Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finally announced the major expansion project for the Burj Khalifa – Dubai Mall Metro station. It is a critical transit hub on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. Moreover, the Burj Khalifa – Dubai Mall metro station expansion focuses on serving the increasing number of commuters visiting one of the world’s busiest tourist and commercial destinations.
The RTA has launched the expansion project to meet the growing demand due to the continuous development in Downtown Dubai. Moreover, the move is part of the authority’s strategic plan to enhance its public transport infrastructure, as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and other surrounding areas attract millions of visitors annually.
Project Overview: Enhancing Accessibility and Commuter Flow
It is designed to expand and upgrade the existing Burj Khalifa – Dubai Mall metro station to make it more convenient and commuter-friendly. After completion, it will provide you with more seamless access to iconic landmarks, like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain.
The RTA made the announcement in cooperation with Emaar Properties on 22 June, 2025, Sunday. It mentioned that the station size is going to increase from 6700 sq. meters to 8500 sq. meters. Moreover, it will improve its hourly capacity from 7250 passengers to 12320 passengers. It will increase the capacity by up to 65 percent. After the completion of the project, the station will be able to accommodate up to 220,000 passengers daily.
Read More: Distracted driving in the UAE
This expansion is expected to include a new concourse building that is linked to the existing station. Furthermore, we can expect that it would include extra ticketing facilities, fare gates, elevators, escalators, etc, to streamline the passenger movement throughout the station. Furthermore, a wider platform and walkways might also include to reduce crowding during peak hours, events, or holidays.
Why Expand Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station?
Millions of residents, tourists, and shoppers use the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station yearly, making it one of Dubai’s busiest. In addition, you can get easy access to Dubai’s iconic landmarks, like Burj Khalifa (the World’s tallest building) and the Dubai Mall (the Middle East’s largest shopping destination).
Mattar Al Tayyar, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RTA, said that the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station expansion responds to the sustained and rising needs of metro services at the key hub.
He further stated that “ the number of passengers during the New Year’s Eve exceeds 110,000, and the station has recorded annual ridership growth of 7.5 percent over the previous 5 years.”
Al Tayyar also added that “ Since the opening of this station in 2010, it has witnessed constant growth in usage. The number of passengers climbed up to 7254 million in 2016 from 6.13 million in 2013. It reached 7885 million in 2019, averaging 43,000 boardings and alightings daily.”
The growing demands do not end here. He further shared that “the figure crossed 8827 million in 2022 and surpassed 10202 million in the next year. Moreover, it has exceeded 10,577 million in the last year with around 58000 boarding and alighting daily.
The statistics shared by Mattar Al Tayyar have demonstrated the urgency and necessity of the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station expansion. Furthermore, the footfall is expected to grow further during global events, holidays, and shopping festivals. However, the station upgrades will ensure smooth operation, reduced congestion, and a more enjoyable commuting experience for all passengers.
RTA’s Vision for Future-Ready Transport
The Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station expansion is among many strategic initiatives taken by the RTA to support Dubai’s transport infrastructure. Moreover, it’s official to show their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellent service delivery. This project aligns with Dubai’s mission to become one of the smartest and most connected cities in the world.
