Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a major expansion plan for the Burj Khalifa–Dubai Mall Metro Station. This move aims to boost the station’s capacity by over 5,000 passengers per hour to accommodate growing demand.
Emaar and RTA Partner to Meet Surging Demand
The RTA is partnering with Emaar Properties to upgrade the station, which links millions of commuters to Dubai Mall and the iconic Burj Khalifa. Passenger numbers at the station jumped from 6 million in 2013 to more than 10.5 million in 2023.
Station Area and Capacity Set to Increase
The expansion will increase the station’s area from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres. Once completed, the upgraded station will handle up to 12,318 passengers per hour—up from the current 7,244.
Key Features of the Upgrade
The project will introduce:
-
Larger concourse and platform areas
-
More escalators and elevators
-
Improved pedestrian bridges and entrances
-
Separate entry and exit gates for smoother flow
-
Increased number of fare gates
-
Added commercial spaces to generate extra revenue
The RTA has not yet announced the start or completion dates for the construction.
Expansion Aligns with Dubai’s Metro Growth Plans
This station upgrade is part of a broader plan to expand the Dubai Metro. Earlier this month, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed progress on the Dh18 billion Blue Line project.
Blue Line to Add 30km and 14 New Stations
Set to open in 2029, the Blue Line will stretch 30km—15.5km of it underground—and connect five key urban hubs:
-
Bur Dubai/Deira
-
Downtown/Business Bay
-
Dubai Silicon Oasis
-
Dubai Marina/JBR
-
Expo City Dubai
This new line will also provide a direct link to Dubai International Airport.
Dubai Metro’s Future by the Numbers
Upon completion, the Metro network will cover 131km with 78 stations and 168 trains. Authorities expect the Metro to serve over 300 million riders by 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031.
Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
The Burj Khalifa–Dubai Mall station upgrade supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritizes improved mobility and sustainable urban development. With Dubai’s population nearing 4 million and growing fast, these transport upgrades aim to keep the city moving efficiently.
