National Paints Naming Rights Jebel Ali Metro Station Dubai Confirmed
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has once again demonstrated its innovative approach to strengthening public-private partnerships. In its latest strategic move, RTA has granted the naming rights of Jebel Ali Metro Station to National Paints Factories Co. Ltd. (National Paints), the Middle East’s largest paints and coatings manufacturer. This landmark agreement will last for the next ten years and officially rebrands the station as National Paints Metro Station. Positioned within the dynamic Jebel Ali Free Zone, the station is an essential part of Dubai’s transport network, linking one of the region’s most important industrial and commercial areas to the rest of the city. The collaboration reflects Dubai’s commitment to fostering partnerships that enrich the urban environment and support the city’s economic ambitions.
Strategic Value of National Paints Metro Station’s Location
The newly named National Paints Metro Station is situated in the heart of Jebel Ali Free Zone. This area is known as a powerhouse of industrial activity and global trade, hosting thousands of businesses from around the world. The station plays a critical role in connecting employees, business owners, visitors, and logistics professionals to and from this thriving hub. By securing the naming rights to a metro station in such a vital location, National Paints has taken a significant step in reinforcing its brand presence within the urban and industrial fabric of Dubai. The station offers unmatched exposure to the tens of thousands of commuters and travellers who pass through this key transport link every day. The rebranding reflects National Paints’ strong connection to the region’s economic growth and urban development.
RTA’s Vision Through the Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative
The Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative by RTA is a well-established model that illustrates Dubai’s ability to merge commercial strategy with public service. Since its inception, the initiative has attracted a wide variety of prominent companies from across the UAE and the region. These partnerships have provided valuable sources of non-fare revenue for RTA, supporting the city’s infrastructure while offering brands powerful visibility. Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, expressed his satisfaction with National Paints joining this important program. He highlighted that the collaboration reflects the initiative’s ongoing success and demonstrates the appeal of the Dubai Metro network as a platform for business engagement.
Kalbat also emphasised that RTA aims to further expand cooperation with the private sector across the UAE. The initiative creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, business development, and job creation. This approach aligns with the government’s strategy of positioning the private sector as a strategic partner in driving the growth of Dubai’s GDP and strengthening the nation’s economy overall.
Mada Media and Hypermedia’s Role in Delivering the Agreement
The naming rights agreement between National Paints and RTA was facilitated through Hypermedia, with Mada Media serving as the authorised concessionaire appointed by RTA. Mohamad Al Hammadi, CEO of Mada Media, described the deal as a key milestone. He noted that the agreement with National Paints aligns with the vision of transforming metro stations into iconic commercial and advertising landmarks. According to Al Hammadi, this partnership not only delivers brand visibility but also shapes how companies engage with consumers across Dubai’s vibrant urban environment. The collaboration highlights the power of transit media in enhancing brand recognition and consumer connection within one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
National Paints’ Perspective on the Partnership
Samer Sayegh, Managing Director and Partner of National Paints, shared his pride in securing the naming rights for this important station. He described the partnership as a reflection of National Paints’ long-standing dedication to supporting Dubai’s infrastructure and urban development. Sayegh pointed out that National Paints, founded in 1969 in Amman and based in Sharjah since 1977, has always played a role in the Middle East’s urban and economic transformation. The company’s decision to align its name with the metro station represents its continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. By securing this agreement, National Paints further strengthens its relationship with the communities it has served for generations while demonstrating its ongoing support for Dubai’s economic future.
Planned Rollout of the National Paints Metro Station Name
The RTA has outlined a detailed plan for implementing the station’s new identity across its network. Beginning in July and continuing through October 2025, RTA will replace existing signage at the station with new branding that reflects the National Paints name. This comprehensive update will include all external station signs, internal directional signage, and station maps. The new identity will also be integrated across RTA’s smart systems, including public transport applications and digital platforms. Passengers will hear updated audio announcements reflecting the new station name as they approach and arrive at the location. These changes are designed to provide clarity to commuters while ensuring a seamless transition to the updated station identity.
Economic and Social Impact of Naming Rights Agreements in Dubai
The Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader strategy to integrate commercial partnerships into public services in ways that benefit the entire city. Naming rights agreements like the one with National Paints help generate additional funding for infrastructure maintenance and future enhancements. This model of revenue generation reduces dependency on government budgets while allowing continued investment in the city’s world-class public transport network. For private companies, metro station naming rights represent a unique marketing opportunity that enables deep engagement with consumers across Dubai’s urban environment. The visibility offered by these partnerships strengthens brand recognition and builds meaningful connections between companies and the communities they serve.
The initiative also supports job creation in areas such as advertising, media production, technology, construction, and signage. Furthermore, these collaborations help drive innovation in how public spaces are used to enhance the commuter experience. National Paints Metro Station serves as an example of how naming rights agreements can deliver shared value for government, business, and society.
The Future of Metro Station Branding Opportunities
The success of National Paints in securing naming rights for Jebel Ali Metro Station is expected to inspire other companies to explore similar partnerships. As Dubai continues to expand its metro network and pursue ambitious urban development plans, opportunities will arise for additional naming rights agreements. These partnerships offer brands the chance to achieve high-impact visibility in key urban spaces while supporting the city’s infrastructure goals. RTA’s commitment to innovation and cooperation ensures that the Metro network remains not just a transportation system but also a platform for commercial success and community engagement. As Dubai moves forward with its vision for sustainable growth, metro station branding will play a growing role in shaping the city’s identity and supporting its economic progress.
