Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with Emaar Properties to expand the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station in response to the growing passenger demand, especially during peak periods such as New Year's Eve, religious and national holidays, and other major occasions. The project aims to enhance the station's infrastructure and increase its capacity to accommodate more passengers.
According to Emirates News Agency, the expansion will increase the station's total area from 6,700 square meters to 8,500 square meters. The project includes improving station entrances, pedestrian bridges, concourse and platform areas, and the addition of new escalators and lifts. It will also involve separating entry gates from exit gates, increasing the number of fare gates, and expanding commercial areas to boost revenue.
The project will integrate with public transport services and other mobility modes, along with landscaping works. The station's capacity will rise from handling 7,250 passengers per hour to 12,320 passengers per hour, a 65 percent increase. Upon completion, the station's daily capacity will reach up to 220,000 passengers.
The agreement was signed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar and Noon, and Chairman of Eagle Hills, at the Dubai World Project Management Forum. The signing ceremony was attended by officials from both organizations.
Mattar Al Tayer stated that the agreement aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to enhance public-private sector partnerships. He emphasized the station's strategic importance due to its location near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Downtown Dubai, making it a vital transportation hub during significant events.
Al Tayer highlighted that the station has seen a 7.5 percent growth in passenger numbers over the past five years. Mohamed Alabbar noted that the partnership with RTA reflects a model of successful public-private sector integration, supporting sustainable urban growth and accommodating the increasing number of visitors and tourists.
Since its opening in 2010, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station has experienced continuous growth in ridership. Passenger numbers rose from 6.13 million in 2013 to over 10.577 million in 2024, with the station now handling an average of 56,000 passengers daily.