Al Rigga Metro Station – Gateway to Deira’s Best Spots

Introduction

Al Rigga Metro Station (Code R17) is one of the busiest and most convenient stations on Dubai’s Red Line. Sitting directly under Al Rigga Road in the heart of Deira, it connects travelers to hotels, restaurants, offices, and popular shopping spots such as Al Ghurair Centre. Since opening on September 9, 2009, the station has grown into a major mobility hub for residents, tourists, and business commuters.

Fully air-conditioned interiors, modern lifts, wide escalators, digital screens, and clear bilingual signage ensure a smooth travel experience. Its strategic position on the Red Line makes it a direct gateway to Dubai International Airport (DXB), Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and the Expo City area—without changing trains.

Quick Station Info – At a Glance

1. Location & Connectivity

Situated between Union Metro Station and Deira City Centre, Al Rigga is a central stop for both short and long-distance travel. The station is surrounded by major banks, shopping streets, money exchanges, cafés, and mid-range hotels, making it ideal for tourists and business travelers staying in Deira.

Nearby Hotels (Walking Distance)

• Ibis Al Rigga

• Hyatt Place Deira

• Avenue Hotel

• Versailles by Raviz

• Landmark Hotel

Nearby Attractions

• Al Ghurair Centre – 3–5 minutes walking

• Deira Clocktower – 7–10 minutes walking

• Dubai Creek – 15 minutes by metro

2. Station Layout & Exits

Al Rigga Metro Station is a fully underground station designed to handle heavy daily footfall.

Exits

Exit 1 – Al Ghurair Centre Side
Best for:

• Al Ghurair Mall

• Hyatt Place

• Avenue Hotel

• Restaurants & cafés

Exit 2 – Al Rigga Road Side
Best for:

• Banks & money exchanges

• RTA bus stops

• Taxis & ride-hailing pickups

• Street-side restaurants

Both exits are connected through elevators, escalators, and clearly marked walkways.

3. Nol Card & Ticketing (2025 Updates)

You can purchase or top-up Nol cards using:

• Ticket vending machines

• RTA ticket counters

• Nol top-up kiosks

• Contactless card payments

Cards Accepted

• Silver Card – Ideal for daily commuters

• Blue Card – Personalized card for seniors, students, and people of determination

• Red Ticket – Best for tourists (up to 10 single trips or day pass)

Note: Always tap in and tap out to avoid being charged the maximum fare.

4. Facilities & Accessibility

Al Rigga Metro Station is built for comfort and accessibility, especially for families, people of determination, and travelers with luggage.

Key Facilities

• Fully air-conditioned concourse

• Elevators, escalators & ramps

• Free WiFi

• Accessible washrooms

• Baby-changing rooms

• Prayer rooms (men & women)

• Tactile path for visually impaired passengers

• Zoom convenience store

• Vending machines & ATMs

The station is regularly monitored and maintained by RTA staff, ensuring cleanliness and safety.

5. Public Transport Connections

Al Rigga is extremely well-connected for onward travel.

RTA Bus Routes

• C9 – Al Mamzar, Al Qusais

• 77 – Baniyas, Karama, Jafiliya

• X28 – Dubai Internet City, Knowledge Village

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

• Taxis available 24/7 outside both exits

• Uber & Careem pickup spots clearly marked

Parking

There is no dedicated metro parking, but paid RTA street parking is available along Al Rigga Road.

6. Nearby Shopping, Dining & Attractions

Al Rigga is one of Deira’s most vibrant lifestyle districts.

Top Spots Near the Station

• Al Ghurair Centre – Shopping, cinema, supermarkets

• Deira Clocktower – Famous landmark for photos

• Rigga Road Restaurants – Lebanese, Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, fast food & cafés

• Dubai Creek – Abra rides, souks, and heritage zones

7. Who Should Use Al Rigga Metro Station?

This station is ideal for:

Tourists

Affordable hotels, budget restaurants, and easy metro access to all major Dubai attractions.

Daily Commuters

Fast links to Business Bay, DIFC, Downtown, Dubai Airport (T1 & T3), and corporate hubs.

Shoppers

Direct walking route to Al Ghurair Centre and retail stores along Rigga Road.

Airport Travelers

Only a few stops away from Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 & 3.

8. Digital Tools for Smarter Travel

RTA S’hail App

Your complete journey planner for metro, bus, tram, taxi, and ride-hailing.

Google Maps & Moovit

For real-time train updates and walking directions.

Dubai Metro Map 2025 (PDF)

Available free on the official RTA website.

9. Travel Tips & Hacks

• Use Exit 1 for Al Ghurair Centre and nearby hotels.

• Avoid peak travel hours: 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM.

• Women & children’s cabin rules apply (AED 100 fine for violations).

• Photography allowed for personal use only.

• Keep a Silver Nol Card if staying more than 3 days—it’s cheaper overall.

10. Future Developments (Beyond 2025)

Dubai continues upgrading its transportation network. Planned improvements include:

• Upgraded digital information screens

• Improved pavements and shaded walkways on Al Rigga Road

• Integration with smart bike-sharing stations

• Better signs and real-time station announcements

These upgrades will further improve safety, walkability, and commuter convenience.

11. Why Choose Al Rigga Metro Station?

Al Rigga strikes the perfect balance of convenience, affordability, and connectivity. Its central location in Deira, walkable surroundings, and direct Red Line access make it one of Dubai’s most valuable metro stops.

Whether you’re a tourist exploring Old Dubai, a commuter heading to work, or a shopper visiting Al Ghurair Centre, Al Rigga Metro Station offers a safe, comfortable, and efficient travel experience.

FAQs

1. Which metro line is Al Rigga Station on?

It is on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro.

2. Is Al Rigga close to Dubai Airport?

Yes, it’s only 2–3 stops away from DXB Terminals 1 and 3.

3. What is the station zone?

Al Rigga is in Zone 5 of the RTA fare system.

4. Is the station wheelchair accessible?

Yes — elevators, tactile paths, and accessible washrooms are available.

5. What hotels are near the station?

Ibis Al Rigga, Hyatt Place Deira, Landmark Hotel, Avenue Hotel, and Versailles by Raviz.