Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Keolis MHI, has introduced drone technology to clean the facades of metro and tram stations, marking a major shift toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable maintenance practices.
The pilot project replaces traditional cleaning methods that require up to 15 workers per station with a drone-based system operated by just eight people. This move cuts manpower needs by over 50% and significantly reduces the risks associated with working at height or in difficult-to-access areas.
Mohammed Al Ameeri, Director of Maintenance at RTA’s Rail Agency, said the initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader sustainability and innovation goals.
“Drones reduce the need for workers to be exposed to high-risk areas while using less water per station, which contributes meaningfully to our environmental strategy,”
he said.
The drone solution is being tested for its efficiency and long-term potential. While traditional methods still offer flexibility and detail in certain cleaning tasks, the RTA and Keolis MHI are exploring a hybrid model that combines the strengths of both systems.
The initiative underscores the RTA’s continued push to modernise its operations and adopt technologies that improve safety, optimise resources, and reduce environmental impact—core pillars of Dubai’s future-focused mobility strategy.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
