Dubai Metro’s Busiest Station Set to Undergo Major Expansion
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is set for a major expansion as passenger numbers continue to surge.
If you’ve ever been stuck shuffling through the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station during a big event, here’s some good news. Dubai’s busiest Metro station is getting a serious upgrade — and it’s all about easing the crowd crush.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed plans to expand the station, boosting its capacity by 65 per cent to handle the city’s growing passenger demand.
Bigger capacity, smoother rides
Once the expansion is done, the station’s hourly capacity will jump from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers. Daily capacity will climb to up to 220,000 commuters, making peak days far more manageable.
This upgrade is especially aimed at high-pressure moments like New Year’s Eve, public holidays, and major events, when Downtown Dubai sees massive foot traffic.
Why now? Blame the crowds
Although the expansion was first announced last June, the project is now moving forward after RTA signed an agreement with Emaar Properties. Authorities say rising passenger numbers — especially during national and religious holidays — made the expansion unavoidable.
Just to put things into perspective: during New Year’s Eve 2026, Dubai Metro carried over 1.24 million passengers across the Red and Green Lines, with Downtown stations taking the biggest hit.
What’s changing at the station
The station’s total area will expand from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres, with several upgrades designed to keep people moving, not waiting.
Expect:
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Wider entrances and pedestrian bridges
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Bigger concourse and platform areas
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New escalators and lifts
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Separate entry and exit gates
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More fare gates
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Larger retail spaces
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Better connections with other public transport options
In short: less bottleneck, more breathing room.
A key hub in Dubai’s transit network
RTA says the station’s location — right next to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Downtown Dubai — makes it one of the most critical stops on the Metro network.
Passenger numbers back that up. Ridership grew from 6.13 million in 2013 to over 10.57 million in 2024, with a 7.5 per cent increase recorded in just the past five years.
What this means for commuters
This expansion is a long-term move to keep up with Dubai’s fast-growing population and booming tourism scene. For daily commuters and event-goers alike, it promises smoother movement, shorter queues, and far less stress during the city’s busiest moments.