13-05-2025
Drones to clean Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram stations, RTA reveals
The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai has revealed that drones are set to be used to clean Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram stations.
Drones will spray down the facades of the public transport stations as part of plans to improve safety, make the most of resources and support environmental goals.
Initially introduced on a trial basis, drone technology will reduce the risks associated with working at height or in areas that are difficult to access.
The drone technology means that there will be fewer personnel required at each station when cleaning operations are underway.
Currently, up to 15 people are required to keep the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram as clean as sparkling clean as we know it to be, but drones will mean that a smaller team of eight can tackle a station.
The RTA is working closely with Dubai Metro operator Keolis MHI to evaluate the potential of drone-assisted cleaning, with initial findings also suggesting that traditional methods still offer greater flexibility in other areas.
Drone-assisted cleaning has also been found to use less water per station than traditional methods and cracks down on unnecessary exposure to high-risk areas for staff.
The facade of a Dubai Tram station (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
Mohammed Al Ameeri, Director of Maintenance at RTA's Rail Agency, says that the trial should reduce the environmental impact of cleaning.
He said: 'This pilot initiative reflects RTA's commitment to adopting innovative technologies that enhance safety, optimise resources, and support Dubai's sustainability goals.
'Trialling drone-based facade cleaning is a step towards smarter maintenance practices that reduce environmental impact and safeguard worker well-being, fully aligned with our strategy to transform mobility services across the city.
'Drones reduce the need for workers to be exposed to high-risk areas, while using less water per station, which is a meaningful contribution to our environmental strategy.
'Working with Keolis MHI on this initiative provides many opportunities, and with the continuous development and enhancement of automated solutions, we can support safer, greener infrastructure maintenance.'
Facades of Dubai Metro stations such as Financial Centre Metro Station could be getting cleaned by drones (Credit: RTA)
The trial period looks like it will blend both traditional cleaning methods and traditional approaches to keeping facades clean.
Vikas Sardana, Chief Operating Officer at Keolis MHI, said:'We're proud to support RTA's strategic objectives and Dubai's vision of a smart, sustainable city through this partnership.
'We believe innovation begins with curiosity and courage, and this trial produced adequate results that bring us closer to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable transit system for the people of Dubai.'
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