Jabal Ali station is located along Sheikh Zayed Road in southwestern Dubai, just north of Exit 29. It serves areas like Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina, providing crucial metro access for residents and workers in these communities. While named after the broader Jebel Ali region, the station itself sits in a relatively undeveloped area. It lies in Metro Zone 2 of Dubai’s public transport network.
History
Jabal Ali Metro Station originally opened on 9 September 2009 under the name Nakheel Harbour and Tower as part of the initial Red Line rollout. It served as the western terminus until the line was extended to Ibn Battuta Mall in April 2010. The station was closed temporarily for Route 2020 extension works and reopened on 1 January 2021 under the new name Jabal Ali. It now acts as a key junction for the main Red Line and the Expo (Route 2020) branch.
Lines Served
Jabal Ali serves both the Red Line and the Route 2020 (Expo 2020) branch of the Dubai Metro. It is a critical junction where the Red Line splits—one route continues to UAE Exchange and the other branches off to Expo 2020. As of April 2024, direct trains alternate from Centrepoint to either UAE Exchange or Expo 2020, eliminating the need to transfer at Jabal Ali.
Station Layout and Facilities
Jabal Ali is an elevated station with two side platforms and two tracks. A ground-level concourse includes fare gates, ticketing machines, and access to elevators and escalators. Facilities include:
- Nol card machines and ticket counters
- Restrooms
- Customer service kiosks
- Platform screen doors
- Wi-Fi
- Security and CCTV
- A large park-and-ride facility, one of only three in Dubai Metro
Accessibility
The station is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Features include:
- Elevators connecting all levels
- Tactile guidance paths for visually impaired passengers
- Audible announcements and beeping indicators
- Designated wheelchair spaces on trains
- Priority gates and seating
Jabal Ali upholds Dubai Metro’s commitment to inclusive, barrier-free public transport.
Ridership
While specific ridership figures for Jabal Ali are not publicly available, the Dubai Metro overall serves more than 730,000 passengers per day as of 2024. The addition of the Route 2020 branch has significantly increased usage, especially during events and peak hours. Projections suggest that the Expo 2020 branch alone could reach 275,000 daily riders by 2030.
Interchange and Connectivity
Jabal Ali is a major interchange between the Red Line and Route 2020. Passengers can also connect to:
- RTA buses serving Jebel Ali Free Zone and surrounding communities
- Taxis and ride-hailing services
- Other Metro and Tram stations nearby (like JLT and Dubai Marina)
Though there is no direct tram connection, transfers to the Dubai Tram are available a few stops away at stations like DMCC and Sobha Realty.
Nearby Landmarks
There are no major attractions immediately adjacent to Jabal Ali station, due to cancelled development plans in the area. However, within a short commute are:
- Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
- Dubai Marina
- The Gardens and Discovery Gardens
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Sobha Central (New Launch)
These areas benefit from the station’s park-and-ride and bus connectivity.
Design and Architecture
Jabal Ali follows Dubai Metro’s standard elevated station design, characterized by:
- A vaulted, shell-like roof inspired by traditional dhow boats
- Elevated platforms above Sheikh Zayed Road
- Aluminum and glass cladding with modern finishes
- An open, functional concourse at ground level
The station design ensures both aesthetic appeal and efficient passenger flow.
Operations
Operating hours for Jabal Ali Metro Station are:
- Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (next day)
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Trains arrive every 4–5 minutes during peak hours and every 7–8 minutes during off-peak periods. Nol smartcards are required for entry and exit. The station remains staffed and secure during operating hours.
