Dubai Metro - Update

The Dubai Metro forms the very arteries of this vibrant city with its efficient network carrying millions of passengers daily. Since 2021, a crucial element in ensuring the safety and reliability of this vital infrastructure has been the steadfast partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Hochiki Europe. Through their collaboration with local experts Dafoos Fire and Security, Hochiki's innovative fire safety systems have been an integral part of the Metro's operations, silently safeguarding commuters as they navigate their daily lives.

 

The significance of the Dubai Metro was clearly demonstrated during the recent Eid Al Fitr holiday period (March 30 to April 1, 2025), where it played a crucial role in facilitating movement across the city. Over these three days, the Dubai Metro alone carried an impressive 2.43 million passengers out of the total 6.39 million users across all of Dubai's public transport modes. This highlights the continued reliance on the Metro for navigating the city, even during peak celebratory periods.

 

 

The operation and maintenance of the Dubai Metro Red and Green lines are currently managed by Keolis-MHI, a joint venture led by Keolis, under a long-term contract awarded by the RTA.

 

During peak hours, the Dubai Metro ensures efficient service by operating a significant portion of its 129-train fleet. While the precise number on the tracks at any given peak time varies, around 50 trains are typically deployed across the Red and Green lines to manage the high passenger volumes.

 

For Hochiki Europe, ensuring the safety of this extensive network relies on their partnership with Dafoos Fire and Security. Dafoos Fire and Security is responsible for the installation and ongoing maintenance of the Hochiki fire safety system since 2021. Since the initial installation of the Hochiki life safety Hochiki’s SOC-E3 smoke detectors within the metro cabins, consistently and effectively protect the metro whilst operating under tough environmental conditions such as high temperatures, sandy and dusty conditions and fluctuating humidity.

 

 

Despite these environmental factors, the collaboration between Dafoos Fire and Security and Hochiki Europe has proven successful in maintaining reliable fire detection capabilities on the Dubai Metro. The SOC-E3 smoke detectors have played a critical role in safeguarding the millions of passengers who utilise the service daily, as evidenced by the significant ridership during events like the recent Eid Al Fitr.

 

Looking towards the future, the planned Blue Line, slated for completion by 2029, will add another 30 kilometres to the network and connect key new areas. This expansion is expected to significantly increase the daily ridership, potentially adding hundreds of thousands of passengers. Consequently, this new line will necessitate a substantial increase in the number of Hochiki's SOC-E3 detectors to ensure the safety of Dubai's expanding metro network.