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 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?”

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Navigating the Name Game: A Metro Commuter’s Guide

To help you stay on track (pun intended), here’s a handy list of station name changes that have happened since the inception of Dubai Metro in 2009. So, lesgooo:

Al Fardan Exchange – 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 – 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.

InsuranceMarket.ae: 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: 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 : 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: 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: 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.

Jabal Ali: 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!

Danube – Once upon a time, it was just Jebel Ali Industrial station. In 2018, it got a glow-up, thanks to the Danube Group. Talk about a corporate makeover!

UAE Exchange – If you are 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 until exactly a decade ago, the metro station was simply called Jebel Ali.

Centrepoint – 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.

ADCB: Formerly Al Karama, this metro station was renamed in 2017 as part of an initiative to boost brand awareness and improve Metro services.

Also read: Another Dubai Metro Station Has Changed Its Name

Max: 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: OG metro riders might remember this was once Al Garhoud. Ah, simpler times!

BurJuman: 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.

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: Regularly check the RTA’s official announcements for the latest station names.

• Use Official Apps: Rely on the RTA’s apps or website for real-time information.

• Allow Extra Time: Give yourself a few extra minutes to navigate any unexpected name changes.

Here Are Those Stations That Can’t Be Renamed

Some metro stations are considered landmarks, so their names won’t change. Ever. 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

RTA launched Dubai Metro’s naming rights initiative in 2009 – the first of its kind worldwide. Name changes happen fairly often, usually based on location or the highest bidder. In the ever-evolving world of Dubai’s metro, the only constant is change.

Happy commuting!

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