Dubai Metro's Red Line Station Renamed Garmin in 10-Year Naming Rights Deal

The Onpassive Metro station on Dubai Metro's Red Line is officially becoming the Garmin Metro Station following a newly signed 10-year agreement, according to an announcement made by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Monday.

Starting from September through November 2026, the RTA will update all internal and external directional signage, digital systems, and public transport apps to reflect the new Garmin Metro Station name. Furthermore, onboard audio announcements will undergo revisions before and upon arrival at the busy transit hub. These modifications will be rolled out gradually to guarantee a seamless transition for all daily commuters.

Positioned on the Red Line between the Equiti and Business Bay stations, this heavily utilized junction serves passengers traveling toward the Al Quoz Industrial area, Kite Beach, Oasis Mall, and Times Square Centre.

Originally opened on May 15, 2010, as Noor Bank—named after its initial naming rights holder—the station was later renamed Al Safa in November 2020 to better represent the surrounding neighborhood. On January 11, 2023, the RTA announced that Onpassive had secured the naming rights, leading to yet another rebranding.

The RTA initially established its groundbreaking naming rights initiative in 2009 as a pioneering global program, offering private entities and organizations a strategic platform to enhance their brand presence across Dubai Metro stations. Since its inception, the program has drawn numerous global brands to both the Red and Green Lines.

"Garmin joining the Dubai Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative reaffirms its success in attracting leading brands from a diverse range of business sectors in the local market," stated Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, chief executive of RTA's Rail Agency. He characterized the naming rights initiative as a powerful mechanism for transforming metro stations into high-value investments that actively support the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) through expanded partnerships and private-sector investment. Kalbat also emphasized that the Dubai Metro Station Naming Rights framework remains one of the most successful public-private partnership models worldwide.

Garmin marks a significant milestone as a global brand securing these naming rights. Within the UAE, Amit Retail operates as the exclusive distributor for Garmin, a company that specializes in manufacturing smart devices and GPS navigation technology.

Clifton Pemble, chief executive of Garmin, shared his perspective: “We are proud to collaborate with RTA and our valued distributor Amit Retail to help people move through the world with greater confidence, connection and purpose. We look forward to building on this relationship and exploring new ways to empower people on every step of their journey.”

For investors, securing naming rights provides direct access to millions of Dubai residents and visitors every single day, guaranteeing maximum visibility and robust brand awareness via prominent positioning on maps, physical signage, audio announcements, and digital platforms. According to the RTA, this strategic partnership with Dubai Metro enhances overall brand credibility, generates long-term marketing returns that exceed standard campaigns, reinforces regional market presence, and opens doors for integrated promotional and community initiatives.