Deira doesn’t hand out shortcuts easily — the streets are old, the traffic is older, and half the shops don’t have addresses that Google Maps agrees with. Abu Hail Metro Station is the one fixed point in that chaos. Step off the Green Line here and you’re on Salah Al Din Street, a five-minute walk from a school run, a hospital visit, or a plate of grilled lamb, depending on what your day needs.
This guide skips the filler. Quick facts, real timings guidance, nearby spots, and the questions people actually type into Google before they leave the house.
Quick Facts About Abu Hail Metro Station
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Station code | G17 |
| Line | Green Line, Dubai Metro |
| Opened | 9 September 2011 |
| Fare zone | Zone 5 |
| Area served | Hor Al Anz, Deira |
| Street location | Salah Al Din Street |
| Previous station | Al Qiyadah (G16) |
| Next station | Abu Baker Al Siddique (G18) |
| Operator | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) |
Where Abu Hail Metro Station Actually Sits
A lot of guides say “Deira” and leave it there, which isn’t much help if you’ve never been. Abu Hail Metro Station sits on Salah Al Din Street in Hor Al Anz — the district of Abu Hail proper is just north of the station, so the name refers to the wider neighbourhood it feeds rather than the exact block it’s built on. It’s north of Dubai International Airport, tucked between the older commercial stretch of Deira and the residential blocks of Hor Al Anz East.
If you’re arriving by car or taxi, tell the driver “Salah Al Din Street, near Abu Hail Centre” — that lands you closer than “Abu Hail” alone, since the district itself stretches over a wider area.
Getting In and Out: Facilities at the Station
Abu Hail Metro Station isn’t a bare-bones stop. It’s built for daily commuter volume, so the basics are covered without you needing to hunt for them:
- Ticket office and self-service ticket vending machines
- Lifts and escalators to the platforms (step-free access throughout)
- Toilets and a small convenience store for last-minute snacks or a bottle of water
- ATM access from major banks
- Reserved seating and priority access for pregnant women and people of determination
- Air conditioning throughout — a genuine relief given Dubai’s summer heat
- Free Wi-Fi on the concourse
Cycle parking is also available near the entrance, useful if you’re combining a short ride with the metro rather than walking the last stretch.
First and Last Trains: What to Expect
Green Line hours shift slightly by day of the week, and first/last train times at any single stop — including Abu Hail Metro Station — depend on which direction you’re heading (toward Creek or toward Etisalat by e&). Rather than repeat a single number that goes stale the moment RTA adjusts the schedule, here’s the safest way to plan:
| Day type | General first train | General last train |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays (Mon–Thu) | Around 5:00–5:45 AM | Around 11:45 PM–12:00 AM |
| Fridays | Later start, mid-morning | Around 1:00 AM |
| Weekends/Public holidays | Slightly later start | Around midnight |
Timings shift around Ramadan and public holidays, so don’t rely on memory or an old blog post. Install RTA’s S’hail app, which pulls live first/last train data directly for Abu Hail Metro Station in both directions.
What’s Around Abu Hail Metro Station
This is the part most guides gloss over with a vague “shops and restaurants nearby.” Here’s what’s actually within realistic walking distance:
| Place | Type | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Hail Centre | Retail/commercial | Shops, services, and food options right by the exit |
| Al Ghurair Centre | Shopping mall | Larger mall with retail, dining, entertainment |
| Al Mulla Plaza | Retail | Electronics and home goods |
| Pearl Wisdom School Dubai | School | Common reason locals use this exact stop |
| NMC Medical Centre Deira | Healthcare | Nearest major clinic to the station |
| Hor Al Anz Park / Abu Hail Park | Green space | Rare in this part of Deira — worth knowing about |
| Dubai Police HQ | Government | Landmark for directions |
How to Reach Abu Hail Metro Station from Key Areas
- From BurJuman Metro Station: Board the Green Line toward Creek. Abu Hail Metro Station is roughly ten stops along.
- From Union Metro Station: Transfer point for both Red and Green Lines; take the Green Line and stay on until Abu Hail.
- From Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1/2): A short bus connection (route 43 is commonly used) links to the metro network heading toward Abu Hail Metro Station, typically a 10-minute ride plus a short wait.
- By taxi: Expect a fare in the AED 30–45 range from central Dubai, depending on traffic and time of day.
Bus Connections at Abu Hail
Abu Hail Metro Station doubles as a bus interchange, which is what makes it more than a train stop. RTA feeder buses running from the adjacent bus station connect to:
- Al Karama Bus Station
- Gold Souq Bus Station
- Sharjah (cross-emirate routes)
- Local residential loops through Hor Al Anz
If you’re transferring from metro to bus, use your NOL card within 30 minutes of tapping out — under RTA’s integrated fare system, that transfer window is free.
Fares and NOL Card Basics
Abu Hail Metro Station sits in Zone 5, so your fare depends on how many zones you cross, not a flat rate. A few practical points:
- Tap your NOL card (or NOL-enabled digital wallet) both entering and exiting — skipping the exit tap triggers the maximum fare.
- Silver and Gold NOL cards work throughout the station; ticket machines on-site sell and top up cards.
- Students, people of determination, and children under a set height typically qualify for reduced or free fares — check current RTA fare categories before travelling, as these are periodically revised.
Living Near Abu Hail Metro Station: Is It Worth It?
People searching this aren’t just commuters — a good share are checking whether the neighbourhood is livable. A fair answer:
- For families: Reasonable, given the school (Pearl Wisdom) and park access within walking distance.
- For young professionals: Affordable relative to Downtown or Marina rents, with a direct commute into central Dubai via the Green Line.
- For daily commuters: The real advantage of Abu Hail Metro Station is the combined metro-and-bus access — few stations in older Deira offer both this cleanly.
- Trade-off: It’s an older, denser part of the city. Don’t expect the polish of newer developments near the Marina or Downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abu Hail Metro Station on the Red Line or Green Line?
Green Line only. If you need the Red Line, transfer at Union or BurJuman.
What is the station code for Abu Hail Metro Station?
G17.
Which stations are next to Abu Hail Metro Station?
Al Qiyadah (G16) before it, Abu Baker Al Siddique (G18) after it.
Is Abu Hail Metro Station wheelchair accessible?
Yes — lifts and escalators serve all platforms, and priority seating is available at platform level and on trains.
What’s the closest mall to Abu Hail Metro Station?
Al Ghurair Centre and Al Mulla Plaza are both a short ride or moderate walk away; Abu Hail Centre is essentially at the exit.
How do I check exact train times for Abu Hail Metro Station?
Use RTA’s S’hail app — it gives live, direction-specific first and last train times rather than a generic schedule.
Timings, fares, and facility details reflect RTA’s published Green Line information and are subject to change. Always confirm current schedules through the official RTA website or S’hail app before travelling.
