Images: Dubai Media Office/ RTA
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, in partnership with Emaar Properties, has revealed plans to expand the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station to better manage increasing passenger volumes, particularly during peak periods like public holidays and major events, including New Year’s Eve.
This expansion will extend the station’s size from 6,700 to 8,500 square meters, enhancing its capacity to handle 65 percent more passengers per hour—rising from 7,250 to 12,320 individuals.
Upon completion, the newly improved station is expected to accommodate as many as 220,000 passengers each day, according to an RTA announcement.
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station — An Essential Transit Point
Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted the station’s significance as a pivotal point in the Dubai Metro system, owing to its prime location adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Downtown Dubai. “This station serves as a convenient and effective entry point for both residents and visitors, especially during major events,” he stated.
Al Tayer noted that this expansion is a necessary move in light of the continuous increase in passengers, with long-term forecasts indicating ongoing demand until 2040.
On New Year’s Eve alone, passenger counts exceed 110,000, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5 percent in ridership over the previous five years.
Key Features and Expectations of the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station
Since its inauguration in 2010, the station has consistently experienced rising utilization. Passenger numbers surged from 6.13 million in 2013 to 7.254 million in 2016, and reached 7.885 million by 2019.
By 2022, figures increased to 8.827 million, surpassing 10.202 million in 2023, and 10.577 million projected for 2024, translating to an average of nearly 58,000 daily riders.
The expansion project encompasses enhancements to station entrances, pedestrian walkways, concourse areas, and platforms, alongside the installation of additional escalators and elevators.
To optimize passenger flow, entry and exit gates will be segregated, and the number of fare gates and commercial spaces will also increase to accommodate a higher volume of user traffic and generate revenue.
The design of the expanded station will continue to reflect the architectural style of Dubai’s elevated Metro stations, drawing inspiration from the shape of a seashell.
The interior layout emphasizes clarity, safety, and ease of movement, ensuring visual links and minimizing walking distances.
Entrances will connect seamlessly with other modes of public transport and alternative transportation options like bicycles and e-scooters, while also prioritizing accessibility for individuals with disabilities, elderly patrons, and families with strollers.