The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has completed a comprehensive overhaul of the ventilation and air conditioning systems across the Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines. This significant project, part of RTA’s Strategic Plan 2024–2030, aims to enhance passenger comfort, improve customer happiness, and ensure operational excellence while promoting long-term asset sustainability.
Project Scope and Execution
The overhaul was executed in two phases. Phase 1 involved upgrading 261 assets across 13 stations, while Phase 2, recently completed, saw the overhaul of 876 ventilation and air conditioning units across 14 stations and two car parks on the Red Line. The project included the replacement and refurbishment of critical components such as air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units (FCUs), chilled water pumps, extract fans, smoke extract fans, and pressurization units. Additional tasks encompassed bearing and cooling coil replacement, deep cleaning, and dynamic balancing.
The upgraded systems are designed to maintain stable temperatures between 24–25°C, ensuring passenger comfort even during Dubai’s peak summer months when external temperatures often exceed 40°C. The 10-month program was strategically scheduled outside peak hours and during night shifts to avoid any disruptions to train services, demonstrating RTA’s commitment to a seamless passenger experience.
| Project Details | Information |
| Phases Completed | Phase 1: 261 assets across 13 stations; Phase 2: 876 assets across 14 stations and 2 car parks (Red Line) |
| Components Overhauled | Air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units (FCUs), chilled water pumps, extract fans, smoke extract fans, pressurization units |
| Additional Tasks | Bearing and cooling coil replacement, deep cleaning, dynamic balancing |
| Execution Schedule | 10-month program, conducted during off-peak hours and night shifts |
| Temperature Maintenance | Stable temperatures of 24–25°C |
Operational Impact
The project’s execution without interrupting train services is a notable achievement. By conducting work during off-peak hours and night shifts, RTA ensured that passengers experienced no delays or inconveniences. This careful planning underscores the authority’s dedication to maintaining the Dubai Metro’s reputation as a reliable and efficient public transport system.
Future Plans
RTA is preparing for Phase 3 of the project, which will target the remaining 25% of public-area fan coil units (FCUs) and back-of-house critical room air handling units (AHUs) across the Red Line stations. Experimental and verification work for this phase began in mid-July 2025. Additionally, RTA is exploring energy optimization opportunities, including the potential adoption of variable flow technology, to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint. These efforts align with Dubai’s broader sustainability goals and aim to enhance the metro’s environmental efficiency.
Strategic Importance
This initiative is a key component of RTA’s Strategic Plan 2024–2030, which emphasizes passenger comfort, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainable asset management. By ensuring stable and comfortable temperatures, particularly during the intense summer heat, the upgraded systems enhance the overall travel experience for Dubai Metro users. The project also supports Dubai’s vision of maintaining a world-class public transportation network that meets the needs of its growing population and visitors.
Collaboration and Commitment
The successful completion of this overhaul reflects the strong collaboration between RTA’s Rail Agency and Keolis-MHI, the operator responsible for maintaining the Dubai Metro. Their joint efforts ensured that the project was carried out efficiently and safely, with minimal impact on daily operations. This partnership highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in delivering large-scale infrastructure upgrades.
The completion of this major overhaul marks a significant milestone in RTA’s ongoing efforts to provide a comfortable, reliable, and sustainable public transport system for Dubai’s residents and visitors. As RTA moves forward with Phase 3 and continues to innovate in energy efficiency, the Dubai Metro is poised to remain a benchmark for modern urban transportation.
