Al Khail Metro Station (Al Fardan Exchange): Your Full 2025 Guide to Dubai’s Red Line Transit Hub
In Dubai’s ever-evolving urban landscape, even metro station names change to keep up. Formerly known as Nakheel, then Al Khail, and now officially renamed Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station in 2025, this Red Line station is more than just a stop on the map — it’s a strategic artery that connects business, academia, and leisure in the city’s heart.
Whether you’re headed to the American University of Dubai, Dubai Media City, or catching a break at Emirates Golf Club, this station acts as your access point to some of Dubai’s most influential neighborhoods. In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the station’s updated name, services, connectivity, operational timings, and the wider urban ecosystem it serves.
Station Identity & Historical Evolution
Originally opened on 15 October 2010 as Nakheel Metro Station, this stop was renamed Al Khail in 2020 before being rebranded again in March 2025 to its current name — Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station. This renaming reflects Dubai’s unique metro sponsorship model, where prominent businesses acquire naming rights as part of public-private collaboration.
Yet, for thousands of daily commuters and long-time residents, the name Al Khail Metro Station still carries semantic weight. Strategically located between Sobha Realty (R36) and Dubai Internet City (R34) stations, it remains a pivotal node along the Red Line, which stretches from Centrepoint to Expo 2020.
Location & Urban Context
Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, approximately 20 km southwest of Downtown Dubai, the station is flanked by vibrant districts:
- To the west: American University of Dubai, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
- To the east: Emirates Golf Club
- Nearby: Al Quoz Industrial Area, Knowledge Village, and Al Khail Avenue Mall
Its elevated structure spans over busy interchanges (between exits 4 and 5), and it is uniquely designed — trains arrive and depart from the left, a rare feature on the Red Line.
Architecture & Accessibility Features
Al Khail Metro Station is classified as a Type 3 elevated station with:
- Three tracks, including one used for train storage
- Two island platforms to support high passenger flow
- Pedestrian walkways connecting both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road
- Elevators, ramps, and priority seating for passengers with disabilities
Its architectural footprint reflects Dubai’s transit-forward ethos: sleek, efficient, and built with inclusivity in mind.
Al Khail Metro Station Timings (2025)
Here’s the complete weekday and weekend schedule, whether you’re heading toward Expo 2020 or Centrepoint.
➤ From Expo 2020 to Centrepoint
Monday to Friday:
- First Train: 5:14 AM
- Last Train: 12:13 AM
Saturday & Sunday:
- First Train: 5:14 AM (Saturday), 8:08 AM (Sunday)
- Last Train: 12:13 AM (Saturday), 11:12 PM (Sunday)
➤ From Centrepoint to Expo 2020
Monday to Friday:
- First Train: 5:13 AM
- Last Train: 12:44 AM
Saturday & Sunday:
- First Train: 5:13 AM (Saturday), 8:15 AM (Sunday)
- Last Train: 12:44 AM (Saturday), 11:43 PM (Sunday)
Note: Timings are managed by the RTA and may shift slightly during public holidays like Eid or National Day. Always check real-time updates via the S’hail app.
Connecting Routes & Feeder Services
Al Khail Station is seamlessly integrated into Dubai’s multimodal transport system:
- Feeder Bus F56: Connects to Dubai Internet City and Knowledge Village
- Bus Route 83: Links the station to Al Ghubaiba via Sharaf DG, Karama, and Dubai Media City
- Taxis & Ride-hailing Services: Available outside the main exits
- Parking: No dedicated lot, but nearby streets and private lots may offer space
Ticketing and Zone Information
Al Khail Station lies within Fare Zone 2 under the RTA’s zonal pricing model. Fare calculation depends on:
- Distance travelled
- Nol card type (Silver, Gold, Blue for seniors or students)
Children under 5 ride for free, while seniors aged 60+ receive fare concessions. Nol cards are easily available at all metro stations, online, and at select retail partners.
Nearby Attractions & Points of Interest
🏨 Hotels within reach:
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City (0.4 miles)
- Media One Hotel
- Arjaan by Rotana
- One&Only Royal Mirage Residence
🛍️ Malls & Shopping:
- Al Khail Avenue Mall: Fashion, electronics, hypermarket, and casual dining
- Mall of the Emirates: Just a few stops away on the Red Line
🎯 Tourist Spots:
- Dubai Marina
- Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall via Business Bay or BurJuman stations
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers via Noor Bank Metro Station
🏞️ Parks and Recreation:
- Al Quoz Pond Park
- Emirates Golf Club
Safety, Comfort & Travel Tips
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to avoid queues during rush hours
- Always carry your Nol card topped up for hassle-free transfers
- Use pedestrian walkways safely across Sheikh Zayed Road
- Lost something? Contact station staff immediately — RTA’s lost-and-found is efficient
- Keep an eye on station announcements, especially for updates on temporary closures or operational changes
FAQs about Al Khail Metro Station
Why did Al Khail Metro Station change its name?
The station was renamed to Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station as part of the RTA’s naming rights initiative in partnership with leading businesses.
Is the station accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the station is fully equipped with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms to support passengers with limited mobility.
How far is Dubai Media City from the station?
Dubai Media City is just west of the station, approximately a 5-minute walk or 2-minute drive.
What is the nearest metro station to Al Khail Gate?
Noor Bank Metro Station is the closest, about 2.5 kilometers from Al Khail Gate residential area.
Can I use the same Nol card on buses and the metro?
Absolutely. Nol cards work across buses, metro, trams, and even RTA parking meters.
Final Thoughts
Despite its new identity as Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station, this location will always resonate with locals as Al Khail — a high-capacity station that embodies Dubai’s seamless transport vision. For anyone living, working, or traveling in Media City, Al Quoz, or Dubai Marina, this station is more than convenient — it’s essential.
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