Dubai’s RTA to expand Burj Khalifa – Dubai Mall Metro Station, boost capacity by 65%

Dubai: The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is set for a major expansion to accommodate growing passenger demand, especially during peak times such as New Year’s Eve, public holidays and national events.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Emaar Properties, announced that the station’s area will be expanded from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres.

This upgrade will boost hourly capacity from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers – a 65 per cent increase. Once complete, the station will be able to serve up to 220,000 passengers per day.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s RTA, said the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is a vital hub in the metro network due to its strategic location near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai.

“It serves as a convenient and efficient gateway for residents and visitors, particularly during large-scale events and holidays, particularly New Year’s Eve, Eids, national events and public holidays.”

Al Tayer highlighted that the expansion responds to increasing demand for metro services, with projections extending to 2040.

“Passenger numbers during New Year’s Eve exceed 110,000, and the station has recorded an average annual ridership growth of 7.5 per cent over the past five years.”

Al Tayer pointed out that since its opening in early 2010, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station has recorded “consistent growth” in usage.
“Passenger numbers rose from 6.13 million in 2013 to 7.254 million in 2016, reaching 7.885 million in 2019, averaging 43,000 boarding and alighting daily. In 2022, the figure climbed to 8.827 million, surpassed 10.202 million in 2023 (56,000 daily average), and exceeded 10.577 million in 2024, with nearly 58,000 daily boarding and alighting.”

Al Tayer noted that in addition to the planned expansion of the station’s area, the project included provisions for enhancing entrances and pedestrian bridges to facilitate access, expanding concourse and platform areas, installing additional escalators and elevators, and separating entry and exit gates to optimise passenger movement. It also included increasing the number of fare gates and expanding commercial spaces to boost revenue. Additional elements included integration with public transport and other mobility modes, along with landscaping enhancements.

The station’s architectural design follows the concept used for elevated stations on the Red and Green Lines, inspired by the shape of a seashell. The interior prioritises safety, security, and passenger flow efficiency.

The design aims to reduce walking distances and maintain visual connectivity, with direct pedestrian access to surrounding areas. It is fully inclusive, catering to people of determination, senior citizens, parents with strollers, cyclists and e-scooter users. The station is designed to integrate smoothly with the urban environment while offering convenience for all users.

Since its opening in early 2010, the station has witnessed consistent growth in usage:

2013: 6.13 million

2016: 7.254 million

2019: 7.885 million (daily average: 43,000)

2022: 8.827 million

2023: 10.202 million (daily average: 56,000)

2024: 10.577 million (daily average: nearly 58,000)

In addition to expanding the total station area, the project includes:

Enlarged concourse and platform spaces,

New and upgraded pedestrian bridges and entrances,

Additional escalators and elevators,

Separate entry and exit gates for smoother flow,

More fare gates and expanded commercial areas to increase revenue,

Seamless integration with public transport and other mobility modes,

Landscaping and aesthetic enhancements.