Sheikh Zayed Road has been connected to the southern districts with excellent public transport connections, and Dubai’s area is not an exception. The station is situated next to Ibn Battuta Mall, which offers convenient links between Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and key destinations along the Red Line. The bus station nearby also enables passengers to travel beyond the Metro area. The station is especially handy for people shopping, living, working, or visiting the mall or nearby areas. Its strategic location on the southern Red Line makes it a convenient option for car or taxi travel. This guide provides details on its location, routes, fare, timing, nearby attractions, and bus connections, as well as useful travel information.
What Is Ibn Battuta Metro Station?
The Jebel Ali Red Line station, named Ibn Battuta Metro Station, is a station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro’s Jebel Ali line. It is station R39 of the Dubai Metro network, as per the RTA. It is located on Sheikh Zayed Road and is part of the southern section of the Red Line.
The station was named for the nearby Ibn Battuta Mall, a large shopping and entertainment complex inspired by the travels of the renowned 14th-century explorer, Ibn Battuta. The stop is very convenient for visitors and shoppers, as pedestrian access to the station and the mall is direct.
The station is more than just a metro station. Being located next to the mall and the bus facilities, passengers can use the metro, bus, and taxi services to access the areas in and around Jebel Ali.
Station location
It is located on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) in Jebel Ali, Dubai. There are residential neighborhoods, hotels, retail, and commercial developments around the station, with the most prominent being the Ibn Battuta Mall.
The mall is located between Interchanges 5 and 6 of Sheikh Zayed Road, providing excellent road access for car and taxi drivers.
Which Metro Line Serves the Station?
The station is part of the Dubai Metro Red Line. It is currently shown on RTA’s network map as R39, situated between the RTA’s National Paints (R38) and Energy (R40) sections.
This will help passengers who want to travel between the communities in the south and the main ones in the north. The Red Line (Dubai Metro) links Jebel Ali to Dubai Marina, Dubai Internet City, Mall of the Emirates, Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport, and other key districts.
Fares and destinations of trains on the Red Line should be checked before embarking on the train, as the line has different destinations for the south according to the service pattern. RTA’s latest published timetable also provides independent operating details for trains that go through R39.
Travelling toward central Dubai
When heading from the station towards the center of Dubai, use the Red Line service that goes towards the north of the network. This direction goes to the following stops:
- Dubai Marina
- Dubai Internet City
- Mall of the Emirates
- Business Bay
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Financial Centre
- Emirates Towers
- Dubai International Airport
These stations are officially confirmed to be on the Red Line on RTA’s official metro map.
Travelling south
In the future, the Red Line will extend further west to Jebel Ali, with passengers able to go further on the line towards Energy, Danube, and Life Pharmacy. The current map of the RTA Station has Energy at R40, Danube at R41, and Life Pharmacy at R42.
Life Pharmacy is the new name of the station that used to be called UAE Exchange. The former Jebel Ali station is now known as National Paints, due to Dubai Metro’s station renaming programme.
Ibn Battuta Metro Station Timings
Public holidays, special events and operational requirements may cause changes to the hours of Metro operation. RTA particularly recommends pthat assengers to seek up-to-date information via the RTA’s official channels before travelling.
R39 is listed as a Red Line station in RTA’s published timetable, and train timings are published for trains that pass through the station.
As for the best information about the travel time, passengers should check the RTA website or the official RTA transport apps on the date of travel, as it may be different from the information provided in an old timetable.
The station is situated next to the mall, making it convenient for night-time shopping and restaurant outings. The mall is open on its own; however, the hours of the metro are different, so it’s best to check. The trading and metro-access information is now being published by the Ibn Battuta Mall.
Metro Fares and Nol Card
The payment system adopted by Dubai Metro is the Nol card. According to RTA, passengers should have a valid Nol card to take advantage of the Metro, and the fare is calculated based on the number of zones they cross. The Dubai public transport system comprises seven zones.
Ibn Battuta Mall is in Zone 2, as is the station.
How Dubai Metro calculates fares
RTA has adopted a zonal fare system instead of a flat fare for each metro ride. The final fare depends on the number of zones that are crossed from the starting to the ending point. During a trip under the conditions outlined below, passengers are able to change from one eligible RTA transport mode to another.
RTA’s fare guidance categorises journeys by zones travelled. Journeys within one zone are in the lowest tier; journeys across more zones are in higher tiers.
Please check the balance of your Nol card before you board the Metro. As of now, RTA requires a minimum of AED 7.50 to ride the Metro, and they also recommend leaving with a greater balance to prevent issues during travel.
Which Nol card should you use?
The Silver Nol card is the basic fare to use for daily public transport. Along with that, RTA has a range of other Nol products such as Gold, Personal, etc for various travel purposes.
For those wishing to have a one-time alternative, RTA classifies the Red Ticket as a paper ticket product. Alternatively, passengers who make frequent use of the bus can use a rechargeable NOL card or a suitable travel pass.
Direct Access to Ibn Battuta Mall
One of the greatest benefits of Ibn Battuta Metro Station is the convenient access to the mall.
The metro station is just beside the shopping centre, says Ibn Battuta Mall. In 2016, a dedicated connection between the Mall and Metro was opened, enabling a direct pedestrian link between the two transport systems and the Mall.
This connection also makes the mall particularly convenient to access in Dubai’s summer season, as passengers don’t have to walk down Sheikh Zayed Road to get to the shopping complex.
They are located in the mall, which was inspired by various parts of the world where Ibn Battuta traveled. Retail, restaurants, and entertainment are available in the complex. The official information for the mall also includes information about access by metro, bus, taxi, and car.
Ibn Battuta Mall opening hours
The mall’s general trade hours are:
- Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM
There may be several different business hours in the mall, so check the outlet before going.
Bus Connections
The area around the station is also an important bus interchange. Passengers travelling outside the immediate metro corridor can find connections at nearby Ibn Battuta Bus Station. According to Property Finder, the bus station is directly adjacent to the Red Line station and Ibn Battuta Mall.
Currently, RTA has a bus route list with several feeder services and intercity bus services between Ibn Battuta Bus Station and Central Bus Station in Abu Dhabi.
This option is helpful for passengers who end their journey at a location other than Sheikh Zayed Road.
Why the bus connection matters
Metro lines are best suited for big corridors; feeder buses bring public transport into residential and commercial areas. Passengers can take buses from the transport terminal of Ibn Battuta for onward journeys instead of taking a taxi for the entire journey.
Always verify the route number and destination of the bus before getting on it, as routes and patterns may change.
Taxi and Road Access
Ride-hailing and taxis are available to passengers after they’ve exited the station. Taxi stands are located at the entrances of the mall, including the entrances from Andalusia Court and China Court on the Sheikh Zayed Road side.
The site is also suitable for private cars as the mall is adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road. The complex can be accessed by car via the surrounding interchanges from neighbouring communities.
A taxi can offer a more convenient last leg of the trip when you are carrying a heavy suitcase, bringing small children, or traveling to an area that is not served by a metro or bus service.
Bus Routes From Ibn Battuta Bus Station
| Route | Destination |
| 8 | Al Baraha Bus Station |
| F43 | Discovery Gardens |
| F44 | Jebel Ali Gardens |
| F46 | Dubai Investment Park 2 |
| F55 | Al Maktoum International Airport |
| DPR1 | Dubai Parks and Resorts |
| E101 | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station |
| E102 | Musaffah Community Bus Station |
RTA acknowledges E101 as the latest iteration of the intercity bus service between Ibn Battuta and Abu Dhabi, and also confirms that Ibn Battuta is a transport point for other routes.
Note: Bus routes and stop arrangements may be changed; please refer to the RTA/S’hail trip planner before travelling.
Areas Near Ibn Battuta Metro Station
The station isn’t just for the mall. It offers convenient public transportation services to several communities and developments in and around Jebel Ali.
Jebel Ali
The area of Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road corridor to the south is referred to as Jebel Ali. It is a region of residential, commercial, industrial, and logistics properties, and public transport plays an important role for employees and residents.
Its station is located on the Red Line, which means that passengers can go towards central Dubai or towards the southern Jebel Ali corridor.
Jebel Ali Village
Another key residential catchment in Jebel Ali Village is the station’s wider catchment. Residents can easily access the metro and other destinations nearby due to the nearby bus network.
The station and bus interchange is thus a convenient transport solution for those living further away from the railway than walking distance.
Discovery Gardens
Discovery Gardens is further north and also along the same general corridor and has its own metro access. Discovery Gardens is a Jebel Ali community comprising multiple residential theming clusters and landscaped spaces, identified by Property Finder.
Passengers in the vicinity can go from one of the three points of convenience: Discovery Gardens, The Gardens, or Ibn Battuta.
The Gardens
Another nearby residential community served by the Red Line is the “Gardens”. The Gardens is station R70 on RTA’s network map.
The close ties between these communities mean travellers will need to choose their station on the basis of the exact building or destination they are travelling to, as opposed to assuming that one station will work for the whole district.
What Can You Reach From the Station?
The station offers direct Red Line access to a number of major destinations, without the need to change lines. The duration of the journey will vary depending on the origin and destination, the service pattern, and the waiting time, so it is advisable for passengers to use RTA’s journey planning tools to get an up-to-date estimate.
Along the Red Line, popular destinations include:
| Destination | Transport connection |
| Dubai Marina | Red Line |
| Dubai Internet City | Red Line |
| Mall of the Emirates | Red Line |
| Business Bay | Red Line |
| Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | Red Line |
| Financial Centre | Red Line |
| Emirates Towers | Red Line |
| Dubai International Airport | Red Line |
| Energy | Red Line |
| Danube | Red Line |
| Life Pharmacy | Red Line |
These are places that are shown on the RTA’s current Red Line station map.
Depending on the final destination, passengers may have to transfer at an interchange station or take a bus, tram, or taxi.
Station
Station Facilities and Accessibility
Once you have used the Nol card, you can recharge it at a Nol card purchase and recharge facility.
- Wi-Fi access
- ATM services
- Appropriate facilities for people of determination.
- Taxi connections
- Nearby bus services
- Access directly from the Ibn Battuta Mall.
- Exits and Transport connections are clearly marked.
- Is Ibn Battuta Metro Station a tourist-friendly station?
Is Ibn Battuta Metro Station Good for Tourists?
When the tourist’s starting point is on the same line as the Red Line station, travelers can use the Red Line to get to the station without changing lines while staying nearer to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, or the airport. This makes the station more convenient to use than stations that require multiple transfers.
The mall also provides quick access to the spot once off the train. It’s easy to access the city by metro, and there are restaurants and retail shops along the way, making it a convenient shopping or dining stop.
If you’re traveling outside the mall, however, it’s advisable to check your destination first. Alternatively, you can take another Red Line station or a mix of metro plus bus, which can be shorter.
Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
The trip can be made easier with a few simple steps.
Before getting on, verify the direction. Don’t just judge the train by the colour of the line, but by the destination shown on the train.
Be sure to have your Nol card available. A card is required to be tapped at the entry and exit gates, and for using the Metro, the RTA needs enough money on the card prior to the journey.
Use the mall connection. When travelling to Ibn Battuta Mall, avoid going off the main street and instead take the pedestrian route.
Look at the bus times before departing from the bus stop. Please check the official routes provided by RTA for the City of Dubai for the current bus service.
Give extra time during high-traffic times. To minimize congestion, RTA suggests scheduling trips during off-peak hours in the day, whenever feasible.
Check special-event schedules. During holidays, major events, and other special days, the operating hours for Metro may vary.
Conclusion
Ibn Battuta Metro Station offers a convenient transport option for passengers travelling between southern Dubai and major areas along the Red Line. It is handy for those who commute daily or do local sightseeing, as it is connected to Ibn Battuta Mall, local bus services, and Sheikh Zayed Road. The station is also in proximity to Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, Downtown Dubai, and Jebel Ali. Passengers must verify the latest information from RTA prior to travel, as bus routes and service arrangements might change during special events or holidays, as well as metro timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What line is Ibn Battuta Metro Station on?
It is situated on Dubai Metro’s Red Line and is referred to as the R39 station on the RTA station map.
Is the station connected to Ibn Battuta Mall?
The shopping centre is easily accessible from the station as it has a direct pedestrian link.
Which zone is the station in?
The station is in zone 2; the same zone applies to the metro fare calculation based on the zones travelled.
Can I travel from the station to Downtown Dubai?
Yes, passengers are able to make their way on the Red Line to the hub of Dubai and disembark at the right stop for the Burj Khalifa area and Dubai Mall.
Is there a bus station near the metro station?
Ibn Battuta Bus Station is indeed near the metro station and the mall, with other available modes of transportation.
Can I use a Nol Card at the station?
Yes, passengers must have a valid Nol Card or approved ticket for the Dubai Metro, and there are various types of Nol Cards for various types of travel.
Is Ibn Battuta Metro Station convenient for tourists?
It is true that it has direct access to the mall and the Red Line, so it is an ideal choice for those who want to reach Ibn Battuta Mall or other significant Dubai destinations.
