New Expansion Project to Transform Dubai’s Busiest Metro Station

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans to expand the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station, boosting its capacity by 65% to accommodate up to 220,000 passengers per day. The expansion project comes in collaboration with Emaar Properties in response to rising commuter demand and the city’s long-term mobility goals.

Once complete, the station’s total area will increase from 6,700 square metres to 8,500 square metres, and hourly passenger capacity will rise from 7,250 to 12,320.

“This expansion project responds to sustained and rising demand for metro services, with projections extending to 2040,” said Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA. “Passenger numbers during New Year’s Eve exceed 110,000, and the station has recorded an average annual ridership growth of 7.5% over the past five years.”

Key Features of the Expansion

The development will include:

• Enhanced station entrances and pedestrian bridges

• Enlarged concourse and platform areas

• Additional escalators and elevators

• Separation of entry and exit gates to improve passenger flow

• Increased fare gates and expanded commercial spaces

• Better integration with public transport and mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles

• Landscaping upgrades for improved urban integration

Ridership Growth and Urban Integration

Since opening in 2010, the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station has seen significant growth in ridership. Passenger numbers increased from 6.13 million in 2013 to 10.57 million in 2024, translating to an average of 58,000 daily commuters.

In 2012, an 820-metre temperature-controlled pedestrian walkway with 10 travellators was introduced, directly connecting the station to Dubai Mall. Prior to that, access was limited to feeder buses.

The architectural design of the station follows the seashell-inspired concept of Dubai Metro’s elevated stations, emphasizing clarity, accessibility, and sustainability. Ground-level entrances are integrated with various transport modes and are fully inclusive, catering to people of determination, seniors, and families with strollers.

With this strategic expansion, the RTA continues to strengthen Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility and a seamless public transportation network as the emirate prepares for future population growth and major global events.