Union

Union is the beating heart of the Dubai Metro. As one of only two points where the Red Line and Green Line meet, it carries a huge share of the network's daily transfers and is consistently among the busiest stations on the system. Sitting beneath Union Square in the historic Deira district, it links the older commercial core of the city with the newer corridors that run out along Sheikh Zayed Road.

The station is enormous. Union is one of the largest underground metro stations in the world, and first-time visitors are often surprised by the scale of its concourses and the length of the walk between the Red and Green Line platforms. Clear colour-coded signage guides passengers through the interchange, and because the whole station is below ground it stays comfortably cool even in the peak of a Dubai summer.

Station Overview

Union opened on 9 September 2009 as part of the first phase of the Dubai Metro Red Line, and became an interchange when the Green Line began service in 2011. It sits in Zone 5 of the NOL fare system. The Dubai Metro runs fully automated, driverless trains, and Union's underground layout places the two lines on separate levels connected by escalators and lifts.

Lines and Connectivity

Union is where the Red Line and Green Line cross. The Red Line runs from here north-east towards Dubai International Airport and Centrepoint, and south-west along Sheikh Zayed Road towards Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, the Marina and the Expo City Route 2020 branch. The Green Line loops through the heritage districts of Deira and Bur Dubai, reaching the Gold Souq, Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba. BurJuman is the network's other Red and Green interchange.

Station Layout and Structure

Union is a deep underground station built on multiple levels, with the Red Line and Green Line platforms stacked and joined by a large transfer concourse. Because of the station's size, allow a few extra minutes when changing lines, especially during rush hour. Facilities include toilets, ATMs, NOL top-up machines, a staffed customer service desk and several small shops and kiosks on the concourse. Gold Class carriages sit at the front of each train, and a dedicated women and children carriage runs in the middle.

Accessibility

Union has full step-free access, with lifts connecting street level, the concourse and both line platforms. Tactile paving, audio announcements and platform screen doors are in place throughout. Given the distances involved, passengers who need step-free routes should follow the lift signage rather than the main escalator paths when transferring.

Travel Tips

• Allow extra transfer time here. The walk between Red and Green Line platforms is longer than at most stations.
• Union Bus Station sits directly above, with intercity coaches to Sharjah, Ajman and the northern emirates.
• A NOL card works across metro, bus, tram and marine transport and costs AED 25 including AED 19 of credit.
• Avoid the 08:00-09:00 and 17:30-19:00 peaks if you can, when transfer concourses get very crowded.
• Gold Class carriages at the front of the train need a Gold Class NOL card or ticket.
• The metro runs Saturday to Wednesday 05:00-00:00, Thursday 05:00-01:00 and Friday 08:00-01:00.

Nearby Attractions

Al Ghurair Centre - about 400 metres away, one of Dubai's oldest shopping malls with fashion, dining and a cinema.

Union Square - directly above the station, a landmark public square in the heart of old Deira.

Deira Clocktower - a short ride or taxi away, one of the most recognisable roundabout landmarks in the city.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Trains at Union run Saturday to Wednesday 05:00-00:00, Thursday 05:00-01:00 and Friday 08:00-01:00. As the network's main interchange, Union is busiest during weekday rush hours, roughly 07:30-09:30 and 17:00-19:30. Mid-morning and early afternoon are far quieter and much more comfortable for line changes. Weekends bring heavier leisure traffic through the Deira heritage stops on the Green Line.