DUBAI: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced drone technology in a trial aimed at transforming how metro and tram station facades are cleaned—cutting the required workforce nearly in half. Partnering with Keolis MHI, the operator of Dubai Metro and Tram, the initiative is part of RTA’s strategy to optimise operations and promote safer, more sustainable practices.
Under traditional cleaning methods, maintaining station facades required up to 15 workers per site. With the drone pilot, this number is reduced to just 8, marking a workforce reduction of nearly 50%. The shift not only lowers manpower demands but also minimises exposure to high-risk tasks such as working at heights or navigating challenging access points.
Mohammed Al Ameeri, Director of Maintenance at RTA’s Rail Agency, noted, “This pilot reflects our focus on innovative methods that reduce workforce exposure to danger and use resources more efficiently. Drones help meet our sustainability goals while improving operational safety.”
Additionally, the drone system uses less water per cleaning session, contributing further to environmental conservation efforts. “This technology supports our goal of greener infrastructure maintenance,” Al Ameeri added.
Although traditional methods remain effective in certain areas, the drone-based approach offers a valuable alternative. The RTA and Keolis MHI are now studying the feasibility of a hybrid model that integrates both manual and automated cleaning methods. This approach aims to balance sustainability, safety, and performance in future maintenance strategies.
This trial is the latest step in RTA’s ongoing efforts to embed smart solutions into Dubai’s transport infrastructure while reducing operational costs and enhancing worker safety.
