Dubai RTA renames metro station after National Paints in 10-year deal
New identity to appear on all Metro signage and digital systems
DUBAI’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially granted the naming rights of Jebel Ali Metro Station to National Paints Factories Co. Ltd., the region’s largest paints and coatings manufacturer.
Located in the heart of Jebel Ali Free Zone – one of the emirate’s fastest-growing industrial corridors – the station will now be known as National Paints Metro Station for the next decade.
The agreement was signed by National Paints and Hypermedia, in the presence of Mada Media, the authorised concessionaire appointed by RTA under a long-term concession agreement. The rebranding is part of RTA’s wider Metro Naming Rights Initiative, which continues to attract strong interest from prominent companies across the UAE.
Strategic branding move
Commenting on the development, Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “We are delighted to have National Paints join the Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative,” Kalbat said. “Their participation reflects the ongoing success of this initiative, which has drawn diverse players from the business community.”
He added that the partnership aligns with the UAE government’s strategy of strengthening cooperation with the private sector – an approach focused on sharing expertise, enhancing investment opportunities, and creating employment in specialised fields, all of which contribute to the national GDP.
Mohamad Al Hammadi, CEO of Mada Media, also praised the collaboration, describing it as a “strategic milestone.” He emphasised that naming rights go beyond visibility—they represent a high-impact form of brand engagement in urban spaces. “This initiative turns metro stations into powerful commercial and advertising landmarks,” Al Hammadi noted.
Implementation timeline
From July 2025 until the end of October 2025, RTA will begin updating directional and informational signage across the metro network to reflect the station’s new name. The name change will also appear across RTA’s smart digital platforms, public transport apps, and onboard audio announcements before and upon arrival at the station.
National Paints
Established in 1969 in Amman, Jordan, and headquartered in Sharjah since 1977, National Paints has grown into the Middle East’s top coatings brand and ranks 29th globally. The company operates 15 factories, 5 resin plants, and over 60 production lines across seven countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Romania.
Its Sharjah facility alone spans 130,000 sqm and produces over 500,000 metric tons annually – making it the largest paint manufacturing plant in the region. With a global production capacity exceeding 1 million metric tons, National Paints exports to more than 80 countries.
The company offers a comprehensive product portfolio, including marine, industrial, decorative, automotive, architectural, and wood coatings. It holds several international certifications such as ISO 14001, ISO 17025, ISO 50001, and EPD (Environmental Product Declarations), underscoring its commitment to sustainability, quality, and safety.