridership snapshot (H1 2025)
- Total public transport journeys: 395+ million (+9% year-on-year)
- Dubai Metro: 143.9 million trips (36.5% of all journeys)
FAQ
Do I still need to change at Jebel Ali?
No. If you’re travelling to Life Pharmacy Station (southwestern end) or to Expo City Dubai, the new routes run direct from Centrepoint.
When does the peak-hour shuttle run?
The Centrepoint ↔ Al Fardan Exchange shuttle operates 7:00–9:00 and 16:00–20:00. Always check the RTA app on weekends and public holidays.
Which route should I use for Expo City Dubai?
Take the Centrepoint ↔ Expo City Dubai route. It runs directly via the Expo branch without transfers.
Has the UAE Exchange Station been renamed?
Yes. It’s now Life Pharmacy Station.
Where can I see live updates?
Use the RTA S’hail app or the Journey Planner for live departures, platform information, and service notices.
