UAE Exchange (Life Pharmacy) Metro Station – Red Line & R42

UAE Exchange Metro Station is the most diligent metro station in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a red line-operated metro station of the Dubai Metro. The station is also considered a pivotal stop, and it is strategically situated in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai, in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).

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Accommodating the thousands of people, the metro provides its users a broad range of modern amenities.

In this comprehensive article, I have elaborated on all the necessary things that the passengers need to know about the UAE Exchange metro station timings, route details, features, and fare information that will elevate the passengers’ travelling experience on the skyscraper.

“Al Khail Metro Station is now officially called Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station on the Red Line.”

Red Line & Station Code R42 Details

The metro station is not only a transport transit hub; it is a rapid transit station that belongs to the Red Line of the Dubai Metro.

UAE Exchange Metro Station Old Name & Renaming History

The station was established and inaugurated in March 2011 as Jebel Ali Metro Station, which was renamed in 2015 and sponsored by the leading UAE Exchange, known as a regional financial institution.

Things didn’t stop there; in May 2025, the station was officially renamed Life Pharmacy under a naming rights agreement between RTA and Life Pharmacy as part of the RTA’s digital branding initiative.

UAE Exchange (Life Pharmacy) Metro Station Location

The station is a western terminus, governed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and operated under the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. It lies near Deira Clocktower and Al Ras Traditional Souk on Salah Al Din Road. The adjacent station is the Danube.

There is alternative transportation, such as the bus, Metro, taxi, and ride-hailing, that ensures seamless accessibility. The station is made with a state-of-the-art facility that facilitates the installation of modern amenities.

Parking & Facilities

  • Paid parking is available around Deira City Centre and in designated areas.
  • The station is fully equipped with air conditioning due to Dubai’s hot weather.
  • There is a dedicated restroom for prayer, and it also has toilets.
  • It streamlines the lifts and escalators for quick access and also has electronic displays that highlight the train’s real-time schedules.
  • Help desk for the passengers’ quick assistance.
  • A ticket counter and vending machine for ticketing.
  • The commuter can grab the outlets for snacks and food.
  • Providing free Wi-Fi internet access for spending time at the station and on the train.
  • One of the best features is the lost and found services. Unfortunately, if you have lost your luggage or something else, you may want to get it back as soon as possible.

UAE Exchange Metro Station timings

The metro runs daily throughout the day, starting on weekdays and weekends.

DaysTimings
Monday–Thursday5:03 AM – 10:59 AM
Friday5:03 AM – 1:03 AM
Saturday5:03 AM – 10:59 AM
Sunday8:06 AM – 11:02 AM

The timing may be changed on the occasion of Eid and the National Day.

UAE Exchange Metro Station Exits & Directions

The station has a total of 4 significant exit points that lead to their separate locations.

Gate 1Direct access to Gardens Residential Community
Gate 2Connection to Discovery Gardens (Pedestrian bridge)
Gate 3Feeder bus terminal & taxi stand
Gate 4Access to Ibn Battuta Mall (via feeder bus)

Station Layout

UAE Exchange Metro Station Dubai
UAE Exchange Metro Station Dubai

According to the Wikipedia report, since its establishment, the station has managed to serve approximately 4,000 passengers per day and more than 11,000 passengers per direction.

The metro station is the only station that is built on the ground level of the efficient Dubai Metro network. It showcases several major destinations involved in the industrial and commercial sectors.

There are diverse locations, such as businesses, shopping malls, cultural inspirations, and historical landmarks, for spending time and contemplating the virtual hub for explorers.

Must Read: Dubai Metro Timings 2026

How to Reach UAE Exchange Metro Station

If you need to cross Sheikh Zayed Road, the covered pedestrian walkway makes it secure and uncomplicated. Some feeder buses, such as the F54, are dedicated to serving from here and travelling proximities to the Jebel Ali Free Zone, which goes towards theDanube Metro Station. Besides that, the Bus 99 departs for the Jebel Ali Bus Station.

The bus numbers 2, 6, 9, 19A, 27, 44, 53, C1, C10, X14, X28, and F10 serve the surrounding areas of the UAE Exchange Metro Station.

UAE Exchange Metro Station Map

Fare And Payment Information

The fare for the metro is determined by the zone. The UAE Exchange Metro Station falls under Zone 1. The fare is payable via Nol card, which can be effortlessly bought at any metro station or any accredited store.

Below, I have articulated all the mandatory information explained in depth. Please look at the below:

FromDestinationMetro LineTime taken (Approx.)Fare (AED)
UAE Exchange Metro StnDubai Marina🔴22 minutes7
UAE Exchange Metro StnDeira City Centre🔴23 minutes7
UAE Exchange Metro StnAl Fahidi🔴15 minutes5
UAE Exchange Metro StnUnion Metro Station🔴17 minutes6
UAE Exchange Metro StnJumeirah Lakes Towers🔴20 minutes7
UAE Exchange Metro StnMall of the Emirates🔴15 minutes5
UAE Exchange Metro StnBurJuman🔴18 minutes6
UAE Exchange Metro StnFinancial Centre🔴5 minutes3
UAE Exchange Metro StnBusiness Bay🔴7 minutes4
UAE Exchange Metro StnAl Rigga🔴22 minutes7
UAE Exchange Metro StnAl Karama🔴18 minutes6
UAE Exchange Metro StnEmirates Towers🔴7 minutes4
UAE Exchange Metro StationAl Jaddaf🔴25 minutes8
UAE Exchange Metro StnAl Qusais🔴29 minutes9
UAE Exchange Metro StnMirdif City Centre🔴33 minutes10
UAE Exchange Metro StationDubai Internet City🔴17 minutes6
UAE Exchange Metro StnIbn Battuta🔴26 minutes8
UAE Exchange Metro StnJumeirah Beach Residence🔴25 minutes8
UAE Exchange Metro StnAl Barsha🔴20 minutes7
UAE Exchange Metro StnDubai World Trade Centre🔴10 minutes4
UAE Exchange Metro StnCreek Metro Station🔴25 minutes8
UAE Exchange Metro StnOud Metha🔴20 minutes7
UAE Exchange Metro StnDubai Healthcare City🔴22 minutes7
UAE Exchange Metro StnRaffles Hotel🔴8 minutes4
UAE Exchange Metro StnDubai Festival City🔴30 minutes9
UAE Exchange Metro StnDubai Aquarium🔴5 minutes3
UAE Exchange Metro StnKidZania🔴5 minutes3
UAE Exchange Metro StnDubai Ice Rink🔴5 minutes3

Nearby Places & Landmarks

During the travel, the metro station showcases the spacious, mesmerising points of view that lead to Dubai’s vibrant city. Here you can observe all the things, i.e., business hubs, charming landscapes, landmarks, etc., along the route.

Below, I am sharing the most popular destinations, which are all about being a pioneer and amusing people.

Nearby Landmarks

  • Deira Clocktower
  • Dubai Creek
  • Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
  • Gold Souk
  • Al Ras Traditional Souk
  • Heritage House
  • Deira City Centre
  • Spice Souk

Nearby Hotels

  • Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Hotel
  • The Manor by JA
  • DAMAC Suburbia
  • OYO 1058 Home The Nook 2 403 Studio
  • Sandra hostel

Nearby Buildings

  • Aura by Azizi
  • Alexis Tower by Reportage Properties
  • The 7 by Aurora
  • Jafza View 18 & 19
  • Damac Tower in Downtown Jebel Ali

Nearby Shopping Malls

  • Xpo Mall LLC
  • Jebel Ali Mall
  • Al Salem Mall
  • Traders Market Site
  • Warehouse of Games Limited

Future Development Plans

The UAE Exchange Metro Station is striving to further enhance the passengers’ convenience. The station integrates other amenities for seamless access for the commuter.

The station may connect with the Etihad Rail network, linking Dubai to other emirates. It presents an equivalent whether they are residents or international travellers.

FAQs About UAE Exchange Metro Station

  1. What is the old name of UAE Exchange Metro station?

    Jebel Ali Metro Station is the old name of UAE Exchange Metro Station; thereafter, it was renamed in 2015.

  2. What time does the UAE Exchange Metro Station start?

    The metro starts to depart in the early morning at 5:03 and runs consecutively until midnight.

  3. Why was UAE Exchange Metro Station renamed?

    A complex reason for the station’s name change is part of a digital branding initiative by the RTA.

  4. Which Red Line station is R42?

    Life Pharmacy Metro Station is on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro.

Conclusion

UAE Exchange Metro Station Exit 2 is an efficient metro network in the UAE. It provides access to all people, including senior citizens, pregnant women and people with disabilities.

RTA has launched RTA’s S’hail app, which specifically helps people get real-time tracking features and encourages people to travel across the distinct cities of Dubai.

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