Dubai Metro Undergoes Major Revamp in Ventilation and Cooling Systems, Courtesy of RTA
In a significant stride towards enhancing Dubai's public transport infrastructure, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently completed the second phase of the ventilation and air conditioning (VAC) system overhaul across Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Line stations.
This phase, which involved the overhaul of 876 ventilation and cooling assets spanning 14 stations and two car parks on the Red Line, was carried out without disrupting train operations. The project aimed to refurbish or replace critical components such as air handling units, fan coil units, chilled water pumps, extract and smoke fans, and pressurisation systems. Tasks included coil and bearing replacements, deep cleaning, and dynamic balancing to restore equipment to optimal performance, ensuring internal station temperatures stay stable between 24°C and 25°C even during Dubai’s peak summer heat.
The extensive upgrade initiative forms part of the RTA’s 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, targeting enhanced passenger comfort, operational efficiency, energy optimisation, and sustainability of transport infrastructure. The project is a collaboration between RTA’s Rail Agency and Keolis-MHI, the Dubai Metro’s operator and maintenance partner, demonstrating a strong strategic partnership committed to maintaining world-class service standards.
Currently, preparations for Phase 3 have started, with experimental and verification work underway as of mid-July 2025. Phase 3 will cover the remaining 25% of fan coil units in public areas, critical room air handling units, and back-of-house systems along the Red Line stations. This phase also aims to explore energy optimisation opportunities and incorporate variable flow technology to further improve efficiency and sustainability.
In summary, the completed phases have covered 261 assets across 13 stations (Phase 1) and 876 assets across 14 stations plus 2 car parks (Phase 2). The components serviced include air handling units, fan coil units, chilled water pumps, extract fans, smoke extract fans, and pressurisation systems. The project aligns with Dubai’s ambitions to be a global benchmark for integrated and future-ready urban transport systems, offering seamless and sustainable mobility while maintaining high passenger satisfaction.
[1] RTA Press Release, "RTA Completes Second Phase of Dubai Metro’s VAC System Overhaul", [link] [2] RTA Press Release, "RTA and Keolis-MHI Collaborate on Dubai Metro VAC System Overhaul", [link] [3] RTA Press Release, "RTA Announces Phase 3 of Dubai Metro VAC System Overhaul", [link] [4] RTA Strategic Plan 2024-2030, [link]
- The completed second phase of the Dubai Metro's VAC system overhaul, a collaboration between RTA's Rail Agency and Keolis-MHI, is part of RTA's 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, focusing on sustainability, operational efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort.
- The ongoing Phase 3 of the Dubai Metro's VAC system overhaul will incorporate variable flow technology, aiming for energy optimization and further improving the project's sustainability.
- The overhauled VAC system, which includes refurbished or replaced assets such as air handling units, fan coil units, chilled water pumps, and pressurization systems, is essential for Dubai's ambition to become a global benchmark for integrated and future-ready urban transport systems.
- The technology-driven collaboration between the RTA and Keolis-MHI in the VAC system overhaul project demonstrates the finance industry's commitment to investing in the development of sustainable and efficient technology for the transportation industry's future.
