Dubai: RTA renames UAE Exchange Metro Station

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Monday renamed the UAE Exchange Metro Station as Life Pharmacy Metro Station.

This comes after the RTA granted Life Pharmacy the naming rights under a 10-year agreement.

The UAE Exchange Metro Station is situated in Jebel Ali, along the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. Originally opened as Jebel Ali Metro Station in March 2011, it was renamed UAE Exchange on June 30, 2015, following a naming rights agreement with UAE Exchange

This station is unique within the Dubai Metro network as it is the only ground-level station. All other stations are either elevated or underground. It serves as a vital transit point for employees and residents of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), facilitating access to various industrial and commercial hubs in the area.

In April 2024, the RTA introduced a new operational configuration, eliminating the need for passengers to interchange at Jebel Ali Station. By using the Y junction at the station, trains now operate directly between Centrepoint and UAE Exchange, as well as between Centrepoint and Expo 2020 stations, enhancing the commuting experience for passengers.

RTA said it will begin updating and renaming all relevant external and internal directional signage across Metro stations till the end of August. “The new name will also be reflected across RTA’s smart digital systems, public transport applications, and onboard audio announcements prior to and upon arrival at the station,” it added.

This is third time in two months that the RTA has announced the renaming of a Dubai Metro station. On March 18, Al Khail Metro Station was renamed as Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station and GGICO Metro Station’s name was changed to Al Metro Garhoud Station on April 11.

The agreement regarding the renaming was signed between Life Pharmacy Group and Hypermedia, with Mada Media attending in its capacity as the authorised concessionaire appointed by RTA under a concession agreement between Mada Media and RTA.

Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, described the agreement for renaming the station as a valuable addition to the Dubai Metro Naming Rights initiative, which has achieved sustained success since its launch in 2009 as the first project of its kind globally.

He stated: "RTA is committed to forging successful partnerships with the private sector, given its vital role in driving national economic growth and contributing to GDP. This successful public-private partnership model facilitates the transfer of knowledge and expertise, creates job opportunities across multiple sectors, and supports the government’s broader development agenda."

Mohamad Al Hammadi, CEO of Mada Media, stated: "This initiative reflects our goal of transforming advertising spaces into impactful platforms, enabling naming rights sponsors to enhance their visibility and commercial footprint."

He added: "The agreement presents a unique investment opportunity for Life Pharmacy, capitalising on the strategic location of Dubai Metro stations, particularly this one, to strengthen brand awareness and deepen engagement with commuters."

Abdul Rahuman Abdul Nazzar, Chairman and Managing Director of Life Pharmacy Group, commented: "We are proud to partner with RTA through Mada Media to acquire the naming rights for a station that serves as a vital hub within Dubai’s seamless, multi-modal transport network. This station has served thousands of commuters for over a decade, delivering significant value and connectivity."

He continued: "This partnership goes beyond naming rights—it reflects Life Pharmacy’s broader commitment to the city and its communities. Linking our name to a key metro station demonstrates how Life Pharmacy has become an integral part of Dubai’s daily rhythm and movement.”