Dubai's Al Khail Metro station to be renamed Al Fardan Exchange from April
Dubai's Al Khail Metro station will now be called Al Fardan Exchange. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed an agreement granting the financial service provider naming rights for the Metro station.
From April to the end of June 2025, the RTA will be updating and renaming the station names on external and indoor directional signages. The new name will also be updated on the digital systems, the RTA's public transport apps and onboard audio announcements. As part of the agreement, Al Fardan Exchange will receive exclusive brand representation at the station.
Abdul Muhsen Kalbat, CEO of the Rail Agency at RTA, described the agreement as a 'pivotal and dynamic step toward establishing a long-term, mutually beneficial economic partnership' between the two parties.
"The Metro station naming rights initiative is a cornerstone of public-private partnerships, with RTA representing the public sector and Al Fardan Exchange the private sector. Dubai Metro station's naming rights initiative has been a resounding success since its launch,' Kalbat added.
Naming rights initiative
The Dubai Metro naming rights initiative has been in place since 2009, the same year the mass transit system was first rolled out.
RTA introduced it as 'as a model of effective partnership between the public and private sectors.' The strategic location of metro stations enable brands to reach and engage with their customers, including Dubai visitors and metro riders.
The latest station to be renamed, for example, is strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road, on the Red Line between Sobha Realty and Dubai Internet City stations.
According to reports, the naming initiative generated around Dh2 billion in revenues for the RTA from 2010 to 2020 alone. The naming fee is relative to the station's location, but on average, each station has reportedly brought in between Dh90-100 million to the RTA.
In September last year, Mashreq Metro Station was renamed as InsuranceMarket Metro Station. In January 2023, Al Safa Metro Station was rebranded as Onpassive Metro Station. In 2021, Dubai Marina Metro Station was renamed Sobha Realty Metro Station, while Al Jaffliya Station was rebranded as 'Max Fashion' and Al Rashdiya Station became 'Centrepoint'.
Several stations on the Red Line have also been named after local and international corporate entities, including Emirates Airlines, GGICO, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (previously Al Karama station).
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