You can now see Dubai’s traffic signals being cleaned by drones, part of a new pilot project launched by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The project improves safety by eliminating the need for manlifts, reduces costs by using less heavy equipment, and benefits the environment by cutting fuel and water use and lowering emissions.

This new approach shows RTA’s commitment to using advanced technology and smart solutions to improve service quality, use resources more efficiently, and keep road users safe.

Abdulla Ali Lootah, Director of Roads and Facilities Maintenance at the RTA, said the first phase included trial runs at the Marrakech Street-Rebat Street junction, where a short traffic closure ensured safety.

Early results showed that drones could clean one side of a signal in just three to four minutes, cutting operational time by 25 to 50 per cent and reducing costs by up to 15 per cent. Lootah said that future advances in drone technology could increase cost savings to 25 per cent.

Lootah emphasised the continuation of the pilot operation to ensure the effective use of drone technologies in maintenance activities. He noted that the next phase would assess the cleaning methodology, with a focus on achieving the highest safety standards and avoiding any impact on traffic flow.

This project will make operations more efficient and improve how Dubai’s road network performs.