First batch of companies to win Dubai Metro naming rights announced

Dubai: Metro stations that will be named after companies have been announced on Sunday.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the first batch of winning companies in the international bid of the Naming Rights of Dubai Metro Stations and the two lines: the Red Line, which will be operated in September 2009, and the Green Line to be operated in March 2010.

Total proceeds raised from the bidding of the first batch of Dubai Metro Stations Naming Rights almost hit Dh1.8 billion: Dh886.7 million is proceeds of Metro Stations Naming Rights, and Dh917 million is provided by companies and organizations to fund construction of several Dubai Metro Stations.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, made the announcement during a press conference on Monday.

"At the top of the brands that met the selections criteria of Metro Naming rights and partnership with the RTA are Majid Al Futtaim Group (Mall of the Emirates Station and Deira City Centre Station). The list also includes Emirates Telecommunication Corporation (Etisalat Station), Gulf General Investment Company (GIGCO Station), Sharaf DG Station, First Gulf Bank Station, Nakheel, which has three stations (Nakheel Station, The Palm Deira Station and Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station) and Dubai Airport Free Zone Station," said Al Tayer.

"Companies and organisations that contributed to funding Dubai Metro Stations include Dubai Holding, which will build six stations costing Dh600 million, namely: Dubai Creek, Jaddaf, Emirates Towers, Dubai Health Care City, TECOM and Business Bay. The list also includes Emirates Airlines (Emirates Airlines Station costing Dh100 million), Emaar (Burj Dubai Station costing Dh100 million), and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (Jumeirah Lake Towers Station costing Dh117 million).

"Dubai Metro Naming Rights initiative commanded huge attention of CEOs and senior marketing executives of leading local and global companies and brands, representing the first batch of companies joining Dubai Metro Naming Rights initiative," Al Tayer said.