Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Oct 24: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened retail and commercial leasing opportunities for businesses across Dubai’s metro and tram stations, aiming to boost economic activity and enhance commuter convenience. The initiative builds on previous successful collaborations with private firms and strengthens public-private partnerships.

Businesses can apply online through the RTA portal, where listings provide details on rent, area, electricity provisions, and restrictions on business types. The website also offers 360-degree virtual tours of available units. Interested parties can submit proposals after registering with an RTA account.

The new opportunities are available along the Route 2020 extension, serving areas such as Jebel Ali, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park, and the Expo 2020 site. The RTA has allocated 40 retail outlets spanning 15,860 square feet and five sales kiosks across these stations. The corridor is designed to serve over 270,000 residents, with an initial daily ridership of 125,000 passengers, projected to rise to 275,000 by 2030. The Expo Station is expected to handle 35,000 weekday visitors and 47,000 on weekends, while the Jumeirah Golf Estates Station, at 27,000 square metres, can accommodate up to 250,000 riders per day.

RTA officials said that retail outlets along metro lines not only improve commuter experience but also stimulate local business. Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of RTA Rail Agency, stated, “Offering retail outlets in Route 2020 aligns with RTA’s goal to stimulate domestic trade and create new growth prospects. The success of retail outlets on the Red and Green Lines demonstrates the potential of this model.”

Since the launch of metro operations in 2009, retail establishments within stations have become high-traffic business nodes, and the expansion into Route 2020 aims to sustain this successful model while attracting further private investment.