Baniyas Square Metro Station (Green Line), Key Featured, History

Baniyas Square Metro Station incident on the Green Line of the Dubai Metro at Baniyas Square, Dubai, United Arab Emirates is the name of a rapid transit metro station. The metro station and questions along the Green Line from the metro station to Dubai Healthcare City Station opened at this station on 9 September 2011. In 2011, this metro station became one of the busiest stations on the Green Line, with 1.7 zero passengers.

Baniyas Square is located under the square of the same name in Deir, the historic center of Dubai. It is the closest station is to the Naifwale neighborhood and Subkhaka East. Points of interest near the station include the Deira Towers and several souks, as well as Dubai Creek. , including Almanac Center and Knife Souk.

Location and Accessibility

Geographic Location of Baniyas Square Metro Station

The Baniyas Square Metro Station is located in the Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates. The area is located just in the vicinity of Baniyas Square adjacent to Dubai Creek in the commercial hub of lively business areas and markets full of shopping centers. 

It falls under the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, making it convenient for tourists and residents alike because it is a vital transfer point between different parts of the older districts of Dubai. 

The station gives access to various points of interest in Deira, such as the historic Gold Souk and Spice Souk.

Access Points to Baniyas Square Metro Station

The access points to the Baniyas Square Metro Station were built to facilitate easy entry and exit for passengers going into and out of areas around Deira. Access points include;

1. Baniyas Square Side: It leads out into Baniyas Square directly, thereby allowing people from the station to have direct access to the core business and shopping areas with nearby shops, offices, and local eateries.
2. Al Maktoum Road Side: The exit provides access to Al Maktoum Road where there are hotels, businesses, and banks that line the road.
3. Public Bus Stop and Taxi Stand Access: On the street side of the station are the bus stops and taxi stands that will provide additional connectivity to areas not served by the Metro.

History and Development

 Early Arranging of Baniyas Square Metro Station

The Baniyas Square Metro Station was constructed as an early provision in one of Dubai’s oldest commercial districts, Deira. The following outline describes the purpose and early layout design of the station.

1. Deira Trade Centre: The station is situated near Baniyas Square and is built to cater to the high traffic volumes generated around the commercial and retail districts, coupled with the proximity to the historical Gold Souk and Spice Souk. This would be an important component of linking the merchants, tourists, and locals through a nexus of trade and tourism.
2. Integration with Public Transport Systems: To complete easy transferability from mode to mode, the whole station was to be aligned with a bus/ taxi stop on the east side and a stopover to Abra at the creek on the west end. This was to constitute a multimodal transfer at the Baniyas Square node, where there is one easy switch between Metro, Bus, and Water Transport nodes.
3. Pedestrian Accessibility and Safety: The early design considered pedestrian safety and accessibility. Station entrances and exits were designed to avoid congestion, and pedestrian walkways around Baniyas Square were widened and improved to accommodate increased foot traffic from Metro users.
4. Navigation Facilitation: The initial design of the station incorporated signage in both Arabic and English to accommodate an inclusive set of users. The station featured maps and direction boards to help passengers easily navigate to surrounding landmarks as well as to and from Baniyas Square.
5. Boost to Local Economy: It increased foot traffic around businesses and local markets as people coming from other parts of Dubai visited the station.

Construction of Baniyas Square Metro Station

The Baniyas Square Metro Station was also part of the grand Dubai Metro project, initiated in the early 2000s, to improve and ease the transportation system and reduce congestion in the city. Here are some major points about its construction.

1. The Green Line Baniyas Square Metro Station was constructed as part of the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, which primarily caters to the older sections of Dubai, such as Deira and Bur Dubai. The Green Line was chosen to connect the city’s historic commercial district and provide seamless access to popular areas along Dubai Creek.
2. Underground Station Design After deciding that the station could be an underground facility because of the aesthetic and functional framework of Baniyas Square, the incorporation of metro infrastructure could be done without jeopardizing the public space with which the square and commercial activities around the markets are celebrated. Underground construction presented, therefore, a very great engineering challenge, particularly since in Dubai, the earth material was sand and this presented a high water table.
3. Advanced TBMs for Tunnelling: The underground tunnels and stations were developed using advanced TBMs, which were designed to be used in Dubai’s unique geological conditions. This ensured that surface activities were not disturbed too much, and the influence on the existing structures and businesses around was minimal.
4. Effective Project Management: To achieve the challenging deadline, RTA collaborated with international contractors and engineering companies. Several construction aspects, including excavation, tunnel lining, and station finishing, were carried out in parallel to save time.
5. Safety Standards Focus: The construction ensured the highest safety standards to prevent damage to the workers and the community at large. Since the Baniyas Square area was very dense with buildings and pedestrian walkways, the project incorporated enhanced safety protocols such as controlled demolition and secure scaffolding.
6. Modern Amenities: The construction of Baniyas Square Metro Station contained modern facilities, which consist of climate-controlled platforms, escalators, elevators, and accessible pathways to provide easy rideability for passengers regardless of age.

Facilities and Features of Baniyas Square Metro Station

Baniyas Square Metro Station is designed with several amenities and facilities to ensure that passengers have an easy time and comfort.

1. Climate-Controlled Environment

The station, just like all the Dubai Metro stations, is fully air-conditioned to ensure comfort to the passengers, especially during the hot summer months. The platforms, concourses, and waiting areas are climate-controlled.

2. Multiple Entrances and Exits

The design of this building allows for easy points of entry and exit, thus convenient access to surrounding areas embracing Baniyas Square, Al Maktoum Road, and other nearby business hubs.

3. Elevators and Escalators

The station is fitted with elevators, escalators, and ramps, thus access to the people using it, from reduced mobility clients, and stroller-carrying parents, to suitcase-carrying travelers is ensured.

4. Ticketing and Nol Card Machines

There are ticketing kiosks and NOL card recharge machines at every station. Thus, passengers can buy or recharge their travel cards without standing in long queues.

5. Customer Service Counters

There is a customer service counter at the station where passengers can ask about the services of Metro, routes, or general travel information. The staff members will be friendly and ready to answer any queries or questions the individual may have.

6. Clear Signage and Information Displays

Signage is in both Arabic and English, whereas digital information screens carry real-time information on train arrival, service notices, and directions to exits and connections, so it is not difficult for all passengers to navigate through the station.

7. Retail and Food Outlets

There are retail kiosks and outlets at Baniyas Square Metro Station selling commodities such as snacks, soft drinks, and other handy items. This is very helpful for the commuter who needs a quick refreshment or daily needs.

8. Safety and Security Features

Security surveillance and crowd control by CCTV cameras with well-trained staff to assist in emergencies; there are emergency call points around the station if help is needed.

9. Access to Public Transport Connections

The other forms of public transport can be easily accessed from the station; the bus stand and taxi stands are conveniently near, making it easy to switch between any of the forms of public transport available in Dubai.

10. Wi-Fi Access and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi throughout the station, so that the internet reaches waiting and commuters. Charging stations for mobile devices are also available in select spots within the station.

11. Accessibility for People with Disabilities

The metro station Baniyas Square contains features that were adopted to ensure that accessibility is for persons with determination who have disabilities features like tactile guiding pathway; Braille signs in its washrooms and priority seating there,

12. Restrooms and Prayer Rooms

It has cleanliness in toilet amenities facilities, and there is available accessibility in the restroom as well, a Men’s prayer room as well as a Women’s praying room; these are amenities which one would prefer proceeding for their prayers before leaving.

Role of Baniyas Square Metro Station in the Metro Network

Baniyas Square Metro Station is located strategically within the Dubai Metro network, particularly in the Green Line, which services some of Dubai’s oldest and most historically important areas. Here is a glimpse of its primary roles in the metro network:

1. Important Interchange for Deira and Old Dubai

Baniyas Square Metro Station is one of the vital nodes in transportation located at Deira, one of Dubai’s oldest commercial and residential areas. It offers easy access to the residents, workers, and tourists, connecting them with the high-density businesses, hotels, markets, and government offices of Deira. Thus, it plays an important role in daily commuting and tourism within this historical city.

2. Connecting Landmark Areas

Baniyas Square Metro Station provides easy access to key attractions like the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Naif Souk, which attract tourists. The metro station will support tourism and trade by encouraging walking through traditional markets and ensuring that the cultural heritage of Dubai is protected.

3. Changeover Hub

This interchange station means passengers traveling on the Dubai metro get an easy route to other vehicles: buses, taxis, and even boats on Dubai Creek, meaning a multimodal transport node: passengers travel between different modes of transport. End

Deira is one of the busiest parts of Dubai and always has a problem with traffic. The dependence on Baniyas Square Metro Station reduces cars and taxis whose presence congests roads toward the station and improves air quality in a very densely populated district.

4. Supporting Economic Activities

The station increases Deira’s economic viability by facilitating access for the workforce, shoppers, and visitors. Most small business ventures and shops in Baniyas Square benefit from the metro due to the pedestrian traffic brought into the location, which also supports the local economy. 

Employees can easily go to work in Deira’s many businesses, hotels, and government offices. Higher Connectivity on the Green Line Baniyas Square lies along the Green Line but runs parallel behind the Red Line, with more concentration through the city’s old downtown. 

This ensures an added avenue of access to other stops on the Green Line-altogether three of them being Al Rasheed, Al Ghubaiba, and Union Station-ensuring an accessible link across the old-new Dubai divide.

5. Accessibility by Different Socioeconomic Levels

Metro Station Baniyas Square represents a great example, combining locals, expats, as well as tourists visiting the station, to serve a different category of passengers and has an integrative purpose. 

It features accessibility functions such as elevators, ramps, and multiple signs in varied languages, which makes it accessible to various people coming from very different backgrounds, with varied ages, and abilities.

6. Union Station Decongestion

Baniyas Square is to act as a relieving intersection point between the Green Line and the Red Line of the Metro, thereby dissipating the crowd density levels that might be experienced during rush hour at Union Station itself. This will ease the flow of passengers onto other parts of the system.

7. Connecting Old Dubai to the New Metro Network

Baniyas Square connects the old part of Dubai to the new through the metro network, thus ensuring an easy linkage to the cherished heritage of Dubai as the city develops further to be more modern.

Community Impact of Baniyas Square Metro Station

In all conceivable ways, the Baniyas Square Metro Station has affected the Deira community the little businesses and tourism economy to the daily commute and urban development. Here are a few ways the community is affected in key ways:

1. Economic boon to local businesses and small trade.

The Metro introduced pedestrians to the smaller shops, food and beverage shops, and market stalls that were located in Baniyas Square. The ease of access encourages people to visit local vendors within this busy commercial area.

2. Tourism and Heritage Conservation

This easy access from Baniyas Square Metro Station to other popular cultural sites and old markets, such as Gold Souk and Spice Souk, fosters tourism, thus promoting the visibility of the historic and cultural attractions of the area and protecting Dubai’s heritage.

3. Mobility for residents and workers

Its strategic location in a densely populated Deira area has eased travel around and made the journeys much easier for residents. Employees receive easy transport that ensures the trip is made much more efficient, which helps reduce traveling time, thus increasing productivity.

4. Quality of Life Improvement

This enhances the flow of traffic in Deira as the people have alternative cheaper and cleaner ways, such as using the Metro. This development increases the quality of living because Deira becomes a fine area that promotes walking on foot as the heavy traffic conditions are minimal in that region hence reducing the chances of pollution of the residential houses.

5. High Property Values and Investment Possibilities

The Baniyas Square Metro Station’s creation has enhanced the prices of property in the region. Convenience and access to other regions of Dubai make it easy for residential and commercial buildings, hence a revived attraction to invest in the locality.

6. Social Inclusivity and Accessibility

The station has made the community more accessible through affordable public transport and through features of accessibility for people of determination, seniors, and families with young children. It connects people from different backgrounds and income levels, making it a socially diverse and inclusive environment.

7. Reduction in Transportation Costs

The Metro has reduced transport costs for many residents and workers of Deira, as they can forego more expensive taxis or cars to reach their destinations. This mode of affordable travel is, therefore, very fair to the poorer sections of society.

Foot traffic both in and out of Baniyas Square has led to the transformation of the place into a social space for community members to gather. Whether it is to shop, catch up with friends, or simply pass through the square, this place has now become a more communal setting that fosters community socialization and participation by the residents.

8. Sustainable Commuting Culture Promotion

This has efficient and eco-friendly transport, thereby aligning with the sustainability goals of Dubai and making the residents and workers use public transportation instead of personal vehicles, thus creating a greater reduction of carbon footprint and an even more environmentally conscious community.

9. Safety and Security Increased End

With a Metro station, safety measures such as CCTV cameras and visible security personnel within and around the station have also increased. This enhances safety within the community, a good thing for local traders and tourists alike.

10. Facilitating Cultural Exchange

Baniyas Square Metro Station is one of those areas which act as a melting pot in which people from various walks of life and of various nationalities come together and interact with each other, thereby creating a cultural exchange between the residents of one of Dubai’s most diverse regions and providing them with a sense of community and mutual understanding.

Future Developments of Baniyas Square Metro Station

Future developments at Baniyas Square Metro Station will most likely focus on accessibility, advanced technologies, sustainable growth, and strengthening its position as a central community hub in Deira. Some of the developments that may shape the station and the surrounding area are as follows:

1. Smart Technology Integration

Digital Signage and Wayfinding: The upgraded digital displays will be used to provide real-time train updates, crowd density information, and platform guidance for navigation.

Contactless and Mobile Payment Methods: Contactless payment trends, including mobile app payments and even biometric access like facial recognition, could make for smoother travel.

 Intelligent Safety: Advanced safety features will be integrated, such as AI-based surveillance and facial recognition, to enhance safety and reduce security scanning.

2. Smart Connectivity Among Other Modes of Transit

• Bus and Taxi Station Capacity: The development of the number of bus stops and taxi stands at the station will make it easily accessible to passengers for traveling to other transport modes.
• Cycling Infrastructure: Since cycling has been promoted as a mode of transit in Dubai, there should be included dedicated bike lanes and secure bicycle parking for short-distance travel within Deira.
• Integration with Autonomous Vehicles: Dubai will push towards integration with AVs, and Baniyas Square Metro Station may well have AV pick-up and drop-off stations in the future.

3. More Retail and Commercial Spaces

More Retailing Opportunities at the Station. The station will become a hub of local shopping and dining and is likely to be used by more people than anticipated. There would be the opportunity to include retail stores, cafés, and convenience outlets.

• Local Artisan and Souvenir Shops: According to the objectives of Dubai in cultural tourism, this station could utilize pop-up shops to exhibit local crafts, souvenirs, and other products related to the heritage of Dubai, thus attracting tourists visiting the Gold and Spice Souks.

4. Sustainable and Green Initiatives

• Solar Panels and Energy-Efficient Lighting: Solar energy installations and LED lighting could be implemented as part of Dubai’s vision for sustainability, thereby reducing the station’s environmental footprint.
• Eco-Friendly Design Enhancements: More green spaces or vertical gardens around the station entrance could add to its aesthetic appeal and align with Dubai’s green initiatives.
• Recycling Stations: Installing recycling facilities around the station will make commuting sustainable and responsible, at least regarding waste.

5. Accessibility Improvements

• More Accessibility for People of Determination: Features such as a tactile path, audible warning devices, braille signs, and more seats could be installed for greater accessibility of the station.
• Family-Friendly Facilities: More facilities will be built to include stroller-friendly pathways, a family waiting area, and child-friendly play corners to accommodate visiting families in the area.

6. Increased Capacity for Future Passenger Demand

• Platform and Walkway Expansions: Expansion of the platforms and walkways would also be seen since the population is rising, making it easier for foot traffic in this large city, Dubai.
• Intelligent Crowd Control Systems: may design crowd control systems of their choice, using AI and IoT monitoring by which management can plan the passage of commuters to reduce peak hour crowds.

7. Cultural and Community Engagement Initiatives

• Event and Street Art Installations Around a Community: the railway station can develop its ability to function as a local center for any event and with respect for heritage in Dubai.
• Tourism Information Digital Kiosks: Digital kiosks will aid in providing visitors with information regarding local historic points, events, and community services around the Deira cultural areas.

8. High-quality Wi-Fi and Connectivity Network

• 5G and Public Wi-Fi Upgrades: High-speed internet connectivity and a higher number of Wi-Fi options would make for an improved commuter experience, particularly for digital nomads and business travelers who need to have access to the internet during transit.
• Charging Stations and Work Pods: More charging stations and work pods would create a space that encourages productivity for those looking to get work done while on their way.

9. Future-Proofing for Potential Metro Network Expansion

• Preparation for New Metro Lines: Baniyas Square Metro Station can be designed to accommodate future expansion in the metro network to easily integrate new routes in the future.
• Access to New Projects and Development: Whenever new residential or commercial developments are emerging in the Deira area, the station’s access points and connections can be reconfigured to accommodate those new projects.

Accommodation & Hotels Near Baniyas Square Metro Station

Hotels	Ref	Exit
Best Western Plus Pearl Creek	Best Western Plus Pearl Creek	2
Riviera	17, Baniyas Road	2
Landmark Plaza	​8, 38a Street	2
Mount Royal	​23-25, Al Borj Street	2
Sky Park	​36, Al Nakhal Street	2
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek	​37a, Baniyas road	2
Carlton Tower	19, 5 Street	2
Hyatt Place Dubai Baniyas Square	​15, 14 Road	2
Mark Inn Deira	​25a, 38c Street	2
Florida City	​25/1, Al Maktoum Hospital Road	2

Major Buildings Near Baniyas Square Metro Station

Buildings	Ref	Exit
Sahib Building	​Deira Towers, 22, 14 Road	2
Hatoon Building	Daar ul Aman – 2, 60, 3b Street,	2
Tasneem Building Materials	​Baniyas Building, 17, Sikka 36a Street	2
Perpa Building Materials	​Al Futtaim Tower, 12, Al Maktoum Road	2
Danube Building Materials	Royal Paris Hotel, 12, Al Borj Street	2
Al War Building Material	​Naif Building 1, 49, 29a Street	2
Al Bonyan Building Materials	​16, Sikka 36a Street	2

Shopping Centres near Baniyas Square Metro Station

Shops	Ref	Exit
Al Manal	22, Deira Street	2
Abraj Center	​2, Al Borj Street	2
Al Salam	17, Sikka 30 Street	2
Souq Al Wasl	​32, Deira Street	2
Al Ghurair Centre	​3, Al Rigga Road	2
Lagos	​Oasis Deira Hotel, 18, Sikka 4 Street	2
Darwish Mall	​11, Al Maktoum Road	2
Gift Home Trading Co	​11, Al Maktoum Road	2
Burjuman	​2, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road	2
Al Rams Bazaar Department Store	​Sheikha Mariam, 9a-9b, Al Maktoum Road	2

Travel Information from Baniyas Square Metro Station

From	Destination	Metro Line	Travel Time (Approx.)	Fare (Approx.)
Baniyas Square	Jebel Ali	Green line	10 minutes	AED 3
Baniyas Square	Ibn Battuta Mall	Green line	12 minutes	AED 3
Baniyas Square	DMCC (JLT)	Green line	15 minutes	AED 5
Baniyas Square	Nakheel Harbour & Tower	Green line	17 minutes	AED 5
Baniyas Square	Dubai Marina	Green line	18 minutes	AED 5
Baniyas Square	Jumeirah Lakes Towers	Green line	19 minutes	AED 5
Baniyas Square	Mall of the Emirates	Green line	25 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Dubai Internet City	Green line	27 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall	Green line	35 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Business Bay	Green line	37 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)	Green line	40 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Union Square	Green line	45 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	BurJuman	Green line	48 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Al Rigga	Green line	50 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1)	Green line	55 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Expo 2020 (District 2020)	Green line	8 minutes	AED 3
Baniyas Square	Al Ghubaiba	Green line	60 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Dubai Healthcare City	Green line	65 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Deira City Centre	Green line	52 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Al Ras	Green line	63 minutes	AED 7.5
Baniyas Square	Al Fahidi	Green line	64 minutes	AED 7.5

Baniyas Square Metro Station exit

Baniyas Square Metro Station is strategically aligned with exits to be well accessible by people from the locality to the areas of commercial importance, transport links, and important attractions of Deira. Here is a summary of the main exits:

1. Baniyas Square Exit

• Location: This exit opens directly onto Baniyas Square, so it immediately leads to the central plaza and other businesses, among which are shops, restaurants, and banks.
• Local Attractions: From here, one can easily access Al Manal Centre, shopping areas, and hotels within the locality.

2. Al Maktoum Road Exit

• Location: This exit goes directly to Al Maktoum Road, which is one of the major roads in Deira.
• Easy Access to Nearby Landmarks: This exit is extremely convenient for those exiting in the direction of the adjacent banks, office buildings, and hotels along Al Maktoum Road as well as being a walk within the Dubai Creek area.

3. Easy Access to Public Transport Exit

•  Accessibility: This exit is mostly accessible to the neighboring bus stops and taxi ranks for easy and smooth traffic.
• Accessibility: Suitable for travelers who will use other forms of transport. This is a very busy station for buses, and, therefore, taxis can easily be found outside the exit of this station.

4. Accessibility to Tourist Spots and Markets

• Leaving Baniyas Square Metro Station, one will easily find access to most of Deira’s major markets, which include Gold Souk and Spice Souk just around the corner. Also Read

Travel Time of  Baniyas Square Metro Station

Days	Time
Monday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Tuesday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Wednesday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Thursday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Friday	5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (next day)
Saturday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
Sunday	8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)

Frequently Ask Question

Conclusion

Baniyas Square Metro Station is a critical transit point within the extensive network of the Dubai Metro, particularly within the historic district of Deira. Its strategic location, accessible facilities, and connectivity with other transit options make it a cornerstone for daily commuters, tourists, and local businesses.

It goes beyond being just a transportation point, actively contributing to Deira’s economic and cultural vibrancy through increased foot traffic in markets nearby and providing affordable and efficient access for residents and workers.

Future developments, such as integrating smart technology and making the station more accessible, in line with the sustainability goals will continue to enhance the role of the station. Baniyas Square Metro Station will likely continue its growth by being in tandem with Dubai’s urban growth and retaining Deira’s individuality while supporting the community’s needs.

As it continues to do so, it bridges the rich past of Dubai with its innovative future-looking attitude.