Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 (DAFZA) is part and parcel of Dubai Metro’s present-day system. The station located along the Green Line is a key point of connection between the Dubai International Airport and one of the liveliest business centers of the city, the Dubai Airport Free Zone. The station is strategically placed, with effective infrastructure, good connectivity, and numerous commuter-accessible services, which make the station a business, tourist, and daily commuter hub. In this guide, you will get to have an in-depth view of all the details of DAFZA Metro Station, such as its history, layout, services, things to see around it, and future.

Location and Accessibility

Strategic Location

The DAFZ Metro Station lies centrally in the location of the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), where hundreds of international companies and logistic providers are based. It is also close to the Dubai International Airport Terminal 2, further facilitating its establishment as a business and transport hub, being one of the best places to make and receive a quick and safe commute.

How to Reach the Station

By Metro: DAFZA is on the Green Line and hence well associated with other crucial lines. It is located between Al Qusais and Al Nahda stations.

By Bus: Buses on several RTA routes, Concord Station, Bertermeadow Road, Slack Road, and Ravenhurst Road stop at or near the station. Feeder bus F08 is an especially popular vehicle for travel among office workers in the free zone.

By Taxi: Taxis run 24 hours a day, and the usual ride-sharing services such as Uber and Careem are both active locally.

By Car: People with cars can get to the station through Al Nahda Street or Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road; it also has its own parking space.

Metro Timings and Frequency

As part of the RTA Green Line, DAFZA Metro Station operates according to the regular schedule and provides regular and timely services on any day of the week.

From Etisalat by e& towards Creek

Previous Station: G12 Al Qusais | Next Station: G14 Al Nahda

Monday to Thursday & Friday

Saturday & Sunday

From Creek towards Etisalat by e&

Previous Station: G30 – Creek | Next Station: G12 Al Qusais

Monday to Thursday & Friday

Saturday & Sunday

Feeder Buses and Public Transport

The feeder buses, such as F08, C14, and X23, connect DAFZA with the surrounding areas and residential communities, making their connection to the metro system. These buses are timely and come at a frequency of 101y during peak time.

Ticketing and Fare Information

NOL Cards

The most time- and money-saving means of transportation is NOL cards. Options include

• Red Ticket: single use or trips-10
• Silver Card: Resident/Tourist standard car
• Gold Card: Entitlement to Gold Class cabins
• Degree Blue Card: A Specialized card that has balance protection

How to Use

1. Swipe your NOL card on the entrance gate
2. Make sure that you are not flat-footed.
3. It is tapped when leaving to do the fare calculation

NOL Card Types and Details

Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station—Red Line Access to Dubai International Airport

In case you are flying in or out of Dubai International Airport, your best mode of public transport is the Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station on the Red Line. This is the station that can take you to Terminal 1 in the metro; thus, it is the most convenient in terms of time, convenience, and price of tickets in case travelers want to travel by plane.

Key Highlights

• Direct Access to Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport
  
• Connected to Dubai Metro’s Red Line, enabling fast travel across the city
  
• Airport shuttle services are available for inter-terminal transfers.
  
• Easy access to taxis, RTA buses, and car rental services right outside the station
  
• Equipped with essential amenities:
  
  • Food and beverage outlets
    
  • ATMs
    
  • Free Wi-Fi zones
    
  • Prayer rooms for men and women

Popular Destinations via the Red Line

From Terminal 1, you can reach several of Dubai’s most iconic locations:

• Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station—for sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment
  
• Business Bay—Dubai’s modern financial district
  
• Deira Gold Souk—for traditional shopping and local culture
  
• Mall of the Emirates—home to Ski Dubai and international brands
  
• Jumeirah Beach—enjoy sun, sea, and leisure activities

Station Layout and Design

Architectural Features

The Architectural design of the DAFZA Metro Station is modern and has functionality at its center. It incorporates modern design standards, which are coordinated, thus providing free movement of passengers, appropriate lighting, and safety.

Interior Design

Its interiors are airy and air-conditioned, and the areas are fitted with a display of digital information, ergonomic seats, LED lights, and paneling that is pleasing to the eye and that reflects the current nature of the business district in which it is based.

Key Design Features

• Placed high and roofed terraces
• Two entrance gates with improved flow for the commuters
• Several lifts and escalators
• Braille indication and voice-over indications

History and Background of the Station

Inauguration

Opened on September 9, 2011, DAFZA Metro Station was the station of the second phase of the Dubai Metro Green Line. According to its long-term vision, Dubai’s ability to establish itself emerged in a bid to establish a friendly and interlinked system of public transportation.

Evolution

The station was initially designed to accommodate free zone workers and the residents of the surrounding area, but today it accommodates thousands of passengers every day, particularly on the back of an expanding business environment and advanced traffic movements into Terminal 2.

Facilities and Services

Passenger Amenities

• Baby-change and restrooms
• Kiosks of customer service
• Men’s and women’s prayer rooms
• Special waiting places

Smart Services

• Free Wi-Fi Internet
• Touch-screen ticket vending machines
• Touchless payment systems such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and NOL cards
• Real-time tracking screens with train arrivals and departures

PARKING FACILITIES NEAR DUBAI AIRPORT FREE ZONE METRO STATION 1

• RTA free parking areas are adjacent to and near the steps.
• People of Determination can also use the station, as it has wheelchair ramps, tactile flooring, and audio announcements.
• The elevators are present on every platform, and the staff can assist in that case.

SMART FEATURES AND DIGITAL SERVICES AT THE METRO STATION

Real-Time Updates

The new DAFZA Metro Station is equipped with a variety of digital services and helps improve the experience of its passengers. Digital screens around the station show real-time information about train arrivals and departures.

Mobile App Integration

The Dubai Metro application enables passengers to plan their trips, update schedules, and get notifications in case of service alterations. Through this integration, the convenience of using the metro system becomes enhanced.

Contactless Payment Options

Contactless payments allow passengers to purchase tickets without going through the lengthy process of clearing the boarding line and waiting to make payments.

CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE STANDARDS

Commitment to Cleanliness

High quality of cleanliness and hygiene is the priority at DAFZA Metro Station. Frequent cleaning activities make the station friendly and comfortable to all the passengers.

Health and Safety Measures

To ensure health and safety, there are hand sanitizers mounted all over the station, widely, in line with recent global health concerns.

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES FOR PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION

Inclusive Design

The DAFZA Metro Station will be designed in such a way that persons of determination will be able to reach all its facilities. Important accessibility characteristics are:

• Wheelchair Ramps: Facility platforms are easy to enter.
• Committed Personnel: Well-trained staff who can attend to passengers with special needs are present.
• Braille Signage: This is because the data is rendered in Braille, and therefore the passengers who have visual impairments are also able to strut themselves around the station comfortably.

Safety and Security

The station employs

• 24/7 CCTV surveillance
• RTA security officers on standby
• Emergency intercom systems
• Fire and hazard detectors in all areas

Nearby Attractions

Tourist Spots

• Dubai Creek: Only 15 minutes away, this ancient watercourse provides sightseeing and traditional abra (boat) rides.
• Al Mamzar Beach Park: a lovely beach park where one can simply relax and enjoy picnicking.
• Dubai Museum: It is based on Al Fahidi Fort and displays the historical wealth of the city.
• Gold Souk: A visiting market known to have a wide array of jewels in gold.

Shopping and Dining

• Bin Sougat Centre: A relaxation attraction point in the form of a shopping complex.
• Al Qusais Plaza: Provides a set of stores and services.
• Cafes and Fast Food: You can find fast food offerings and cafes near the metro, such as Tim Hortons and KFC, and different cafeterias local to the Emirates.

Dining Options Near the Station

• Lebanese wraps in Manoushe Street
• Biryani Pot of spicy Indian food
• Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s within Bin Sougat centre

Hotels Nearby

• Holiday Inn Express
• Le Meridien Airport Hotel
• Premier Inn Dubai International Airport

Best Time to Travel

The station is busiest from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Mid-morning (10 AM–12 PM) or evening (after 8 PM) is best for a comfortable ride.

Why Choose This Station

For Tourists

• Neighborhood access to Terminal 2
• Fast link to downtown Dubai
• The surrounding cheap hotels

For Commuters

• High-frequency services
• Close to large business hubs
• The feeder bus connects to the residential areas

Environmental Initiatives

• Solar-powered lighting
• Segregation of waste bins
• The air conditioning systems are Energy-efficient air conditioning systems

Future Developments

RTA intends to increase parking spaces and implement EV charging facilities, as well as improve digital directions and AI guidance platforms.

Conclusion

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 is not only a transport interchange but also one of the essential structures of city mobility in Dubai. It is a high-class option for the residents as well as the visitors due to its smart attributes, ideal location, availability of services, and connectivity.

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Last modified: June 19, 2025