By Shafaat Ahmed www.khaleejtimes.com
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the Al Quoz metro station, which is set to open on May 15, will be called Noor Islamic Bank Station.
The announcement that Noor Islamic Bank has won the right to name the station after it for 10 years was made in the presence of the bank’s representatives at the RTA headquarters in Dubai.
“The naming rights initiative of the Dubai Metro stations is unique and unprecedented at both local and global levels. It offers an ideal opportunity to cement the relationships between the RTA and the local and international companies. It’s a new and innovative platform for marketing and building brands,” said Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim Younes, CEO of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector.
He said the naming initiative has so far generated Dh2 billion in revenue for the RTA. On average, each station has brought in Dh90-100 million.
Abdul Mohsin also said the authority is in discussion with more companies about the naming rights of seven stations on Red Line and more on the Green Line.
Hussain Al Qamzi, executive president of Noor Islamic Bank Group, expressed satisfaction at winning the naming right of a station on Shaikh Zayed Road as it is the city’s prime location and coveted by most companies.
“We see great value in associating ourselves with Dubai Metro. Besides visibility and marketing, the sheer experience of partnering with such a success story is a bonus in itself,” said Al Qamzi.
As many as 21 stations on both Red and Green Lines have already been named after local and international corporate giants, including Etisalat, Emirates Airlines, GiGCO, Nakheel, Sharaf DG, First Gulf Bank etc. Noor Islamic Bank is the latest to join the pantheon.
The Al Quoz station would be the first station to open on the stretch between Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, benefitting a huge number of white- as well as blue-collar workers. The other two to open on May 15 are GIGCO Station near Garhoud and Dubai World Trade Centre Station.
