RTA reveals the interior designs of Dubai Metro

Engineer Abdulredha Abu Hassan, Director of Planning and Design Department, Rail Agency said that the metro stations would have a unique design uniting modernism and tradition. The stations are divided into two main categories Underground Stations and Elevated Stations. The total number of stations on both lines (red and green) is 47 Stations, with 10 Underground Stations positioned in the central area of Dubai, while the remaining 37 stations are elevated.

Abu Al Hassan said: "Their uniquely shell shaped roof, while modern, invokes the heritage of pearl diving; this ancient craft that requires skill and bravery brought early prosperity and is an integral part of Dubai's history."

"The interiors of the stations are uniquely designed in respect of their historical background and by adopting design theme based on one of the four elements of nature: water, air, fire and earth. There will be a total of 12 Earth themed stations, 13 Water theme stations, 11 Air themed stations and 11 Fire themed stations," he added.

It is worth mentioning that the elevated stations are divided into three types. These types vary due to the physical land conditions and other operational requirements.

Type 1 stations: The entrance is at ground level with an elevated platform. The design aims to maintain visual connections with the outside environment. This is achieved by the design of roof skylights or by the glass wall cladding that creates a visual link to the external perspectives as passengers move through the station.

Type 2 stations: These stations are supported with columns as both the concourse and platform are elevated. Being located along busy highways they can be accessed from both sides of the road at ground level entrances, which take passengers up to a footbridge, across the roads and into unpaid concourse areas.

Type 3 stations: The stations are designed with an extra track for future line extensions and operational functions.

Abu Al Hassan explained that the key objectives of the station architectural design are safety and security to the public, and clear and simple planning with minimal travel distances. The station entrances at ground level are integrated with other modes of transportations, pedestrian connectivity and its surrounding context including provision to future developments.

He confirmed that the circulation is direct and visible without reliance on excessive signage. Spaces within station are therefore uncluttered and free from obstructions wherever possible to ensure visual connections between floors. In addition, the stations are designed to be fully equipped with features and facilities for people with special needs, mothers with baby prams and commuters with shopping bags and luggage.

Engineer Abu Al Hassan confirmed that International standards have been adopted to ensure that people with special needs are able to travel independently and with ease within the Dubai Metro stations. Public announcement and information is provided in both audio and visual. Direct route for tactile guidance paths are specially laid on the floor to guide vision impaired people to their destinations. Elevators with sufficient space allow wheel chair manoeuvring and special need toilets have been incorporated into the station design. Specially trained customer service staff will always be at the station to assist passengers in need.