Dubai Metro Fines: Things You Can’t Do While Riding the Train

The Dubai Metro is regarded as one of the cleanest and most efficient transit systems worldwide. Each day, countless individuals utilize it to commute to work, attend school, go shopping at malls, or sightsee. The trains are very clean, very on time and safe. Of course, this is due to the strict rules and regulations in place that keep everything in order.

Most riders, especially those unfamiliar with the process, are not aware that simple mistakes can lead to fines. If you want to enjoy your ride without repercussions, here is a complete list of things you can’t do on the Dubai Metro, along with penalties.

1. Eating or Drinking: AED 100 Fine

Eating or drinking in the metro is not allowed, and that includes water. This means in the train, on the platforms, and in the walkways. The Dubai Metro is serious about cleanliness. It does not take much, whether it is food spilling onto the floor or the smell of food, for passengers to find it less comfortable in a shared area. It seems harmless to eat or drink inside the metro system until you find out it will cost you AED 100 right away.

Tip: Eat your snacks or drink your drinks before you get through the gates of the station. You can keep a closed water bottle in your bag until after you exit.

2. Chewing Gum: AED 100 Fine

Chewing gum may seem harmless, but it is prohibited by metro regulations. Gum can jam seats, floors, along doors, and it is difficult to clean, as well as unpleasant for other riders. You will be issued an AED 100 fine on the spot if you are caught chewing gum by an inspector. 

Tip: Chew gum before you enter the station. If you forget to dispose of it, make sure to throw it away properly in a bin before you tap your NOL card.

3. Littering or Spitting: AED 200 Fine

Dubai places paramount importance on cleanliness, including on public transport. Dropping litter, tissues, or wrappers on the floor of the station or train, or spitting anywhere in the station or train, is taken very seriously and could result in a fine of AED 200. This encompasses littering or the very rare or occasional spitting. This measure helps to keep the metro one of the cleanest transit systems in the world.

Pro tip: Use the bins provided at each platform. Always have a small paper bag if you need to wait to exit and dispose of your waste.

4. Sleeping in the Waiting Area: AED 300 Fine

The Dubai Metro will take you long distances but don’t expect to be able to take a nap on a bench in a waiting area or to sleep on the metro property. It is considered rude behavior and it can disturb other travelers. If the authorities see someone sleeping in a prohibited area, they will issue a fine of AED 300. This policy is intended to ensure that stations look clean, safe, and professional at all times.

Tip: If you are tired, you can simply rest at home or in a café, not in a metro property.

5. Opening the Emergency Door Lever: AED 2,000 Fine

This is considered one of the major offenses. The emergency door lever must only be used in actual emergencies such as fire, accident, or danger. Misusing the emergency door lever causes unnecessary panic and will disrupt service. If any person opens or interferes with the emergency door lever without base cause, they will pay a hefty fine of AED 2,000. 

Tip: Emergency equipment must be left alone unless you are in actual danger. Always listen to the staff’s instructions if ever an emergency should occur.

6. Entering the Wrong Cabin

The Dubai Metro is divided into three compartments: 

1. Gold Class Cabin (only for premium Nol cards) 
2. Women and Children Cabin 
3. Standard Cabin 

Men are not able to sit in the women and children section. Likewise, passengers seated in Gold Class must have Gold Class cards. The typical fine for sitting in the wrong cabin is AED 100. 

Tip: Before walking into a cabin, review the signs posted above the doors. The Women and Children cabin will have pink signage, while Gold Class will be clearly marked.

7. Using Another Person’s NOL Card

It is required for each passenger to use their own NOL card to tap in and out. If a passenger taps in or out using a shared or another person’s card, it will be deemed fare evasion. If a person is caught fare evading, they risk a fine of AED 200, and possibly being forbidden to travel for that day.

Tip: Always retain your own Nol card. Top it up regularly so that you do not have balance issues at the gates.

8. Smoking or Vaping

It is strictly forbidden to smoke or vape aboard the train, on the platform, or anywhere on the metro premises. Dubai’s public transport authority has a zero-tolerance policy for tobacco and vaping products. For smoking or vaping in prohibited areas, a fine in the range of AED 200 or more can be imposed depending on the circumstances. 

Tip: If you want to smoke, wait until you are outside the station, and be mindful of “No Smoking” signs before lighting anything up outside.

9. Blocking Doors or Exits

Quite a few passengers block or obstruct train doors when waiting to board or upon arrival. This is unsafe and reduces the effectiveness of the transit system. The Dubai Metro uses automatic doors. Blocking the doors can cause the doors to generate a warning and even fines. Doing so can be dangerous to yourself as well as other passengers.

Tip: Let all passengers off the train before boarding. Stand behind the yellow line when the doors are open and move quickly but safely into the train.

10. Loud Behaviour and Public Disturbance

The metro provides a peaceful setting to be in the company of other people. Listening to loud music, shouting, or yelling on a phone can disrupt fellow riders. Metro security may give spoken warnings; if you break a rule a second time, they may give you a ticket. If we all engage in respectful behaviors on the metro, we will make the experience better for everyone.

Tip: Use your headphones, silence your phone, and avoid making noise when possible. 

Consequences for Violating a Rule

The RTA enforcement and police officers perform lactation patrols daily on the trains and in the stations. The officers have handheld devices that can detect rule violators and write tickets on the spot.

If you violate a rule, the fine will be logged against your Emirates ID or Nol card record. You will need to pay any fine levied before using the metro again. You may also be subject to higher fines and/or travel bans for repeated violations.

A City That Rewards Good Conduct

Dubai’s transportation network offers a good experience for passengers who follow the rules. When travelers do their part, it enhances the experience for all, resulting in cleaner cars, faster trips, and safer roads for everyone. 

Tourists are often amazed at how clean the trains are, and many wonder how the system can run so efficiently; that’s because everyone understands their responsibility. It is about more than simply avoiding fines; it is about respecting a public space.

Final Thoughts

The Dubai Metro provides more than just a means of transportation. It is an expression of Dubai’s commitment to discipline and respect for civic life. Each passenger is responsible for his or her own contribution to the cleanliness, safety, and organization of the metro system.

So, remember these key fines:

By following these straightforward rules, we can all have a peaceful, quick, and courteous trip. Next time you ride the Dubai Metro, think of it as your way of helping to create a cleaner, smarter city.