Super efficient, on-time and affordable, the Dubai Metro is the lifeline for tens of thousands of locals and tourists alike. Upon landing at Dubai International (DXB) itself, you can take the metro from Terminal 1 or 3 and reach almost any neighbourhood in a matter of minutes. But the best one needs to get better, right? Considering the rising number of tourists, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Emaar Properties are teaming up for the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro expansion.
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro serves as a crucial connection between iconic attractions.
With the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro, reaching these destinations is easier than ever.
This expansion is vital for accommodating more travelers using the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro.
You are looking at one of the busiest Dubai Metro stations, a key hub that catered to the needs of nearly 11 million people in 2025. Isn’t it incredible? Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro serves the Downtown Dubai area, featuring some of the most incredible attractions in the Emirate, such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and Dubai Opera. Some of the most luxurious hotels are also in this area, in addition to more indulgent restaurants. Basically, a key hub for all the shopping enthusiasts, foodies, thrill-seekers, chillaxers and fans of luxury.
The recent Christmas and NYE 2026 rush quite prominently highlighted the importance of Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. In the coming years, this key hub is going to face more passengers. For this reason, the expansion project has been announced and is also expected to finish up soon, considering Dubai’s reputation. Let us take a look at all the incredible things planned for the metro station and all that you can expect in benefits.
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro continues to support the growing number of visitors in the area.
Why Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro is Being Expanded
As we await the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro expansion, anticipation builds among commuters.
Since its opening in early 2010, passenger numbers at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro have been substantially increasing. In the last year itself, the hub noted nearly 11 million passengers. The spike in traffic from 6.13 million in 2013 to the 2025 number definitely makes one thing clear – Downtown Dubai has a strong game up ahead too. The ongoing expansion project is immensely important in order to cater to the needs of the rising tourist numbers in Dubai.
| Year | 2013 | 2016 | 2019 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Passenger Numbers(In millions) | 6.13 | 7.254 | 7.885 | 8.827 | 10.202 | 10.577 | Nearly 11 million |
Upgrades at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro will greatly enhance the passenger experience.
What is the Expected Completion Timeline for Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro
So far, there has been no official announcement on the expected timeline for the expansion project. Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is eyeing at a 65% increase in passenger handling capacity. Concourse and platform areas are going to be expanded, in addition to more escalators and lifts for the passengers. Basically, a lot of meticulous tasks need to be handled for the project. But considering Dubai’s reputation in the construction sector, the expansion is expected to be completed real soon.
What Facilities Can Commuters and Tourists in Dubai Expect
There is a lot happening at one of the busiest Dubai Metro stations. Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station’s total area is to expand from 6,700 square meters to 8,500 square meters. Entrances and pedestrian bridges are up for some serious upgrades for smoother passenger access. The expansion of concourse and platform areas is also planned, in addition to more escalators, lifts and fare gates. Plus, entry gates and exit gates are going to be separated and commercial areas expanded to generate better revenue.
To make things more seamless, different mobility options, such as bicycles and electric scooters, are also going to be kept at the ground level of the entrance of Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. The station design also takes into account the needs of people of determination, senior citizens, residents and tourists, and more people.
How Many Passengers Can Use Burj Khalifa Metro Station After Expansion
By teaming up, Dubai’s RTA and Emaar Properties are expecting a much higher passenger handling capacity at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro. It is a significant 65% boost – from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers per hour. Basically, the station’s daily capacity is going to reach up to 220,000 passengers after the completion of the project. These numbers are not exaggerated and should not be too surprising, considering that the hub has recorded a 7.5% rise in passenger numbers over the past five years.
What the Expansion Means for Tourists Visiting Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
With the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro’s expansion, expect a significant shift in commuter convenience.
You can expect all the good things. The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro expansion is going to make things more seamless for tourists coming to explore the Downtown area of Dubai. The station can soon handle a staggering 220,000 passengers per day. This means smoother travel experiences, faster access to attractions, more comfort during peak seasons, more reliable travel planning and a more tourist-friendly journey.
Tourist numbers in Dubai are going to surge even higher in the near future. The expansion is going to help ease congestion during peak hours and major celebrations, such as UAE National Day, Dubai Shopping Festival, Christmas, NYE and Eid al Fitr. Because of larger concourses and broader platforms, you can shift from the station to Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai much quicker. Plus, the upgraded facilities at the hub make the overall experience more comfortable.
What could be the Daily Impact on Daily Commuters During Construction
Not much, to be honest. The expansion and the regular operations at the station are going to happen simultaneously. But some minor access changes can be expected, such as temporary entry and exit gates, platform adjustments and pedestrian diversions. Metro services are expected to continue normally but boarding and exiting trains could take a little bit longer during rush hours of the day. Overall, you can expect a short-term inconvenience for long-term benefits. Please take a look at the table for all the perks of the expansion project.
| Total area to rise from 6,700 sq m to 8,500 sq m |
| Concourse and platform areas expanded |
| More escalators and lifts |
| Separate entry gates and exit gates |
| More fare gates |
| Greater passenger handling capacity – 7,250 to 12,320 per hour |
| Improved daily capacity of 220,000 passengers |
| Multiple mobility options at ground level |
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall is one of the busiest Dubai Metro stations, catering to the needs of millions of passengers each year. It makes all sense to expand the station’s passenger handling capacity, considering that inbound tourism in Dubai is only going to rise in the near future as people come to explore the Emirate’s endless sun, history, culture, luxury and nightlife. Because of improved air connectivity, Dubai has also become more accessible for international tourists.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for more updates about Dubai’s public transportation. Just recently, RTA also launched four more bus routes in Dubai and expanded dozens of existing ones to enable better options during peak periods. In addition to that, RTA and Yango Group are partnering to make the Dubai school commute quicker, cheaper and safer using luxury SUVs. Basically, there is a lot happening in Dubai to enhance the quality of life scenario.
So, when are you planning your trip to Dubai?
1 AED