Line🔴 Red Line
Station IDR42
ZoneZone 3
Operating Hours05:00–00:00
Nol ZoneZone 3
Accessibility♿ Full Access
Status
UAE Exchange Metro Station platform
UAE Exchange Metro Station, Dubai
UAE Exchange station entrance

About UAE Exchange Metro Station

UAE Exchange Metro Station (R42) is the western terminus of the Dubai Metro Red Line, positioned in Nol Zone 3 and serving the Jebel Ali Village district at the far south-western edge of Dubai's developed urban area. The station is named after the UAE Exchange financial services company, and sits at a major confluence of bus routes, long-distance coach services, and inter-emirate transport links. For anyone travelling to or from Abu Dhabi by public transport via Dubai Metro, the uae exchange metro station is the standard start or end point.

The station opened in September 2009 as part of the original Red Line — at the time it was built, it was intended to be a temporary western terminus before further extensions were planned. The Route 2020 line branched off from Sobha Realty (R36) instead of continuing from R42, leaving UAE Exchange as the permanent Red Line western end. The station has a large bus bay reflecting its role as a major interchange for the Jebel Ali workers population — thousands of labourers and industrial workers use this station daily to transfer between metro and bus.

The station is adjacent to the UAE Exchange Road, with Jebel Ali Village — one of Dubai's oldest expatriate communities, established in the 1970s to house JAFZA workers — around 400 metres to the south. The nearby long-distance coach terminal at approximately 200 metres serves routes to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and other inter-emirate destinations. The station is surrounded by low-density residential villas, petrol stations, and trade businesses typical of the outer Jebel Ali zone.

From UAE Exchange Station, all journeys head inbound toward central Dubai. Jebel Ali (R38) is 4 stops back in approximately 10 minutes; Ibn Battuta (R39) is 3 stops and 8 minutes; Mall of the Emirates (R32) is 10 stops and 25 minutes; and Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall (R25) is 17 stops and 40 minutes. For Abu Dhabi, the coach terminal 200 metres from the station runs hourly services at approximately AED 25–35 per person.

The station serves primarily JAFZA workers, Jebel Ali Village residents, and inter-emirate travellers connecting to Abu Dhabi coaches. The uae exchange red line station is a practical first step for anyone arriving in Dubai by bus from Abu Dhabi who wants to use the metro to reach central Dubai without a taxi. A practical tip: bus routes 14 and X14 from this station serve the Jebel Ali industrial areas and can be a useful connection for workers whose compounds are outside JAFZA's internal shuttle coverage. The Zone 3 Silver Nol fare is AED 6.50 for journeys into central Dubai.

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

About Jebel Ali Village — UAE Exchange Metro Station Area

Jebel Ali Village is one of Dubai's original planned expatriate residential enclaves — developed in the 1970s and 1980s to house workers at the newly built JAFZA free zone and Jebel Ali Port complex. The uae exchange metro station is the closest metro access point to this community. The village has a distinctive suburban character: low-density villas with large plots, mature trees from decades of cultivation, a community club, supermarkets, and schools — a quieter residential pocket compared to the high-rise new-build districts along the Red Line.

The station's bus interchange function is the area's most defining transport feature. The long-distance coach terminal 200 metres away operates round-the-clock connections to Abu Dhabi (approximately AED 25–35, 1.5–2 hours), Al Ain, and Fujairah, making this the de facto inter-emirate transit hub for the western Dubai catchment. Many Dubai-Abu Dhabi commuters use the metro + coach combination as an alternative to driving on the congested Emirates Road (E11). The UAE Exchange branch namesake of the station provides remittance and foreign exchange services for the large South Asian worker population in the area.

Visitors to Jebel Ali typically come to access JAFZA companies (via prior appointment and shuttle bus from the metro), visit Jebel Ali Village residents, or board inter-emirate coaches. There is limited retail or leisure infrastructure directly around the metro to red line station, though Ibn Battuta Mall (3 stops back at R39) serves as the district's main shopping centre. The station is an efficient transit node even if the immediate street environment is utilitarian rather than leisure-oriented.

Red Line — Nearby Stations

Adjacent stations on the line.

 Energy R40 Visit →
Danube R41 Visit →
UAE Exchange R42 ← You are here

Nearby Places

Verified places at or within walking distance of UAE Exchange Metro Station.

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UAE Exchange Branch

UAE Exchange Road · Remittance & currency exchange for residents & workers

Financial Services ~200m walk

UAE Exchange (now rebranded as Lulu Financial in some branches) is a remittance and foreign currency exchange service widely used by the large South Asian and South-East Asian workforce in the Jebel Ali area. The branch 200 metres from the uae exchange metro station handles money transfers to India, Pakistan, Philippines, and 100+ destinations, along with currency exchange at competitive rates. Open Sunday–Thursday 08:00–21:00, Friday–Saturday 09:00–21:00. Queues can be long on payday Fridays — plan accordingly if visiting for a time-sensitive transfer.

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Long-Distance Coach Terminal

Jebel Ali · Buses to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain & other emirates

Transport Hub ~200m walk

The Jebel Ali coach terminal is one of Dubai's inter-emirate bus departure points, operating services to Abu Dhabi (approximately AED 25–35, hourly, 1.5–2 hours journey), Al Ain (approximately AED 20, hourly, 2.5 hours), and Fujairah. This terminal serves the significant number of workers and residents who commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi regularly. The 200-metre walk from the uae exchange metro red line station is short and well-signed. For Abu Dhabi City Centre travellers, check the Abu Dhabi intercity bus schedule at the terminal window or at rta.ae — times vary and may require early morning booking on busy routes.

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Jebel Ali Village

Jebel Ali · One of Dubai's oldest expatriate residential communities

Residential Area ~400m walk

Jebel Ali Village is a historic low-density residential community established in the 1970s to house workers at the newly built JAFZA and port complex. Today it remains a quiet enclave of villas, schools, a community club, and local retail catering to long-standing residents — many families have lived here for decades. The 400-metre walk from UAE Exchange Metro Station follows a service road through the outer village boundary. Unlike the newer master-planned communities further along the Red Line, Jebel Ali Village has an established, community feel with mature trees and a slower pace that contrasts with central Dubai.

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Al Maha Fuel Station

UAE Exchange Road · 24-hour petrol station with convenience store

Services ~300m walk

Al Maha Fuel Station is a 24-hour petrol station and convenience store on UAE Exchange Road, approximately 300 metres from the metro station. For metro passengers, the convenience store function is the main draw — snacks, beverages, phone accessories, and basic pharmacy items available around the clock. Useful for travellers arriving on late coaches who need supplies before onward journeys. The station is on the road between the metro and the coach terminal, making it a practical stop on the 200-metre walk to or from the inter-emirate bus departures.

How to Use UAE Exchange Metro Station Metro Station

Here is a straightforward guide to entering, navigating, and exiting UAE Exchange 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. UAE Exchange 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 R42. Hours: 05:00–00:00 (Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun); 10:00–01:00 (Friday).

Red Line R42
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By Bus

RTA bus routes 14, 93, X14, X93 serve this station.

1493X14X93

Route 14 runs from UAE Exchange through Jebel Ali, Al Furjan, and Discovery Gardens toward Deira — a long cross-city route, frequency every 20–30 minutes. Route 93 serves the Al Furjan and Discovery Gardens corridor connecting to Route 2020 communities. Route X14 is an express version of Route 14 with fewer stops, reducing journey time to central areas by 15–20 minutes, frequency every 30 minutes. Route X93 is the express to Sharjah via the Jebel Ali corridor. All routes require Nol Card; ticket machines are at the bus stop. Bus frequency at UAE Exchange is generally high given the large workforce catchment — buses run from approximately 05:30 to 23:30 on most routes.

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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.

Approximate RTA taxi fares from UAE Exchange Metro Station: Jebel Ali Port Gate AED 25–35 (15–20 min); Ibn Battuta Mall AED 25–35 (15–20 min, or 3 metro stops to R39); Dubai Marina AED 50–65 (30–40 min); Mall of the Emirates AED 55–70 (35–45 min); Downtown Dubai AED 80–100 (45–60 min); Abu Dhabi coach terminal AED 15–20 (or walk 200m to the coach stop). Uber and Careem availability is lower here than in central Dubai zones — booking in advance is recommended, particularly for early morning departures or late night arrivals from Abu Dhabi coaches.

Walking Distances from Station

200m
UAE Exchange Branch
Financial Services
400m
Jebel Ali Village Residents
Residential
200m
Long-Distance Coach Terminal
Transport
300m
Al Maha Fuel Station
Services
800m
Jebel Ali Industrial 1
Industry

Nol Card Fares from UAE Exchange Metro Station — Zone 3

UAE Exchange Metro Station is in Zone 3 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 11.50AED 18.00
BurJuman (interchange)BurJuman (R20)AED 6.50AED 13.00
Downtown Dubai / Burj KhalifaBurj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R23)AED 6.50AED 13.00
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 6.50AED 13.00
Expo City DubaiExpo 2020 (R35)AED 3.00AED 6.00

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 3 applies here — AED 7.50 (Silver) / AED 15.00 (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.

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Terminal Station

UAE Exchange is the last stop in this direction. Trains terminate and return from here. Allow a few extra minutes if catching the last service of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

UAE Exchange operates 05:00–00:00 Monday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday. On Fridays the station opens later: 10:00–01:00. Trains run every 3–7 minutes at peak times and every 7–10 minutes off-peak.
Nol Card vending machines are installed at all Dubai Metro stations and accept cash and bank cards for self-service top-ups around the clock. For card purchase or account registration, visit an RTA customer service counter at a major station or the rta.ae website.
Yes, UAE Exchange (R42) is a terminus — the end of the line in this direction. Trains reverse here and return in the opposite direction. The last departure times match the published closing hours for the station.
UAE Exchange Metro Station is on the Route 2020 Line in Jebel Ali, between The Gardens and Danube stations. It is named after the UAE Exchange remittance branch nearby and is one of several Route 2020 stations serving the residential communities between Ibn Battuta and Expo City.
Yes. The long-distance coach terminal for buses to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and other emirates is approximately 200 metres from UAE Exchange Station. This makes it a convenient interchange point for travellers coming from Dubai by metro who then continue intercity by bus — significantly cheaper than a taxi.
UAE Exchange 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). UAE Exchange 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 UAE Exchange 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 14, 93, X14, X93 stop directly at or within 200 metres of UAE Exchange 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 UAE Exchange Metro Station.