22 RTA facilities to help make Dubai’s air quality cleaner: Here’s how

Bus depots, stations, maintenance workshops, metro depots part of clean energy project

Last updated: April 09, 2025 | 08:00

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One of the RTA facilities that is part of the renewable energy project

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Dubai: A renewable energy project by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai will soon help make Dubai’s air quality cleaner.

RTA has announced that it has successfully completed a project to install solar energy systems (solar panels) at 22 of its buildings and facilities. This initiative is designed to enhance the use of renewable energy while reducing environmental impact.

The project highlights RTA’s commitment to sustainability and its adoption of clean energy solutions, supporting Dubai’s broader environmental goals. It aligns with the UAE's Zero-Emissions Strategy 2050, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.

The project is expected to generate around 32 million kilowatt-hours annually, cutting approximately 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, according to Shaikha Ahmad Al Shaikh, Director of Buildings and Facilities at RTA's Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector.

She said: “This project aligns with Dubai’s forward-looking vision to achieve sustainable development, promote the use of renewable energy, and reduce the carbon footprint.”

10,000 tonnes of CO2 is equivalent to the emissions from approximately 2,000 cars driven for one year. It is also roughly the amount of CO2 absorbed by 500,000 trees over the course of a year.

Locations

Al Shaikh added: “The sites where solar energy systems were installed include 16 facilities affiliated with various RTA sectors and agencies, such as bus depots in Al Quoz, Al Khawaneej, and Al Rowaiyah; bus stations in Al Satwa and Oud Metha; maintenance workshops in Al Muhaisnah; as well as metro depots and other locations.”

Al Shaikh reaffirmed RTA’s commitment to complying with the standards set by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) for the distribution and installation of solar panels, ensuring they are tailored to the specific conditions, nature, and usage of each facility. “Energy production is monitored through DEWA’s Shams Dubai Calculator, which enables real-time tracking of operational efficiency by providing live data from each site,” she added.