Over 250 Companies Express Interest in the Metro Naming Rights Project
two weeks of enquiries demonstrates keen commercial interest 

13 April 2008

Roads and Transport Authority announced that within the first two weeks of the Dubai Metro Naming Rights project launch, a world-first model for public transport infrastructure, over one hundred and sixty companies have expressed interest, while a further over 160 have already submitted official Request For Information (RFI) documents through the RTA website. 

The Dubai Metro Naming Rights project gives companies and institutions the opportunity to put their name to 23 stations from a total of 47 stations and two lines on the Metro, the first of which is set to open in September 2009 and the second in March 2010.

Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim, RTA CEO for Strategy and Corporate Governance said that: “Both local and international brands are queuing up to become one of the first companies to brand a station, with requests received from world wide as far a field as Japan, Greece, Spain, the United Kingdom and India. “These companies range from large property and business firms and local and international banks, through to large multinational blue-chip corporations.

He added: “The interest already shown by both local and international businesses has gone beyond our expectations and it is encouraging to see that the corporate world shares our marketing vision.”

Business leaders and marketing professionals will be given insight into the Metro Naming Rights project at an exclusive, invitation only event to be held on April 15th. The event will run four identical sessions from 4:00pm through to 7:00pm, allowing business-people to select the most appropriate time that suits their schedules to further information on the mechanics of the Metro Naming Rights project.

Mr. Abdul Mohsin said: “Since we announced the Metro Naming Rights project at a press conference last week, we have been approached by many companies from the UAE and outside wanting to get involved.

“On 15th April, those companies that are interested in the Naming Rights project, will be able to learn more on the formal process to lodge their interest and understand the way in which the Naming Rights agreement and benefits work.”

Commenting on the event, Abdul Mohsin said the RTA had been mindful of being flexible. “The presentation on the 15th April will be made four times throughout the afternoon allowing busy executives to choose the time that best suits their schedule. The RTA understands the time constraints of busy executives and wants to make sure everyone that is interested has the opportunity to hear about this exciting project.”

Half of the 47 stations and both lines currently under construction will be made available under the naming rights program, with the use of corporate branding being carefully managed to guard against over-commercialization. Stations on the list include both Al Qusais stations, Karama, Al Quoz, Garhoud, Union Square, Al Barsha and Abu Hail. Landmark or historic sites will remain un-branded.

The naming rights sales effort will be undertaken by global sponsorship and event marketing specialists IMG, who had previously undertaken market research for the RTA to determine how the naming rights program could most effectively be structured.

Companies and organizations interested in naming one or more of Dubai Metro’s stations can register their interest in advance of the formal sales phase launch by submitting the official “Request for Information” available online on www.rta.ae  outlining the name of the company they represent as well as the station(s) or line of interest.