RTA Announces Major Expansion of Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans to significantly upgrade the Burj Khalifa–Dubai Mall Metro Station, a key stop on the Red Line, in a move set to transform passenger flow and better link the station to the city’s most iconic retail and tourism destination.

Expansion Details

The RTA has launched a design-and-build contract to revamp the current station entrance, replacing the existing pod-style entry with a larger, three-storey structure. The redevelopment will feature:

A new three-level entrance building
Direct access from the concourse to both the Dubai Mall walkway and the Rashidiya-bound platform
Three hydraulic lifts and four escalators for improved vertical mobility
Two additional lifts and escalators on the UAE Exchange-bound platform side
An expanded concourse area with ten new retail units

These enhancements are aimed at increasing the station’s daily passenger handling capacity, which has previously peaked at around 180,000.

Strategic Importance

First conceptualized in 2016 and tendered in 2018, the expansion project is being revived after a brief pause, with the RTA having moved forward on similar station upgrades at Damac, UAE Exchange, and Dubai Internet City. The current tender was released on 6 January 2025, with a short deadline for submissions by 10 January 2025. The new facility is scheduled for completion and public use in 2026.

The Burj Khalifa–Dubai Mall station is one of the busiest stops in the city, particularly during major public events. On New Year’s Eve, for example, over 1 million passengers use the Red and Green Lines, with thousands more riding the Dubai Tram. The planned expansion is expected to greatly reduce congestion and improve overall safety during such high-demand periods.

According to RTA documentation, the project’s scope includes full demolition of the current entrance and construction of a new, more accessible structure. In addition to better mobility features, the station will also house retail units, offering enhanced convenience and commercial opportunities.

These upgrades aim to ensure smoother movement between the station, the surrounding downtown area, and the link bridge that connects to Dubai Mall.

Urban and Real Estate Implications

Located adjacent to Dubai Mall, visited by more than 105 million people in 2023—the station plays a critical role in supporting both tourism and local commerce. The upgraded facility is expected to offer major benefits not only to daily commuters and visitors but also to real estate developers and commercial tenants in Downtown Dubai. Enhanced transit infrastructure is a well-known driver of property value, footfall, and leasing demand.

With construction slated for completion by 2026, the expanded station promises to be a cornerstone of Dubai’s growing multimodal transport network, offering long-term dividends for mobility, retail, and real estate.