Dubai Upgrades Burj Khalifa Metro Station to Handle Soaring Ridership
January 15, 2026
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Emaar Properties, has launched a major upgrade of the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. This station is one of the busiest in Dubai's metro network. The upgrade comes after years of rising passenger numbers, especially during New Year’s Eve, holidays, and national events, when the station gets very crowded. The expansion is planned to support city growth and increasing tourism through 2040.
The project aims to remove bottlenecks during peak times. Key improvements include expanding concourse and platform areas, adding new escalators and elevators, and separating entry and exit gates to improve flow. The number of fare gates will increase, pedestrian bridges and entrances will be enhanced, and commercial areas will be expanded for better commuter comfort. The station will also improve connections with other public transport options.
This station is a gateway to landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. According to RTA data, ridership has grown from 6.13 million in 2013 to over 10.57 million passengers in 2024. Daily passenger numbers now exceed 56,000, with about 7.5% annual growth in recent years. This growth shows Dubai’s rising popularity and population increase, putting pressure on transport infrastructure.
RTA Director General His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said, "The project reflects the vision to build infrastructure that keeps pace with urban growth, supports major events, and enhances overall mobility." For commuters, the upgrade means shorter wait times and less crowding. Tourists will enjoy a more welcoming and efficient arrival at the Burj Khalifa. The upgrade cements Downtown Dubai as a world-class, well-connected district in both architecture and transport.
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Tags:
Dubai Metro
Burj Khalifa
Rta
Emaar Properties
Station Upgrade
Public transport
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