Mall of the Emirates is the metro station for Dubai’s most famous shopping-and-skiing combo: the mall connects to the station via an enclosed overhead walkway, and inside the mall sits Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort. With 11.2 million riders in 2025, it’s the 4th busiest station on the network.
This guide covers the walkway into the mall, exits, bus connections, timings and fares — plus how to reach Ski Dubai without getting lost.
Station Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Station code | R32 |
| Line | Red Line |
| Fare zone | 2 |
| Type | Elevated, island platform |
| Opened | 9 September 2009 |
| Neighbouring stations | Equiti ← → mashreq |
| Interchange | No |
| Location | Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1 |
| 2025 ridership | 11.2 million (4th busiest) |
The Overhead Walkway: Station → Mall
Unlike the long Metro Link bridge at Dubai Mall, this connection is short: an enclosed, air-conditioned overhead walkway runs directly from the station concourse into the Mall of the Emirates. Follow the “Mall of the Emirates” signs from the platform — you’ll be inside the mall in a few minutes, no street crossing needed.
Getting to Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is inside the mall. From the walkway, enter the mall and follow signs for Ski Dubai — it’s the unmistakable snow-covered slope visible through the mall’s glass frontage. Practical notes:
- Book tickets online in advance for weekends — walk-in slots sell out.
- All gear (jackets, boots, skis/snowboards) is included in ticket prices; bring warm socks and gloves if you have them.
- The walkway entrance lands you on the mall’s upper levels; Ski Dubai’s entrance is signposted throughout.
What’s Nearby
| Place | What it is |
|---|---|
| Mall of the Emirates | Direct walkway access; 500+ stores, luxury wing |
| Ski Dubai | Indoor ski resort inside the mall |
| VOX Cinemas | Multi-screen cinema in the mall |
| Theatre of Digital Art | Immersive digital art exhibitions |
| Barsha Pond Park | Nearby park in Al Barsha |
Bus Connections
Feeder buses from the station serve the surrounding communities:
- F30: → Dubai Studio City
- F32: → Mudon
- F33: → Al Barsha 3
- F35: → The Greens
- F37: → Sports City
Taxis and ride-hailing pick up at street level by the station exits.
Timings & First/Last Trains
RTA-published timings for this station (direction-dependent):
| Day | Toward Centrepoint | Toward Expo 2020 / Life Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Mon – Thu & Sat | First ~5:22 AM · Last ~11:17 PM | First ~5:12 AM · Last ~11:21 PM |
| Friday | First ~5:22 AM · Last ~12:21 AM | First ~5:12 AM · Last ~12:17 AM |
| Sunday | First ~8:09 AM · Last ~11:21 PM | First ~8:13 AM · Last ~11:14 PM |
Confirm live departures in the RTA app — station times shift slightly with timetable updates. (Full detail in our Dubai Metro timings guide.)
Fares & Nol Card
The station is in Zone 2. Silver Nol fares: AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones). A trip to Downtown (Zone 6) crosses 3+ zones — AED 7.50. (Check balance · recharge · card types · tourist guide.)
Practical Tips
- Weekend crowds: the station is packed Friday–Sunday afternoons — travel before noon for a calmer trip.
- Ski Dubai + metro: the combo works perfectly — no parking hassles, and the walkway means you never step outside.
- Al Barsha base: the area around the station has mid-range hotels and restaurants — a good-value base with a direct metro link.
- Going to the Marina: 4 stops southbound to Sobha Realty/DMCC, then the tram.
Last updated: October 2026. Timings follow RTA’s published schedule; verify live departures in the RTA app.
Key Journeys From This Station
| Destination | Route | Approx. time* |
|---|---|---|
| DXB Airport (T3) | Red Line direct to Airport Terminal 3 | 30–35 min |
| Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa | Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | ~15 min |
| Dubai Marina | Red Line to DMCC → Dubai Tram | 15–20 min |
| Gold Souq (Deira) | Red Line to Union → Green Line to Gold Souq | 45–55 min |
*Approximate, including average waiting time; actual times vary by time of day. Fares: AED 3 (1 zone) / AED 5 (2 zones) / AED 7.50 (3+ zones) on a Silver Nol card.
Station Facilities & Accessibility
Like all Dubai Metro stations, Mall of the Emirates offers step-free access and the standard RTA facility set:
- Ticketing: ticket office, vending machines and Nol card top-up kiosks
- Step-free: lifts and escalators to all levels; tactile paving for visually impaired passengers
- Onboard info: audio announcements in Arabic and English; real-time digital displays
- Comfort: fully air-conditioned concourse and platforms with platform screen doors
- Services: prayer rooms, washrooms, retail kiosks, ATMs and free Wi-Fi
- Safety: 24/7 CCTV, emergency call points and staffed information desks
Station History
The station opened on 9 September 2009 with the Red Line, built to serve a mall that had already redefined Dubai retail four years earlier. Its interior theme draws on fire and volcano imagery — part of the Red Line’s elements-themed design language. In 2025 it recorded 11.2 million riders, making it one of the network’s busiest non-interchange stations, and it remains the primary rail gateway to both the mall and Ski Dubai.
A Perfect Half-Day From This Station
Afternoon: cross into the Mall of the Emirates — book a Ski Dubai session (the snow park is the mall’s signature), then explore the Fashion Dome. Evening: dinner at one of the mall’s restaurants, or head two stops south to Dubai Marina for a waterfront dinner at Marina Walk. Tip: Ski Dubai sessions sell out on winter weekends — book online before you travel.
Good to Know: Riding From This Station
- Tap in and out — every journey needs both taps, or you’ll be charged the maximum fare.
- No eating or drinking on trains and in stations — this rule is strictly enforced.
- Let passengers alight first before boarding; stand clear of the doors.
- Women & children cabin: the pink-marked cabin is reserved — men entering can be fined AED 100.
- Gold Class: the premium cabin (roughly double the fare) is at the front in the direction of travel.
- Luggage: one large suitcase + one small bag per passenger; use the lifts.
- Friday nights run late (until 1:00 AM); Sunday mornings start late (8:00 AM).
Where to Stay & Eat Nearby
The mall is ringed by hotels: the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates (luxury, ski-slope views), the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and the Novotel and Ibis (mid-range and budget, both mall-connected). Inside, the mall has one of the city’s biggest restaurant line-ups — from food-court staples to upscale dining — so you never need to leave the building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a metro station at Mall of the Emirates?
Yes — Mall of the Emirates station (R32) on the Red Line, connected to the mall by an enclosed overhead walkway. No street crossing needed.
How do I get to Ski Dubai by metro?
Take the Red Line to Mall of the Emirates (R32), cross the overhead walkway into the mall, and follow signs for Ski Dubai. Book tickets online for weekends.
Which stations are next to Mall of the Emirates?
Equiti (R31) to the north (toward Centrepoint) and mashreq (R33) to the south (toward Expo 2020 / Life Pharmacy).
What fare zone is Mall of the Emirates station in?
Zone 2. Trips to Downtown (Zone 6) cross 3+ zones — AED 7.50 on a Silver Nol card.
How long is the walk from the station to the mall?
Just a few minutes via the enclosed overhead walkway — much shorter than the Metro Link bridge at Dubai Mall.
Are there buses from Mall of the Emirates station?
Yes — feeder buses F30 (Dubai Studio City), F32 (Mudon), F33 (Al Barsha 3), F35 (The Greens) and F37 (Sports City).
What are the first and last train times?
Mon–Thu & Sat: first trains ~5:12–5:22 AM, last trains ~11:17–11:21 PM (direction-dependent); Friday runs about an hour later; Sunday starts ~8:09–8:13 AM. Confirm live times in the RTA app.
Can I get to Dubai Marina from Mall of the Emirates station?
Yes — 4 stops southbound on the Red Line to Sobha Realty (R36) or DMCC (R37), then transfer to the Dubai Tram for the Marina and JBR.
Is Mall of the Emirates station busy?
Very — 11.2 million riders in 2025 made it the 4th busiest station in the network. Expect crowds on weekend afternoons.
Is there parking at Mall of the Emirates station?
The mall’s own parking serves drivers; the station itself has no RTA park-and-ride lot. For free park-and-ride, use Centrepoint or Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Is Mall of the Emirates station step-free?
Yes — the elevated station has lifts, escalators, tactile paving and wide gates throughout.
Can I get to Ski Dubai without going outside?
Yes — the station has direct indoor access to the mall, and Ski Dubai is inside the mall. You’ll only step outside if you choose to.
Keep exploring the Dubai Metro cluster: All Dubai Metro Stations · Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station · Dubai Internet City Station · DMCC Station · Tram & Marine Guide · Metro Timings · Nol Card for Tourists