Since 2009, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has overseen the Dubai Metro station naming rights initiative, allowing companies and organizations to purchase naming rights for select stations on the Red and Green lines for a specified period in exchange for a fee.
Maximizing Revenue with Dubai Metro Naming Rights
This initiative does not include all 49 stations. The Public-Private Partnership Legal Resource Centre (PPPLRC) reported that the program earned over AED2 billion (about $545 million) in revenue from naming rights sales during its first ten years.
After receiving sponsorship from a tech startup in 2023, the Al Safa station was renamed as ONPASSIVE Metro Station for the next decade as part of the most current arrangement. The RTA thinks the plan is a good way to bring in money without making people or taxpayers pay more. Anyone interested can submit an application through the official website of the authority, where the requirements are detailed. The infrastructure of the emirate's growing metro network is being maintained and improved with the funds generated, which is helping the transportation industry in this multicultural commercial hub to continue growing and developing.
Criteria and Evaluation
When considering potential naming rights partnerships for Dubai Metro stations, the RTA adheres to strict guidelines. Financial considerations including the estimated length of the agreement and payment installments comprise the remaining 35 percent of the scoring, with price constituting the principal consideration at 65 percent.
Non-economic criteria include proposed partnership activations, business generation proposals, and ideas for promoting Dubai Metro to residents and visitors. Proximity to stations or lines, corporate social responsibility policies, commitment to Dubai, and financial stability are also considered. Certain industries, like tobacco and gambling, are excluded from consideration, and respect for local values and culture is essential. The criteria aim to select partners aligned with Dubai’s development and success goals.
Companies interested in Dubai Metro naming rights must provide several documents, including their company profile, address in the UAE, financial statements for the last two fiscal years, logo or name of the brand, trading license or articles of association, and an official authorization signature document.
This comprehensive approach ensures that only qualified and reputable entities are considered for partnership agreements, aligning with the RTA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Dubai Metro while maximizing revenue-generating opportunities.
Documents necessary for the naming rights of the Dubai Metro
The following documents are necessary for companies that wish to obtain the naming rights to Dubai Metro stations, as per the RTA:
- Company Profile
- Address in the United Arab Emirates
- Financial statements for the previous two fiscal years:
- Income
- Employee count
- Logo/brand name Trading license or articles of association or any legal documents that demonstrate the signatory body's authority to do so
- The official document of authorization signature of the individual who is signing the Bid Form.
