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Dubai's Onpassive Metro Station renamed Garmin under 10-year deal
AE🏛️ Politics9/7/2026

Dubai's Onpassive Metro Station renamed Garmin under 10-year deal

The Onpassive Metro station on Dubai Metro's Red Line has been officially renamed Garmin Metro Station under a 10-year naming rights agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The change, effective from September to November 2026, includes updating all internal and external directional signage, digital systems, and public transport apps, along with onboard audio announcements. Located between Equiti and Business Bay stations, the station serves major areas like Al Quoz Industrial, Kite Beach, Oasis Mall, and Times Square Centre. Previously known as Noor Bank and later Al Safa, the station's renaming follows a trend initiated by RTA in 2009, allowing private companies to invest in naming rights as part of a public-private partnership model. Garmin, a global leader in GPS and smart device manufacturing, becomes the first international brand to secure such rights in Dubai, with Amit Retail acting as the local distributor.

Dubai's Onpassive Metro Station has been renamed Garmin Metro Station under a 10-year agreement, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The change will take effect between September and November 2026, with updates to all internal and external directional signage, digital systems, and public transport apps. Onboard audio announcements will also be revised before and upon arrival at the station. The RTA emphasized that the transition will be gradual to ensure a smooth experience for metro users. The station, located on the Red Line between Equiti and Business Bay stations, serves commuters traveling to Al Quoz Industrial area, Kite Beach, Oasis Mall, and Times Square Centre. It originally opened on May 15, 2010, as Noor Bank Metro Station, named after its initial naming rights holder. In November 2020, the station was renamed Al Safa to reflect its proximity to the area. On January 11, 2023, the RTA announced that Onpassive had acquired the naming rights, leading to another rebranding. The RTA launched the naming rights initiative in 2009, making it the first of its kind globally. The program allows private companies and organizations to enhance their brand presence through Dubai Metro stations. This initiative has attracted international brands to both the Red and Green Lines. Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, chief executive of RTA's Rail Agency, stated that Garmin's participation reaffirms the initiative's success in drawing leading brands from various industries. He noted that the naming rights initiative contributes to Dubai's economic agenda by fostering public-private partnerships and boosting private-sector investment. Garmin will be the first global brand to secure naming rights under this initiative. In the UAE, Amit Retail is the sole distributor of Garmin, specializing in smart devices and GPS navigation technology. Clifton Pemble, CEO of Garmin, expressed pride in collaborating with the RTA and Amit Retail. He highlighted the company's mission to develop products that empower individuals in their daily lives, enabling confident navigation of adventures, fitness journeys, and health goals. The naming rights provide investors access to millions of Dubai residents and visitors daily, enhancing brand visibility through maps, signage, audio announcements, and digital platforms. The RTA stated that this partnership strengthens brand credibility, generates long-term marketing returns, reinforces regional presence, and facilitates integrated marketing through promotions and community activities. The changes will be implemented across all relevant platforms, with RTA urging passengers to note the updated names and offering assistance during the transition.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

Khaleej Times logoKhaleej TimesParty-alignedCenterFactual 92Objective 939/7/2026
Dubai's Onpassive Metro station to be renamed Garmin under 10-year deal

Dubai's Onpassive Metro station is set to be renamed Garmin Metro Station under a 10-year agreement between Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Garmin, facilitated by AMIT Retail, Garmin's exclusive distributor in the UAE. The station, originally named Noor Bank in 2010, was later renamed Al Safa in 2020 and Onpassive in 2023. The renaming will take place between September and November 2026 as part of RTA's ongoing initiative to offer naming rights to private companies, enhancing brand visibility and supporting economic growth. RTA highlighted the success of the initiative in attracting major brands and strengthening public-private partnerships. Garmin expressed pride in collaborating with RTA and AMIT Retail to contribute to Dubai's iconic transport network.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the renaming agreement, including quotes from both RTA and Garmin executives, and focuses on the economic and branding aspects rather than taking a stance on any political issue. There is no evident slant or biased language.

Why factuality (92): This article includes additional contextual details such as the involvement of AMIT Retail as Garmin's distributor in the UAE, which adds depth to the story. The timeline of the station’s name changes matches the first article, and the quotes from Abdul Mohsen Kalbat are consistent with the cross-so

Why objectivity (93): The article maintains a balanced tone throughout, presenting the facts objectively and quoting officials directly. While it highlights the benefits of the naming rights initiative, it does so without overtly favoring either the government or the private sector.

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 87Objective 949/7/2026
Dubai's Onpassive Metro Station renamed Garmin under 10-year deal

The Onpassive Metro station on Dubai Metro's Red Line has been officially renamed Garmin Metro Station under a 10-year naming rights agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The change, effective from September to November 2026, includes updating all internal and external directional signage, digital systems, and public transport apps, along with onboard audio announcements. Located between Equiti and Business Bay stations, the station serves major areas like Al Quoz Industrial, Kite Beach, Oasis Mall, and Times Square Centre. Previously known as Noor Bank and later Al Safa, the station's renaming follows a trend initiated by RTA in 2009, allowing private companies to invest in naming rights as part of a public-private partnership model. Garmin, a global leader in GPS and smart device manufacturing, becomes the first international brand to secure such rights in Dubai, with Amit Retail acting as the local distributor.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a commercial agreement involving a government entity (RTA) and a private company (Garmin), focusing on branding and economic strategy. There is no overt ideological framing, and the content remains descriptive of the partnership and its implications for public infrastructure.

Why factuality (87): The article provides specific details about the renaming of the Onpassive Metro Station to Garmin under a 10-year deal, including dates, locations, and the history of previous names. These facts align closely with the cross-source consensus found in the second article. However, it lacks mention of t

Why objectivity (94): The article presents the information in a neutral and factual manner, avoiding any overt bias or emotional language. It quotes officials and explains the background of the naming rights initiative without taking sides or injecting personal opinion.

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