Jabal Ali Metro Station Is Now National Paints- Your Guide to the Latest RTA Rebrand

Big news on the Dubai Metro network! If you’re a regular commuter or planning to use the Red Line down towards the industrial heartland, you need to update your mental map (and probably your actual one!). What we've all known as Jabal Ali Metro Station has officially been renamed. Get ready to start saying and seeing National Paints Metro Station.

Yep, the change is official, and it's all part of a significant 10-year partnership between Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and National Paints Factories Co. Ltd. This isn't just a quick switch; it's a long-term move you'll be seeing across the network for a decade.

Why the Switch? It's All About Partnerships!

You might be wondering, "Why the change?" Well, it’s linked back to the RTA’s ongoing and pretty successful Metro Station Naming Rights programme. This initiative kicked off way back in 2009 and has been a smart way for the RTA to team up with private companies.

Think of it as a win-win. Businesses get incredible visibility by having their name linked to a major metro station, and the RTA gets a boost in revenue. This extra funding helps support and improve the public transport in Dubai network, potentially funding future upgrades and services. It’s all part of Dubai’s innovative approach to growth and partnership, blending public infrastructure with private sector investment.

Why This Station? Location, Location, Location!

Of all the metro stations in Dubai, why this one? The Jabal Ali station is a seriously prime piece of real estate in terms of footfall and strategic importance. It sits right in the middle of the buzzing Jabal Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), which is one of the biggest and most important industrial and business hubs in the region.

For countless daily commuters, this station is their main gateway to work in JAFZA. But it's more than just that. It's a key connector for anyone travelling towards Abu Dhabi, and it played a huge role during Expo 2020, serving as a crucial link via the Expo Village and onwards along the route. The sheer number of people passing through here daily offers National Paints massive brand exposure – it's a smart move for them from a business perspective, securing a prominent spot for a good ten years.

The partnership involves the RTA, of course, alongside Mada Media and Hypermedia, who likely handle the logistics and execution of the branding rollout. It shows how various entities collaborate to make these large-scale changes happen smoothly across the city's transit landscape.

What Commuters Need to Know: The Rebranding Rollout

Okay, so the name has changed officially, but you won't see everything switch overnight. The RTA has a clear plan to update all the signage and information across the network.

You can expect to see the full rebranding roll out gradually between July and October 2025. During this period, you’ll notice updates happening across various touchpoints:

• External and Internal Signage: Look out for new signs popping up around and inside the station itself.
• Metro Maps: The maps displayed in stations and onboard trains will be updated. Make sure you grab an updated map or check the digital versions!
• Directional Boards: Those helpful boards pointing you towards platforms and exits will reflect the new name.
• Onboard Announcements: The automated voice announcing the stations will start saying "National Paints Metro Station".
• RTA's Digital Platforms: The RTA’s website, the S'hail app, and other digital tools will be updated to show the new name.

This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure that no matter how you navigate the Dubai Metro, you'll eventually see the correct, consistent branding. Just be patient as the transition happens over the next few months.

Voices Behind the Partnership

It’s always interesting to hear from the people involved in these big projects. Leaders from the RTA, Mada Media, and National Paints have shared their thoughts on this collaboration.

Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of the RTA Rail Agency, highlighted the broader impact: "We are delighted to have National Paints join the Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative… This cooperation plays a pivotal role in creating promising job opportunities… and contributing to the growth of UAE’s GDP." This really underscores that these partnerships aren't just about names on a map; they're seen as contributing to the wider economy and job market.

From Mada Media, CEO Mohamad Al Hammadi pointed out the strategic value: "Through naming rights, we're not just creating visibility, we're building strategic brand presence in high-impact urban touchpoints." This explains the appeal for companies – getting their name in front of a huge, diverse audience daily.

And representing the naming partner, Samer Sayegh, MD & Partner at National Paints, expressed pride in the collaboration: "We are proud to partner with RTA, to secure the naming rights of a metro station that stands as a key connector... This milestone reflects our bold, decade-long commitment to enriching the Emirates’ urban landscape." It shows National Paints sees this as more than just advertising; it's a long-term investment in being part of Dubai's fabric.

Not the First Time: A Growing Trend

If you feel like Dubai Metro station names change occasionally, you're not imagining it! The RTA's naming rights programme has been active for years, and this isn't the only station to get a rebrand recently.

Here are a few other notable changes that have happened or are happening around the network:

• Mashreq Metro Station is becoming InsuranceMarket Metro Station (completed in September 2024).
• Al Khail Metro Station is now Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station (completed in March 2025).
• UAE Exchange Metro Station is transitioning to Life Pharmacy Metro Station (completed in May 2025).

These examples show that it's an ongoing strategy by the RTA. While the exact figures aren't always public, estimates suggest that securing these naming rights can be a significant investment for companies, possibly costing up to AED 40 million for a ten-year period at key stations. This price tag reflects the huge value placed on the visibility and association with Dubai's world-class public transport.

Commuters React: A Mix of Thoughts

Any change, especially one affecting daily commutes, is bound to get people talking. We've seen reactions pop up in online forums and social media, and it's a bit of a mixed bag, ranging from acceptance to slight frustration.

Some people understandably find the changes a little confusing at first, especially if they've been using the network for years. Comments like "Stop doing this shit," or suggestions like "They could call it ‘National Paints – Jabal Ali Station’ instead…" show that people value the historical name or find frequent changes disruptive to navigation.

However, many also understand the reasons behind it – the RTA needs funding, and this is one way to get it. It’s a practical approach in a city that's constantly evolving. While there might be a brief period of adjustment, most regular users will quickly adapt to the new name.

The Big Picture: What This Means

Beyond the name itself, this change has wider implications:

• For Commuters: Stay updated! Make sure your navigation apps are current, and pay attention to station announcements and signage, especially if you're heading to or from the JAFZA area. It's a key Dubai travel tip to always double-check station names if you haven't used that part of the network in a while.
• For Businesses: It highlights the potential for brands to gain significant exposure by partnering with the RTA. With thousands of people using the Dubai Metro daily across different metro stations, the visibility is undeniable.
• For the RTA: This is a continued demonstration of the RTA's strategy to generate non-fare revenue. This funding is crucial for maintaining the high standards of the existing network and potentially funding future expansions, like the planned Blue Line, which will further enhance public transport in Dubai.

Keeping Dubai Moving Forward

The transformation of Jabal Ali into the National Paints Metro Station is more than just a sign swap. It's a clear indicator of Dubai's dynamic nature and its innovative approach to urban development and partnership. By leveraging its world-class transit infrastructure, the RTA is not only creating valuable economic alliances but also securing resources that help ensure the Dubai Metro remains a vital, efficient, and expanding part of the city's fabric.

It’s all part of the journey in a city that's always looking ahead. So, next time you're on the Red Line heading south, remember to listen out for "National Paints Metro Station" – you're experiencing Dubai's smart growth in action!