Dubai's RTA Enhances Road Safety With LED Lighting Upgrade On Sheikh Rashid Street

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully upgraded 900 lighting units along 9 km of Sheikh Rashid Street to energy-efficient LED lighting. This project benefits motorists using the road in both directions across 10 lanes, enhancing the sustainability of road lighting in the emirate.

The upgrade aligns with RTA’s efforts to maintain the infrastructure of the street-lighting network in line with Dubai's strategic objectives to conserve energy and promote a green economy. It also contributes to the UAE's Sustainability Initiative 2024.

The upgrade was completed in three phases over six months. The first phase focused on the sector from Deira to Al Garhoud Bridge. The second phase covered the stretch between Deira and Bur Dubai, and the third phase concluded with the sector from Bur Dubai to the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa Street with Sheikh Rashid Street.

Abdullah Lootah, Director of Road and Facilities Maintenance at RTA, stated, "The project involved re-engineering the street-lighting to incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient LED lighting according to best practices for maintaining our assets and commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection in Dubai and the UAE."

Lootah elaborated on the benefits of LED lighting, noting that LED technology is significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional options. It consumes 60 percent less energy and has a lifespan of up to 173 percent longer—60,000 hours compared to 22,000 hours for conventional lights. These improvements decrease the frequency of lamp replacements and reduce maintenance and operational costs.

Enhanced Visibility and Safety

LED lights also reduce energy losses and heat emissions by 38 percent, enhancing the overall efficiency of Dubai’s street lighting system. The new LED units offer significantly better brightness and colour clarity, improving nighttime visibility and traffic safety on Dubai’s roads.

The LED lights provide 4000 degrees of brightness compared to 2000 degrees from conventional lights, thus doubling the quality of lighting. The new units are free from materials harmful to the environment, supporting RTA and Dubai’s commitment to achieving environmental sustainability.

Commitment to Sustainability

RTA remains committed to developing the road network and facilities by incorporating smart and innovative technical solutions tailored to the UAE's climate. This initiative further supports sustainability goals, ensuring that Dubai continues to advance in its environmental commitments.

With inputs from WAM