Dubai metro updates: Full list of old and new station names, what commuters need to know

For the countless commuters relying on the Dubai Metro every day, staying informed about station name changes has become just as important as knowing the route itself. These updates, driven largely by commercial naming rights agreements, can catch even regular riders off guard, making it crucial to stay current to navigate the network smoothly.

Why Are Station Names Changing?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched a unique Naming Rights project in 2008. This initiative allows public and private sector companies to sponsor or rename metro stations under long-term commercial agreements. It’s a one-of-a-kind concept aimed at involving major brands in supporting the city’s public transport infrastructure while generating revenue.

Key Station Renaming on the Red and Green Lines
Here’s a comprehensive list of significant recent and upcoming station name changes you should be aware of:

Red Line Station Name Changes:

• Life Pharmacy (formerly UAE Exchange) – renamed May 5, 2025
  
  
• Danube (formerly Jebel Ali Industrial) – renamed November 13, 2012
  
  
• Energy (formerly Dubai Aluminium Company Ltd DUBAL) – renamed 2015
  
  
• Jebel Ali will be renamed National Paints starting July 1, 2025. It was previously called Nakheel Harbour and Tower until May 18, 2020.
  
  
• DMCC (formerly JLT) – renamed September 1, 2018
  
  
• Sobha Realty (formerly Dubai Marina) – renamed August 9, 2021; before that, known as Damac Properties until November 24, 2020
  
  
• Al Fardan Exchange (formerly Al Khail) – renamed April 1, 2025; before that, called Nakheel until November 24, 2020
  
  
• Insurance Market (formerly Mashreq) – renamed September 5, 2024; previously Sharaf DG until May 18, 2020
  
  
• Equiti (formerly Umm Al Sheif) – renamed November 24, 2020
  
  
• ONPASSIVE (formerly Al Safa) – renamed November 24, 2020
  
  
• Max Fashion (formerly Al Jafiliya) – renamed August 4, 2021
  
  
• ADCB (formerly Al Karama) – renamed September 15, 2014
  
  
• Burjuman (formerly Khalid Ibn Al Waleed) – renamed November 13, 2012
  
  
• Al Garhoud (formerly GGICO) – renamed April 14, 2025
  
  
• Centrepoint (formerly Al Rashidiya) – renamed August 4, 2021
  
  

Other stations like Ibn Battuta, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park, EXPO 2020, Dubai Internet City, Business Bay, Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa, Financial Centre, Emirates Towers, World Trade Centre, UNION, Al Rigga, City Centre Deira, Airport T1, Airport T3, and Emirates have retained their original names.

Green Line Station Name Changes:

• Sharaf DG (formerly Al Fahidi) – renamed November 24, 2020
  
  
• Gold Souk (formerly Palm Deira) – renamed May 18, 2020
  
  
• Etisalat by e& (formerly Etisalat Metro Station) – renamed February 5, 2023
  
  

Other stations on the Green Line such as Creek, Jadaf, Healthcare City, Oud Metha, Al Ghubaiba, Al Ras, Baniyas Square, Salah Al Din, Abu Baker Al Siddique, Abu Hail, Al Qiyadah, Stadium, Al Nahda, Airport Free Zone, and Al Qusais have not undergone recent name changes.

The Upcoming Blue Line Expansion
Dubai’s metro network is set to grow further with the addition of the Blue Line, scheduled to open on September 9, 2029. This new line will add 14 stations to the current network, increasing the total number of metro stations to 67.

The Blue Line will span 30 kilometres, featuring 9 elevated stations and 5 underground stations. The first station announced on this line is Emaar Properties.

Keeping track of these changes is crucial for both residents and visitors to navigate Dubai’s public transport efficiently. Always check the latest station names on the RTA’s official platforms or the “Absher” electronic services to avoid any confusion during your commute.