UAE: Dubai uses drones to clean traffic signals in RTA pilot project

Cleaning traffic signals just got high-tech. Dubai’s RTA is using drones to make the job faster, safer, and greener, showing how innovation can improve even the smallest details of city life. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a pilot program to clean traffic signals using drone technology. By replacing traditional manlifts and heavy equipment, the initiative improves safety for maintenance workers, lowers operational costs, and supports environmental goals by reducing fuel and water use and cutting emissions.

Abdulla Ali Lootah, Director of Roads and Facilities Maintenance at RTA, said the first phase involved trial runs at the Marrakech Street–Rebat Street junction.

A temporary traffic closure ensured safety during these initial tests. Early results were impressive: drones cleaned one side of a traffic signal in just three to four minutes, cutting operational time by 25 to 50 percent. Initial cost savings reached up to 15 percent, with projections suggesting future drone advancements could increase savings to 25 percent.This pilot builds on earlier RTA initiatives, including using drones to clean Dubai Metro and tram station facades, which reduced manpower requirements while maintaining high-quality results.

Lootah emphasized that the pilot would continue, with the next phase focusing on refining cleaning methods and ensuring minimal disruption to traffic. Safety and operational efficiency remain the top priorities.By integrating drones into routine maintenance, the RTA is streamlining operations and strengthening the performance of Dubai’s road network. The project reflects the city’s commitment to smart, innovative solutions that combine efficiency, safety, and sustainability, demonstrating how technology is reshaping urban infrastructure for the better.