Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has begun a pilot program using drones to clean traffic signals, replacing manlifts traditionally used for the task.
The authority said the initiative is intended to improve safety, cut costs, and reduce the environmental impact of maintenance operations. By eliminating the need for heavy equipment, the drone-based method lowers fuel and water use and reduces emissions.
According to Abdulla Ali Lootah, director of roads and facilities maintenance at the Traffic and Roads Agency, the pilot compares drone cleaning with conventional methods across several measures, including time, cost, quality, and safety compliance.
Initial trials were conducted at the Marrakech Street–Rebat Street junction, where limited traffic closures were put in place during testing. The authority reported that drones reduced cleaning time by between 25 and 50 percent, completing one side of a traffic signal in three to four minutes. Operational costs were reduced by up to 15 percent, with the potential to reach 25 percent as drone technology advances.
Mr. Lootah said the pilot would continue, with the next phase focused on refining cleaning methods while maintaining safety standards and avoiding disruption to traffic flow.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
