Dubai Metro Undergoes Major Renovation of Its Ventilation and Cooling Systems, Courtesy of the Roads and Transport Authority
Dubai Metro's Ventilation and Air Conditioning Overhaul Enters Phase 3
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has commenced the third phase of the overhaul of the ventilation and air conditioning (VAC) systems across the Red and Green Line stations of the Dubai Metro. This phase, which began in mid-July 2025, is part of RTA's ongoing efforts to improve passenger comfort and operational resilience.
The second phase of the project, completed earlier in July 2025, focused on 14 Red Line stations and two car parks. A total of 876 units, including air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units (FCUs), chilled water pumps, extract and smoke extract fans, and pressurisation units, were upgraded during this phase. The upgraded systems maintain a stable temperature of 24-25°C across stations, providing a more comfortable environment during Dubai's intense summer heat.
The successful execution of the project is due to strategic coordination between RTA's Rail Agency and Keolis-MHI. The partnership continues to play a central role in maintaining high service standards and operational resilience. The upgrade reflects RTA's mission to enhance Dubai's public transport infrastructure, offering seamless and sustainable mobility while maintaining high passenger satisfaction.
Phase 3 of the overhaul aims to offer the same seamless and sustainable mobility experience, targeting the remaining 25% of public-area FCUs and critical AHUs. The project focuses on enhancing long-term energy efficiency and is part of RTA's broader mission to enhance Dubai's public transport infrastructure.
RTA is exploring advanced solutions, including a shift to variable flow technology, to further improve the efficiency of the VAC systems. The upgrade programme spanned 10 months and focused on proactive maintenance to extend equipment lifespan and minimise the risk of failures during high-demand periods.
Work was carefully scheduled during off-peak hours and night shifts to avoid service disruptions. The project aligns with Dubai's ambitions to be a global benchmark for integrated and future-ready urban transport systems. As the overhaul progresses, passengers can expect a consistently cool and safe environment on Dubai Metro.
[1] Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). (2025). Dubai Metro's Ventilation and Air Conditioning Overhaul Enters Phase 3. Retrieved from RTA Website
[3] Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). (2025). RTA Completes Second Phase of Dubai Metro's VAC Overhaul. Retrieved from RTA Website
[4] Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). (2025). RTA's Rail Agency and Keolis-MHI Collaborate on Dubai Metro's VAC Overhaul. Retrieved from RTA Website
[5] Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). (2025). RTA's Ventilation and Cooling Upgrade for Dubai Metro Focuses on Energy Efficiency. Retrieved from RTA Website
- As part of their mission for sustainability in the future, RTA is investigating the use of advanced technology such as variable flow in the ventilation and air conditioning systems of Dubai Metro, to improve energy efficiency.
- The successful collaboration between RTA's Rail Agency and Keolis-MHI during the Dubai Metro's ventilation and air conditioning overhaul has been instrumental in enhancing Dubai's public transport infrastructure and maintaining high service standards.
- With a focus on long-term energy efficiency, the third phase of the Dubai Metro's ventilation and air conditioning overhaul targets the remaining public-area units, aiming to offer the same seamless and sustainable mobility experience as Phase 1 and 2.
