Image credit: RTA/Website
Reflecting its commitment to strengthening operational safety and efficiency, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the deployment of advanced drone technology to inspect Dubai Metro tunnels, in collaboration with metro operator Keolis MHI.
The move marks a significant shift in inspection practices and signals a new phase of innovation, excellence, and digital advancement across Dubai Metro operations, according to an RTA media report.
The introduction of drone technology represents a fundamental change in how tunnel inspections are conducted. By replacing traditional, time-intensive inspection methods, the initiative delivers faster, safer, and more accurate outcomes while minimising operational disruptions. The technology allows inspectors to access areas that were previously difficult to reach, improving both inspection coverage and data quality.
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Dawood Alrais, director of Rail Maintenance at RTA’s Rail Agency, highlighted the measurable impact of the initiative. He said the use of drone technology has resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in inspection duration, while significantly enhancing operational safety and overall inspection performance.
“Certain tunnel areas previously posed accessibility challenges and required advance entry arrangements,” Alrais said. “Today, drone technology allows these areas to be inspected with ease, offering a wider field of vision and the ability to capture high-resolution imagery that enables more detailed and accurate analysis.”
Enhancing safety and data-driven maintenance
Beyond efficiency gains, the technology substantially reduces human risk by limiting the need for manual access to confined or complex tunnel environments. Alrais noted that the impact of drones extends further through automated data collection and the generation of digital inspection reports, which support improved maintenance planning and faster, more informed decision-making.
He added that the initiative also lays the groundwork for the future use of artificial intelligence to analyse captured imagery, reinforcing RTA’s long-term focus on digital transformation and predictive maintenance.
Aligning with national and strategic priorities
The drone inspection programme aligns closely with RTA’s 2024–2030 strategy, which places sustainability, innovation, and service excellence at its core. It also supports the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, aimed at strengthening the country’s position among the world’s most innovative nations through the adoption of advanced technologies across key sectors.
Vikas Sardana, acting managing director of Keolis MHI, said the company is proud to support RTA’s vision for a smarter, safer, and more efficient transport system. He emphasised that the adoption of new technologies enhances operational performance while prioritising workforce safety and setting modern benchmarks for rail system excellence.
As Dubai continues to lead the transition toward smart mobility, the integration of drone technology into metro operations underscores the emirate’s commitment to smart infrastructure, advanced safety standards, and technology-driven excellence. The initiative demonstrates that Dubai Metro is not only keeping pace with global innovation but is actively contributing to shaping the future of urban rail operations.
