Dubai: With the recent renaming of Al Khail Metro Station to Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station, you may be looking to stay updated on Dubai Metro station name changes. Over the years, several stations have been renamed as part of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) naming rights programme, which allows businesses to secure branding at select stations.
Notable changes include Mashreq Metro Station becoming InsuranceMarket.ae in 2024, Al Safa Metro Station being renamed Onpassive in 2023, and Rashidiya Metro Station rebranded as Centrepoint. To help you stay informed and avoid confusion, here’s a detailed overview of the recent station name changes.
Which Dubai Metro stations have been renamed?
Al Khail Metro Station was renamed Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station.
Mashreq Metro Station became InsuranceMarket.ae Metro Station.
Al Safa Metro Station was renamed Onpassive Metro Station.
Umm Al Sheif Metro Station was rebranded as Equiti Metro Station.
Al Rashidiya Metro Station was renamed Centrepoint Metro Station, and Al Jaffliya Metro Station was renamed Max Metro Station. Dubai Marina Metro Station was also renamed Sobha Realty Metro Station.
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Metro Station was renamed Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Metro Station. Nakeel Harbour Metro Station became Jebel Ali Metro Station, while the original Jebel Ali Metro Station was renamed UAE Exchange Metro Station.
On the Green Line: Palm Deira Metro Station was renamed Gold Souq Metro Station and Al Fahidi was chnaged to Sharaf DG. Etisalat Station was renamed to e& station, due to the telecommunication company’s rebranding.
Why do Dubai Metro stations change names?
The most recent example of station renaming was when RTA signed an agreement granting Al Fardan Exchange the naming rights for Al Khail Metro Station. This partnership provides Al Fardan Exchange with exclusive brand representation at the station.
Dubai Metro’s station renaming initiative began in 2009 when RTA introduced its naming rights programme. This initiative aims to foster public-private partnerships. With Metro stations attracting high footfall, naming rights agreements provide brands with significant exposure.
How many stations are in the Dubai Metro?
The Dubai Metro is the world’s longest driverless and fully automated metro rail network, It comprises two lines, the Red Line which has 35 stations and 20 stations on the Green Line. In total, Dubai Metro has 55 stations, including nine underground stops. For a detailed map of the Dubai Metro and Tram stations, visit RTA Metro Map : https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/metro-stations-map
Dubai Metro Red Line
The Red Line starts at Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya) station near Dubai International Airport and runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting key areas like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Business Bay, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), Dubai Marina (Sobha Realty), and Mall of the Emirates. At Jebel Ali Metro Station, the Red Line splits into two branches:
One leads to Expo 2020 Metro Station (located in Expo City Dubai).
The other continues to UAE Exchange Metro Station past the Jebel Ali Industrial Area.
In 2024, an improvement was made to the route and passengers no longer need to change trains at Jebel Ali, as direct services now operate between Centrepoint and Expo 2020, and Centrepoint and UAE Exchange.
Dubai Metro Green Line
The Green Line runs from Etisalat Metro Station in Al Twar to Dubai Creek Metro Station. This route connects older parts of Dubai, such as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Deira, and popular marketplaces like the Gold Souq and Spice Souq.
What are interchange stations?
Interchange stations allow passengers to switch between the Red and Green Lines. There are two main interchange stations are Burjuman Metro Station and Union Metro Station
Additionally, DMCC (Dubai Metro) and Sobha Realty (Dubai Metro) stations connect with the Dubai Tram network, providing further commuting flexibility.
Future Expansion: The Blue Line
Set to commence operations by 2029, the Dubai Metro Blue Line will expand the network with 14 new stations across a 30 km route. This line will provide a direct link between Dubai International Airport and key locations including Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City. Construction will begin in April 2025 and will be completed in phases.
