Last reviewed: October 19, 2026
Al Ras Metro Station Dubai (G23) is one of the most interesting stops on the Dubai Metro Green Line, located in the historic Al Ras neighborhood of Deira. Unlike stations primarily serving offices or residential towers, Al Ras offers access to traditional markets, historic buildings, narrow trading streets and the waterfront of Dubai Creek.
The station is especially convenient for visiting the Dubai Spice Souk, exploring parts of the Gold Souk, discovering Al Ahmadiya School and Heritage House, and continuing across Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra.
For visitors planning a trip to Old Dubai, Al Ras offers an excellent starting point. It is also a practical station for passengers traveling between Deira and Bur Dubai, with connections to the Red Line through Union and BurJuman.
This complete Al Ras Metro Station guide for 2026 explains the location, nearest Metro stations, exit directions, operating hours, nol fares, nearby attractions, restaurants, public transport and the best way to explore Old Deira.
1. Al Ras Metro Station at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Station name | Al Ras Metro Station |
| Arabic name | الراس |
| Station code | G23 |
| Metro line | Green Line |
| RTA fare zone | Zone 5 |
| Station type | Underground |
| Location | Al Khor Street area, Al Ras, Deira, Dubai |
| Opening date | September 9, 2011 |
| Previous stop toward e& | Gold Souq (G22) |
| Next stop toward Creek | Al Ghubaiba (G24) |
| Closest Red Line interchange toward e& | Union (G20/R18) |
| Red Line interchange toward Creek | BurJuman (G26/R19) |
| Nearby attractions | Spice Souk, Gold Souk, Heritage House, Al Ahmadiya School |
| Creek crossing | Deira Old Souk Abra Station |
| Payment | Valid nol card or ticket |
| Best for | Old Deira sightseeing, souks, heritage and Creek transport |
Quick answer: Al Ras is G23 on the Green Line, in Zone 5, between Gold Souq and Al Ghubaiba. It is a useful Metro stop for visiting the traditional Spice Souk, Heritage House and the Deira side of Dubai Creek.
2. Where Is Al Ras Metro Station Located?
Al Ras Metro Station is situated in Al Ras, one of Deira’s historic commercial neighborhoods, close to Dubai Creek.
The area is characterized by traditional markets, small hotels, restaurants, historic buildings, wholesale shops and working commercial streets.
Open Al Ras Metro Station on Google Maps.
What is immediately outside Al Ras Metro Station?
| Nearby destination | What visitors will find |
|---|---|
| Al Khor Street | Historic commercial streets and access to the Creek |
| Deira Spice Souk | Spices, herbs, saffron, dried ingredients and traditional shops |
| Deira Gold Souk area | Jewelry shops and traditional market streets |
| Heritage House | Historical architecture and Emirati heritage |
| Al Ahmadiya School | Historic educational site |
| Deira Old Souk Abra Station | Traditional Creek crossing |
| Small hotels and businesses | Local accommodation, retail and services |
What is outside Al Ras Metro Station? Mostly historic trading streets rather than a modern shopping mall. That is the station’s main appeal for tourists.
3. Al Ras Green Line: Nearby Metro Stations
Al Ras serves Dubai’s Green Line, connecting e& Metro Station in the northern part of Dubai with Creek Metro Station in Al Jaddaf.
Nearby station sequence
| Station | Code | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Union | G20 | Toward e& |
| Baniyas Square | G21 | Toward e& |
| Gold Souq | G22 | Immediately toward e& |
| Al Ras | G23 | Current station |
| Al Ghubaiba | G24 | Immediately toward Creek |
| Sharaf DG | G25 | Toward Creek |
| BurJuman | G26 | Toward Creek |
| Oud Metha | G27 | Toward Creek |
| Dubai Healthcare City | G28 | Toward Creek |
Direction toward e&
Travel toward e& for Gold Souq, Baniyas Square, Union, Salah Al Din, Stadium, Al Nahda and Al Qusais.
For destinations farther north, our Al Nahda Metro Station Dubai guide covers G14 and its neighborhood connections.
Direction toward Creek
Travel toward Creek for Al Ghubaiba, Sharaf DG, BurJuman, Oud Metha, Dubai Healthcare City and Al Jaddaf.
If you’re planning to visit the historic Bur Dubai waterfront or catch an intercity bus, see our Al Ghubaiba Metro Station guide.
4. How to Change from the Green Line to the Red Line
Al Ras does not have its own Red Line platform.
For passengers asking how to change Green Line to Red Line from Al Ras, two interchange stations are available: Union and BurJuman.
Option 1: Change at Union
- Board the Green Line toward e&.
- Travel through Gold Souq and Baniyas Square.
- Exit at Union G20/R18.
- Follow the Red Line interchange signs.
- Board a Red Line train toward your destination.
Union is particularly useful for many Deira and airport-side connections.
Option 2: Change at BurJuman
- Board the Green Line toward Creek.
- Travel through Al Ghubaiba and Sharaf DG.
- Exit at BurJuman G26/R19.
- Follow signs to the Red Line platforms.
- Take the train toward Downtown or your chosen destination.
BurJuman is a convenient interchange for many journeys to Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina.
You can read our BurJuman Metro Station Dubai guide for more information about changing lines, shopping and station exits.
Which interchange should you choose?
| Destination | Suggested connection |
|---|---|
| Dubai Airport Terminal 1 or 3 | Green Line to Union, then Red Line toward Centrepoint |
| Deira City Centre | Green Line to Union, then Red Line toward Centrepoint |
| Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa | Green Line to BurJuman, then Red Line southbound |
| Emirates Towers | Green Line to BurJuman, then Red Line southbound |
| Business Bay | Green Line to BurJuman, then Red Line southbound |
| Dubai Marina | Green Line to BurJuman, then Red Line southbound |
| Dubai Healthcare City | Direct Green Line toward Creek |
The exact fastest route can depend on train timing and your final destination. Use the RTA journey planner for the current service.
5. Al Ras Metro Station Timings in 2026
Dubai RTA’s standard Metro network schedule is:
| Day | Standard network hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 5:00 AM – midnight |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM the following day |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – midnight |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – midnight |
These are network operating hours, not guaranteed first- and last-train departures at Al Ras.
First train from Al Ras
If you’re searching for Al Ras Metro Station timings 2026, check the RTA timetable for your specific date and direction.
The first train toward Creek may depart at a different time from the first train toward e&.
Last train from Al Ras
The last departure also varies by direction. If you’re returning from the Gold Souk or Spice Souk late in the evening, allow time to reach the platform before the final service.
RTA may announce special operating arrangements during Ramadan, holidays and major events.
Check the official RTA Metro timetable.
6. Al Ras Metro Ticket Prices and nol Card Fares
Al Ras is in Zone 5.
The amount you pay depends on the zones crossed during your journey and the type of nol ticket or card.
Standard Metro fares
| Fare category | Silver nol | Gold nol | Red Ticket Regular |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within one zone | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 4 |
| Across two adjacent zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 6 |
| Across more than two zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15 | AED 8.50 |
Example journeys
| From Al Ras to | General fare consideration |
|---|---|
| Gold Souq | Within Zone 5 |
| Union | Within Zone 5 |
| Al Ghubaiba | Crosses from Zone 5 to Zone 6 |
| BurJuman | Crosses from Zone 5 to Zone 6 |
| Dubai Mall | Requires a Red Line transfer and zone calculation |
| Dubai Marina | Longer journey across multiple zones |
A one-zone Silver nol journey costs AED 3, while a journey crossing two adjacent zones costs AED 5.
Exact fares should be checked against the full route, especially when transferring between Metro and buses.
See current RTA nol fare information.
7. Al Ras Metro Station Exits: Which Exit Is Best?
Al Ras has pedestrian exits leading to the historic Deira street network.
Al Ras Metro Station Exit 2
Several specialist station guides identify Exit 2 as useful for Al Khor Street, the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk lanes.
However, exit assignments and walking routes should always be checked on the current station map.
Best exit by destination
| Destination | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Spice Souk | Follow Spice Souk / Al Khor Street directions |
| Gold Souk | Follow the market route shown at the station |
| Heritage House | Use a pedestrian route to the exact entrance |
| Al Ahmadiya School | Navigate toward the historic school |
| Deira Old Souk Abra Station | Follow the Creekside route |
| Gold Souq Metro Station | One Green Line stop toward e& |
For readers searching Al Ras Metro Station nearest exit for Spice Souk, a useful starting point is Exit 2, subject to current station signage.
Because Old Deira has narrow lanes and multiple market entrances, map navigation is especially helpful.
8. Al Ras Metro Station to Gold Souk
The Dubai Gold Souk is one of the city’s most recognizable traditional shopping destinations.
Its streets contain numerous gold and jewelry retailers, showcasing pieces ranging from delicate jewelry to elaborate designs.
Is Al Ras or Gold Souq Metro Station better?
This is a particularly important question.
Both stations can be useful, depending on which part of the shopping district you want to visit.
| Metro station | Best planning use |
|---|---|
| Al Ras G23 | Access to Spice Souk, heritage streets and parts of the Gold Souk area |
| Gold Souq G22 | Access to the wider Gold Souq district and its station-side retail streets |
For visitors planning to see both the Gold and Spice Souks, Al Ras can be a convenient place to begin a walking tour.
Gold buying tips
Check current gold rates, compare making charges, ask for itemized receipts and shop with authorized retailers.
For a general shopping day beyond Old Dubai, our Deira City Centre Mall guide covers another major shopping destination connected to the Metro network.
9. Dubai Spice Souk Near Al Ras Metro Station
The Dubai Spice Souk is one of the most atmospheric destinations in Old Deira.
Traditional shops display spices, herbs, saffron, incense, dried fruit and culinary ingredients.
What can you buy?
Visitors may find saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, dried limes, dates, tea blends, frankincense and other products.
Tips for visiting
Compare quality and prices, ask about the origin of products and confirm the amount being sold before buying.
For spices sold by weight, ask the merchant to show the measured quantity and total price.
Is the Spice Souk walkable from Al Ras?
Yes. Al Ras is a practical Metro station for walking into the Spice Souk and nearby heritage streets.
Actual walking time depends on the exit and shop you want to visit.
10. Heritage House and Al Ahmadiya School
Among the most interesting things to do near Al Ras Metro Station are two heritage landmarks: Heritage House and Al Ahmadiya School.
Al Ahmadiya School
Al Ahmadiya School is an important part of Dubai’s educational history.
The school opened in 1912 and is recognized as one of Dubai’s earliest formal educational institutions.
Today, the historic site offers an introduction to early education and traditional architecture.
Heritage House
Heritage House is a traditional building in the Al Ras area, associated with Dubai’s domestic architecture and family life.
Visitors interested in historic houses, courtyard design and Emirati culture can combine the site with the school and Spice Souk.
Are they currently open?
Access, restoration work and operating hours can change. Confirm the status of individual heritage sites before traveling specifically for an indoor visit.
You can use Visit Dubai’s Old Dubai itinerary for additional cultural sightseeing ideas.
11. Al Ras Metro Station to Bur Dubai by Abra
One of the most memorable activities around Al Ras is crossing Dubai Creek by traditional abra.
Passengers searching Al Ras Metro Station to Bur Dubai by abra can walk toward the Deira Old Souk marine transport area.
Step-by-step journey
- Exit Al Ras Metro Station.
- Walk toward the Deira Old Souk Abra Station area.
- Identify the correct traditional abra service.
- Pay the applicable fare using the method required for that service.
- Cross Dubai Creek to the designated Bur Dubai landing point.
- Continue toward the Bur Dubai markets and heritage attractions.
How much does a traditional abra cost?
The classic public abra crossing has historically been priced at AED 1 per person for certain routes, but fares vary by marine service and can change.
Check RTA’s current route and price before boarding.
Where can you go after crossing?
On the Bur Dubai side, visitors can explore textile shops, older commercial lanes and historic attractions.
Al Ghubaiba and Sharaf DG are useful Metro stations for continuing a journey from different parts of Bur Dubai.
For more about the waterfront, intercity bus terminal and Old Dubai sites, read our Al Ghubaiba Metro Station Dubai guide.
12. Restaurants and Cafés Near Al Ras Metro Station
Old Deira contains a mixture of traditional restaurants, casual cafés and small food businesses.
Al Bait Al Qadeem
Al Bait Al Qadeem Emirati Heritage Restaurant is a particularly relevant local dining option near Heritage House and Al Ahmadiya School.
Visit Dubai lists it in Al Ras and highlights its traditional dining atmosphere.
View Al Bait Al Qadeem on Visit Dubai.
Food options around the souks
The wider Al Ras area also contains small restaurants and cafeterias serving Arabic, Indian, Pakistani and other cuisines.
For a quick visit, select a restaurant along your walking route rather than assuming every establishment mentioned in a general Deira dining guide is immediately beside the station.
Restaurants across the Creek
Visitors taking an abra into Bur Dubai can explore more restaurants around the historic markets and neighboring districts.
For a different kind of Creek outing, see our Creek Park Dubai guide, covering waterfront greenery, picnics and family attractions. Creek Park is a separate destination and requires onward travel.
13. Popular Metro Routes from Al Ras
Al Ras Metro Station to Dubai Mall
For Al Ras Metro Station to Dubai Mall, a practical route is:
- Board the Green Line toward Creek.
- Exit at BurJuman.
- Transfer to the Red Line.
- Travel toward Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25).
- Follow the pedestrian link toward the mall.
Al Ras Metro Station to Dubai Airport
For Al Ras Metro Station to Dubai Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 3:
- Board the Green Line toward e&.
- Exit at Union.
- Transfer to the Red Line toward Centrepoint.
- Exit at Airport Terminal 1 (R14) or Terminal 3 (R13), as appropriate.
Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 does not have its own Metro station.
Al Ras to Emirates Towers and Museum of the Future
Take the Green Line to BurJuman, transfer to the Red Line and exit at Emirates Towers (R23).
Use the signed pedestrian link for Museum of the Future.
Our Emirates Towers Metro Station guide explains the museum connection.
Al Ras to Business Bay
Travel via BurJuman, then take the Red Line to Business Bay (R26).
Read the Business Bay Metro Station guide for station exits and nearby destinations.
Al Ras to Dubai Marina
Change from Green to Red at BurJuman and continue toward Sobha Realty (R36) or DMCC (R37), depending on your destination.
Al Ras to Dubai Healthcare City
Take the direct Green Line toward Creek and exit at Dubai Healthcare City (G28).
This is also a useful connection for visiting Creek Park by an appropriate onward walking route.
14. Buses, Taxis and Parking Near Al Ras
RTA buses
Local bus services operate around Deira and the Gold Souq area.
However, buses serving nearby Gold Souq Bus Station do not necessarily stop at the exact Al Ras Metro entrance.
Use the official RTA journey planner to determine the correct bus stop and direction.
Taxis
Taxis can be useful when traveling with heavy shopping, luggage or passengers who cannot comfortably walk through the Old Deira streets.
Parking
Parking around Al Ras is limited by the density of shops and older streets.
Do not assume the station has free dedicated Park-and-Ride parking.
Use legal public parking or authorized car parks and check displayed fees and restrictions.
15. Facilities and Accessibility
Al Ras offers standard Dubai Metro passenger facilities, including:
- Ticketing and nol recharge facilities
- Fare gates and passenger information
- Escalators and lifts
- Air-conditioned station circulation areas
- Accessible passenger routes
- Direction signs and security arrangements
Dubai Metro provides designated Women and Children cabins, Gold Class and Standard Class accommodation.
Follow platform markings and ensure your ticket or nol product is valid for the cabin being used.
16. Suggested Old Deira Walking Itinerary
Al Ras is particularly well suited to a self-guided cultural walking trip.
One-hour visit
Start at Al Ras Metro Station, explore the nearby Spice Souk and walk toward the historic Creekside streets.
Finish with photographs of the traditional market architecture.
Two-hour visit
Combine the Spice Souk, Gold Souk lanes, Heritage House and Al Ahmadiya School surroundings.
If the heritage attractions are open, allow additional time to visit their exhibits.
Half-day visit
Begin at Al Ras, explore the traditional markets and heritage sites, stop for a meal, then walk to the Deira Old Souk Abra Station.
Cross to Bur Dubai and continue exploring the waterfront and souks.
For a longer Old Dubai outing, add a visit to Al Fahidi or Al Seef using the most convenient walking or public transport route.
17. Al Ras vs Gold Souq vs Al Ghubaiba Metro Stations
| Station | Code | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Souq | G22 | Deira | Gold Souq district and nearby transport |
| Al Ras | G23 | Historic Deira | Spice Souk, Heritage House and abra access |
| Al Ghubaiba | G24 | Al Shindagha, Bur Dubai | Bus station, waterfront and Al Shindagha heritage |
| Sharaf DG | G25 | Bur Dubai | Al Fahidi and nearby commercial streets |
Al Ras is on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, whereas Al Ghubaiba is on the Bur Dubai side.
This is an important distinction for visitors choosing between Metro and traditional abra travel.
18. Frequently Asked Questions About Al Ras Metro Station
Which Metro line is Al Ras on?
Al Ras serves the Dubai Metro Green Line.
What is its station code?
G23.
Which fare zone is Al Ras in?
Zone 5.
Where is Al Ras Metro Station located?
In the historic Al Ras district of Deira, close to Dubai Creek.
Which stations are next to Al Ras?
Gold Souq G22 and Al Ghubaiba G24.
Is Al Ras Metro Station near the Spice Souk?
Yes. It is a useful starting point for visiting the traditional Spice Souk.
Can I walk to the Gold Souk from Al Ras?
Yes. Some Gold Souk shopping streets can be reached on foot. Gold Souq G22 is an alternative for other parts of the district.
Which exit is best for Spice Souk?
Independent guides commonly recommend Exit 2, but check the current station signs.
Is there a Red Line at Al Ras?
No. Transfer at Union or BurJuman.
How do I get from Al Ras to Dubai Mall?
Take the Green Line to BurJuman, change to the Red Line and exit at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
Can I reach Dubai Airport by Metro?
Yes, for Terminals 1 and 3, by changing to the Red Line at Union.
Is Al Ghubaiba within one Metro stop?
Yes. It is the next station toward Creek.
Is there an abra station nearby?
Yes. Traditional Creek crossings operate from the nearby Old Deira waterfront area.
Is Al Ahmadiya School near Al Ras?
Yes. It is a heritage landmark in the surrounding Old Deira district.
Is the station wheelchair accessible?
It provides standard Dubai Metro accessibility facilities, including lifts and signed accessible routes.
Does Al Ras Metro have free parking?
Do not assume free dedicated parking is available. Check local parking facilities and charges.
Is Al Ras a good Metro station for tourists?
Yes. It provides access to traditional markets, cultural heritage sites and Dubai Creek.
19. Final Verdict: Why Use Al Ras Metro Station?
Al Ras Metro Station is one of the most useful Green Line stops for exploring historic Deira.
Its greatest advantage is access to the Spice Souk, heritage buildings, the Gold Souk district and traditional Dubai Creek marine transport.
Travelers can also use the station for convenient Green Line connections and transfer to the Red Line at Union or BurJuman.
For a memorable Old Dubai experience, combine a Metro trip to Al Ras with a walking tour of the markets and an abra crossing to Bur Dubai.
Explore our Dubai Metro Station Guides and Dubai Attractions for more practical information about traveling around the city.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- Dubai RTA — Metro Stations Map
- Dubai RTA — Public Transport Timetable
- Dubai RTA — nol Fares
- Visit Dubai — Old Dubai Itinerary
- Visit Dubai — Al Bait Al Qadeem
- Al Ras Metro Station — Google Maps
Last reviewed October 19, 2026. Metro timetables, exit access, heritage-site opening arrangements, fares and marine transport services can change. Confirm official details before travel.
