How to Navigate GGICO Metro Station Dubai Easily
The short answer: GGICO Metro Station Dubai is now called Al Garhoud Metro Station. Located on the Dubai Metro Red Line, station R15 connects Al Garhoud with Dubai International Airport, Deira and the wider city. As of October 2026, it remains a convenient stop for local commuters and airport-area visitors, although airport passengers should usually use the dedicated terminal stations.
Where is GGICO metro station located?
GGICO Metro Station is in Al Garhoud, an established residential and commercial district close to Dubai International Airport. The elevated station sits between Airport Terminal 1 and City Centre Deira on the Red Line.
Its location makes it useful for people visiting nearby offices, residential buildings, hotels and businesses around Al Garhoud. It also provides a practical connection between the airport district and central Dubai without requiring a car.
| Station detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current name | Al Garhoud Metro Station |
| Former name | GGICO Metro Station |
| Station code | R15 |
| Metro line | Red Line |
| Previous station toward Centrepoint | Airport Terminal 1 |
| Next station toward central Dubai | City Centre Deira |
| Original opening | 15 May 2010 |
| Location | Al Garhoud, Dubai |
One important distinction is that Al Garhoud is not an airport terminal station. Although the airport is nearby, travellers with flights should select the Metro stop serving their actual terminal.
What changed at GGICO metro station?
The biggest change is the station’s name. On 14 April 2025, GGICO Metro Station officially became Al Garhoud Metro Station. The change replaced its former corporate name with the name of the surrounding neighbourhood.
As of October 2026, passengers should look for Al Garhoud or station code R15 on route information. Older hotel directions, property listings and saved travel instructions can still refer to GGICO.
This distinction matters when arranging a pickup or sharing directions with someone unfamiliar with the area. Using both names, such as “Al Garhoud Metro Station, formerly GGICO”, removes confusion.
Another recent network change occurred in September 2026, when ONPASSIVE Metro Station was renamed Garmin Metro Station. Its signage and passenger information updates are scheduled through November 2026. These naming changes make station codes especially useful when comparing older and newer route maps.
What are the metro operating hours?
As of October 2026, Al Garhoud follows the standard Dubai Metro operating schedule. Friday services extend later than other days, while Sunday trains start later in the morning.
| Day | Metro operating hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM to midnight |
| Friday | 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM Saturday |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM to midnight |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM to midnight |
These are network operating hours, not guaranteed first and last departure times at R15. A journey near closing time needs enough time for the train to reach its destination.
For a more detailed look at weekday and weekend services, our Dubai metro timings article covers the wider network.
For a more comfortable journey, consider travelling between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays rather than during the morning and evening commuting peaks. This is particularly useful when carrying shopping bags or luggage.
How much does travelling from GGICO cost?
Dubai Metro fares depend on the number of fare zones travelled and the type of nol card used. Al Garhoud does not charge a special station fee.
The following standard fares apply as of October 2026.
| Journey category | Silver nol card | Gold nol card | Regular Red Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within one zone | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 4 |
| Two adjacent zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 6 |
| More than two zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15 | AED 8.50 |
A new Silver nol card costs AED 25, including AED 19 of travel credit. Passengers need at least AED 7.50 available on their nol card to enter the Metro.
Money-saving tip: Regular commuters generally get better value from Silver than Gold Class. Gold costs twice the standard fare, so its main benefit is access to a separate cabin rather than a faster journey.
Passengers connecting from the Metro to an eligible bus within 30 minutes can have both legs calculated as one combined journey, with the fare determined by the zones travelled.
How do you reach Dubai Airport?
Al Garhoud is close to Dubai International Airport, but the correct route depends on the terminal printed on your flight booking.
- Enter Al Garhoud Metro Station and follow the signs for trains toward Centrepoint.
- For Terminal 1, travel one stop to Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station.
- For Terminal 3, continue past Airport Terminal 1 to Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station.
- Follow the terminal signs after leaving the fare gates.
- Allow additional time for airport security, baggage handling and airline check-in.
Terminal 2 is not directly served by a Metro station. Passengers travelling there need an additional road connection, such as a taxi.
A useful planning rule is to separate your Metro journey from your airport arrival deadline. Reaching the station near the airport does not mean you have reached the correct check-in counter.
Which destinations are easiest to reach?
Al Garhoud works particularly well for destinations on the Red Line. Several useful journeys require no interchange, while others involve changing trains at Union or BurJuman.
| Destination | Practical route |
|---|---|
| City Centre Deira | One stop toward central Dubai |
| Dubai International Airport | Travel toward Centrepoint to the appropriate terminal station |
| Union | Direct Red Line journey |
| BurJuman | Direct Red Line journey |
| Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall | Red Line toward Expo 2020 or Life Pharmacy |
| Gold Souq | Change to the Green Line at Union |
For nearby Al Garhoud addresses, the Metro is only part of the journey. The final walking distance matters, especially during Dubai’s hotter months.
When your destination is far from the station, a short taxi connection can be more practical than a long outdoor walk. This is especially true for families, travellers with luggage and anyone attending an appointment at a specific building.
Is Al Garhoud the right station for you?
Al Garhoud is a strong choice for local commuters, airport-area employees and visitors staying near the station. Its main advantages are direct Red Line access, predictable zone-based fares and connections toward both Deira and the airport.
However, it is not automatically the best stop for everyone travelling to this part of Dubai.
- Choose Al Garhoud for nearby offices, homes and hotels within a reasonable walking distance.
- Choose Airport Terminal 1 or 3 when your flight departs from the corresponding terminal.
- Choose City Centre Deira when visiting the shopping mall or surrounding commercial area.
- Choose a taxi when carrying substantial luggage or travelling to a location far from the station.
For first-time visitors, a practical plan is to identify the exact destination building, choose the nearest appropriate Metro station, load sufficient nol credit and leave extra time for the final connection.
Avoid assuming that every Al Garhoud address is a short walk from R15. The neighbourhood covers a wider area than the station’s immediate surroundings.
Verdict: Al Garhoud is a useful, affordable transport stop rather than a sightseeing destination. Its greatest value is convenience for people whose destinations genuinely sit near the Red Line.
Frequently asked questions
Is GGICO metro station still operating?
Yes. The station operates under the name Al Garhoud Metro Station as of October 2026. Its station code remains R15 on the Red Line.
What is the nearest metro station to GGICO?
GGICO and Al Garhoud refer to the same Metro station. The neighbouring stops are Airport Terminal 1 and City Centre Deira.
Does GGICO metro station connect directly to Terminal 3?
Yes, passengers can travel on the Red Line toward Centrepoint to Airport Terminal 3 without changing trains. Airport Terminal 1 is the intermediate stop.
Can I use a nol card at Al Garhoud station?
Yes, nol cards are accepted for Metro journeys. Tap your card when entering and exiting, and maintain the required minimum balance.
Is GGICO metro station open on Sundays?
Yes. As of October 2026, the standard Sunday Metro operating hours are 8:00 AM to midnight. Individual train departures depend on direction and position along the route.
