Al Safa Metro Station, Dubai: Rebranded as ONPASSIVE Metro Station
Dubai’s ever-evolving metro landscape has added a bold new chapter to its story. Al Safa Metro Station, one of the pivotal stops on the Red Line, has officially been renamed ONPASSIVE Metro Station — marking not just a branding update, but a strategic move aligning with Dubai’s smart city ambitions and global tech collaborations.
From Al Safa to ONPASSIVE: A Strategic Partnership in Transit Innovation
In early 2023, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that Al Safa Metro Station would undergo a full rebranding. The naming rights were granted to ONPASSIVE, an emerging leader in artificial intelligence and smart digital services, for a 10-year term. This isn’t just a cosmetic name change — it’s a signal of Dubai’s direction: merging public infrastructure with cutting-edge tech investments.
“This partnership reflects Dubai’s commitment to attracting future-facing enterprises and building an infrastructure that supports global innovation,” said Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency.
Why the Name Change Matters for Commuters and the City
Positioned prominently on Sheikh Zayed Road, the newly named ONPASSIVE Metro Station serves one of the busiest corridors in Dubai, connecting key urban zones such as Al Quoz, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai. This strategic renaming is more than branding—it’s an integration of Dubai’s identity as a tech-forward, investor-friendly metropolis.
The rebranding will affect:
- External and internal signage
- Digital maps and RTA transport apps
- Onboard train announcements
- Smart system integrations
All updates were rolled out between January and March 2023 to ensure seamless commuter experience.
The Evolution of the Station’s Identity: A Timeline of Change
Dubai Metro station names often reflect the city’s economic and technological progress. ONPASSIVE Metro Station has already undergone two previous name changes:
- 2010: Opened as Noor Bank Metro Station
- 2020: Renamed to Al Safa Metro Station
- 2023: Rebranded as ONPASSIVE Metro Station
Each iteration tells a story about Dubai’s evolution—from banking prominence to community branding, and now, to futuristic tech partnerships.
Notable Metro Name Changes in Dubai:
- Nakheel → Al Khail (2020)
- Al Rashidiya → Centrepoint (2021)
- Dubai Marina → Sobha Realty (2021)
These transitions align with corporate sponsorships, urban development, and efforts to enhance navigability for tourists and residents alike.
Who Is ONPASSIVE — And Why Dubai?
ONPASSIVE, headquartered in the UAE, is a next-generation AI company focusing on digital transformation across sectors. Their services include smart applications, cloud-based solutions, and AI-powered platforms designed to optimize public and private sector services.
“Dubai is a magnet for global innovation,” said Ashraf Mufareh, ONPASSIVE’s CEO. “This partnership allows us to integrate smart services into the daily lives of millions of metro riders.”
By securing naming rights to a prominent metro station, ONPASSIVE is positioning itself at the literal intersection of transportation, branding, and tech-enabled urban living.
RTA’s Vision: Smart Infrastructure Meets Global Investment
The RTA continues to be a cornerstone in Dubai’s transformation into a world-class smart city. With over 12 million metro users in the early months of 2023 alone, the city’s transport infrastructure is a prime asset for visibility and technological synergy.
“Dubai Metro stations are more than transit hubs — they’re strategic economic platforms,” said Kalbat. “Partnerships like this help sustain long-term growth while delivering daily value to the community.”
How This Change Impacts Residents and Visitors
- Commuters will see updated maps and hear the new name in announcements across platforms.
- Tourists using apps like Google Maps or RTA’s S’hail will find the new name aligned across all platforms.
- Residents in nearby areas such as Al Quoz, Umm Al Sheif, and Safa Park will continue to rely on this station as a central access point to Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai.
Al Safa Metro Station’s Location Advantage
ONPASSIVE Metro Station is a vital node along Dubai Metro’s Red Line, positioned close to:
- Business Bay
- Dubai Water Canal
- Safa Park
- City Walk and Boxpark
It remains one of the most strategically located stations for both daily commuters and city explorers, linking modern retail hubs and residential neighborhoods with Dubai’s central business district.
Dubai’s Future Metro Naming Strategy: A Blend of Commerce and Community
Metro station naming in Dubai is part of a broader public-private collaboration model that generates revenue, attracts global business interest, and integrates brand presence into everyday mobility. This model is expected to expand, with more companies vying for such partnerships in the coming years.
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FAQs About Al Safa / ONPASSIVE Metro Station
Is Al Safa Metro Station the same as ONPASSIVE Metro Station?
Yes. Al Safa Metro Station was officially renamed to ONPASSIVE Metro Station in early 2023 after ONPASSIVE acquired naming rights for a decade.
Where is ONPASSIVE Metro Station located?
It’s located along Sheikh Zayed Road, serving Al Quoz and surrounding neighborhoods, and is part of the Red Line of the Dubai Metro.
What has changed since the rebranding?
All signage (indoor and outdoor), digital navigation tools, RTA apps, and metro announcements now reflect the new name: ONPASSIVE Metro Station.
Why do metro stations in Dubai change names?
Metro station renaming is part of the RTA’s naming rights initiative. Companies can acquire branding rights, helping fund transport projects while enhancing visibility.
What is ONPASSIVE and why is it significant?
ONPASSIVE is a UAE-based AI company focusing on smart technologies. Their presence at a major metro station reflects Dubai’s ambition to become a hub for AI-driven infrastructure.
Which areas does ONPASSIVE Metro Station serve?
It serves residential and commercial zones including Al Quoz, Safa Park, Business Bay, and areas along Sheikh Zayed Road.
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