RTA upgrades 900 lighting units to LED technology along 9 km of Sheikh Rashid Street

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully upgraded 900 lighting units along 9 km of Sheikh Rashid Street to energy-efficient LED lights. This project benefits drivers traveling in both directions across 10 lanes, improving the sustainability of road lighting in Dubai.

The upgrade is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to maintain the street-lighting infrastructure, aligned with Dubai’s strategic goals to reduce energy consumption and support the green economy. It also contributes to the UAE’s Sustainability Initiative 2024.

Completed in three phases over six months, the first phase focused on the stretch from Deira to Al Garhoud Bridge. The second phase addressed the area between Deira and Bur Dubai, while the final phase covered the section from Bur Dubai to the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa Street with Sheikh Rashid Street.

Also read: RTA finishes over 1 km road widening works on two sites in Al Jaddaf, Business Bay

Abdullah Lootah, Director of Road and Facilities Maintenance at RTA, said, “The project involved re-engineering the street-lighting to incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient LED lighting according to the best practices for maintaining our assets and commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection in Dubai and the UAE.”

Lootah expanded on the benefits of LED lighting, stating, “LED technology is significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional options, offering a variety of advantages. It consumes 60 percent less energy and has a lifespan of up to 173 percent longer—60,000 hours compared to 22,000 hours for conventional lights. These improvements not only decrease the frequency of lamp replacements but also cut down on maintenance and operational costs. Additionally, LED lights reduce energy losses and heat emissions by 38 percent, enhancing the overall efficiency of Dubai’s street lighting system.”

“The new LED units offer significantly better brightness and colour clarity, enhancing nighttime visibility and traffic safety on Dubai’s roads. The LED lights provide 4000 degrees of brightness compared to 2000 degrees from conventional lights, thus doubling the quality of lighting. The new units are free from materials harmful to the environment, which supports RTA and Dubai’s commitment to achieving environmental sustainability,” he added.

RTA remains committed to enhancing the road network and facilities to upgrade the street-lights system by integrating smart and innovative technical solutions designed for the UAE’s climate, further advancing sustainability goals.