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Dubai Adopts Drone Cleaning for Metro, Cuts Manpower by 50%

New drone system cleans station exteriors faster, safer, but with fewer workers in Dubai

  • Publish date: Wednesday، 14 May 2025
Dubai Adopts Drone Cleaning for Metro, Cuts Manpower by 50%

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started using drones to clean the exteriors of Metro and Tram stations, cutting manpower needs by more than half.

Partnering with Keolis MHI, the operator of Dubai Metro and Tram, RTA confirmed that this move is part of its push for smarter, safer, and more sustainable public transport operations.

Manpower cut by over 50%

Traditionally, cleaning one Metro station required up to 15 workers. With the new drone system, only eight people are needed per station — reducing manpower by over 50%. RTA says this not only improves efficiency but also limits the risks of working at heights or in hard-to-reach areas.

RTA launches drone-powered cleaning for Dubai Metro and Tram stations

Safety and sustainability are key

Mohammed Al Ameeri, director of maintenance at RTA’s Rail Agency, said the drones support both safety and environmental goals. “It reduces the need for workers to be in high-risk zones and uses less water per station,” he said.

He also noted that while drones will help boost operations, they’re not replacing human workers altogether.

A step toward smarter city services

The drone trial is part of a wider plan by RTA to transform Dubai’s public transport system using innovation and tech-driven solutions. Keolis COO Vikas Sardana said the test showed “solid results” that align with Dubai’s smart city goals.

While traditional cleaning methods still offer more flexibility in certain cases, RTA says a mix of both drones and manual work could be the future — combining sustainability with strong performance.

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