Why DIP 1 Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station Is So Important

When asking most of the Dubai citizens about stations on the Red Line carrying the highest passenger volume, you may probably expect to hear something like Burjuman, Union, Mall of the Emirates and Marina. Nobody mentions DIP 1 Metro Station.

However, if you are living or working in the southwestern Dubai, you could be this one person for whom this station is veryimportant.

The quiet station that brought life into the transit of southwestern Dubai

Before June 2021, travelling to Dubai Investments Park from other places of the emirate was associated with a long bus trip or an expensive taxi trip. With the opening of Route 2020, things changed dramatically. Suddenly, the entire industrial and residential community got easy access to downtown thanks to rails. Not only did it give additional transport opportunities to the inhabitants, but it provided an upgrade in logistics.

Who this guide is for

This guide will be useful for you if you belong to one of the following categories: first, for the resident of Green Community or Dubai Investments Park who wants to give up daily car trips for the metro; second, for employees travelling to free zones, factories, etc. from other parts of the emirate; third, for visitors who want to reach Expo City Dubai and to learn how the branch line works; fourth, for businessmen who wonder how this metro station influences the attractiveness of their DIP address. Regardless of your category, all the information below will be useful for you.

Naming clarification right from the beginning

Before you proceed to reading this guide, it needs to be clarified at once that there is no metro station called “Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station” and no “DIP 2” station. There is only one metro station operated by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) called Dubai Investment Park and marked as R74. Numbers 1 and 2 are used to differentiate the two parts of the community. The people searching for these stations use the phrase “DIP 1” extensively, and therefore it is becoming common.

Quick Answer Box: R74 Overview

Feature	Detail
Official name	Dubai Investment Park Metro Station (مجمع دبي للاستثمار)
Common search name	Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station / DIP Metro
Station code	R74
Line	Red Line — Route 2020 branch
Structure	Underground (one of only two on the branch)
Opened	1 June 2021
Platforms	2
Adjacent stations	Jumeirah Golf Estates and Expo City Dubai
Neighbourhood	Green Community, Dubai Investments Park
Operator	Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai

One-line answer

Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station is the underground Red Line station marked as R74 on the Route 2020 branch, serving Dubai Investments Park and Green Community, being one station away from Expo City Dubai.

DIP 1 vs DIP 2: clarifying the naming controversy

This problem wastes people’s time and money every day, and it is high time it was sorted out.

Why people use the “DIP 1” and “DIP 2” station names

Dubai Investments Park consists of two administrative districts called DIP 1 and DIP 2. People call it like this, employers publish vacancies like this, delivery applications divide the district like this. It is quite logical that when opening the metro, people expected to have two stations for two districts. It is not so. But because the habit is so strong, thousands of people continue to use these phrases while searching for the station.

The truth: one station, two districts

There is only one station for the entire Dubai Investments Park, and it is located near Green Community that is a part of the DIP 1. So, if somebody says to you to take the metro to DIP 1, he/she talks about the only station that exists. And if somebody says to you to take the metro to DIP 2, gently correct him/her – it is the same station where you will eventually go off and move further by taxi, bus or company’s shuttle.

What is walkable and what is not

Green Community and the immediate frontage of DIP 1 are walkable in terms of proximity to the station, especially in November-March period. Anyway, it is better to be honest than optimistic: the community was designed for using trucks and cars with long block lengths, wide roads and scarce walkways for pedestrians. Most of DIP 2 and industrial districts are several kilometers away from the station. So, think of this metro station as of the transit point rather than the destination point.

How to instruct the driver

Tell him/her to take you to “Dubai Investment Park Metro Station, Green Community entrance” instead of “DIP 1 station”. Drivers travelling this southwest route will understand you, while the numbered phrase sometimes leads them to the other part of the community.

Location and Geography

Where is the station located

The station is located underground in the Green Community of Dubai Investments Park, at the geographical coordinates 25.005°N, 55.156°E. As it is an underground station, the iconic golden shell-shaped station is not visible on the streets surface. Just look for the entrance, the taxi stand and the bus bays located near the station.

Road access and the road network

DIP 1 is located inside the triangle of Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Emirates Road (E611) and the Jebel Ali corridor. This is the reason why this station is easily accessible from the road through the western part of Jebel Ali Industrial Area, Dubai South, Al Furjan and outskirts of Jumeirah Village. That is the reason why the majority of passengers use feeder buses and their personal vehicles to reach this station.

Adjacency

On the direction to the city center, the next station is Jumeirah Golf Estates. On the other direction, you will reach the Expo City Dubai, which is the terminus of the branch. There are only two stations on Route 2020 that are built underground, and these are precisely these two stations — DIP and Jumeirah Golf Estates — located at the end of the route.

Approximate journey time

You can expect to spend ten minutes to reach Al Maktoum International Airport, thirty to thirty-five minutes to Dubai Marina and up to an hour to Downtown Dubai taking into account the interchange at Jabal Ali. Dubai International Airport is located at the end of the Red Line, so be ready to spend more than ninety minutes on this trip.

Editorial note: the journey times depend on the time of the day, interchange waitings and train frequency. They are to be considered as the estimation, and it is highly recommended to check the current times with the help of the official RTA S’hail app.

History and construction of R74

Route 2020 announcement

In 2015, the RTA announced the extension of the Red Line which would cover about fifteen kilometers running from Jebel Ali to the Expo site with a few stations for opening up southwestern Dubai. From the beginning of the planning, this community was designated by the planners as the place for building the metro station, because it already had a large working population, but had almost no rail access.

Construction and Expolink consortium

The construction began in 2016. Expolink consortium consisting of companies Alstom, Acciona and Gülermak constructed the route and its underground part of roughly three kilometers from the Expo terminus. Such an engineering project increased the cost of the budget, but allowed protecting the surface road network from disruptions in the freight transport district.

Opening day

The station was opened on 1 June 2021 together with the Expo terminus. The pandemic delayed the opening of the Expo by a year, and the line became the commuter route.

Life after the Expo

Many people thought that the line will stop operating after the Expo. Actually, everything went vice versa way: the site transformed into Expo City Dubai, the Dubai South developed further, and the branch line found its place as the line connecting the developing part of the emirate. The fact is that R74 is not the event-related infrastructure anymore.

Architecture and station design

One of only two underground stations on the branch

Travelling to DIP makes your impression about the station different from the impressions about elevated stations in the middle of Sheikh Zayed Road. You will lose the panoramic windows, but you will get the comfortable and quiet environment that will not feel the heat of August days.

Platforms and passenger flows

The station has two tracks and two platforms with the concourse above them used for ticketing, gates and circulation. Designing after a decade of experience with other stations on the route, the routes to the platforms became pretty clear – you rarely will need to retrace your steps.

Materials and lighting

The design is modern and restrained: clean lines, high ceiling, glass wherever it is possible and steel wherever the light cannot penetrate. Different from iconic shell-shaped stations of 2009, this architecture is simpler and more modern – more like European metro than the Gulf landmark.

Sustainability

The Route 2020 stations were built with the idea of sustainability: from lighting and ventilation systems to the thermal benefits of building underground station in the desert country. If you care about sustainability of your travel, switching from solo-car trips to this line is one of the easiest ways.

Station Layout, entrances and exits

From the concourse to the platforms

Use the gate, orientate according to the directional signs and use escalators or lifts to go down. Screens on the concourse show the schedule of the departures, and you should use this information before going down to the station.

Choosing the right exit

Exit to the Green Community side if you want to return back to the villas, townhouses or the community center. Exit to the bus-bay side if you need to take the feeder bus to DIP 1 or DIP 2. Taxi rank and drop-off zone are located nearby, and you will not have any problems to find them even in the peak hours.

Taxis and drop-offs

There is the dedicated taxi rank and drop-off zone at this station. In the peak evening hours, there are queues, so if you come to pick someone up, make sure to agree with the exact point of picking up.

Visiting the station after dark or in the peak summer

The illumination around the entrance is satisfactory, but the road network in this area is industrial. Think of your last mile to get to the station before coming there and not vice versa

Timings, frequency and service pattern of Route 2020

First and last trains

According to the official schedule, the first departure from DIP to Centerpoint happens at around 5:06 in the morning, and the last train departs roughly midnight. The first trains to the Expo leave at roughly 5:17, and the trains keep running late into the night on weekends.

Weekdays vs weekends

The mornings on the weekends begin much later – at roughly 8:00, while the nights on Fridays and Saturdays end much later – extending the time of the last departures beyond midnight. So, if you are planning to spend a late night in Marina or Downtown, make sure to learn the time of the last trains.

Ramadan and public holidays

During the Ramadan and public holidays, metro timings are changed by the RTA, usually with extended evening services. This information is announced before the holiday starts and is not set for the next years.

Editorial note: the timetable of RTA is changing from time to time, and third-party sites often have outdated information for months. Make sure to check the current first and last train timings with the help of official RTA resources or the S’hail app.

The Jabal Ali Interchange: the Most Misunderstood Part of the Branch

Branch, not continuous line

Route 2020 is a branch of the Red Line, but some trains operate in its direction, while other trains terminate or require interchanging at Jabal Ali. Not knowing this fact clearly will cost you a lot of time spent on the platform waiting for trains running in the wrong direction.

When you need to interchange

You will need to interchange if your destination is UAE Exchange, or on some trains running on the main Red Line. The procedure is easy and cross-platform.

Journey time impact

You will need to add five to ten minutes to your journey for the interchanging during off-peak hours. During the peak hours, the frequencies increase, the waitings become shorter, but the carriages become more crowded.

Common mistakes

The classical mistake is to enter the first train arrived without watching the screen with the destination. Due to DIP’s location between Jumeirah Golf Estates and the terminus, it may take you to the wrong destination.

Fares, zones and Nol card information

Zonal pricin

Dubai Metro uses zonal pricing, and it means that you pay depending on the number of zones passed. So, the distance between DIP and Marina is much shorter than the distance between DIP and Deira. The fare will reflect this difference.

Which Nol card to get

The Silver Nol card will be enough for most of the residents, covering metro, bus, tram and parking. The Gold card gives the front-carriage experience, costing about twice as much. The Red tickets are more suitable for tourists who use metro several times during their visit. If you commute frequently from DIP, consider monthly and yearly tickets, because the point of breaking even on the tickets becomes faster than most people expect.

Cost estimate of the trip from R74

For the short-distance trip to Expo City, you can expect low-cost trip within one zone. For the longer one to Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers, you can expect medium-price, and for the longest to Deira, Union and the airport, you can expect the highest price in the standard tariff. The Gold Class will cost about twice as much as the standard fare.

Editorial note: published fare zones and prices of this station differ among the secondary sources; some of them classify the station as Zone 1, while others as Zone 2. The fares also vary with time. Please, check the current fare zones and prices by using the official RTA fare calculator.

Station Facilities and Passenger Services

Ticketing and Information

There is a ticket office, ticket vending machines and the information desk on the concourse of the station. Machines accept both cards and cash; you may also ask for the assistance with topping your Nol card at the station.

Comfort facilities

There are restrooms, prayer facilities, retail units for the passengers, comfortable seats, and air conditioning. The retail is limited rather than extensive, and do not rely on it for doing your grocery shopping.

Digital services

There are ATMs, the screen with the schedule of the upcoming trains, and network Wi-Fi. The screens are reliable, which is more important at this station than in the frequent downtown stations, because the intervals between trains on the branch line are longer.

Carriage etiquette

Remember about the carriage rules. The Gold Nol card is necessary for the Gold Class, just like in the case of the Women and Children carriage. The fines are imposed in both cases; inspections are conducted on this line.

Accessibility for People of Determination

Step-free access

There are lifts from street level to concourse and platforms. You can travel from the point of departure to the point of destination without using any stairs. Guidance tactile paths, as well as wheelchair spaces on trains and priority seats, are provided throughout the network.

Parking and assistance

There are specially designated parking spaces for People of Determination near the station entrance. Assistance can be requested from the station staff; it is easier to request it from the information desk after arriving at the station than waiting at the platform.

Accessible last-mile solutions

The feeder buses in the network are low-floor and accessible; however, the accessibility depends on the bus route and time of the day. In case your final destination is within an industrial site, a taxi will be the most convenient solution.

Parking and Park-and-Ride Reality Check

How much parking is there really?

It is not one of the major park-and-ride stations in this network. There is limited parking near the entrance, including accessible parking. Additionally, there is parking on the streets surrounding the station. In case you plan to park your car for the whole day, arrive early or do not.

Car-centric district

DIP was designed for cars, and it influences all aspects of the last-mile access. Many people come to the station by car; either being dropped off or using the employer shuttle. Plan ahead, and you will have a great station experience; otherwise, you will walk a lot along truck lanes.

Drop-off etiquette

Use the designated area and be fast about it. Do not park on the approach road during the shift changes. Traffic marshals reposition cars during busy periods.

Feeder Buses and Last Mile Connections

The F-series routes

There are several F-series routes connecting the station: F46 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to DIP via The Gardens and Green Community, F47 and F48 to Danube Metro Station and to industrial areas of Jebel Ali, as well as F50 and F51 via Green Community, Dubai Lagoon and Arabian Orchard.

Connections onward

It is important to understand that these routes offer you access to two other metro stations instead of DIP 1 and DIP 2 stations: Ibn Battuta and Danube Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station

Editorial note: the F-series routes are continuously renumbered and reassessed by RTA. Please consult the list of current F-series routes in the S’hail app rather than in any other source, including this guide.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Careem and Uber offer regular taxi services from and to this station. Getting to the taxi stands is easy even though you should be ready for the surge pricing in the industrial area during the shift changes.

Cycling and micromobility

It is possible but uncomfortable. The combination of large blocks, heavy truck traffic and absence of shadows makes DIP area difficult for cycling in summer.

What’s Nearby: Areas and Landmarks

Green Community

These are the Green Community West and East neighborhoods. The community is distinguished by the mature landscape, villas, townhouses and apartments – exactly what families like.

DIP 1 and DIP 2 clusters

Following the Green Community, you will find everything there: mid-rise apartment buildings, staff accommodation, labour accommodation, showrooms, warehouses and light manufacturing. There are few districts in Dubai which unite both residential and industrial areas.

Everyday amenities

DIP offers schools, clinics, pharmacies, supermarkets and community shopping centers. Thus, you do not have to leave the district for the daily needs. The main anchor is the Green Community shopping center.

Employers nearby

Logistics companies, food processing, building materials supplies and free zone operations are operating in the areas surrounding DIP. Thanks to R74, thousands of their employees got an opportunity to improve their commute.

Traveling to Expo City Dubai and Al Maktoum International

One stop to Expo City

Expo City Dubai is a single stop away from DIP making the station a convenient base for staying and accessing those working at the site. The remaining Expo sites, Al Wasl Plaza and Garden in the Sky are within the stone’s throw from your platform.

Further to Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport

From Expo City, you can travel by bus or taxi to Dubai South and further to Al Maktoum International Airport. Although this connection is not seamless yet, it is still pretty fast.

Airport expansion plans

There is extensive expansion planned for Al Maktoum International Airport. Transportation planning in southwest Dubai will follow accordingly. Mind that this area of the network will see new connections.

Commuter’s Guide: The Real Day-in-the-Life

Door-to-door travel time

From Green Community, your travel time from your doorstep to DIP is expected to be ten to fifteen minutes. Further, you should be ready for a forty-five-minute travel to Dubai Marina, an hour to Business Bay or DIFC and even longer to Deira. With interchanges involved, you will easily spend an hour.

Crowding pattern

This branch is noticeably less crowded than the main Red Line alignment throughout the day. However, the crowds start after you get on the Red Line making it comfortable to board and stand up from Jebel Ali.

Summer effect

If you travel during June – September, you should expect that your walking to the station will become the most difficult part of your journey. Drinking water and shortening last mile are the keys here. Many DIP residents switch to driving during summer and it is quite reasonable to do so.

When the metro wins – and when it doesn the’t

The metro clearly wins in the journeys into Marina, JLT, Downtown and Dubai International Airport where driving will cost you money and time. In case of trips to Al Quoz, Sharjah or any other destinations requiring two interchanges, driving wins. Mind that your journey is the deciding factor.

Renting or Buying near DIP Metro Station

The changes due to the metro

Until 2021, only employees of DIP were interested in this district. Following the opening of the metro, DIP started attracting tenants working elsewhere in Dubai in exchange of cheaper rents and more space.

Options for renters and buyers

Your options vary from Green Community villas and townhouses, DIP mid-rise apartments to warehouses, showrooms and staff accommodation in the commercial part of the district. The choices are numerous and you may have quite a different experience of living despite being neighbors in the same postal code.

Tenant’s dilemma

Just ask yourself one question: how many hours a week are you ready to spend on the travel in exchange of the savings on rent? In case of family tenants, the deal is good. Singles or young professionals working in Downtown are likely to prefer driving.
Editorial note: the rental and sale prices in Dubai are volatile and depend on the property, views and deal date. Do not use any published figures – even from the agencies – as a benchmark and verify the price using current market data.

Business and Logistic Benefits of R74

Benefits for the Free-Zone tenants

The recruitment will become easier if your candidates can reach the workplace without the need of the car. This alone turns the metro proximity into the major advantage of your business, especially if you compete for staff with Dubai South and Jebel Ali.

Workforce mobility and cost

The companies running their own shuttle buses will be able to optimize their routes if they use the station as the hub instead of picking up the employees all over the city. The results are lower fuel consumption, less driver’s hours and smaller fleet.

Access for visitors

If your business is a showroom or office in DIP, you are able now to provide your visitors with instructions which will not start with “take Exit 18 and follow the warehouses”. This matters much more than you may think in terms of professionalism.

Safety and Conduct

Penalties for violating rules

Eating and drinking, travelling in the wrong direction, fare evasion and occupying priority seats without need bring you penalties. Inspectors patrol the line, so ignorance won’t save you from payment.

Security and Lost Property

All the baggage is screened at the entrance and the station has standard security procedures. Lost items must be informed to the station staff and can be tracked through the contact centre of RTA.

Is the area safe at night?

Yes, in terms of the crime rate. Crimes in Dubai are extremely rare, the station is staffed and monitored, and the surroundings are well-lit. It is the convenience rather than safety issues which may become a problem.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

Apps to install before the trip

S’hail app by RTA provides you with all the information about routing and current travel time. Nol Pay allows you to charge your cards, and together these apps can help you to avoid 90% of mistakes made by newcomers.

Timing your trip

To get a seat, avoid the 7:30-9:00 and 17:30-19:30 interval. Travelling on this branch is comfortable for you outside these intervals.

Summer tips

Drink some water, wear lightweight clothes and remember that eating and drinking on board is prohibited. Finish your bottle before entering the train.

Myths to forget

You don’t need a special ticket for the Route 2020 branch. There is no second DIP station. No, the line didn’t close after the Expo event.

Comparison: DIP Station vs Other Route 2020 Stops

The choice of the proper station on this branch may save you up to fifteen minutes each way.

Dubai Investment Park (R74)	DIP 1, DIP 2, Green Community, industrial employers	Limited parking; long last mile to outer plots
Jumeirah Golf Estates	Golf estates, Jumeirah Park fringe, Al Furjan links	Fewer feeder services into industrial DIP
The Gardens	Discovery Gardens, Ibn Battuta Mall access	Further from DIP; adds a transfer
Danube	Jebel Ali Industrial Area, JAFZA workers	On the main alignment, not the branch
Expo City Dubai	Expo City events, Dubai South onward travel	Terminus only; no through service

In short, use DIP station if you are traveling to DIP 1, DIP 2, Green Community or industrial employers, and use Danube or The Gardens if your destination is closer to Jebel Ali or Discovery Gardens.

Future Outlook

Dubai 2040 and southwestern corridor development

The urban master plan emphasizes the development of transit-oriented areas. The development of southwest Dubai is the part of it, so the station will see the growth of passenger traffic in the coming years.

Airport expansion impacts

Following the airport expansion in Dubai South, the demand for reliable transportations will grow considerably. Upgrading this corridor will necessarily increase the convenience of R74.

Network-wide expansions

Blue Line and others network-wide extensions are expected to affect the entire network functioning although they will start farther.
Editorial note: future network reports are frequently changing and the timeline is slipping. Consider the outlook above just as the indication and not as confirmed schedule.

Summary: Main Points

The station in five sentences

Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station is formally called Dubai Investment Park. Its code is R74 and it is the underground station of the Route 2020 branch of Red Line opened on 1 June 2021. It serves Green Community and the whole DIP area, being a single stop from Expo City Dubai. Feeder buses, taxis and drop-off zone are responsible for the last mile which is not comfortable to walk. For thousands of people, the station became a means of connecting to the district.

Those who benefit the most

Green Community residents, commuters from the city to DIP, Expo City workers and businesses looking for staff without a car benefit the most from this station.

Three misconceptions most guides have

• They believe that DIP 1 and DIP 2 have separate stations. They don’t.
• They believe that the station is elevated. It is underground.
• They give fixed fare zones and schedule which change regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate DIP 1 and DIP 2Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station?

No, there is a single station called Dubai Investment Park serving both districts. The 1 and 2 indicate community areas, not stations.

Which line is Dubai Investment Park 1 Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station on?

It is on the Red Line, Route 2020 branch to Expo City Dubai.

What is the station code?

R74.

What are the first and last train timings?

According to the published timetable, it departs around 5:06 in the morning on weekdays and its last trains are after midnight. Weekend timings differ. Check the current timetable with RTA before travel.

Do I need to change trains to reach Downtown Dubai or Deira?

Normally yes. You will change at Jabal Ali to travel further along the main Red Line alignment. Remember to check the destination board before boarding.

How far is the station from Expo City Dubai?

It is one stop away, which takes several minutes.

Is the station underground or elevated?

Underground. It is one of two underground stations on Route 2020 branch.

How much does it cost to travel from DIP to Dubai Investment Park 1 Metro Station?

It involves multi-zone fare bands, so you may expect mid-range standard fare and twice as high Gold Class fare. Use RTA fare calculator for exact fare.

Is there parking at the station?

It has limited parking spaces, including bays for People of Determination. It is not a big park-and-ride station.

Which feeder buses serve the station?

F-series routes historically connect the station to Green Community, Dubai Lagoon, Arabian Orchard, Jebel Ali Industrial Area, Danube Metro Station and Ibn Battuta Bus Station. Check current route numbers in the S’hail app.

Is the station wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is. Lifts, tactile paths, accessible parking and step-free platforms are provided.

How long does it take to reach Dubai International Airport?

It takes around ninety minutes door to door, including interchange.

Is it walkable from Green Community villas?

Parts of Green Community are walkable. The rest of DIP 2 and outer industrial plots are not.

What landmarks are near the station?

Green Community, DIP commercial strip, Dubai Lagoon, Arabian Orchard and, one stop away, Expo City Dubai.

Is DIP a good place to live if I rely on the metro?

It depends on where you live and where you travel to. It works well if you live near Green Community and travel to Marina, Downtown or Expo City. Otherwise, it doesn’t.

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