ONPASSIVE Metro Station: Complete Dubai Travel Guide
Everything passengers need to know about its location, Red Line route, station code, operating hours, fares, facilities and former names.
Introduction
ONPASSIVE Metro Station is an active Dubai Metro station on the Red Line. It is located on Sheikh Zayed Road and mainly serves Al Quoz, Umm Suqeim, Al Safa and nearby commercial areas.
The station is identified as R29 on the current Roads and Transport Authority rail map. It is in fare Zone 2, between Business Bay Metro Station and Equiti Metro Station.
The station was previously known as Al Safa Metro Station and, before that, Noor Bank Metro Station. Its present name comes from a commercial naming-rights agreement announced by RTA in January 2023.
ONPASSIVE Metro Station Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | ONPASSIVE Metro Station |
| Station code | R29 |
| Metro line | Dubai Metro Red Line |
| Fare zone | Zone 2 |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai |
| Nearby areas | Al Quoz, Umm Suqeim and Al Safa |
| Previous name | Al Safa Metro Station |
| Earlier name | Noor Bank Metro Station |
| Station toward central Dubai | Business Bay, R26 |
| Station toward Dubai Marina | Equiti, R31 |
| Payment method | nol card or nol Red Ticket |
| Current status | Active |
Where Is ONPASSIVE Metro Station?
ONPASSIVE Metro Station is situated beside Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s busiest and most important roads.
Its location makes it useful for workers, residents and visitors travelling to Al Quoz, Al Safa, Umm Suqeim and surrounding business districts. RTA describes the station as a strategically located Red Line stop on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Some places in Al Quoz are not directly outside the station. Passengers may need to continue their journey by bus, taxi, bicycle or on foot.
It is therefore helpful to check the RTA journey planner or S’hail application before travelling to a specific building or attraction.
Which Metro Line Serves ONPASSIVE?
ONPASSIVE Metro Station operates on the Dubai Metro Red Line.
The Red Line connects passengers with many important parts of Dubai, including:
- Business Bay
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai International Airport
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Marina
- Jebel Ali
- Expo City Dubai
RTA states that Red Line services operate between Centrepoint and Expo 2020 or Life Pharmacy, depending on the train’s destination and branch.
Passengers should always check the platform display before boarding because different trains may have different final destinations.
Stations Before and After ONPASSIVE
The station order around ONPASSIVE is:
Business Bay R26 → ONPASSIVE R29 → Equiti R31
Passengers travelling toward central Dubai, Dubai International Airport or Centrepoint should follow signs for the Centrepoint direction.
Passengers travelling toward Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali or Expo City should follow signs for trains heading toward Expo 2020 or Life Pharmacy.
The numbers between Business Bay, ONPASSIVE and Equiti are not consecutive. This does not mean passengers must pass through missing public stations. RTA station numbers can contain gaps because of the way the rail network was planned and numbered. The official map confirms ONPASSIVE as R29 and Equiti as R31.
History of ONPASSIVE Metro Station
The station has operated under several names during its history.
Noor Islamic Bank Metro Station
The station opened to passengers on 15 May 2010. It was originally connected with the Al Quoz location but opened under the commercial name Noor Islamic Bank Metro Station.
The naming agreement was announced shortly before the station began passenger service.
The name later became more widely known as Noor Bank Metro Station.
Al Safa Metro Station
In 2020, the Noor Bank name was removed and the station became Al Safa Metro Station.
The location and Metro service remained the same. Only the public station name, signs, maps and announcements changed.
ONPASSIVE Metro Station
On 11 January 2023, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority announced that ONPASSIVE had received the naming rights for Al Safa Metro Station for ten years.
RTA then changed the station name on external signs, indoor direction boards, transport applications, smart systems and onboard train announcements.
The ten-year agreement means the ONPASSIVE name was announced for use until approximately 2033, unless the agreement is changed, extended or ended earlier.
Does ONPASSIVE Own the Metro Station?
No. ONPASSIVE does not own the station or the Dubai Metro.
The company received commercial naming rights through an agreement with RTA. The Roads and Transport Authority remains responsible for Dubai’s public transport network and Metro services.
A naming-rights agreement allows a company’s name to appear on station signs, network maps, applications and train announcements for an agreed period.
ONPASSIVE Metro Station Opening Hours
RTA publishes the following general opening hours for all Dubai Metro lines:
| Day | Metro opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight |
| Friday | 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day |
| Saturday | 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight |
| Sunday | 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight |
These are general station opening hours. The final train may reach ONPASSIVE before the full network closes.
Train times may also change during public holidays, Ramadan, major events, maintenance work or emergencies. Passengers travelling late at night should check the current timetable before starting their journey.
How Often Do Trains Arrive?
RTA lists a general Dubai Metro service interval of approximately two to six minutes.
Waiting times can be longer during service changes, maintenance, emergencies or special events. Trains may also become crowded during weekday morning and evening rush hours.
Travelling outside peak periods can make the journey easier and more comfortable.
ONPASSIVE Metro Station Fares
Dubai Metro fares are based on the number of fare zones crossed during a journey.
Silver or Personal nol Card Fares
| Journey | Fare |
|---|---|
| Within one zone | AED 3 |
| Across two adjacent zones | AED 5 |
| Across more than two zones | AED 7.50 |
nol Red Ticket Fares
| Journey | Fare |
|---|---|
| Within one zone | AED 4 |
| Across two adjacent zones | AED 6 |
| Across more than two zones | AED 8.50 |
Gold-Class Fares
| Journey | Fare |
|---|---|
| Within one zone | AED 6 |
| Across two adjacent zones | AED 10 |
| Across more than two zones | AED 15 |
Children aged five years or younger travel free. Eligible People of Determination can also travel free with the correct personalised nol card.
How to Use a nol Card at the Station
Passengers need a nol card or nol Red Ticket to use ONPASSIVE Metro Station.
The basic process is simple:
- Purchase or top up a nol card.
- Tap the card at the entrance gate.
- Check the screen for the correct train direction.
- Board the train from the correct platform.
- Tap the same card at the exit gate after reaching the destination.
The transport system calculates the fare automatically according to the zones travelled.
RTA states that passengers must have at least AED 7.50 on their card to enter the Metro. It also recommends keeping a balance of at least AED 15 to avoid problems during a journey.
Passengers must tap out when leaving the Metro. Failing to tap at the exit can result in the wrong fare being deducted.
Metro and Bus Transfers
Passengers can transfer between the Dubai Metro and RTA buses using the same nol card.
After leaving a Metro station, the passenger normally has 30 minutes to enter the connecting bus. When the transfer is completed within this period, both sections can be treated as one connected journey.
The final charge is calculated according to the total number of zones crossed.
Bus routes can change more often than Metro routes. Passengers should check the RTA Dubai or S’hail application for the latest bus connection near ONPASSIVE.
Facilities at ONPASSIVE Metro Station
ONPASSIVE forms part of Dubai’s modern driverless Metro network.
RTA lists the following services across Dubai Metro stations:
- Wi-Fi access
- ATMs
- Ticket and nol card services
- Digital travel-information screens
- Lifts and escalators
- Bus and taxi connections
- Security monitoring
- Passenger assistance
- Services for People of Determination
The exact availability of shops, vending machines and other services at an individual station can change over time.
Accessibility
Dubai Metro stations are designed to support passengers with different mobility needs.
ONPASSIVE passengers can use lifts and escalators to move between street, concourse and platform levels. Metro services also include special support for People of Determination.
Passengers who require assistance can speak to station employees before passing through the gates.
Inside the wider Metro system, passengers can also find visual information screens and audio announcements to help them follow the journey.
Travelling to Al Quoz
ONPASSIVE is one of the main Metro stations used to reach Al Quoz.
Al Quoz is a large district containing commercial buildings, industrial areas, warehouses, showrooms, creative businesses and cultural venues. Because the district covers a wide area, not every destination is within a short walk of the station.
Before travelling, passengers should check:
- The full address of their destination
- The nearest station exit
- The available bus connection
- The walking distance
- Taxi or pick-up options
Planning the final part of the journey can save time, especially during hot weather.
Useful Travel Tips
Top up your nol card before entering the station to avoid delays at ticket machines.
Check the train’s final destination on the platform display. This is especially important when travelling toward the southern end of the Red Line.
Allow more time during weekday rush hours because trains and platforms may be crowded.
Passengers carrying large luggage should avoid blocking train doors or walkways. The Gold Class cabin and the women-and-children cabin are clearly marked, so passengers should enter the correct section.
Late-night travellers should check the last available train rather than relying only on the station’s general closing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ONPASSIVE Metro Station on the Red Line?
Yes. ONPASSIVE is an active station on the Dubai Metro Red Line.
What is the ONPASSIVE Metro Station code?
The official station code is R29.
Which fare zone is ONPASSIVE in?
ONPASSIVE is located in Zone 2.
What station comes before ONPASSIVE?
Business Bay, station R26, is the neighbouring station in the Centrepoint direction.
What station comes after ONPASSIVE?
Equiti, station R31, is the neighbouring station when travelling toward Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina.
What was ONPASSIVE Metro Station called before?
It was previously called Al Safa Metro Station. Before that, it was known as Noor Bank or Noor Islamic Bank Metro Station.
Why was Al Safa Metro Station renamed?
RTA granted ONPASSIVE the commercial naming rights to the station for ten years in January 2023.
Does the company ONPASSIVE own the station?
No. It only holds the commercial naming rights. RTA manages the Metro network.
Can tourists use ONPASSIVE Metro Station?
Yes. Dubai Metro is available to residents, citizens and visitors. Tourists can use a suitable nol card or nol Red Ticket.
Is ONPASSIVE Metro Station currently open?
Yes. It appears as an active R29 Red Line station on the current official RTA rail map. Temporary timetable or service changes may still happen.
Conclusion
ONPASSIVE Metro Station is an important Red Line stop on Sheikh Zayed Road. It serves Al Quoz, Umm Suqeim, Al Safa and nearby business areas.
Its official station code is R29, and it is located in Zone 2 between Business Bay and Equiti. The station was formerly known as Al Safa and Noor Bank before receiving its current name through a ten-year commercial naming agreement.
Passengers can use a nol card to travel from ONPASSIVE to major locations across Dubai. Checking the current RTA timetable, train destination and final bus or walking connection can help make the journey simple and comfortable.
