The Dubai Metro naming rights scheme allows companies and organizations to negotiate placing their brand on selected stations along the Red and Green lines in exchange for a negotiated fee over a set period. Run by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) since 2009, the program offers one of the most visible corporate branding opportunities in the UAE.
Revenue and Impact of the Program
The program's track record speaks for itself. In its first decade alone, Dubai Metro station naming rights generated more than AED 2 billion (approximately USD 545 million) in revenue. That income supports metro maintenance and expansion without placing additional burden on residents and taxpayers.
A high-profile recent example: Al Safa station was renamed ONPASSIVE Metro Station for ten years beginning in January 2023, following a deal between the RTA and Florida-based AI technology company ONPASSIVE. Similarly, Mashreq Metro Station was rebranded as InsuranceMarket.ae Metro Station in September 2024, and Al Khail Metro Station became Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station — reflecting the program's continued momentum.
Criteria for Winning Naming Rights
The RTA uses a structured scoring framework to evaluate companies applying for Dubai Metro station naming rights:
- Price: 65% of the total commercial assessment - Duration of Agreement: 15% of the evaluation - Payment Installments: 20% of the evaluation
Beyond the commercial score, non-economic criteria carry weight. The RTA considers proposed partnership activations, business generation proposals, proximity to metro stations, commitment to Dubai's development strategy, and corporate social responsibility policies. Companies must also demonstrate a presence in the UAE market and solid financial health. Personal names, tobacco brands, and gambling companies are excluded entirely.
How to Apply
Interested companies apply through the RTA's official website. Proposals must align with Dubai's broader development vision, and selection follows a formal competitive bid process.
Required Documents
To submit a bid for Dubai Metro naming rights, companies must provide:
- Company profile - UAE address - Income statements and balance sheets for the last two fiscal years - Number of employees - Logo or brand name - Certificate of incorporation, trading license, or equivalent legal documents confirming the authority of the signing body - Certification that the signatory holds official authority to sign on behalf of the bidder
Why Companies Pursue Station Naming Rights
The program connects brands to one of the world's busiest metro networks, used by millions of residents and tourists each year. For companies seeking high-visibility exposure aligned with Dubai's reputation for innovation and infrastructure quality, a metro station name delivers reach that few other placements can match. The RTA's program continues to attract new applicants across finance, technology, and professional services.
