Dubai announces expansion of Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (VIDEO)
Passenger capacity to exceed 12,000 per hour by project completion
DUBAI’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Emaar Properties, has launched a major expansion of the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.
The upgrade aims to meet the surging demand for metro services during peak periods, including New Year’s Eve, Eid, and national holidays.
The project increases the station’s total area from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres and raises its hourly capacity from 7,250 to an impressive 12,320 passengers – a 65% jump. Once completed, the station will be able to handle up to 220,000 commuters daily.
Rising ridership
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, described the station as a critical node in the city’s transit network due to its proximity to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Downtown Dubai.
Al Tayer stated that the expansion is in response to growing passenger numbers, which are expected to continue climbing through 2040. During New Year’s Eve alone, over 110,000 passengers pass through the station. The average annual growth in ridership has been 7.5% over the past five years.
Since opening in 2010, the station has seen a consistent increase in users. In 2013, it recorded 6.13 million passengers, which rose to 7.254 million in 2016 and 7.885 million in 2019. By 2022, the figure had jumped to 8.827 million, and in 2023 it exceeded 10.2 million. So far in 2024, the number has reached 10.577 million, with a daily average of nearly 58,000 passengers.
Enhanced design
The upgrade includes enlarging the concourse and platform areas, adding more escalators and lifts, and separating entry and exit gates to streamline movement. Enhancements will also be made to pedestrian bridges and entrances, alongside increased fare gates and expanded commercial spaces.
The architectural design follows the seashell-inspired look of elevated Red and Green Line stations. The interior layout has been crafted to reduce walking distances and ensure clear navigation. Integration with public transport, bicycles, and e-scooters is also a key feature.
The station remains fully accessible for People of Determination, senior citizens, and parents with strollers, offering smooth pedestrian connectivity and seamless urban integration.