In a move aimed at simplifying navigation and enhancing commuter convenience, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially renamed GGICO Metro Station to Al Garhoud Metro Station. The change came into effect on Monday, April 14, 2025, and marks another step in the city’s ongoing efforts to optimize its world-class transportation system.
Why the Name Change?
For many daily metro riders, the former name “GGICO” (which stands for Gulf General Investment Company) may have felt obscure or disconnected from the station’s actual location. Positioned in the heart of Al Garhoud, a well-known district in Dubai, the station’s old name often led to confusion for both residents and tourists alike.
With the new name, “Al Garhoud Metro Station,” the RTA aims to bridge that gap. The change aligns with the authority’s wider initiative to enhance clarity and efficiency across public transport systems by ensuring station names reflect the areas they serve.
In an official statement shared via social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, the RTA confirmed:
“In line with our efforts to improve transportation services and update our information for a seamless experience for everyone, GGICO Metro Station has changed to Al Garhoud Station as of April 14, 2025. New name, same destination, maximum efficiency.”
Al Garhoud: A Well-Connected Hub
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Al Garhoud is one of Dubai’s most prominent residential and commercial districts. Located near the Dubai International Airport and offering easy access to key roads like Sheikh Rashid Road and Airport Road, the area is a strategic point for both local and international commuters.
The rebranding of the metro station to match the district it serves is expected to reduce confusion, especially for tourists and new residents navigating the city’s extensive Red Line, which connects major landmarks and business hubs.
Part of a Larger Trend in Station Renaming
This isn’t the first time RTA has made such a change. Just a month earlier, Al Khail Metro Station was renamed Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station following a naming rights agreement with the UAE-based financial service provider, Al Fardan Exchange.
These strategic renamings reflect a dual purpose: aligning station names with their geographic or commercial relevance and leveraging public-private partnerships to support the development and modernization of transport infrastructure.
By replacing more ambiguous names like “GGICO” with intuitive, location-based names such as “Al Garhoud,” the RTA hopes to create a more user-friendly metro experience.
Enhancing the Commuter Experience
Name changes may seem like a small detail, but they play a significant role in user navigation and the overall efficiency of public transportation. When metro station names clearly identify the areas they serve, they become intuitive markers that improve wayfinding for all users.
For instance, tourists visiting Dubai often rely on metro signage and maps when exploring the city. A station named after a specific, well-known neighborhood like Al Garhoud offers immediate geographical context—something the abbreviation “GGICO” failed to do.
Moreover, consistency between station names and surrounding landmarks simplifies journey planning, reduces stress for first-time riders, and aligns with global best practices in transit systems.
