Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station (also called DAFZA) is on the Red Line, between GGICO and Emirates / Airport Terminal 3. It serves 1,500+ companies in the DAFZA business park (one of the UAE's oldest free zones, established 1996), Le Méridien Dubai hotel, and provides quick walking access to DXB Airport Terminal 1 (~15 min). It is also the closest metro to Emirates Cabin Crew Headquarters and several Dubai Airshow venues.
Quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Line | Red Line |
| Code | R12 |
| Adjacent stations | ← GGICO — Emirates / Airport Terminal 3 → |
| Distance to DXB Terminal 1 | 1.2 km (~15 min walk + free shuttle) |
| Distance to DXB Terminal 3 | 2.5 km (use next station — Airport Terminal 3) |
| Type | Underground |
| Operating hours | 05:00–24:00 Sun-Thu; 05:00–01:00 Fri-Sat |
Exits and what's near each
- Exit 1: DAFZA West Wing — Buildings W1, W2, W3 (cluster of tech and aviation companies). Direct walkway, no street crossing.
- Exit 2: Le Méridien Dubai Hotel + Convention Centre. Also DAFZA East Buildings.
- Exit 3: Casablanca Road / Airport Road — buses to Garhoud, Deira, Karama. Taxi rank.
- Exit 4: Free zone visitor entrance (security gate for non-DAFZA pass holders).
Which metro is closest to DXB Terminals 1, 2, 3?
| Terminal | Best metro station | Walk time |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (most international airlines) | Airport Terminal 1 / Emirates (next station east) | 5 min via covered walkway |
| Terminal 2 (low-cost — flydubai, IndiGo) | Dubai Airport Free Zone (this station) + free shuttle bus | 10 min total |
| Terminal 3 (Emirates Airlines hub) | Airport Terminal 3 (next station east) | 3 min via covered walkway |
For Terminal 2 (where flydubai operates): exit DAFZA Metro at Exit 3, take the free RTA airport shuttle (every 15 min) — total time door-to-check-in is 10-12 min.
Travel times from DAFZA
| To | Time |
|---|---|
| Airport Terminal 3 (Emirates) | 2 min |
| Union Station (Green Line interchange) | 10 min |
| BurJuman (Green Line interchange) | 14 min |
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | 22 min |
| Mall of the Emirates | 32 min |
| Dubai Marina (DMCC) | 42 min |
| Centrepoint (eastern terminus) | 5 min |
DAFZA — what's the free zone like?
- 1,500+ companies in tech, aviation, electronics, gold/jewellery, IT services.
- Notable tenants: Microsoft, IBM, Schenker, DHL, Cathay Pacific, Air India, BBC.
- 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax (until 2026), no personal income tax.
- Setup cost: from AED 12,500 for a freelance permit, AED 35,000 for a business licence + flexi-desk.
- Visa: 1 employment visa per AED 25,000 of office space rented.
- Best for: aviation/aerospace, IT, e-commerce wanting proximity to airport for fast logistics.
For more on UAE free zones, see our Moving to UAE guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro inside the airport?
No — it's adjacent to but outside the airport perimeter. It serves the DAFZA business park primarily. For check-in, use Airport Terminal 1 or Airport Terminal 3 metro stations (next stops east).
How do I get from DAFZA Metro to Terminal 2 (flydubai)?
Exit 3 → free RTA airport shuttle to Terminal 2 (every 15 min, ~10 min ride). Or take a taxi from the rank for AED 12-15.
Are there hotels near DAFZA Metro?
Yes — Le Méridien Dubai is directly connected via Exit 2. Other nearby options: Le Méridien Fairway, Holiday Inn Dubai-Al Barsha (10 min by metro), Premier Inn Dubai International Airport (15 min).
What companies are in Dubai Airport Free Zone?
Over 1,500 — including Microsoft, IBM, DHL, Schenker, Cathay Pacific, Air India, BBC. Sectors: tech, aviation, e-commerce, IT services, jewellery.
Does DAFZA Metro have parking?
No public commuter parking (the area is mostly DAFZA permit-holder parking). For commuter parking on the Red Line, use Etisalat or Centrepoint stations and ride one stop in.