Dubai Renames Onpassive Metro Station as Garmin in 10-Year Deal

Dubai’s metro network has a new landmark name after the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that Onpassive Metro Station will officially become Garmin Metro Station under a 10-year naming rights agreement with the global technology company.

The deal, which takes effect immediately, forms part of Dubai’s long-running Metro Naming Rights programme—a commercial initiative that allows major brands to acquire naming rights for selected stations while generating non-fare revenue for the city’s public transport system. The station is located on the Red Line and serves one of Dubai’s busiest business corridors.

According to the RTA, the transition will be rolled out gradually across the network. New station signage, digital maps, onboard audio announcements and wayfinding systems will be updated over the coming weeks to reflect the Garmin name, while passengers are expected to experience minimal disruption during the changeover.

Garmin, best known for its GPS navigation, fitness wearables and aviation technology, said the partnership strengthens its presence in the Middle East and aligns the brand with one of the world’s most recognised urban transport systems. Company representatives described the agreement as an opportunity to connect with millions of residents and visitors who use Dubai Metro each year.

The renamed station succeeds Onpassive, whose branding had been introduced under an earlier naming rights agreement. Dubai has repeatedly refreshed station identities over the years as contracts expire, with previous stations carrying the names of banks, telecommunications companies, property developers and retail brands.

Launched in 2009, Dubai Metro’s naming rights programme is regarded as one of the first of its kind in the region. Rather than relying solely on ticket revenue, the initiative enables the RTA to attract private-sector investment that supports transport infrastructure while giving brands long-term visibility across stations, trains and passenger information systems.

For commuters, the change is largely cosmetic, a new name for a familiar stop. For Dubai, however, it reflects a broader strategy of blending public infrastructure with commercial partnerships, creating alternative revenue streams while reinforcing the city’s reputation for innovative urban transport financing.