Why Do Dubai Metro Stations Keep Changing Their Names?

Wednesday, 30 July 2025

If you’ve ever taken the Dubai Metro and noticed the station names changing over time, you’re not imagining things. With one of the city’s major metro stations recently rebranded, many residents and tourists alike are asking the same question: Why do Dubai Metro stations keep changing their names?

Dubai Metro has transformed urban commuting since its launch 15 years ago, offering a reliable and modern way to travel across the emirate. But unlike many metro systems around the world, a number of its stations are not named after the areas they’re located in. This can make navigating the system a bit confusing—especially when names seem to change every few years.

Table of Contents

• A Revenue Model on the Move
• More Than Just Big Bucks
• Which Stations Have Changed Their Names?
• What’s Next?
• Frequently asked questions

A Revenue Model on the Move

http://Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro, since its launch over 15 years ago, has revolutionized how people move around the city. But unlike most global metro systems, many of its stations aren’t named after neighbourhoods or landmarks — instead, they bear the names of companies.

Why? Because back in 2008, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) introduced what it called a “world-first revenue model” for public transportation. This unique approach opened the door for local and international companies to partner with the Metro system — and in some cases, even rename entire stations after their brand.

From a branding perspective, the exposure is enormous. With an average of 767,000 daily riders, it’s no surprise that businesses want their names to be seen (and said) across the city.

More Than Just Big Bucks

Sure, money is a major factor — but not just any company can grab a station name.

To earn the right to be part of your daily commute, companies must meet several key criteria set by the RTA:

• They must operate in the UAE and have a solid, stable financial foundation.
• They cannot have a track record of unethical behaviour.
• They must respect Dubai’s values and cultural norms.
• They need to demonstrate a positive corporate social responsibility (CSR) reputation.

Basically, it’s not just about writing a check — companies need to show they’re here for the long haul and align with the spirit of the city.

So while some names might raise eyebrows (yes, we’re talking about Alfred from InsuranceMarket), they’ve earned their place through more than just sponsorship money.

Which Stations Have Changed Their Names?

http://Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro consists of 64 stations, including nine underground, spread across the Red and Green lines. Out of these, 18 stations have undergone a name change since opening — and some more than once.

Here’s a look at the transformations so far:

• Al Khail → Al Fardan Exchange (Red Line)
• Sharaf DG/Mashreq → InsuranceMarket (Red Line)
• Al Fahidi → Sharaf DG (Green Line)
• Al Rashidya → Centrepoint (Red Line)
• Al Jafiliya → Max (Red Line)
• Dubai Marina/DAMC Properties → Sobha Realty (Red Line)
• Khalid Bin Al Waleed → BurJuman (Transit Line)
• Noor Islamic Bank/Noor Bank/Al Safa → Onpassive (Red Line)
• Al Karama → ADCB (Red Line)
• First Gulf Bank/First Abu Dhabi Bank/Umm Al Sheif → Equiti (Red Line)
• GGICO → Al Garhoud (Red Line)
• Nakheel → Al Khail (Red Line)
• DUBAL → Energy (Red Line)
• Jebel Ali Industrial → Danube (Red Line)
• Jebel Ali → UAE Exchange → Life Pharmacy (Red Line)
• Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) → DMCC (Red Line)
• Nakheel Harbour and Tower → Jebel Ali (Red Line)
• Etisalat Station → Etisalat by e& (Green Line)

Fun fact: GGICO Station, originally named after Gulf General Investment Company, has kept its name since opening in 2010 — a rare consistency!

What’s Next?

Dubai’s Metro network is just getting started. Big plans are in place to expand the system to 228 km with 140 stations by 2040. In the nearer future, 96 stations will cover 140 square kilometres by 2030, making public transport even more accessible across the emirate.

One major development is the Blue Line, set for completion by 2029 — though the station names haven’t been revealed yet. But based on the current naming strategy, it’s highly likely that we’ll see even more branded names pop up on the map in the coming years.

The next time you’re confused about a name change on the Metro map, remember: it’s part of a broader strategy that helps fund and sustain one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world.

So whether you’re hopping off at Equiti, InsuranceMarket, or Life Pharmacy — just know you’re part of a transit system that’s not just moving people, but also driving innovation and investment.