Boarding the metro in Dubai is almost starting to feel like a real-life game of “Guess the Station.” One day you’re hopping off at Al Khail, the next time it’s christened Al Fardan Exchange. Noor Bank? Nope, that was in 1947! Now that’s Onpassive. Umm Al Sheif? Try Equiti! With almost 17 Dubai metro stations renamed since their inception, longtime commuters are now double-checking signs like confused tourists. That moment of panic when you zoom past your stop, because your brain’s still wired to its old name? Priceless!
So, dear Dubai residents, next time you confidently tell your friend, “Meet me at Dubal,” maybe clarify with: “I mean Energy… I think?”
Also read: Forgot Your NOL Card? No Biggie, Soon You Can Pay with Your Phone!
Navigating the Name Game: A Metro Commuter’s Guide
To help you stay on track (pun intended), here’s the complete list of new metro station names in Dubai – all of those that have been renamed since the inception of Dubai Metro in 2009. So, lesgooo:
Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station
Say hello to the newest member of Dubai Metro’s name-change club! Previously Al Khail, which – fun fact – was Nakheel before that. Yep, Nakheel morphed into Al Khail bang in the middle of Covid. Ah, the (not-so-good) old days of 2m social distancing, when taking the metro felt like stepping into a post-apocalyptic survival game.
Sharaf DG Metro Station
Okay, so this one is the trickiest, if you ask me. For the unversed, this one is the former Al Fahidi station. So, if someone tells you to meet them at Sharaf DG, clarify whether they mean the OG Sharaf DG station or the ex-Fahidi one. Honestly, referring to metro stations by nearby landmarks just feels easier, and I don’t think residents will ever stop doing it.
Also read: 7 Nol Card Benefits You Had No Idea Existed
InsuranceMarket.ae Metro Station
Previously Mashreq, and before that, Sharaf DG. Because clearly, seeing Alfred’s face all over Dubai wasn’t enough – now, he’s got a whole metro station. Brand integration level: expert.
Onpassive Metro Station
I need a breather before I delve into this one because this station’s probably had more name changes than a celebrity on a rebranding spree. Onpassive was formerly Al Safa, before that Noor Bank, and if you go WAY back… Al Quoz. And all of this in less than a decade!
Equiti Metro Station
This one’s been on a true identity crisis! Formerly Umm Al Sheif, before that First Abu Dhabi Bank, which was originally FGB (before the FGB and NBAD merger). Basically, if you think of it, this station’s name history is a true rollercoaster.
Sobha Realty Metro Station
Here’s another ride except it goes round and then poof, in a totally whimsical direction. Opened as Dubai Marina in 2010, renamed DAMAC Properties in 2014, went back to Dubai Marina in 2020, and now it’s Sobha Realty. Okay, who’s next?
DMCC Metro Station
Good ol’ Jumeirah Lake Towers! But here’s a fun fact: this is one of the name changes that actually make sense. It’s named after Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. So, go ahead, make that “I was today years old when I realized that DMCC stands for” reel.
Also read: Unlock Secret Discounts With These 2 UAE Privilege Cards – Check Your Eligibility Here!
Danube Metro Station
Once upon a time, it was just Jebel Ali Industrial station. But this station’s been called Danube since 2012. Tucked away in the southern end of the city, it’s a key stop for folks working in and around the Jebel Ali area. The name comes from Danube Group – a big name in building materials and home furnishings. The station mostly sees industrial workers, logistics crews, and business folks hopping on and off.
Life Pharmacy Metro Station
If you were previously a regular metro commuter you’ve probably heard UAE exchange more times than your name, thanks to the station being the last one on the red line. But you’d be amused to know that recently UAE Exchange has been rechristened Life Pharmacy Metro Station. You’ll be equally intrigued to learn that until exactly a decade ago, the metro station was simply called Jebel Ali. So, what was Jabal Ali Station called back then? Good question. Read on, by the way!
Jabal Ali Metro Station
Remember those days when we used to accidentally get down at Nakheel Station before our actual stop – Nakheel Harbour & Tower – because both have “Nakheel” in it. If there’s one name change we’re truly thankful for, it’s this one. Chef’s kiss!
Centrepoint Metro Station
Now, that we are on the last stop of the red line, let’s throw ourselves off right back to the first stop because well, you signed up for this ride, didn’t you? So, yes, formerly Rashidiya, this metro station got rebranded as Centerpoint on one of those quiet Covid days of 2021 when no one was really stepping out. But the irony here? Centerpoint is the first station on the Red Line and nowhere near the center of anything.
Etisalat by e&
Tucked away in Al Qusais, this station got a little makeover in 2023 when Etisalat rebranded to Etisalat by e&. So, of course, the metro name had to keep up. It also happens to be the very last stop on the Green Line, marking the end of the road (or tracks, in this case).
ADCB Metro Station
Formerly Al Karama, this metro station was renamed in 2017 as part of an initiative to boost awareness of ADCB and improve Metro services.
Also read: Another Dubai Metro Station Has Changed Its Name
Max Metro Station
Yep, we’re talking of Al Jafiliya. And if you happen to get down here thinking you can do some shopping, good luck finding a Max outlet there. Spoiler alert: You won’t!
GGICO Metro Station
OG metro riders might remember this was once Al Garhoud. Ah, simpler times! The station opened in 2009, and was soon renamed GGICO after a UAE-based public shareholding company. As of April 2025, it’s back to its original namesake – part of efforts to “improve efficiency” and offer a more seamless experience for commuters.
BurJuman Metro Station
Even if you remember GGICO, you’d probably not remember Khalid Bin Al Waleed. Because , even back then, everyone called it BurJuman thanks to the mall.
Also read: 6 Unexpectedly Cool Things to Do at BurJuman Mall
Gold Souq Metro Station
Not a very crowded metro station but a tranquil, chill one perched on the Green Line. That’s what you’d think but nope, it’s the opposite. It’s one of the busiest stations on the line, thanks to theGold Souq market that was in the locality. This metro station used to be called Palm Deira back in the pre-COVID era. In 2020, it was rechristened Gold Souq to drive more visitors to the area. Hop out of the station and you can also pay a quick visit to Spice & Perfume Souq.
Energy Metro Station
Previously known as DUBAL Metro Station, the Red Line station serving the Jebel Ali Industrial Area was renamed to Energy in 2015. The new name highlights Dubai’s emphasis on the energy sector and its proximity to major industrial and energy-related businesses.
So, Why the Constant Changes To Metro Names?
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been making naming rights deals with corporations, leading to these frequent changes. While this strategy boosts revenue, it also keeps commuters on their toes. Think of it as Dubai’s version of musical chairs – but with metro stations.
On that note, here are some tips to stay oriented while planning a metro trip:
- Stay Updated: Metro station names can change before you know it, so keep an eye on RTA’s official announcements for the latest updates.
- Use Official Apps: Trust the RTA app or website for real-time info. They’ve got your back when it comes to route changes or station names.
- Allow Extra Time: Give yourself a little buffer time in case you end up going, “Wait, wasn’t this station called something else?”
Here Are Those Stations That Can’t Be Renamed
Some metro stations are basically untouchable – they’re landmarks, and their names are here to stay. No rebrands, no bidding wars, no surprises. These names are locked in for good. Here’s the list:
Red Line:
Emirates
Airport Terminal 3
Airport Terminal 1
World Trade Centre
Emirates Towers
DIFC
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
Business Bay
Dubai Internet City
DMCC
Ibn Battuta
Jumeirah Golf Estate
Green Line:
Creek
Al Jaddaf
Dubai Healthcare City
Oud Metha
Al Ras
Baniyas Square
Salah Al Din
Abu Bakr Al Siddique
Abu Hail
Back in 2009, RTA kicked off Dubai Metro’s naming rights initiative. Yup, it’s the first of its kind in the world. Since then, station name changes have become pretty common, usually tied to either a brand deal or the area it serves.
In the fast-paced world of Dubai’s metro, one thing’s for sure: change is the only constant.
Happy commuting!
You may also like: 7 Transportation Innovations That Will Change How You Travel in the UAE
