Dubai: RTA confirms new name for major Red Line station (VIDEO)
Changes effective April 14 across digital and physical signage
DUBAI: Commuters in Dubai will notice a key change on the Red Line from Monday, April 14, as GGICO Metro Station will officially be renamed Al Garhoud Metro Station.
The announcement was made by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) via its official channels, as part of a broader initiative to enhance navigation and provide a more intuitive public transport experience.
The station, located in the Garhoud district and originally named after the Gulf General Investment Company (GGICO) – a publicly listed firm on the Dubai Financial Market since 1973 – will now carry a name that reflects its geographical location.
The renaming, according to RTA, aligns with ongoing efforts to streamline transportation services and update informational systems for greater user efficiency.
Al Garhoud Metro Station
The RTA shared a video via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, showing the updated location of the newly named Al Garhoud Metro Station on the city’s Metro map. A similar post on Instagram reiterated the Authority’s goal of “maximum efficiency” through this rebranding.
Digital systems, including smart kiosks and route planning apps, are being synchronised to reflect the updated station name. The process includes alterations to onboard train systems that announce station names prior to arrival. All modifications are aimed at enhancing clarity for residents, visitors, and daily commuters who rely on the Metro for seamless travel across Dubai.
This initiative is part of a larger trend in Dubai, where naming rights and location-based names are being prioritised to better align with urban development and public understanding. As of mid-April, travellers can expect to see the updated Al Garhoud name in full use across the Metro ecosystem.
Service upgrades
The name change of GGICO Metro Station follows a similar move just one month earlier when Al Khail Metro Station was renamed Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station. That change was the result of a naming rights agreement between RTA and Al Fardan Exchange, a well-known financial services provider in the UAE. The Al Fardan Exchange station is strategically located near landmarks such as the American University of Dubai and Emirates Golf Club.
To support these changes, the RTA has begun implementing extensive signage updates across the Dubai Metro network. From April through the end of June 2025, external and internal directional signs across affected stations will be updated. The changes will also be reflected in RTA’s digital platforms, including mobile apps, journey planners, and onboard audio announcements.