Major section of Dubai Metro to close for 18 months

The National -- A major section of the Dubai Metro will close for 18 months while the extension to the Expo 2020 site is built.

Trains will not travel between Ibn Battuta and and Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Stations between Jan 5, 2018 to the middle of 2019.

Buses will carry passengers to reach stations either side of the closed section.

Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station, which is in between the stations, will be redeveloped completely.

“Constructional modifications require the full closure of Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station as the rail track between JLT Metro Station, and Ibn Battuta Station will be fully closed from Jan 5, 2018, until the middle of 2019,” said Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younis, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency.

“To ensure the smooth mobility of riders between Jumeirah Lake Towers Station and Ibn Battuta Station, RTA will deploy regular free express buses to shuttle commuters between the two stations during the metro service hours.

"This alternative transit service between the two stations will be running throughout the closure period.

- Metro riders heading to UAE Exchange Station are required to alight at JLT Station, board a free bus to take them to Ibn Battuta Station and then continue their metro journey to the UAE Exchange Station

- Metro riders in the direction of Rashidiya Station should alight at Ibn Battuta Station, take an alternative bus for free to take them to JLT Station and from there continue their journey in the direction of Rashidiya Station. -

- All passengers should allow an additional 20 minutes to complete their journey