Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a major update to its metro network, renaming the UAE Exchange Metro Station to Life Pharmacy Metro Station under a landmark 10-year agreement. The move underscores Dubai’s innovative public-private partnership model, leveraging metro station naming rights to drive economic growth while enhancing commuter experiences. The rebranding, effective immediately, will see signage, digital systems, and onboard announcements updated by August 2025.
Strategic Location and Historical Significance
Located in Jebel Ali on the Dubai Metro Red Line, the station became functional in 2011 as Jebel Ali Metro Station before adopting its UAE Exchange title in 2015. Unique as the metro’s sole ground-level station, it serves as a critical transit hub for the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), connecting thousands of workers to industrial and commercial hubs daily. The RTA recently streamlined operations here, eliminating interchange requirements via a Y-junction configuration to improve connectivity to Expo 2020 and Centrepoint stations.
Partnership Details and Economic Impact
The naming rights agreement, signed between Life Pharmacy Group, Hypermedia, and RTA-authorized concessionaire Mada Media, reflects Dubai’s long-standing metro branding initiative launched in 2009 — the first of its kind globally. Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, emphasized that such collaborations fuel national economic growth, create jobs, and align with Dubai’s vision for private-sector integration. Life Pharmacy’s Chairman, Abdul Rahman Abdul Nazzar, noted the rebranding symbolizes the company’s commitment to Dubai’s “daily rhythm,” leveraging the station’s high foot traffic for brand visibility.
Implementation Timeline and Broader Trends
Starting in May 2025, the RTA will update internal and external signage, public transport apps, and onboard audio systems to reflect the new name. This marks the third metro station renaming in 2025, following Al Khail Station’s shift to Al Fardan Exchange and GGICO Station’s reversion to Al Garhoud.
Why This Matters for Dubai
Dubai’s metro naming rights strategy has become a blueprint for blending infrastructure with corporate branding, offering companies like Life Pharmacy unparalleled access to 18 million annual riders. For commuters, the changes promise seamless navigation, while businesses gain a high-impact advertising platform in one of the world’s busiest transit networks.