Dubai is always looking for ways to push boundaries, and city maintenance is no exception. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new project using drones to clean traffic signals. This innovation, started as a pilot phrase at the Marrakech Street-Rebat Street junction, already shows impressive results. In just three to four minutes, a drone can clean one side of a traffic signal.
According to RTA, this initiative offers several advantages over the conventional cleaning process:
- There’s no need for workers to climb traffic poles or use hazardous equipment
- By minimizing the need for heavy machinery, such as manlifts, and reducing reliance on human labor, drones significantly cut down on operational costs
- Drones need far less fuel and water compared to traditional cleaning equipment
- Cleaning won’t cause road closures
If the pilot phrase proves to be successful, this approach to traffic signals maintenance could be implemented citywide. Earlier this year, RTA also started using drones to clean Metro and Tram stations. You may not have even noticed, but this system has been up and running since May 2025.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on Dubai’s advancements in transportation and tech! The future is unfolding right here, and you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
