Dubai Metro Station Renaming: All You Need to Know

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently launched a programme where businesses can participate and rename some Dubai Metro stations for up to 10 years. The Dubai Metro will now have different names at some stations, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). These updates belong to the RTA’s branding programme, through which companies acquire the right to market their brands at different stations in the system. If the new names on Metro stations or identifying them is difficult for you, let this guide assist you with all the Dubai Metro Station Renaming that have taken place recently.

Overview of Dubai Metro Station Renaming

Here is the detail for Dubai Metro Station Renaming:

Dubai Metro’s Station Names Will Be Updated in 2025

As part of deals signed with private companies years ago, the RTA has announced that several metro stations will be renamed in 2025. On May 5, the Life Pharmacy company secured its name for the UAE Exchange Metro Station through a 10-year agreement. When it was created, Jebel Ali was called the Jebel Ali Metro Station and opened in March 2011, under the name Red Line. A naming agreement was finalised on 30 June 2015, and the company was soon known as UAE Exchange.

The Life Pharmacy Metro Station is the only one in Dubai Metro that is on ground level, while the rest are all built over or below it. It is a main route to important industrial and commercial centres for the employees and inhabitants of Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). Earlier in the year, more Dubai Metro Station renaming took place:

Dubai Metro Station Renaming: A Detailed Overview

UAE Metro and Dubai’s overall achievements and business alliances keep growing. Through long-term branding with major companies, many Metro Stations have been known by new names during this period. Here’s a detailed look at Dubai Metro Station Renaming, its history, and the areas it serves:

1. Life Pharmacy Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Jebel Ali / UAE Exchange

Before 2015, the station was called Jebel Ali Metro Station, later renamed UAE Exchange through a naming rights deal with the company. The station was changed to Life Pharmacy Metro Station after 10 years, according to a new 10-year contract that matches Dubai’s expanding healthcare and pharmaceutical field.

At the far edge of the Red Line, this station is vital for Jebel Ali Industrial 2 and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA); it provides service for industrial staff, logistics staff, and passengers heading to the city’s main ports.

2. Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Al Khail

The Al Khail Metro Station was renamed Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station in March 2025, thanks to its ongoing alliance with a significant financial brand. Nearby Dubai Media City, American University in Dubai (AUD), and Emirates Golf Club, this station helps commuters in the busy business and education area.

3. Al Garhoud Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Garhoud / GGICO

The station was initially renamed Garhoud after its neighbours, but it was later renamed UAE Metro Station when GGICO, a local public company, owned it. Starting from April 2025, the station switched back to being called Al Garhoud Metro Station to help people give directions and improve the experience of commuter communication.

4. Insurance Market Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Sharaf DG / Mashreq

Since it first opened, the station has become Sharaf DG, changed to Mashreq, and recently switched to Insurance Market in September 2024. The new name reflects a significant partnership with the insurance comparison platform, which is popular for its mascot, Alfred. In Al Barsha and near Al Sufouh, this station is an important meeting point for those living and shopping locally.

5. Sharaf DG Metro Station – Green Line

Previously: Al Fahidi

After Sharaf DG changed the name of its Metro Station, Al Fahidi Metro Station on the Green Line was given the same name. Travellers visiting the Dubai Museum, Heritage Village, and Grand Souq in Bur Dubai should find this station very convenient.

6. Centrepoint Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Al Rashidiya

The Red Line terminus became Centrepoint Metro Station (previously Al Rashidiya) in 2021 and has free visitor parking. A partnership with Centrepoint means Al Rashidiya station benefits the community and businesses nearby.

7. Max Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Al Jafiliya

The Landmark Group decided to rebrand Al Jafiliya as Max Metro Station in 2021, at the same time as Centrepoint. The Al Haseel Centre is located close to Zabeel Park and serves the residents and guests of Al Jafiliya.

8. SOBHA REALTY Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Dubai Marina / DAMAC Properties

Over the years, this station has changed its branding to Dubai Marina, DAMAC Properties, and now SOBHA REALTY, representing the main sponsor of the metro. It is located down from Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road and gives you fast access to Dubai Marina, JLT, and JBR.

9. Gold Souq Metro Station – Green Line

Previously: Palm Deira

The station changed its name to align with its location. This area is essential for visitors and shoppers.

10. ONPASSIVE Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Al Safa

The agreement between ONPASSIVE and the country led to the renaming of the Al Safa Metro Station to the ONPASSIVE Metro Station in early 2023. Al Quoz is where you’ll find it, making getting to Kite Beach, Oasis Mall, and Alserkal Avenue easier.

11. ADCB Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Al Karama

Renamed after the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), the station is a primary connection to Karama near busy shops, Zabeel Park and BurJuman Mall.

12. Equiti Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: First Gulf Bank / First Abu Dhabi Bank / Umm Al Sheif

The station was rebranded several times—First Gulf Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Umm Al Sheif—before taking the name Equiti Metro Station. The district is responsible for transport connections at Mall of the Emirates and Al Quoz.

13. Energy Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: DUBAI

It was changed to Energy Metro Station, and it reflects Dubai’s energy emphasis. It is necessary to link the industrial and logistics sectors in the Jebel Ali Industrial Area.

14. Danube Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Jebel Ali Industrial

Since 2012, this station has been named after the Danube Group. It caters to industrial workers and businesses in Jebel Ali and remains a vital stop for the city’s southern industrial hub.

15. DMCC Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: JLT

After being renamed after the DMCC, the station is next to JLT and connects to Dubai Marina, JBR and Marina Mall.

16. Jebel Ali Metro Station – Red Line

Previously: Nakheel Harbour & Tower

Formerly named after a Nakheel project, the station has been renamed Jebel Ali to match the region’s industrial and trade significance. The Exchange is essential as a primary link on Sheikh Zayed Road.

17. Etisalat by e& Metro Station – Green Line

Previously: Etisalat

The station’s name at Al Qusais was updated to match Etisalat’s rebranding to e& last year.

The Reasons for Changing the Names of Dubai Metro Stations

Since 2009, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rebranded the stations on the Dubai Metro through its naming rights programme. Businesses can place their names and logos on certain Metro stations for ten years. Because many people use Metro stations daily, these naming rights give companies extra exposure and bring the RTA more money. Dubai’s economy grows thanks to this public-private partnership, ensuring the Metro stays up-to-date and financially stable.

How Many Metro Stations are There in Dubai?

The Dubai Metro network is the longest system that runs by itself. It has stations on the Red Line (35) and the Green Line (20). The Dubai Metro line has 55 stations, of which nine are underground.

1. The Red Line of the Dubai Metro

It goes along Sheikh Zayed Road to reach Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Business Bay, the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), Dubai Marina (Sobha Realty) and Mall of the Emirates. Red Line passengers can choose between two branches at Jebel Ali Metro Station.

• The Expo Dubai Metro Station, at Expo City Dubai, is where this line leads.
• The other branch travels past the Jebel Ali Industrial Area to the UAE Exchange Metro Station (now Life Pharmacy).
• Direct services now connect Centrepoint to Expo 2020 and to Life Pharmacy (which used to be UAE Exchange), so in 2024, travellers no longer use Jebel Ali.

2. The Green Line on the Dubai Metro

Locations along the Green Line stretch from Etisalat Metro at Al Twar to Dubai Creek Metro Station. Travelling along this route takes you past the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Deira and the centres for gold and spice, known as the Gold Souq and Spice Souq.

What Do Interchange Stations Mean?

At interchange stations, riders can go from one line to another. The Burjuman Metro Station and the Union Metro Station are the main interchange points in the metro. Furthermore, you can move across the city using the Dubai Tram after using DMCC or Sobha Realty stations on the Dubai Metro.

Upcoming Project: Blue Line’s Long-Term Expansion

It is part of the city’s plan to transform public transport. Work on the site is expected to be completed by 2029. Adding 14 new stations along the 30-km route will allow the Blue Line to connect major areas in Dubai and give residents and guests access. Blue Line trains will go straight from the airport to various important spots in Dubai.

• Mirdif
• Al Warqa
• International City
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Academic City
• Ras Al Khor, Industrial Area
• Dubai Creek Harbour
• Festival City Dubai

It will link residential areas, business centres, schools, and entertainment sites, boosting Dubai’s renown as an eco-friendly and innovative urban centre. Work will start on the project in April 2025 using a phased plan to ensure efficient progress and minimal disruption. The earliest sections of the Dubai Metro Station Renaming are slated to be finished and open to the public in 2029.

How Can Eastern Housing UAE Find the Right Property for You in Dubai?

Eastern Housing UAE helps you search for property in Dubai, making it simple if you plan to rent or buy. Using their expertise in Dubai real estate, Eastern Housing UAE selects top properties in the best places. They ensure no hassles by linking renters with good, neat living places that suit their needs and budget. At the same time, Eastern Housing UAE helps investors or people planning to purchase off-plan properties with flexible payments and assistance to seal the best deals, and discover the newest projects from excellent developers. Because they are transparent and aim to please their clients, they are trusted to locate the ideal property in Dubai.

FAQs

Why do Dubai Metro stations change names?

It seeks to encourage public-private collaborations. Because Metro stations get a lot of people, companies get valuable visibility when their names are featured in these spots.