Dubai’s Metro network is one of the most convenient ways to travel across the emirate, connecting residential communities, business districts, shopping destinations, airports and major attractions. However, passengers who have used the Metro for several years may notice that some familiar station names have changed.
The Dubai Metro station name changes have taken place gradually over the years, with stations receiving new names through Dubai’s Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative, corporate rebranding and other RTA-led updates.
The latest change involves Onpassive Metro Station, which has now been renamed Garmin Metro Station under a 10-year naming rights agreement.
For regular commuters, tourists and residents who still use former station names when asking for directions, knowing the updated names can make travelling around Dubai easier.
Dubai Metro Station Name Changes: What You Need to Know
Dubai has witnessed several rounds of Dubai Metro station renaming since the network first opened. Some stations have changed names more than once, making it easy for long-term residents to become confused when a familiar station suddenly appears under a different name.
The RTA’s naming rights programme allows selected companies to associate their brands with Metro stations. The programme was introduced in 2009 and is designed to support public-private partnerships while giving brands exposure through heavily used Metro locations.
As a result, names that passengers once associated with specific neighbourhoods or landmarks have, in several cases, been replaced by commercial or corporate names.
Complete List of Dubai Metro Renamed Stations
Here is a useful reference for passengers looking for new Dubai Metro station names and their former names.
| Former Dubai Metro Station Name | New Dubai Metro Station Name |
| UAE Exchange | Life Pharmacy |
| Al Khail | Al Fardan Exchange |
| GGICO | Al Garhoud |
| Jebel Ali | National Paints |
| Mashreq | InsuranceMarket.ae |
| Onpassive | Garmin |
| Umm Al Sheif | Equiti |
| Al Rashidiya | Centrepoint |
| Al Jaffliya | Max |
| Dubai Marina | Sobha Realty |
| Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) | DMCC |
| Nakheel Harbour | Jebel Ali |
| Palm Deira | Gold Souq |
| Al Fahidi | Sharaf DG |
| Etisalat | e& |
These are among the key Dubai Metro renamed stations passengers should know when using older maps, travel guides or directions.
Latest Dubai Metro Station Renaming: Onpassive Becomes Garmin
One of the newest RTA Metro station updates involves Onpassive Metro Station.
The station has been renamed Garmin Metro Station after RTA awarded naming rights to Garmin under a 10-year agreement secured through AMIT Retail LLC, Garmin’s sole distributor in the UAE.
This is not the station’s first name change.
The station was previously known as Al Safa before becoming Onpassive in 2023. The latest change means passengers familiar with either of those former names may now need to look for Garmin Metro Station when checking Metro maps or planning journeys.
The change demonstrates how Dubai’s Metro station names can evolve as naming rights agreements and corporate branding arrangements change.
Dubai Metro Stations Renamed in 2025
Several important changes were recorded in 2025.
GGICO Metro Station became Al Garhoud Metro Station, while Al Khail Metro Station became Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station.
UAE Exchange Metro Station was renamed Life Pharmacy Metro Station, and Jebel Ali Metro Station became National Paints Metro Station.
These changes can be particularly relevant for commuters who rely on older journey information.
For example, someone who has always referred to UAE Exchange Metro Station may not immediately recognise Life Pharmacy Metro Station on a newer map. Similarly, passengers searching for Al Khail may now need to look for Al Fardan Exchange.
Why Does Dubai Change Metro Station Names?
The main reason behind many Dubai Metro station name changes is the RTA’s naming rights programme.
Metro stations attract large numbers of passengers every day, making them highly visible locations for companies and brands. Under naming rights agreements, selected stations can carry a corporate or commercial name for an agreed period.
The programme began in 2009 and has resulted in multiple stations receiving new names over the years.
In some cases, changes are also connected to corporate rebranding.
For example, Etisalat Metro Station became e& Metro Station following the telecommunications company’s rebranding.
This means that not every name change follows exactly the same pattern. Some reflect commercial naming rights, while others can result from changes to the associated brand.
Red Line Dubai Metro Station Name Changes
The Red Line covers some of Dubai’s busiest areas and has experienced several station renaming.
Important current names include Centrepoint, Al Garhoud, Life Pharmacy, National Paints, DMCC, Sobha Realty and Garmin.
Centrepoint, for example, was formerly known as Al Rashidiya, while Sobha Realty was previously Dubai Marina. DMCC was formerly known as Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
The Red Line runs through major areas including Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali.
For commuters using older information, knowing both the current and former names can therefore be useful when planning a journey.
Green Line Dubai Metro Station Name Changes
The Green Line also includes stations that have undergone name changes.
Palm Deira Metro Station is now Gold Souq Metro Station, while Al Fahidi Metro Station became Sharaf DG Metro Station.
Etisalat Metro Station has also been renamed e& Metro Station, reflecting the telecommunications company’s rebranding.
The Green Line serves several historic and established parts of Dubai, including Deira, Bur Dubai and areas around Dubai Creek.
Because many visitors use the Green Line to explore traditional markets and historic neighbourhoods, knowing the current station names can help avoid confusion.
Former Dubai Metro Station Names That Passengers Still Use
Even after a station has been renamed, its former name can remain popular among residents.
This happens because people often continue using the name they became familiar with when they first started commuting through the area.
For example, some residents may still say UAE Exchange when referring to Life Pharmacy, or JLT when talking about DMCC.
Similarly, people familiar with older Metro maps may still use Al Rashidiya instead of Centrepoint or Dubai Marina instead of Sobha Realty.
Knowing these historical names is useful because they can still appear in older websites, videos, social media posts, printed guides and conversations.
Dubai Metro Guide for Tourists and New Residents
For tourists and people who have recently moved to Dubai, the changing names can initially seem confusing.
When searching for a destination, it is best to use the current station name displayed on the latest RTA information and journey-planning tools.
At the same time, understanding the former name can be helpful when reading older travel content.
For example, if a travel article recommends getting off at JLT, the current Metro name is DMCC. Likewise, older references to Dubai Marina Metro Station may now correspond to Sobha Realty Metro Station.
A good Dubai Metro guide should therefore consider both current and former names when explaining routes.
Dubai Metro Has 55 Stations
Dubai Metro currently consists of two main lines: the Red Line and the Green Line.
Together, they have 55 stations, including nine underground stations. The Red Line has 35 stations, while the Green Line has 20.
The network provides connections to important residential, commercial and tourist areas throughout Dubai.
Its extensive coverage is one reason Metro station names are so important. A name change does not mean the station itself has moved. Instead, passengers generally need to recognise the updated name when checking routes and travel information.
Does a Station Name Change Affect Its Location?
No. A station renaming does not mean that the physical station has moved.
The change normally affects the station’s official name, while its location and role within the Metro network remain the same.
This is important for commuters who may think a renamed station represents a completely different stop.
For example, Life Pharmacy is the current name for the station previously known as UAE Exchange. The location remains part of the same Metro network.
Understanding this can help passengers avoid unnecessary confusion when comparing old and new maps.
Dubai Metro Route Changes and Passenger Convenience
Station names are not the only changes passengers should be aware of.
The Metro network has also received operational improvements. In 2024, direct services were introduced between Centrepoint and Expo 2020, as well as Centrepoint and Life Pharmacy, meaning passengers no longer needed to change trains at Jebel Ali for those journeys.
These changes demonstrate how Dubai’s public transport network continues to evolve alongside the city’s rapid development.
Passengers should therefore check the latest RTA information when planning journeys rather than relying entirely on older Metro maps.
Dubai Metro's Future Expansion
Dubai’s Metro network is also set to expand further.
The planned Blue Line is scheduled to begin operations in 2029 and will add 14 new stations along a 30-kilometre route. It is expected to connect areas including Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City.
Dubai has also approved plans for a future Gold Line, which is scheduled to open in 2032. The planned 42-kilometre route will include 18 stations and connect several strategic areas across the emirate.
As the network expands, passengers can expect Dubai’s Metro system and its station map to continue evolving.
How to Avoid Confusion When Using Dubai Metro
Passengers can make their journeys easier by checking the latest station names before travelling.
If someone gives you an older station name, compare it with the current RTA name before planning your route. This is particularly useful when meeting someone at a Metro station or travelling to an unfamiliar part of Dubai.
It is also worth checking the direction of travel and the final destination displayed for the train.
For visitors, keeping a current Metro map available on a phone can make navigating the network much easier.
Final Verdict
The Dubai Metro station name changes reflect the emirate’s evolving public transport network and the RTA’s long-running naming rights programme.
Stations such as UAE Exchange, Al Khail, JLT, Dubai Marina, Al Rashidiya and Onpassive now have different official names, while several Green Line stations have also been renamed. The latest update sees Onpassive become Garmin Metro Station under a 10-year naming rights agreement.
For daily commuters, these changes do not alter the physical location of the stations, but knowing the latest names can make journey planning easier. For tourists and new residents, understanding both the new Dubai Metro station names and former Dubai Metro station names can be particularly useful when navigating older travel information.
As Dubai continues expanding its rail network, keeping up with RTA Metro station updates will help passengers travel more confidently across the emirate.
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FAQs
How many Dubai Metro stations have been renamed?
Several stations across the Red and Green Lines have been renamed over the years. Recent changes include Life Pharmacy, Al Fardan Exchange, Al Garhoud, National Paints and Garmin, among others.
What was UAE Exchange Metro Station renamed?
UAE Exchange Metro Station is now called Life Pharmacy Metro Station.
What is the new name of JLT Metro Station?
Jumeirah Lakes Towers, commonly known as JLT Metro Station, is now called DMCC Metro Station.
What is Onpassive Metro Station called now?
Onpassive Metro Station has been renamed Garmin Metro Station under a 10-year naming rights agreement. It was previously known as Al Safa Metro Station before becoming Onpassive in 2023.
Why does Dubai rename Metro stations?
Dubai’s RTA introduced its Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative in 2009. The programme allows companies to associate their brands with selected Metro stations while supporting public-private partnerships and providing significant brand visibility.
