Business Bay Metro Station (station code R26) sits on Sheikh Zayed Road at the edge of Dubai’s corporate canyon — one stop from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, one stop from DIFC. It serves the glass-tower district of Business Bay, the Dubai Water Canal promenade, and landmarks like Zaha Hadid’s Opus Tower.
This 2026 guide covers the station’s exits, train times, fares, bus connections, nearby attractions — and its future as a Red–Gold Line interchange.
Business Bay Metro Station: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Station code | R26 |
| Line | Red Line (future Gold Line interchange, ~2032) |
| Fare zone | Zone 6 |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay — between Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall and Garmin stations |
| Station type | Elevated (two side platforms) |
| Opened | 2010 (original Red Line extension) |
| Cabins | Gold Class (Car 1), Women & Children (Car 3), Standard |
Location: The Corporate Canyon
When the station opened in 2010, Business Bay was still largely a construction site. Today it is one of Dubai’s most sought-after business addresses — corporate headquarters, upscale residences, and high-end dining line the Dubai Water Canal, which opened in 2016 and runs just east of the station beneath Marasi Drive.
The station is among the busiest on the Red Line during the 8:00–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM weekday windows, as office workers pour in and out.
Exits
| Exit | Leads to |
|---|---|
| Exit 1 (Landside) | Al A’amal Street → Business Bay commercial towers, Opus Tower, feeder bus stop |
| Exit 2 (Seaside) | Business Bay residential interior, Dubai Water Canal promenade, Marasi Drive |
What’s Nearby
| Attraction | Details |
|---|---|
| Opus Tower (by Zaha Hadid) | ~600 m from Exit 1 — the cube-with-a-void building housing ME Dubai hotel |
| Dubai Water Canal | 3.2 km promenade for walking/cycling; waterfall bridge lights up at night |
| JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | ~700 m from Exit 1 — one of the world’s tallest hotels |
| Bay Avenue | Shopping and dining strip in the heart of Business Bay |
| Dubai Design District (d3) | ~3 km east via the canal — taxi or cycle |
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | 1 stop north (R25), ~4 minutes |
| DIFC / Financial Centre | 1 stop south (R24), ~4 minutes |
The Future: Gold Line Interchange
Business Bay is slated to become an interchange with the Gold Line (planned ~2032), which will run from Al Ghubaiba through Satwa, City Walk, and Downtown before meeting the Red Line here and continuing toward Global Village and Jumeirah Golf Estates. When that opens, this station becomes a two-line hub in the heart of the city — another reason the district keeps appreciating.
First & Last Train Times (2026)
| Day | First train (approx.) | Last train (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | ~5:00 AM | ~11:27 PM |
| Friday | ~5:04 AM | ~12:27 AM |
| Saturday | ~5:00 AM | ~11:27 PM |
| Sunday | ~8:07 AM | ~11:27 PM |
Red Line peak frequency is 3–5 minutes. Full network times: first & last train guide.
Fares & Zones
Business Bay is in Zone 6. Nol Silver: AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones). Business Bay → Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall is a single-zone hop (AED 3); Business Bay → Marina crosses 3+ zones (AED 7.50).
Full breakdown: Dubai Metro fares guide. Check your balance: Nol card balance check.
Bus Connections
Feeder and regular RTA buses serve both exits:
| Bus | Route |
|---|---|
| F14 | Bay Square 1 – Business Bay Metro (Landside) |
| F19A / F19B | Dubai World Trade Centre – Dubai Investment Park 1 / 2 |
| F41 | Dubai Silicon Oasis – Al Sufouh |
| X22 | Al Quoz loop |
| 98E | Festival City – DXB Airport |
Tips for Business Bay Station
- Peak dodge: the 8:00–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM windows are crush-loaded — shift by 30 minutes if you can.
- Canal evenings: Exit 2 → Marasi Drive is one of Dubai’s best free evening walks; the waterfall bridge show runs after dark.
- DIFC lunches: one stop south puts you in the financial district’s restaurant scene in 4 minutes.
- Ramadan: evening trains 9–11 PM get very busy as residents head out after iftar — see Ramadan timings.
- Taxi backup: ranks at both exits; useful when the last train is missed.
Watch: Red Line Full Journey
Last updated: October 2026. Train times per RTA network hours; Gold Line dates per RTA’s 2032 rail plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the station code for Business Bay metro station?
R26 on the Red Line, in fare Zone 6. It sits between Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25) and Garmin (R29).
Which exit is best at Business Bay station?
Exit 1 (Landside) for offices, Opus Tower, the JW Marriott Marquis, and feeder buses. Exit 2 (Seaside) for the Dubai Water Canal promenade and residential towers.
How far is Business Bay station from Dubai Mall?
One stop north — about 4 minutes to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25). It is a single-zone trip (AED 3 with Nol Silver).
Is Business Bay getting a second metro line?
Yes. The planned Gold Line (~2032) will interchange with the Red Line at Business Bay, connecting Satwa, City Walk, and Downtown with Global Village and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
What time is the last train from Business Bay?
Approximately 11:27 PM Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 12:27 AM Friday, and 11:27 PM Sunday. First trains run from ~5:00 AM (8:07 AM Sunday).
How do I get to the Dubai Water Canal from the metro?
Alight at Business Bay (R26), take Exit 2, and walk to Marasi Drive — the 3.2 km canal promenade with its waterfall bridge is minutes away.
What buses serve Business Bay metro station?
Feeder and regular routes including F14 (Bay Square loop), F19A/B (to Dubai Investment Park), F41, X22, and 98E (Festival City–DXB Airport).
Is there parking at Business Bay metro station?
No Park & Ride at this station. The nearest free metro parking is at Jumeirah Golf Estates (R73) on the Route 2020 branch.
How much is the fare from Business Bay to Mall of the Emirates?
AED 7.50 with Nol Silver (3+ zones: Zone 6 → Zone 2). The ride takes roughly 15–20 minutes southbound with no changes.
Is Business Bay station busy?
Very at peak — it is among the busiest Red Line stations 8:00–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM on weekdays. Off-peak and weekends are comfortable.
Keep exploring the Dubai Metro: Dubai Metro Stations Guide · Red Line Guide · Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station · Metro Fares · First & Last Train