Line🔴 Red Line
Station IDR26
ZoneZone 1
Fare (Silver)AED 3.00
Fare (Gold)AED 6.00
Operating Hours05:00–00:00
Accessibility♿ Full Access
Status
Business Bay Metro Station platform
Business Bay Metro Station, Dubai
Business Bay station entrance

About Business Bay Metro Station — Red Line, Zone 1

Business bay metro station (R26) is on the Red Line in Nol Zone 1, elevated on Sheikh Zayed Road at the edge of Dubai's Business Bay commercial and residential district. The station has two exits: Exit 1 (Landside) opens onto Al A'amal Street toward the Business Bay commercial towers, Opus Tower, and Marasi Drive canal promenade; Exit 2 faces Sheikh Zayed Road and the approach toward Financial Centre station to the north. The station is fully accessible with lifts, platform doors, Gold Class (Car 1), and a Women and Children's car (Car 3).

The station opened in September 2009 as part of the original Red Line. Business Bay as a district was still largely under construction at the time — the area has transformed significantly since, becoming one of Dubai's most sought-after addresses for corporate offices and upscale residential towers. The metro business bay dubai connection played a role in unlocking this development, as the station made car-free commuting from the central business district possible for the first time.

The Dubai Water Canal — completed in 2016 — runs immediately east of the station beneath Marasi Drive, and the 3.2-kilometre canal promenade is one of the most pleasant walking and cycling routes in the city. The Opus Tower by Zaha Hadid Architects, housing the ME Dubai hotel and Sfumato restaurant, is approximately 600 metres from Exit 1. Several high-end restaurants line the canal bank within a 10-minute walk.

From business bay metro station exit 1, key destinations are reachable by metro or a short taxi: Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall is one stop north (approximately 4 minutes); Financial Centre and DIFC are one stop south (4 minutes); Downtown Dubai's restaurants and hotels are 1–2 kilometres via Al A'amal Street; Dubai Design District (d3) is 3 kilometres east via the canal. The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai — one of the world's tallest hotels — is approximately 700 metres from Exit 1.

A practical tip for the business bay metro exit: during weekday morning peak hours (07:30–09:30), the station gets congested with corporate commuters. If heading to the canal or Marasi Drive for leisure, evenings and weekends are much more relaxed. The canal promenade is especially enjoyable at night when the lights reflect off the water — an easy post-dinner walk between the canal-side restaurants.

Opened
September 2009
Platform Type
Elevated
Platform Doors
Yes
Gold Class
Yes (Car 1)
Women & Children Car
Yes (Car 3)

About Business Bay — Metro Business Bay Dubai Area

Business Bay is a mixed-use master-planned district developed from the early 2000s on reclaimed land along the Dubai Water Canal. It sits immediately south of Downtown Dubai and east of Sheikh Zayed Road, connected to both by the Canal and major road bridges. The district contains a mix of corporate towers, residential high-rises, hotels, and an expanding restaurant and retail scene along Marasi Drive and the canal front.

The metro to business bay connects the district to the wider network, making it accessible without a car. Marasi Drive, running parallel to the Canal on the Business Bay side, has become one of Dubai's better dining promenades with Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern restaurants with outdoor terraces overlooking the water. The area fills up with weekend brunchers and evening canal walkers. The Design Quarter at d3, 3 kilometres east, draws creative professionals and visitors.

Practical tips: Business Bay is large and some destinations require a taxi or e-scooter even after taking the metro. The RTA has lime-green e-scooters available for hire near the canal. Parking is metered throughout the district and expensive during weekdays — the metro is the preferred commute option. On Fridays, many corporate buildings and some restaurants in the tower podiums are closed, but the canal-side restaurants and the Marasi promenade remain open and are less crowded than weekday evenings.

Red Line — Nearby Stations

Adjacent stations on the line.

 Financial Centre R24 Visit →
Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall R25 Visit →
Business Bay R26 ← You are here
Onpassive R29 Visit →
equiti R31 Visit →

Nearby Places

GPS-verified distances from Business Bay Metro Station (Exit 1 / Landside).

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LIFE Pharmacy — Clover Bay

Clover Bay Tower, Marasi Dr · Next to Al Maya Supermarket · Open daily 08:00–02:00

★ 4.9 ~3 min walk (~210m)

Located in the Clover Bay Tower on Marasi Drive approximately 210 metres from the business bay metro station exit 1, this LIFE Pharmacy branch is one of the most convenient in the Business Bay district. Open daily 08:00–02:00 with late-night hours ideal for residents returning home after dinner. Stocks prescription medications, OTC treatments, vitamins, cosmetics, and baby supplies. Rated 4.9 stars — one of the highest-rated LIFE branches in Dubai. Adjacent to the Al Maya Supermarket for combined grocery and pharmacy stops.

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Sfumato — ME Dubai Hotel

The Opus Tower, Al A'amal St · Restaurant in Zaha Hadid's iconic building · Open daily 09:00–22:00

★ 4.6 ~5 min walk (~410m)

Sfumato is the signature all-day dining restaurant inside the ME Dubai hotel, located within the Opus Tower — Zaha Hadid's distinctive cube-with-a-void tower on Al A'amal Street approximately 410 metres from Exit 1. Open daily 09:00–22:00 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Serves contemporary European cuisine in a bold, Hadid-designed interior. Dress code is smart casual. The building itself is an architectural landmark worth visiting even for non-diners — the lobby and atrium are open to hotel guests and those with restaurant reservations.

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Dubai Water Canal Promenade

Marasi Dr · 3.2km waterfront walk, cycling track, canal-side restaurants · Open 24 hours

~7 min walk (~550m) Via Exit 1 (Landside)

The Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2-kilometre artificial waterway connecting the Creek to the Arabian Gulf, completed in 2016. The promenade runs along Marasi Drive on the Business Bay side and is open 24 hours for walking, jogging, and cycling. Canal-side restaurants and cafes line the walk with outdoor terraces. The bridge crossings offer views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown skyline. Accessible from business bay metro station exit 1 — head south along Al A'amal Street then east onto Marasi Drive to reach the promenade.

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Cleo Dubai

Business Bay, canal-side · Mediterranean café & restaurant · "Beautiful canal and Burj Khalifa view"

★ 4.7 ~9 min walk (~730m)

Cleo Dubai is a Mediterranean café and all-day dining restaurant on the Business Bay canal promenade, approximately 730 metres from the metro to business bay exit. It is rated 4.7 stars and praised for its outdoor terrace with canal and Burj Khalifa views. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — popular for weekend brunches and evening dining. Reservations recommended on weekends. Serves mezze, grills, salads, and fresh seafood at mid-to-upper price points. The outdoor seating is best enjoyed October through April.

How to Use Business Bay Metro Station Metro Station

Here is a straightforward guide to entering, navigating, and exiting Business Bay Metro Station Station whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular commuter.

  1. Look for the Dubai Metro logo (red M on white background) on street signage. Business Bay Metro Station has multiple exits — check which exit is closest to your destination before entering. Exit maps are displayed at the top of the stairs and beside the gates.

  2. Tap your Silver or Gold Nol Card on the reader at the entrance gate. The gate will display your remaining balance. If your balance is below AED 3.00 the gate will not open — top up at the vending machines beside the gates before entering.

  3. Check the overhead direction signs on the platform. On the Red Line trains run towards Centrepoint (Rashidiya) in one direction and towards UAE Exchange / Expo City in the other. On the Green Line trains run towards Etisalat by e& or towards Creek. Confirm your direction on the station map before the train arrives.

  4. Stand behind the yellow safety line until the train stops and doors open. Let passengers exit first then board. Tap your Nol Card at the exit gates at your destination — forgetting to tap out results in the maximum fare being charged for that journey.

Nol Card tip: If you are visiting Dubai for more than 2 days a Silver Nol Card (AED 25 including AED 19 travel credit) saves money compared to buying individual paper tickets. It works on metro, bus, tram, and water bus across all of Dubai. Available at every metro station vending machine.

Getting There

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By Metro

Red Line, Station R26. Hours: 05:00–00:00 (Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun); 10:00–01:00 (Friday).

Red Line R26
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By Bus

RTA bus routes 27, X28 serve this station.

27X28

Bus stops are on Sheikh Zayed Road below the station. Route 27 connects Business Bay to Al Satwa, Jumeirah, and the beach corridor — useful for reaching the coast without a long metro detour via Onpassive or MOE. Route X28 is an express service connecting Business Bay to key points in Sharjah, useful for residents commuting cross-emirate. Buses depart from the Sheikh Zayed Road ground-level stops; frequency is approximately every 20–30 minutes. A Nol Card is required for all bus journeys — cash is not accepted.

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By Taxi / Ride-Hail

RTA taxis available at the station exit. Uber and Careem also serve this area. Use the RTA app for journey planning and fare estimates.

RTA taxis are available at the station exit on Sheikh Zayed Road. Uber and Careem are widely used in Business Bay and often faster to summon via app than hailing a street taxi in this area. Approximate fares: Dubai Design District (d3) approximately AED 18–25 (3 km); Burj Khalifa Fountain approximately AED 20–30 (2 km — note this is faster by metro for one stop); Dubai International Airport T3 approximately AED 50–70 (18 km); Marina/JBR approximately AED 55–75 (22 km). For hotel drop-offs within Business Bay itself, taxis are usually the most practical option as specific tower addresses are difficult to navigate on foot from the metro exit.

Walking Distances from Station

~3 min
LIFE Pharmacy — Clover Bay
Marasi Dr · Next to Al Maya Supermarket · ~210m
~5 min
Sfumato / ME Dubai Hotel (Opus Tower)
Al A'amal St · Zaha Hadid-designed building · ~410m
~7 min
Dubai Water Canal Promenade
Via Exit 1 (Landside) along Marasi Dr · ~550m
~8 min
Paramount Hotel Dubai
Business Bay · ~620m (not 300m as often cited)
~20 min
JW Marriott Marquis / Dubai Wharf
~850m — taxi recommended for heavy luggage

Nol Card Fares from Business Bay Metro Station — Zone 1

Business Bay Metro Station is in Zone 1 of the Dubai Metro fare system. Your fare depends on how many zones your journey crosses. The table below shows Silver and Gold Nol Card fares to the most common destinations from this station.

Destination Metro Station Silver Nol Card Gold Nol Card
Dubai International Airport T1Terminal 1 (R14)AED 8.00AED 11.00
BurJuman (interchange)BurJuman (R20)AED 3.00AED 6.00
Downtown Dubai / Burj KhalifaBurj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R23)AED 3.00AED 6.00
Mall of the EmiratesMall of the Emirates (R25)AED 5.00AED 10.00
Jumeirah Lakes TowersDMCC (R27)AED 5.00AED 10.00
Union (interchange)Union (R19)AED 3.00AED 6.00
Expo City DubaiExpo 2020 (R35)AED 6.50AED 13.00

Fares shown are for Nol Card holders. Red Paper Tickets cost approximately 50% more per journey. Children under 5 travel free. A daily spending cap of AED 20 (Silver) and AED 40 (Gold) protects frequent travellers — once you hit the cap all further journeys that day are free. Airport stations carry an additional RTA airport surcharge of AED 5.00 per trip.

Best value: A Silver Nol Card costs AED 25 total (AED 6 card fee + AED 19 travel credit) and is available at every metro station vending machine. It works on all RTA transport including metro, bus, tram, and water bus. For stays of 5 or more days it saves significantly over paper tickets.

✦ Visitor Tips

Practical advice for using this station.

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Use a Nol Card

Top up your Nol Card at station vending machines (cash or card accepted). Zone 1 applies here — AED 3.00 (Silver) / AED 6.00 (Gold) per single journey. A daily fare cap protects frequent travellers.

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Operating Hours

Metro runs 05:00–00:00 Monday–Thursday and Saturday–Sunday. On Fridays the service starts late: 10:00–01:00. Plan accordingly for early Friday mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Business Bay Metro Station operates 05:00–00:00 Monday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday. On Fridays the station opens at 10:00 and closes at 01:00. Trains run every 3–7 minutes at peak times and every 7–10 minutes off-peak.
Exit 1 is the Landside exit — it opens toward the Business Bay commercial towers on the eastern side of Sheikh Zayed Road, facing Marasi Drive and the Dubai Water Canal. This is the exit to use for Opus Tower (ME Dubai Hotel), the Dubai Water Canal promenade, LIFE Pharmacy Clover Bay, and most Business Bay residential towers and offices.
The "landside" exit (Exit 1) faces the Business Bay towers and Marasi Drive toward the canal. The "seaside" exit (Exit 2) faces Sheikh Zayed Road on the western side. Most Business Bay destinations — hotels, restaurants, the canal walk and office towers — are accessed from the landside exit. The seaside exit is typically used for reaching Sheikh Zayed Road directly or heading toward Downtown Dubai on foot.
Yes. Paramount Hotel Dubai (~620m via Exit 1) is the most commonly cited hotel near the station. ME Dubai Hotel in the Opus Tower (~410m) is another option. JW Marriott Marquis is approximately 850m away — a taxi is recommended for this one. The area has a high concentration of 4 and 5-star hotels throughout the Business Bay district.
The Dubai Water Canal promenade is approximately 550m from the station via Exit 1 (Landside) along Marasi Drive — about a 7-minute walk. The canal's 3.2km waterfront promenade runs through Business Bay and connects all the way to the Safa Park footbridge. Canal-side cafes and restaurants are located along Marasi Drive.
Business Bay Metro Station has multiple exits. Check the exit map displayed at the top of the stairs inside the station, or use the RTA Dubai app which shows numbered exit locations on a map. The app will suggest the exit closest to your specific destination. If in doubt, station staff near the gates can advise on the quickest route out.
Yes, passengers are permitted to bring personal luggage including standard suitcases on the Dubai Metro. Each train has designated luggage areas near the doors. Large or oversized items are not allowed during peak hours (06:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays). Business Bay Metro Station has elevators and wide corridors making it suitable for passengers with luggage. Keep bags out of the aisles and do not place them on seats.
The RTA Nol Card daily cap is AED 20 for Silver Card holders and AED 40 for Gold Card holders. Once your spending reaches the cap in a single calendar day all further metro journeys that day are free. The cap resets at midnight. This makes the Nol Card excellent value for people making multiple trips in one day. The cap applies to metro, bus, tram, and water bus journeys combined. You can check your current day spend in the RTA Dubai app or at any ticket machine.
During peak hours (06:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays) trains at Business Bay Metro Station run every 3–4 minutes on the Red Line and every 5–7 minutes on the Green Line. During off-peak daytime hours trains run every 7–10 minutes. On Fridays before 13:00 the metro opens later and trains run less frequently. Real-time train arrival information is displayed on the platform screens and in the RTA Dubai app.
RTA bus routes 27, X28 stop directly at or within 200 metres of Business Bay Metro Station Metro Station. Bus routes connect this station to residential areas and destinations not directly served by the metro. Use the RTA S'hail app for real-time bus schedules and route planning from Business Bay Metro Station.