Sobha Realty Metro Station (station code R36) is the Red Line stop for Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) — and one of only two stations where you can transfer to the Dubai Tram. An enclosed footbridge connects the metro concourse directly to the tram, making this the launch point for Palm Jumeirah trips.
This 2026 guide covers the station’s location, name history, tram transfer, exits, train times, fares, and nearby attractions.
Sobha Realty Metro Station: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Station code | R36 |
| Line | Red Line |
| Fare zone | Zone 2 |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed Road, Interchange 5 — between Dubai Marina and JLT |
| Station type | Elevated (two side platforms) |
| Opened | 30 April 2010 |
| Tram connection | Yes — footbridge to Dubai Marina tram station |
The Name: Dubai Marina → DAMAC → Dubai Marina → Sobha Realty
Few stations have changed names as often. It opened in 2010 as Dubai Marina, became DAMAC Properties in September 2014 under a naming-rights deal, reverted to Dubai Marina in November 2020, and was renamed Sobha Realty on 9 August 2021 after the developer bought the naming rights.
Most visitors still say “Dubai Marina station” — drivers, hotel concierges, and even some RTA audio announcements may use the old name during transitions. Same station, same code (R36). (More renames: why Dubai Metro stations change names.)
Location: Between the Marina and JLT
The station sits on Sheikh Zayed Road at Interchange 5, about 20 km southwest of Downtown Dubai. To the west lies the northern half of Dubai Marina (Marina Promenade, Marina Mall side); to the east, the Jumeirah Lake Towers clusters. It is the natural metro stop for both districts’ offices, hotels, and residences.
The Tram Transfer: Your Route to Palm Jumeirah
This is the station’s killer feature. Follow the signs from the metro concourse across the enclosed footbridge over Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Marina tram station (~7 minute walk, air-conditioned).
| Destination | Route from Sobha Realty |
|---|---|
| Palm Jumeirah | Tram to Palm Jumeirah station → covered walkway to Palm Monorail (Gateway station) |
| JBR / The Walk | Tram toward JBR — 2–3 stops |
| Nakheel Mall (Palm) | Tram to Palm Jumeirah station + short walk |
| DMCC / JLT | One metro stop north (R37), or tram along the Marina |
The Dubai Tram runs on the same Nol card — no new ticket needed. Full details: metro, tram & marine transport guide.
Exits
| Exit | Leads to |
|---|---|
| Exit 1 | JLT side / Sobha Realty developments (~3 min walk) |
| Exit 2 | Dubai Marina side / Dubai Science Park (~5 min walk) |
| Footbridge | Dubai Marina tram station → JBR & Palm Jumeirah |
What’s Nearby
| Attraction | How to reach |
|---|---|
| Dubai Marina Walk & Marina Mall | Exit 2, ~10–15 min walk (or 1 tram stop) |
| JBR / The Beach | Tram 2–3 stops from Dubai Marina tram station |
| Palm Jumeirah / Atlantis | Tram + Palm Monorail (~30–40 min total) |
| JLT clusters (offices & dining) | Exit 1, immediate |
| The Meadows / Emirates Hills | Taxi, ~10 min |
First & Last Train Times (2026)
Red Line trains run both directions from Sobha Realty:
| Day | First train | Last train |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Trains run every 3–5 minutes at peak on the Red Line. Toward Centrepoint (northbound): Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall is ~20 minutes. Toward Life Pharmacy/Expo 2020 (southbound): DMCC is 1 stop, Ibn Battuta ~10 minutes. Full network times: first & last train guide.
Fares & Zones
Sobha Realty is in Zone 2. Nol Silver fares: AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones). Marina ↔ Downtown Dubai crosses into Zone 6 (3+ zones, AED 7.50). The tram leg is charged as a separate zone-based fare on the same Nol card.
Tourists heading to the Marina/Palm: a Nol Silver card from the station machines is all you need — see Nol card for tourists and the full fares guide.
Tips for Sobha Realty Station
- Going to Atlantis? Metro → tram → monorail is the cheapest route (~AED 20–25 total), but allow a full hour. A taxi from the station is ~25 minutes.
- Beat the evening peak: the Marina-bound platform is packed 6:00–7:30 PM — travel just before or after.
- Gold Class views: the elevated run from Sobha Realty toward Downtown offers skyline views worth the upgrade.
- Feeder buses: RTA buses (e.g. JLT loop routes) connect the station to the Marina’s interior streets the tram doesn’t reach.
- Mind the name: if a taxi driver looks confused at “Sobha Realty,” say “Dubai Marina metro station” — everyone knows the old name.
Watch: Red Line Journey — Centrepoint to Sobha Realty
Last updated: October 2026. Train times per RTA network hours; verify in the S’hail app on public holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metro station is closest to Dubai Marina?
Sobha Realty (R36) on the Red Line — it was called Dubai Marina station until 2021. Use Exit 2 for the Marina side, or the footbridge to the Dubai Tram for JBR and the Palm.
How do I get to Palm Jumeirah from Sobha Realty station?
Take the enclosed footbridge to Dubai Marina tram station, ride the tram to Palm Jumeirah station, then follow the covered walkway to the Palm Monorail (Gateway). Allow ~40 minutes total.
Why was Dubai Marina station renamed?
RTA sells naming rights: the station went Dubai Marina (2010) → DAMAC Properties (2014) → Dubai Marina (2020) → Sobha Realty (Aug 2021). The code R36 never changes.
Does the Dubai Tram connect at Sobha Realty?
Yes. An air-conditioned footbridge links the metro concourse to Dubai Marina tram station (~7 min walk). The tram uses the same Nol card and runs to JBR, Media City, and the Palm.
What zone is Sobha Realty metro station in?
Zone 2. Nol Silver fares: AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones). Marina to Downtown Dubai is a 3+ zone trip (AED 7.50).
How long is the metro from Sobha Realty to Burj Khalifa?
About 20 minutes northbound on the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25) — no changes needed.
What time does the first train leave Sobha Realty?
Around 5:00 AM Monday–Saturday and 8:00 AM on Sunday. Last trains run to ~midnight (1:00 AM Friday). Red Line peak frequency is 3–5 minutes.
Is there parking at Sobha Realty station?
No Park & Ride at this station. The nearest free metro parking on the Red Line is at Jumeirah Golf Estates (R73) or Centrepoint (R11).
Which exit for JLT at Sobha Realty station?
Exit 1 — it opens directly toward the JLT clusters and Sobha Realty developments (~3 minute walk).
Can I use the same Nol card for metro and tram?
Yes. The Nol card works across metro, tram, buses, and marine transport. Tap in and out on each leg; the tram fare is calculated by zones on the same card.
Keep exploring the Dubai Metro: Dubai Metro Stations Guide · Red Line Guide · DMCC Station · Tram & Marine Guide · Metro Tourist Guide