Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — January 2026 — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has entered into an agreement with Emaar Properties to significantly expand the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the project is a direct response to sustained ridership growth and aims to accommodate large crowds during major events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations, national holidays, and other peak occasions.
The expansion will increase the station’s total area from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres. Key enhancements will include improved entrances and pedestrian bridges, expanded concourse and platform areas, and the addition of new escalators and lifts.
The design will also separate entry and exit gates, increase the number of fare gates, and expand commercial retail spaces to boost non-fare revenue. Further work will focus on better integration with other public transport services and landscaping.
Upon completion, the station’s passenger handling capacity will surge by 65 percent, from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers per hour. Its total daily capacity is projected to reach up to 220,000 passengers.
The agreement was signed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, on the sidelines of the Dubai World Project Management Forum.
Al Tayer stated the project embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen public-private partnerships.
He emphasized the station’s critical role due to its strategic location serving Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, noting it has seen a 7.5 percent growth in passenger numbers over the past five years.
Mohamed Alabbar highlighted that the partnership reflects a successful model of sector integration to support sustainable urban growth and ensure Dubai’s infrastructure keeps pace with increasing visitor numbers. He affirmed Emaar’s commitment to working with partners to enhance accessibility and quality of life in Downtown Dubai.
Ridership at the station has shown consistent growth since its 2010 opening, with annual passengers rising from 6.13 million in 2013 to exceed 10.2 million in 2023. The station served over 10.5 million passengers in 2024, with numbers continuing to climb toward 11 million.
