348M Riders in 6 Months: Which Dubai Metro Station Is Busiest?

Dubai Metro accounted for the largest share of Dubai’s public transport, taxi and shared-mobility network, which recorded 348.1 million riders in H1 2026. RTA figures show that the network served nearly 1.9 million riders per day, with BurJuman emerging as Dubai Metro’s busiest station. 

The rapid growth highlights how residents and visitors increasingly rely on mass transit for their daily commutes across Dubai.

Dubai Metro Dominates Public Transport Network 

According to the RTA, Dubai Metro accounted for 39.2% of all trips across the emirate. Taxis followed with 25.5% of journeys, while public buses secured 24.4% of the overall passenger volume. Director General Mattar Al Tayer confirmed these 3 primary modes combined to handle roughly 89% of all rides.

Peak travel occurred during January with 73.4 million journeys, before monthly passenger numbers stabilized between 49 and 66 million.

The Busiest Dubai Metro Stations Revealed

1. BurJuman Station (Interchange Hub): 8.4 Million Riders
2. Union Station (Interchange Hub): 6.5 Million Riders
3. Al Rigga Station (Red Line): 6.4 Million Riders
4. Mall of the Emirates Station (Red Line): 5.2 Million Riders
5. Business Bay Station (Red Line): 5.0 Million Riders
6. Sharaf DG Station (Green Line): 4.9 Million Riders
7. Baniyas Square Station (Green Line): 3.8 Million Riders
8. Stadium Station (Green Line): 3.7 Million Riders

The Red Line and Green Line network collectively moved 136.5 million passengers over the 6-month observation period. The two interchange stations recorded the highest published totals, with BurJuman serving 8.4 million riders and Union serving 6.5 million. 

On the Red Line, Al Rigga Station proved most popular by recording 6.4 million riders during the first half. Mall of the Emirates Station and Business Bay Station followed closely behind on the Red Line with high traffic.

Sharaf DG was the busiest Green Line station, serving 4.9 million riders. Baniyas Square Station secured 2nd place with 3.8 million users, while Stadium Station recorded roughly 3.7 million total journeys. Shared mobility and marine transport carried a combined 33.8 million riders. 

Limousines served a further 5.7 million during the period.

Future Infrastructure Expansion Plans for Dubai Metro

Transportation authorities target expanding public transit and shared mobility market share to 25% by the year 2030. The upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line project will span 30 kilometers and incorporate 14 stations across 9 major districts. 

Officials have also approved the AED 34 billion Gold Line, a 42-kilometer fully underground route with 18 stations. It will connect with the Red and Green lines and integrate with Etihad Rail. Fleet modernization efforts include deploying 637 Euro 6 buses alongside driverless taxi testing and commercial air taxi launches.

Does Dubai’s expanding transit network change whether you will buy a second car or rely on public transport? Follow ArabWheels Blog for our upcoming market analysis on how RTA infrastructure projects impact UAE car buying trends and vehicle resale values.