Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out a new direct route on the Metro’s Red Line, designed to make peak-hour travel easier for thousands of daily commuters.
The new service, running from Centrepoint Station to Al Fardan Exchange Station (formerly Al Khail), officially launched on September 1, 2025. This addition comes as part of RTA’s efforts to reduce congestion and improve passenger experience during rush hours.
What’s new on the Red Line?
From now on, three direct Red Line services will operate during busy periods:
- Centrepoint → Life Pharmacy
- Centrepoint → Expo 2020
- Centrepoint → Al Fardan Exchange
This means riders can choose the most convenient train for their journey instead of crowding into one service.
Peak-hour timings
- Morning: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
- Evening: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
During these hours, passengers will see different trains serving specific destinations. This change helps balance crowd flow and ensures shorter wait times.
Why it matters for commuters
- Less crowding on trains and platforms, especially at interchange stations.
- Faster journeys for those not traveling all the way to Expo 2020.
- Reduced waiting times — now down to just 4–5 minutes, compared to 30 minutes earlier.
- More comfortable rides with smoother distribution of passengers.
Many daily riders have already shared positive feedback, noting that travel feels less stressful and more efficient.
Tips for passengers
- Always check the display screens and station announcements before boarding to ensure you’re on the right train.
- If you accidentally get on a train heading to a different terminal (Expo 2020 or Al Fardan Exchange), you may need to change at an interchange station.
- Peak-hour direct routes are not available outside designated times.
Final words
Dubai Metro continues to grow as one of the city’s most efficient and reliable transport systems. With the launch of this new Red Line route, commuters now have more flexibility, faster travel times, and a more relaxed journey.
Whether you’re heading to Expo 2020, Life Pharmacy, or Al Fardan Exchange, the Metro now makes your daily trip a little easier.
