Dubai Metro Naming Rights Initiative Gains Momentum as Mada Media Formalises ‘National Paints’ Station Agreement

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Dubai Metro Naming Rights Initiative Gains Momentum as Mada Media Formalises ‘National Paints’ Station Agreement

In a move that reinforces Dubai’s innovative approach to public-private partnerships, Mada Media has officially marked the naming rights agreement for the “National Paints” Metro Station, formerly known as Jebel Ali, on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro.

The formal ceremony, attended by senior officials from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Mada Media, and Hypermedia, highlights growing investor confidence in Dubai’s metro naming rights initiative. Representatives from National Paints, a leading player in the coatings industry, were also present.

The agreement reflects a broader strategy to expand investment opportunities across Dubai’s transport infrastructure. In 2025 alone, the National Paints station recorded 636,873 passengers, while brand visibility exceeded 12 million passersby—demonstrating the strong commercial appeal of such partnerships.

This milestone comes as Mada Media accelerates preparations for the upcoming Blue Line, scheduled for inauguration in 2029. Under its exclusive concession agreement with the RTA, the company holds rights to market naming opportunities for 14 stations on the new line, including the landmark Emaar Properties Station at Dubai Creek Harbour.

Officials emphasized that metro naming rights represent a sustainable model for revenue diversification while enhancing commuter experience. Abdul Muhsen Ibrahim Kalbat, CEO of the RTA’s Rail Agency, noted that such agreements support operational efficiency and align with Dubai’s long-term economic strategy. He also highlighted that the upcoming Blue Line will serve nine key districts expected to house one million residents by 2040, and will feature the world’s tallest metro station with a daily capacity of up to 160,000 passengers.

Mansoor Al Sabahi, CEO of Mada Media, described the agreement as a stepping stone toward a more expansive phase of the initiative. He pointed out that National Paints alone generated over 47 million impressions in 2025, with a reach rate of 25.78%, underlining the effectiveness of transit-based branding.

From a corporate perspective, the partnership is seen as more than a branding exercise. Samer Sayegh, Managing Director of National Paints, stated that integrating the brand into Dubai’s transit ecosystem reflects a long-term commitment to innovation and urban development. Meanwhile, Habib Wehbe, Chairman and CEO of W Group Holding, emphasized the role of Hypermedia in transforming how brands engage with urban audiences through advanced media and technology platforms.

Under the agreement, the National Paints brand will be prominently displayed across station signage, entrances, digital screens, transport applications, and onboard audio announcements—ensuring continuous visibility to millions of commuters.

As Dubai advances toward the goals outlined in the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, the metro naming rights initiative continues to attract local and global brands seeking high-impact visibility within one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments.