In recent months, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has undertaken a significant initiative to rename several stations within the Dubai Metro network. These changes are part of the RTA’s ongoing naming rights program, which enables companies to acquire branding rights at select stations throughout the system.
If you are uncertain about the recent name changes or are having difficulty identifying specific stations, this guide is designed to keep you informed about all the renamings that have occurred in recent years.
Dubai Metro station name changes in 2025
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced a series of station renamings across the Dubai Metro network, set to take effect in 2025. This initiative is part of a long-term naming rights agreement with various private companies.
Recent changes to the station names include:
– **April**: GGICO Metro Station was renamed to Al Metro Garhoud Station.
– **March**: Al Khail Metro Station was rebranded as Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station.
– **May**: UAE Exchange Metro Station transitioned to Life Pharmacy Metro Station.
– **June**: Jebel Ali Metro Station was updated to National Paints Metro Station.
These changes reflect the RTA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the Dubai Metro experience while fostering partnerships with the private sector.
Full list of renamed Dubai Metro stations
Here is a summary of the recent station name changes across both the Red and Green Lines:
- UAE Exchange Metro Station → Life Pharmacy Metro Station
- Al Khail Metro Station → Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station
- GGICO Metro Station → Al Garhoud Metro Station
- Jebel Ali Metro Station → National Paints Metro Station.
- Mashreq Metro Station → InsuranceMarket.ae Metro Station
- Al Safa Metro Station → Onpassive Metro Station
- Umm Al Sheif Metro Station → Equiti Metro Station
- Al Rashidiya Metro Station → Centrepoint Metro Station
- Al Jaffliya Metro Station → Max Metro Station
- Dubai Marina Metro Station → Sobha Realty Metro Station
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Metro Station → DMCC Metro Station
- Nakheel Harbour Metro Station → Jebel Ali Metro Station
Green Line changes:
- Palm Deira Metro Station → Gold Souq Metro Station
- Al Fahidi Metro Station → Sharaf DG Metro Station
- Etisalat Metro Station → e& Metro Station, in line with the telecom company’s rebranding
Despite the recent renaming of several Dubai Metro stations, many are still commonly referred to by their previous names in station announcements, signage, and metro maps. However, as of today, Al Khail Metro Station has officially been renamed R35 – Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station.
Why do Dubai Metro stations change names?
The initiative to rename Dubai Metro stations began in 2009 when the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched its naming rights program. This initiative is designed to promote public-private partnerships, allowing brands to gain significant exposure in a high-traffic environment.
How many stations are in the Dubai Metro?
The Dubai Metro is the world’s longest driverless and fully automated metro rail network, consisting of two lines: the Red Line, which features 35 stations, and the Green Line, which includes 20 stations. In total, the Dubai Metro comprises 55 stations, including nine underground stops. For a detailed map of the Dubai Metro and Tram stations, please visit the RTA Metro Map at http://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/metro-stations-map.
Dubai Metro Red Line
The Red Line of the Dubai Metro commences at Centrepoint Station (formerly known as Rashidiya), conveniently located near Dubai International Airport. This vital transit route traverses Sheikh Zayed Road, linking prominent destinations such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Business Bay, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Sobha Realty in Dubai Marina, and the Mall of the Emirates.
At Jebel Ali Metro Station, the Red Line branches into two distinct routes. One branch leads directly to Expo 2020 Metro Station, situated within Expo City Dubai, while the other continues towards UAE Exchange Metro Station, now known as Life Pharmacy, passing through the Jebel Ali Industrial Area.
In 2024, significant enhancements were made to the Red Line’s service. Passengers can now enjoy direct connections between Centrepoint and both Expo 2020 and UAE Exchange (Life Pharmacy), eliminating the need for train transfers at Jebel Ali. This improvement streamlines travel and enhances accessibility for commuters and visitors alike.
Also Read: Riding the Dubai Metro? Here’s How to Be a Respectful Commuter
Dubai Metro Green Line
The Green Line connects Dubai Creek Metro Station and Etisalat Metro Station in Al Twar. This road links well-known marketplaces like the Gold Souq and Spice Souq with older areas of Dubai, including Deira and the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
What are interchange stations?
Passengers can switch between the Red and Green Lines at interchange stations. Union Metro Station and Burjuman Metro Station are the two primary interchange stations.
Further commuting flexibility is offered by the Dubai Tram network’s connections to the DMCC (Dubai Metro) and Sobha Realty (Dubai Metro) stations.
Future expansion: The Blue Line
With 14 new stations spread across a 30-kilometer circuit, the Dubai Metro Blue Line is expected to start operations by 2029. Key destinations such as Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City will all be directly connected to Dubai International Airport by this route. Phased construction will be finished starting in April 2025.
