Ibn Battuta is the metro station for the world’s largest themed shopping mall — a mall split into six courts recreating the lands travelled by the 14th-century Moroccan explorer. It’s also a key transport hub: the E101 intercity bus to Abu Dhabi departs from the bus station next door, making this the budget gateway to the capital.
This guide covers the mall walkway, the six themed courts, bus connections (including Abu Dhabi), timings and fares.
Station Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Station code | R39 |
| Line | Red Line |
| Fare zone | 2 |
| Type | Elevated, 2 side platforms |
| Neighbouring stations | Jabal Ali ← → Energy |
| Interchange | No |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali Village |
Exits: Mall, Buses or Parking
| Exit | Leads to |
|---|---|
| Exit 1 | Ibn Battuta Mall main entrance via covered walkway (~4 min walk, arrives at China Court) |
| Exit 2 | Ibn Battuta Bus Station — E101 to Abu Dhabi; feeders F43, F44, F46 |
| Exit 3 | Feeder bus terminal & Jebel Ali Free Zone connection |
| Exit 4 | Parking area (covered walkway) |
Ibn Battuta Mall: The Six Themed Courts
The mall honours the explorer Ibn Battuta with six courts, each designed after a region he travelled:
| Court | Highlights |
|---|---|
| China Court | Metro walkway entrance; life-sized Chinese junk boat; Grand Megaplex & IMAX cinema; top restaurants |
| India Court | Reflexology and spa centres; ornate Indian architecture |
| Persia Court | Persian-inspired domes and tiling |
| Egypt Court | Pharaonic motifs and hieroglyph details |
| Tunisia Court | Main food court — the usual fast-food fare |
| Andalusia Court | Moorish arches and fountains |
Don’t miss the 21-screen Grand Megaplex with Dubai’s giant IMAX screen, and the mall’s famous big yellow balloon ride for aerial views.
Buses: Including the Abu Dhabi Express
| Route | Destination |
|---|---|
| E101 | Abu Dhabi — intercity express (buy tickets at the bus station) |
| F43 | Discovery Gardens |
| F44 | Jebel Ali Gardens |
| F46 | Dubai Investments Park (DIP 2) |
| F55 / F55A | Dubai International Airport |
Platforms & Directions
- Platform 1 (northbound): toward Centrepoint — for the Marina, malls, Downtown, Deira, the airport
- Platform 2 (southbound): toward Life Pharmacy — for Energy, Danube, Jebel Ali
Timings & First/Last Trains
| Day | Operating hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Peak frequency every 5–7 minutes on this stretch. (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). Central Dubai trips cross into Zone 6 — AED 7.50. (Check balance · recharge · tourist guide.)
Practical Tips
- Mall + metro day trip: the covered walkway makes this the easiest mall visit on the network in summer — you never walk outside.
- IMAX nights: check the last southbound train before a late movie — this stretch runs less frequently in the evening.
- Abu Dhabi day trip: metro to Ibn Battuta → E101 bus → Abu Dhabi; reverse in the evening. Much cheaper than tours or taxis.
- Parking: the mall’s huge car park doubles as informal park-and-ride — but check mall hours if leaving a car late.
Watch: Ibn Battuta Mall — The Six Courts
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 | 45–55 min |
| Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa | Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | 25–30 min |
| Dubai Marina | Red Line to DMCC → Dubai Tram | 15–20 min |
| Abu Dhabi | E101 bus from Ibn Battuta Bus Station (Exit 2) | 1.5–2 hours |
*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, Ibn Battuta 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 is named for Ibn Battuta, the 14th-century Moroccan explorer whose travels across the Islamic world inspired the themed mall it serves — the station and mall opened as a pair with the Red Line’s southern extension. The naming is a deliberate nod to travel and discovery, and the station has grown into one of the network’s key intercity bus hubs: the E101 to Abu Dhabi departs from the bus station at Exit 2, making this the budget traveller’s gateway to the capital.
A Perfect Half-Day From Ibn Battuta
Morning: explore the six themed courts of Ibn Battuta Mall — start at China Court (metro entrance) and walk the full length to Andalusia. Midday: lunch in one of the courts (China Court has the best restaurant selection). Afternoon: catch an IMAX film at the Grand Megaplex, or ride the big yellow balloon. Evening option: E101 bus to Abu Dhabi for a Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque sunset — returning the same night is doable if you watch the last bus times.
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 itself is the dining destination: China Court has the strongest restaurant line-up, and the Tunisia Court food court covers the quick options. Hotels around the mall and Jebel Ali Village cater to long-stay and budget-conscious travellers — good value if you don’t mind being 25–30 minutes by metro from Downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metro station is for Ibn Battuta Mall?
Ibn Battuta station (R39) on the Red Line — Exit 1 leads via a covered walkway (~4 min) into the mall at China Court.
How do I get to Abu Dhabi from Ibn Battuta station?
Take Exit 2 to Ibn Battuta Bus Station and board the E101 intercity bus to Abu Dhabi. Buy tickets at the bus station; allow 1.5–2 hours.
What are the six courts of Ibn Battuta Mall?
Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China — each themed after regions the explorer Ibn Battuta travelled, with matching architecture, shops and restaurants.
Which stations are next to Ibn Battuta?
Jabal Ali (R38) toward Centrepoint and Energy (R40) toward Life Pharmacy.
What fare zone is Ibn Battuta station in?
Zone 2. Trips to central Dubai cross 3+ zones — AED 7.50 on a Silver Nol card.
Is there an IMAX at Ibn Battuta Mall?
Yes — the 21-screen Grand Megaplex in China Court includes a giant IMAX screen.
Are there buses to the airport from Ibn Battuta?
Yes — F55/F55A run toward Dubai International Airport from the bus station (Exit 2).
Can I park at Ibn Battuta station?
The mall’s large car park (Exit 4 side, covered walkway) serves park-and-ride informally — but check mall operating hours if leaving a car late.
What are the station timings?
Monday–Thursday and Saturday: 5:00 AM–12:00 AM; Friday: 5:00 AM–1:00 AM; Sunday: 8:00 AM–12:00 AM.
How far is Ibn Battuta station from Dubai Marina?
About 3 stops northbound on the Red Line (via Jabal Ali to DMCC/Sobha Realty), then the tram for the Marina.
Is Ibn Battuta station accessible?
Yes — the elevated station has lifts, escalators, tactile paving and wide gates throughout, and the mall walkway is step-free.
Which mall entrance does the metro walkway reach?
Exit 1’s covered walkway arrives at China Court — the end of the mall with the Grand Megaplex cinema, IMAX and the main restaurant cluster.
Does the E101 bus to Abu Dhabi run late at night?
E101 runs frequently through the day and evening, but late-night frequency drops — check the RTA S’hail app for the current timetable before planning a late return.
What are Ibn Battuta Mall’s opening hours?
The mall typically opens 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (longer on weekends and holidays), but hours change seasonally — check the mall’s official site before a dedicated trip.
Keep exploring the Dubai Metro cluster: All Dubai Metro Stations · DMCC Station · Expo 2020 Station · Tram & Marine Guide · Metro Timings · Nol Card for Tourists