RTA Bus 81 is the coastal / Jumeirah Beach Road bus that visitors use for Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim and the Burj Al Arab viewpoint corridor. It is a public city bus, not a tour hopper. Pay with Nol; Dubai buses do not take cash. The official map lives in the S’hail app and on rta.ae — stop names and detours change when Beach Road is closed for events.
Where it actually helps
From Al Ghubaiba (Green Line, abras, Bur Dubai) the 81 works along the beach road toward Jebel Ali. For Kite Beach, get off on Jumeirah Beach Road behind the sand, not at a mall. Equiti Metro plus a taxi can still be faster in peak heat than a full 81 from Deira.
Nol, Gold and frequency
Tap Silver. Gold carriages are a Metro product — they do not exist on buses. Headways of 15–20 minutes are typical, not a promise; Friday prayer and beach-road works stretch waits. Check the live S’hail departure, not this page’s sample times.
What sits on the corridor
Kite Beach, Sunset Beach, Madinat Jumeirah / Burj Al Arab views, and eventually the western suburbs. Mercato and Jumeirah Mosque are north of the main kite zone. This bus is the reason Kite Beach is doable without a hotel driver.
Hours, fares and the operator site
Confirm last trains and Nol or Hafilat prices on the operator’s own page and in the S’hail app before you tap — they change.
First and last trains
Typical times for this route — not a live board. Check S’hail for the next Metro, tram or bus.
- 05:15 First useful
- 08:00 Peak
- 23:30 Late
Stops on this route
-
1
Al Ghubaiba
Bur Dubai · Nol zone 6 · +0 min
Green Line
-
2
Al Satwa
Satwa · Nol zone 2 · +18 min
Bus C01
-
3
Kite Beach
Umm Suqeim 1 · Nol zone 2 · +42 min
Beach path
-
4
Umm Suqeim / Burj Al Arab
Umm Suqeim · Nol zone 2 · +52 min
Madinat
-
5
Jebel Ali
Jebel Ali · Nol zone 1 · +85 min
Red Line
Nol fares on this route
Typical Silver, Gold and Student prices from published RTA tables. Confirm in the S’hail app before you tap — Gold vs Silver and how many zones you cross can change the fare.
| From | To | Silver | Gold | Student |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Ghubaiba | Jebel Ali | AED 5.00 | AED 10.00 | AED 2.50 |
Nearby on this route
Malls, beaches and attractions near the stops — plus airport SIM desks when the route serves DXB or AUH.
Malls along this route
Beaches along this route
Attractions along this route
Parks along this route
Dining nearby
Frequently asked questions
Does Bus 81 go to Kite Beach?
Yes — it runs on Jumeirah Beach Road behind Kite Beach. Confirm the stop in S’hail; beach-road closures happen.
Can I pay cash on Bus 81?
No. RTA Dubai buses are Nol tap-in. Buy Silver at any Metro station or airport kiosk.
Where does Bus 81: Al Ghubaiba to Jebel Ali go?
Jumeirah Beach Road — Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, Burj Al Arab corridor. Al Ghubaiba to Jebel Ali. Operator: RTA Dubai. The stop list on this page is the route, not a live GPS feed — open S’hail or the local operator app for every intermediate stop.
How often does Bus 81: Al Ghubaiba to Jebel Ali run?
Every 15–20 mins Typically 05:00–00:00 Friday prayer and road works stretch waits. Check the live board, not only this page.