Dubai RTA Upgrades Metro Cooling for Passenger Comfort & Safety

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), through its Rail Agency, has completed the second phase of a major upgrade project. This project focuses on improving ventilation and air conditioning systems at several stations on the Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro. It’s part of the RTA’s Strategic Plan 2024–2030, which aims to enhance passenger comfort, ensure high service standards, and maintain long-term infrastructure sustainability.

A Step Towards Seamless and Sustainable Mobility

This milestone supports RTA’s broader goal of becoming a global leader in seamless and sustainable transportation. The improved air conditioning systems are especially important in Dubai’s extreme summer conditions, where comfort and cooling are essential for daily commuters and tourists alike.

Strong Partnership with Keolis-MHI

This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between RTA and Keolis-MHI, the company responsible for operating and maintaining the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram. Both organisations are committed to delivering world-class service, especially during challenging weather seasons like summer.

Phase 2 Covers 14 Stations

In the second phase of the project, RTA and its partners overhauled 876 air conditioning and ventilation units across 14 metro stations and two car parks along the Red Line. Importantly, all of this was done without affecting metro operations, showing how carefully the work was managed.

Built on Phase 1 Success

This recent phase follows the successful completion of Phase 1, where 261 cooling units were upgraded at 13 stations. Each phase helps ensure that more of the Dubai Metro network meets high standards for cooling, comfort, and reliability.

Focus on Passenger Comfort and Reliability

RTA’s core maintenance strategy is built around passenger comfort and reliable operations. Upgrading these cooling systems plays a big role in ensuring stations stay cool, even when the outdoor temperature is extremely high. The improved systems now provide more consistent performance and long-term reliability.

Details of the Upgrade Work

The upgrade included replacing and repairing key parts of the cooling systems. This involved air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units (FCUs), chilled water pumps, smoke extract fans, and pressurisation systems. Engineers also replaced worn-out bearings and cooling coils and cleaned the systems thoroughly to restore their original performance.

Summer Conditions Pose Major Challenges

Dubai’s summer season is especially tough for public transport systems. Trains arrive every few minutes, and each time doors open, hot air enters the stations. This creates a constant challenge to keep indoor temperatures cool and comfortable. The RTA aims to maintain indoor temperatures between 24°C and 25°C, regardless of how hot it is outside.

Planning and Execution Without Disruption

To make sure metro services were not interrupted, the work was carried out during off-peak hours and at night. This careful scheduling meant that passengers could continue using the Metro without noticing any impact from the maintenance work.

Next Phase Already in Progress

The third phase of the project is already being planned. It will cover the remaining 25% of public-area cooling units, as well as back-of-house and critical room systems. Trial and verification work for this phase began in mid-July 2025 and will continue in the coming months.

Focus on Energy Efficiency in the Future

As part of RTA’s long-term plan, the Ventilation and Air Conditioning (VAC) Enhancement Project is also looking at how energy use can be reduced. This includes exploring advanced technologies like variable flow systems, which can adjust air output based on station needs, saving energy and improving efficiency.

Sustainable and Future-Ready Infrastructure

This entire upgrade is not just about cooling; it’s also about preparing for the future. By investing in more efficient systems now, RTA ensures the Metro network can handle more passengers, hotter temperatures, and long-term service needs—without wasting energy or money.

Coordinated Teamwork Behind the Scenes

The successful completion of this project was only possible because of the strong coordination between different teams. RTA’s Rail Agency and Keolis-MHI worked closely together to plan, test, and carry out every part of the upgrade, showing what effective teamwork can achieve.

RTA’s Commitment to Passenger Happiness

Above all, this project reflects RTA’s commitment to customer happiness. Passengers can now enjoy cooler and more comfortable Metro stations, even during the hottest days of the year. It also shows how RTA listens to public needs and takes action to make daily travel better.

A Model for Other Cities

Dubai’s approach to upgrading its metro systems sets a positive example for other cities around the world. By focusing on sustainability, comfort, and efficient project execution, RTA has shown that even complex upgrades can be delivered without disrupting day-to-day service.

Cooling Upgrade Boosts Metro Experience

The successful completion of Phase 2 of the Dubai Metro cooling system upgrade is a major step toward a more comfortable, efficient, and sustainable public transport system. With Phase 3 on the horizon and a strong focus on energy optimization, RTA continues to lead in delivering top-tier mobility solutions for Dubai’s residents and visitors alike.