Dubai Metro rules are strict — and the fines are real. Eating a snack on the train costs AED 100, dodging the fare costs AED 200, and misusing emergency equipment costs AED 2,000. RTA inspectors (including plainclothes officers) enforce these daily.
This 2026 guide lists every fine, the rules behind them, how fines are issued and paid, and how to stay clear.
The Complete Dubai Metro Fines List (2026)
AED 100 Fines
| Offence | Notes |
|---|---|
| Eating, drinking, or chewing gum | On trains, platforms, and in paid areas — even water |
| Putting feet on seats | Includes shoes on the opposite seat |
| Man in the Women & Children cabin | Pink-marked cabin; strictly enforced |
| Sitting in the wrong cabin class | e.g. Silver card holder in Gold Class |
| Bringing animals | Except guide dogs for the visually impaired |
| Entering restricted areas | Staff-only zones, track areas |
| Misusing lifts or escalators | Sitting on escalator steps, etc. |
| Unsafe boarding | Climbing or jumping to board |
| Tampering with doors | Opening doors or forcing them while moving |
| Causing disturbance | Loud behaviour, pushing, blocking doors |
| Standing/sitting in non-passenger areas | e.g. sitting on station floors in paid areas |
AED 200 Fines
| Offence | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fare evasion | Travelling without paying / without tapping in |
| Invalid, expired, or someone else’s Nol card | Includes concession cards used by non-eligible riders |
| Failure to present Nol card on request | Inspectors can ask anytime |
| Selling Nol cards without RTA approval | Unauthorised resale |
| Spitting or littering | Anywhere in the metro system |
| Smoking | Includes e-cigarettes/vapes |
| Selling goods or promoting without permission | Vendors, flyers, busking |
| Ignoring inspectors / obstructing their duties | Non-compliance with instructions |
| Distracting the driver | Obstructing operations |
| Using transport contrary to posted instructions | Ignoring signage and announcements |
AED 300 – AED 2,000 Fines
| Fine | Offence |
|---|---|
| AED 300 | Sleeping in prohibited areas (passenger shelters, restricted zones) |
| AED 500 | Carrying alcoholic beverages; using a counterfeit Nol card |
| AED 1,000 | Carrying hazardous items (weapons, sharp tools, flammable materials) |
| AED 2,000 | Misusing emergency equipment/buttons without cause; vandalism or damaging equipment |
Key Rules Explained
No Eating or Drinking — Really
The AED 100 fine applies to all food and drink, including water and chewing gum, on trains and in paid station areas. This surprises visitors most. Finish your karak before the gates.
Cabin Rules
Every train has a Gold Class cabin (front car — Gold Nol card or Gold Red ticket only) and a Women & Children cabin (pink signage — women and children only; men fined AED 100). Everyone else rides Standard. Full details: Women & Children cabin rules.
Luggage & Prohibited Items
One large + one small suitcase per passenger is allowed; hazardous items (AED 1,000) and alcohol (AED 500) are not. Full rules: metro luggage rules.
Etiquette That Keeps You Fine-Free
- Let passengers alight before boarding — stand to the sides of the doors.
- Stand behind the yellow line on platforms.
- Give up priority seats to elderly, pregnant, and passengers with disabilities.
- Keep feet off seats and bags off adjacent seats at peak times.
- Don’t hold the doors — door tampering is an AED 100 fine and delays everyone.
How Fines Are Issued & Paid
- Who issues them: RTA inspectors — uniformed and plainclothes — patrol trains and stations.
- On the spot: the inspector records the offence against your ID/Nol card; you receive a fine notice.
- Paying: via the RTA website/app, S’hail app, or customer service centres. Unpaid fines can block Nol card renewal and other RTA services.
- Disputes: you can contest a fine through RTA customer service channels — keep your Nol transaction history (available in the Nol Pay app) as evidence.
Watch: Dubai Metro Map, Rules & Fines
Last updated: October 2026. Fine amounts per RTA/Gulf News published schedules; RTA may revise penalties.
How to Dispute a Metro Fine: Step by Step
Think the fine was wrong? You have 30 days from the fine date to appeal. Here’s the process:
- Gather your documents: the fine number (on your notification), a copy of the fine notification form, your Nol card (or the card number printed on its back), and — for visit-visa holders — a passport copy with entry stamp. Any other evidence (photos, Nol transaction history) strengthens the case.
- Email RTA: send to ask@rta.ae with the subject line “Fine appeal” and your fine number, attaching all documents. Metro and tram violations are handled by email.
- Get your case number: RTA replies by SMS with a case number and the expected response date.
- Wait for the decision: the outcome — accepted or rejected — comes within about 14 working days.
- Refund if you win: a successful appeal means the fine amount is refunded to your account.
Prefer voice? Call the RTA call centre on 800 9090 and follow the prompts. The dispute window closes after 30 days — don’t sit on it.
Paying Your Fine: Every Channel
- On the spot: metro and tram fines can be paid directly to the inspector right after the fine is issued.
- Online: RTA website or app, Dubai Police website/app, or the S’hail app.
- In person: RTA Customer Happiness Centres.
- Bus fines: self-service machines are also available for bus passengers.
- Don’t ignore it: unpaid fines can block Nol card renewal and other RTA services — pay promptly and keep the receipt.
How Fines Are Actually Issued
- Against your ID, not just your card: fines are issued against your Emirates ID or passport — tourists aren’t exempt, and the same 30-day appeal window applies.
- The most-issued fine: historically, a man entering the Women & Children cabin — at its peak, inspectors issued nearly 100 of these a day.
- Keep your evidence: your Nol transaction history (in the Nol Pay app) is the single best defence in tap-in and fare disputes.
- Parking offences included: overstaying Park & Ride beyond 24 hours is an AED 100/day fine (up to AED 1,000) — part of the same enforcement system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat on the Dubai Metro?
No. Eating, drinking (including water), and chewing gum are banned on trains and in paid areas — the fine is AED 100.
What is the fine for not paying the Dubai Metro fare?
AED 200 — for travelling without a valid ticket, an expired/invalid card, or someone else’s card. A counterfeit card is AED 500.
Can men sit in the women’s cabin on Dubai Metro?
No — men in the Women & Children cabin face an AED 100 fine. The cabin is clearly marked with pink signage.
Is smoking allowed on the Dubai Metro?
No — smoking (including vapes) anywhere in the metro system carries an AED 200 fine.
What is the fine for sleeping on the Dubai Metro?
AED 300 for sleeping in prohibited areas such as passenger shelters or restricted zones.
Can I carry alcohol on the Dubai Metro?
No — carrying alcoholic beverages in the metro system carries an AED 500 fine, even if sealed.
What happens if I put my feet on the seat?
An AED 100 fine. It is one of the most commonly issued fines on the network.
How do I pay a Dubai Metro fine?
Through the RTA website/app, the S’hail app, or RTA customer service centres. Unpaid fines can block Nol services — pay promptly and keep the receipt.
Can I dispute a metro fine?
Yes — contest it through RTA customer service. Your Nol transaction history (in the Nol Pay app) is useful evidence, e.g. for tap-in disputes.
Is chewing gum really banned on the metro?
Yes — chewing gum falls under the eating/drinking ban: AED 100. The rule keeps trains famously clean.
How long do I have to dispute a Dubai Metro fine?
30 days from the fine date. After that, the appeal window closes — act fast.
How do I appeal a metro fine?
Email ask@rta.ae with the subject “Fine appeal”, including your fine number and documents (notification, Nol card copy, passport/visa for visitors). You’ll get an SMS case number; the decision comes within about 14 working days.
Can I pay a metro fine to the inspector on the spot?
Yes — metro and tram fines can be paid directly to the inspector right after the fine is issued, or later via the RTA website/app, the S’hail app, or Customer Happiness Centres.
Are tourists fined the same as residents?
Yes — fines are issued against your passport if you don’t have an Emirates ID. The same amounts and the same 30-day appeal window apply.
Keep exploring: Dubai Metro Stations Guide · Metro Fares · Women & Children Cabin · Luggage Rules · Tourist Guide
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