Dubai is turning to drone technology to clean the facades of its Metro and Tram stations, in a move that combines innovation with improved safety and sustainability. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that drones are now being trialled as part of the station cleaning process across the city’s public transport network.

The drones are designed to spray down exterior surfaces, especially in areas that are otherwise difficult to reach or require working at height. By removing the need for scaffolding and harness systems, the initiative aims to minimise occupational hazards for cleaning teams.

 

The RTA shared that the shift to drones has already started to reduce the number of personnel needed per station. While traditional cleaning teams typically require up to 15 workers per location, the drone-based process can now be managed with just eight.

This change is being evaluated in collaboration with Keolis MHI, the operator of Dubai Metro, to determine where drone-assisted cleaning is most effective. Preliminary findings highlight that although traditional cleaning still offers flexibility in certain areas, drones show promise in enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

One of the standout benefits is water conservation. The drones reportedly use less water per cleaning cycle than conventional methods, aligning with Dubai’s sustainability objectives.

The drone cleaning project is still in its early phases, but its potential to improve resource use and safety is significant. As trials continue, more stations may soon benefit from this tech-forward cleaning strategy, reflecting the city’s growing commitment to smart infrastructure solutions.