Visit popular tourist attractions near the Dubai Metro
Want to know which are the best tourist attractions near to Dubai Metro? From the world’s tallest building to a picture frame 150 metres tall, here are the top attractions that are within easy access of the emirate’s metro line.
Best tourist attractions near Dubai Metro
The launch of Dubai Metro in 2009 was a turning point for the emirate. It is estimated that over 74,000 passengers use the emirate’s iconic public transport system daily. It certainly provides a convenient and affordable way for working professionals as well as travellers to get around Dubai with ease.
There are plenty of places to visit near the metro stations in Dubai. Let’s take a closer look at each of them. The following list of tourist attractions near Dubai Metro is perfect if you have a layover in Dubai and have a few hours to explore the city.
Dubai Frame/Zabeel Park (Max Fashion Metro Station)
- Landmarks: The Dubai Frame and Zabeel Park
- Metro Station: Max Fashion (previously Al Jafiliya)
- Metro Line: Red Line
Following Dubai Airport, the next major tourist attraction on the Dubai Metro is the magnificent Dubai Frame. This attraction hold one of the world records in Dubai and is definitely worth a visit. It stands at the height of 150 metres and offers panoramic views of both Old and New Dubai. You also get to be part of an immersive gallery displaying the evolution of the city.
The Frame takes visitors through a journey of three different time periods of the UAE — its past, present and future.
Getting to the Dubai Frame from Max Fashion station requires a 10-minute walk from the stop, but it’s well worth it because you get to see Zabeel Park, one of the best parks in Dubai!
- Dubai Frame Ticket Price: AED 50 for adults | AED 20 for children from 3-12 years | Free for kids under 3 and people of determination with two companions
- Dubai Frame Timings: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
- Getting there: Get off at the Max Fashion Landside exit and walk to the Dubai Frame gate (previously known as Gate 4/stargate)
Dubai World Trade Centre
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is among the most happening destinations in Dubai. The centre plays a vital role in facilitating international trade in the Middle East. It hosts several exhibitions, conventions, concerts and fairs on a regular basis.
If you’re visiting towards the end of the month – you might get your hands on some of the ridiculously low-priced stuff at the monthly CBBC sales!
- Getting here: The Dubai Metro Red Line runs along the DWTC. With its own dedicated metro station, it’s easy for anyone to reach the venue. The trains run from 05:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Emirates Tower
Like other iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers is also among the iconic buildings in Dubai. Plus, it is easily reachable via the emirate’s metro system. The two-tower complex is also among the tallest skyscrapers in the UAE. The structure is also referred to as Jumeirah Emirates Towers and is serviced by the Red Line.
Emirates Towers took over the position of tallest building from the Burj Al Arab in the year 2000. It may not be the tallest tower anymore, but a trip here is well worth the photo opportunity. Plus, Emirates Towers is located close to the soon-to-open Museum of the Future!
- Getting here: Like DWTC, Emirates Towers also has its own metro station. Both stations are six minutes away from each other.
Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall
- Landmarks: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, Dubai Fountain
- Metro Station: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Metro Line: Red Line
If you want to visit most of Dubai’s popular tourist attractions in a day, you should get off at the Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall metro station. This metro station takes you to the heart of the city, Downtown Dubai.
Use the mall’s metro link bridge to visit The Dubai Mall. Aside from shopping, you get to enjoy a spectacular array of activities in The Dubai Mall. The facility is home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo as well as the Dubai Fountain — both of which are major attractions in the city. While you enjoy the fountain’s theatrics, you can check off the Burj Khalifa from your list of places to visit in Dubai via metro.
Another popular place to visit near the area is the acclaimed Dubai Opera. It is the first performing arts theatre in the city and hosts events ranging from jazz performances to stand-up comedy and concerts.
- Getting there: Head to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and use the Dubai Mall Link Bridge to walk to the mall. All the mentioned attractions apart from the Dubai Opera are here. You will need to walk to the opera house from the mall.
The Dubai Canal is another popular attraction – a visit there is counted among the best free things to do in Dubai. This 3.2km long artificial canal runs through Sheikh Zayed Road. The recreational spot features a 3km running track and a 12km cycling track, perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
- Getting there: Get down at the Business Bay station and take a short cab ride to the Tolerance Bridge on Dubai Canal.
Mall of the Emirates/ Ski Dubai: Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
- Landmarks: Mall of the Emirates (MOE), Ski Dubai
- Metro Station: Mall of the Emirates
- Metro line: Red Line
Like The Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates or MOE is also considered among the best malls in Dubai — for good reason. It serves all the residents in Al Barsha. Furthermore, it is home to indoor skiing in Dubai – a ski resort with sub zero temperatures. The facility has a range of suitable activities for adults and kids, like skiing, access to a snow park and a meetup with the penguins and more.
Once you are done playing in the snow, shop at any high-end brands or dine at the many restaurants at the Mall of the Emirates. Additionally, you can try other activities in MOE like rock climbing and trampoline jumps.
Getting there: The metro link in the Mall of the Emirates is located on the first floor above Carrefour.
Ibn Battuta Mall (Ibn Battuta Metro Station)
- Landmark: Ibn Battuta Mall
- Metro Station: Ibn Battuta metro station
- Metro line: Red line
Another one of the popular tourist attractions near the Dubai Metro is the beautiful Ibn Batutta Mall. Explore the exquisite architecture of Andalusia, China, Egypt, Persia, India and Tunisia under one roof while shopping at your favourite brand outlets or head to the food court. If you feel a bit adventurous, visit Sky Zone Dubai – an indoor trampoline park with multiple activities!
When it comes to the shops in Ibn Battuta Mall, visitors are spoilt for choice. The retail hub hosts a range of popular global brands in fashion, cosmetics and other categories. Feeling hungry? After a shopping spree, take the family to Pizza Express, Nando’s or any of the other popular restaurants in Ibn Battuta Mall.
If a retail binge isn’t on your agenda, you will be glad to know that there are a bunch of other things to do in Ibn Battuta Mall. For example, you can go bowling, catch a movie at a cinema or take the kids to Fun City.
Getting there: Get down at the Ibn Battuta Mall Landside exit. From there you can easily walk to the mall.
Expo 2020
- Landmark: Expo 2020 site
- Metro Station: Expo Station
- Metro Line: Red Line
Thanks to the new Route 2020 extension, the Expo 2020 site is now accessible via the Dubai Metro. The highly anticipated event will commence from October 1st 2021, to May 31st 2022. So, you can plan a visit here during this time.
The event is geared to be the best in the emirate, including everything from educational programmes to games and more. Over 192 countries will be participating in the mega event and most of the attractions have been confirmed. The event will stretch over six months, so you can add a visit to it on your “tourist attractions covered by Dubai Metro” list.
You can travel directly to the venue via the Dubai Metro Red Line.
- Getting here: Access the Red Line to head to the Expo 2020 site
SPECIAL MENTIONS: OTHER GREAT PLACES TO VISIT BY THE METRO
Apart from the mentioned places, visitors to the emirate can go to these places near Dubai Metro:
Burj Al Arab/Jumeirah Beach
- Landmarks: Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach,
- Metro Station: Al Safa or Umm Al Sheif
- Metro Line: Red Line
The iconic Burj Al Arab is another one of the popular attractions in Dubai near the metro. Getting here will require you to hail a cab from the Umm Al Sheif metro station as the distance is considerable.
This luxury hotel is known for its iconic sail-shaped silhouette that sits on a man-made island off the coast of Jumeirah Beach. There are plenty of things to do in Burj Al Arab, but unless you are part of an authorised guided tour or a guest at the hotel, it’s a bit tricky to get access to explore the hotel. The easy workaround is to grab afternoon tea or a meal at one of the restaurants in Burj Al Arab.
PRO TIP: If entering the hotel is not your main focus, head to the Al Safa metro station and tell your cabbie to take you to Kite Beach. It is one of the best beaches in Dubai and so automatically qualifies for the best tourist places near Dubai Metro. There are activities at Kite Beach to look forward to as well.
Getting there: For Kite Beach, head to Al Safa and cab it. It’s the same if you want to go to Burj Al Arab, but for that you need to get off at the Umm Al Sheif metro station.
Exploring Old Dubai on the Metro
For those who would prefer exploring Dubai’s rich heritage and culture, the metro stations on the green line are where your eyes should be at. Here are a few other great places with plenty of things to do near the Dubai Metro.
Al Fahidi Historical District (Al Fahidi Metro Station)
- Landmarks: Bastakia Quarter, Museums, Arba rides
- Metro Station: Sharaf DG Metro Station
- Metro Line: Green Line
Those looking to take in the culture and visit historical sites near the emirate’s metro can visit Al Fahidi Historical District. Commonly referred to as the Bastakiya Quarter, this area is the oldest in Dubai. The district holds memories of a time that pre-dates the formation of the emirates, when pearl fishing was a major contributor to the country’s economy. Walk through the winding alleys and come across buildings made from palm wood, gypsum and ochre.
Apart from housing some of the country’s oldest architecture, it is home to the Dubai Museum, set inside Al Fahidi Fort, former home to the previous monarch. Here, you can find a range of exhibits on display featuring shops from the early 1950s and even some artefacts dating back to 3000 BC.
Additionally, some of the best museums in Dubai are also located in the area.
The area is open to all tourists at any time of the day. However, visitors are expected to consider the timings of the landmarks and museums they plan to visit.
All in all, a visit here is among the best things to do in a day in Dubai.
Getting there: Go to Sharaf DG Metro Station and get out from Exit 4. Al Bastakiya Quarter is a seven-minute walk away from the exit.
Gold Souk
Finally, we have the famous Gold Souk on our list of tourist attractions near the Dubai Metro. Dubai is known as the ‘City of Gold’ because of the massive gold shopping complex that features endless rows of shops selling handcrafted jewellery, diamonds and other precious jewels in one place.
As you walk around, you will also get to see some of the traditional souks in Dubai, including the Deira Perfume Souk, Spice Souk and the Textile Souk. These markets are considered one of the best places to buy souvenirs in Dubai. Keep in mind, haggling in this area is allowed, so make sure to get your game face on when you visit.
Getting here: Get off at Al Ras Metro Station on the Green Line. Walk to Al Khor Street and northeast to Old Baldiya Street. The route may get complicated from here on, so it’s best to ask the locals for directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy tickets to the Dubai Metro?
You can buy a one-time ticket or Nol Card to ride the metro in the emirate. RTA Nol cards in Dubai are available at all metro stations. You can also purchase them at supermarkets like Spinneys, Waitrose and Carrefour. Topping them up is also easy as it can be done online via ticketing machines in metro stations.
Where can I live near Dubai metro stations?
The emirate’s metro service is a convenient way to get around. If you plan to move to Dubai and don’t have a private vehicle, a priority is looking for accommodations near the metro. You can find suitable apartments to rent near Dubai Metro within proximity to the Red and Green lines. These include stations in Discovery Gardens, Business Bay and Al Nahda, among others.
What is so great about the Dubai Metro?
Did you know? The emirate’s public transport service is officially the longest driverless metro in the world. Another one of the interesting facts about Dubai Metro is that it operates more than 70 trains at the same time.
Planning on visiting the emirate soon? Take the metro and check into any of the hotels near metro stations in Dubai. Examples include Holiday Inn Al Barsha and Fairmont Dubai.
Don’t forget to Check out rules for tourists in Dubai– it’s the kind of prep work that turns “meh” vacations into marvelous memories.
That concludes our review of the best attractions near Dubai Metro. Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on the latest happenings in the UAE!
