Retail Opportunities at Dubai Metro and Tram Stations

An Exciting New Initiative

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a compelling initiative that enables local and international businesses to set up retail operations within the dynamic metro and tram stations. This new venture is designed to enhance economic activity and make essential services more accessible for daily commuters. By fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, RTA aims to create a vibrant retail environment within these transportation hubs.

Understanding the RTA Leasing Process

For businesses keen on establishing a presence in Dubai’s transit system, the application process is straightforward and can be completed online.

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the RTA Portal: Interested parties should start by heading to the RTA’s official website at rta.ae. From there, they should navigate to the Business and Corporate section.

2. Find Investment Opportunities: Under the “Invest with RTA” tab, potential applicants can access a dedicated page listing available retail spaces in metro and tram stations.

3. Explore Listings: Each listing provides crucial details, such as rental costs, area size, electricity provisions, and any applicable restrictions on business types. Notably, the website offers an interactive 360-degree view of the spaces, allowing applicants to virtually explore the units.

4. Submission of Proposals: After finding a suitable location, businesses can register their interest by logging in with an RTA account and submitting their proposals. For any additional questions, applicants can refer to the contact information available on the website.

Locations with Retail Potential

Among the latest opportunities are retail spaces at various metro stations along the Route 2020 extension. This stretch serves rapidly developing communities, including Jebel Ali, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park, and the Expo 2020 venue. Currently, RTA has made available 40 retail outlets covering over 15,860 square feet, alongside five sales kiosks for commercial use.

The Route 2020 corridor, extending 15 kilometers, is designed to accommodate over 270,000 residents and has a capacity to handle approximately 46,000 passengers in each direction per hour. RTA estimates that daily ridership will initially reach around 125,000 passengers, growing to 275,000 by 2030. Notably, the Expo Station is projected to manage approximately 35,000 visitors on weekdays and 47,000 on weekends, representing nearly 30% of the total daily attendance at Expo events.

Another major location is the Jumeirah Golf Estates Station, the largest on the line, which can facilitate up to 250,000 riders per day, serving nearby communities, including Dubai Production City and Dubai Sports City.

Enhancing the Commuter Experience

The RTA’s approach to introducing retail spaces along metro lines is not merely about increasing business opportunities; it aims to enrich the overall commuting experience. Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, emphasized that providing retail outlets in Route 2020 aligns with the authority’s mission to invigorate local trade and open new avenues for growth.

Since the launch of the Dubai Metro in 2009, the integration of retail establishments within stations has proven successful. Retail spaces in the original Red and Green Lines have consistently attracted traffic, demonstrating robust demand. The expansion into Route 2020 is strategically crafted to build on this success and encourage further investment from private stakeholders.

By merging public transport with retail, the RTA is not only enhancing commuter convenience but also generating new business venues that can thrive within a high-traffic environment.

As more businesses take advantage of this opportunity, the bustling atmosphere of Dubai’s public transport system is set to become even more vibrant, catering to the growing needs of its diverse commuting population.