Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Emaar Properties, has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan for the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station. This development aims to significantly increase passenger capacity and streamline mobility in one of the city’s most visited districts.
Major Capacity Boost to Support Future Demand
As part of the initiative, the station’s total area will grow from 6,700 square metres to 8,500 square metres. The expansion will raise the station’s hourly capacity from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers—an increase of 65 percent. Once completed, the revamped facility will handle up to 220,000 passengers per day.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, emphasised the station’s importance. “The Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station plays a vital role in the Dubai Metro network due to its location near iconic destinations like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It offers a reliable transit solution for residents and tourists, especially during high-demand periods such as New Year’s Eve and national celebrations,” he said.
Rapid Growth in Passenger Numbers Since Launch
Since its inauguration in 2010, the station has experienced steady growth in ridership. Passenger numbers increased from 6.13 million in 2013 to 7.254 million in 2016 and reached 7.885 million in 2019. Daily ridership averaged 43,000 at that time. By 2022, this figure rose to 8.827 million, and in 2023, the station recorded 10.202 million passengers—an average of 56,000 daily. The upward trend continued in 2024, surpassing 10.577 million passengers with nearly 58,000 daily boardings and exits.
Al Tayer noted, “The station sees peak demand during New Year’s Eve, with passenger numbers exceeding 110,000. This expansion aligns with long-term ridership projections that extend to 2040.”
Enhanced Design, Access, and Integration with Urban Mobility
The station upgrade includes a series of enhancements to improve passenger flow and experience:
- New entrances and pedestrian bridges for easier access
- Enlarged concourse and platform areas
- Additional escalators and elevators
- Separate entry and exit gates for optimised movement
- Increased fare gates to reduce congestion
- Expanded commercial spaces to support revenue generation
The redesign integrates seamlessly with existing public transport and supports other mobility modes like bicycles and e-scooters. Ground-level entrances will link directly with surrounding infrastructure and urban spaces, offering smooth pedestrian access.
Architecturally, the station follows the seashell-inspired design seen across the elevated stations on the Red and Green Lines. The interior focuses on clarity, simplicity, and reduced walking distances while ensuring visibility and flow. The design is inclusive, accommodating People of Determination, senior citizens, and parents with strollers.
With this expansion, RTA reaffirms its commitment to future-ready urban mobility and enhancing the passenger experience across Dubai’s growing metro network.
