Dubai Metro: How 9,000 cameras track 850,000 riders, 101 trains, 53 stations
September 20, 2025 Dubai
Dubai Metro: 9,000 Cameras and AI Keep 850,000 Riders Safe
Inside Dubai Metro’s Operations Control Centre where AI, 9,000 cameras, and just 20 staff manage 101 trains, 53 stations, and 850,000 daily passengers.
Dubai, September 20, 2025 – In the heart of Dubai’s public transport system lies an ultra-modern Operations Control Centre (OCC) in Rashidiya — the nerve centre that keeps the world’s longest driverless metro running smoothly. From here, a team of just 20 staff monitors the daily movement of 850,000 passengers, 101 trains, and 53 stations using over 9,000 cameras and advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Round-the-Clock Vigilance
The OCC functions 24/7, ensuring seamless operations across both the Red and Green Lines. Massive digital screens display live feeds from thousands of cameras, covering platforms, carriages, depots, and entry points. Each operator supervises a dedicated segment of the network, monitoring real-time activities.
“If any incident happens, our staff act immediately, following established procedures to restore normal service,” explained Hassan Al Mutawa, Director of Rail Operations at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), during a media tour of the centre.
Supporting this small team is a wider workforce of 1,800 personnel spread across operations, maintenance, and safety, all working to maintain Dubai Metro’s reputation as one of the most reliable transport systems worldwide.
Layers of Control
The system runs with military precision through three levels of supervision:
First Layer – Service Operations: Supervisors track all trains and stations during operational hours (5am–midnight, extended to 1am on weekends and special occasions).
Second Layer – Depot Monitoring: Dedicated teams oversee maintenance areas, manage alarms, and track technical issues.
Third Layer – Duty Managers: They coordinate across the network, making high-level operational decisions.
This structure ensures that even with minimal staff on-site, the system operates without disruption.
Security Partnership with Dubai Police
Tightly integrated with the Dubai Police, the OCC also houses a restricted-access surveillance room operated by law enforcement. This enables rapid response to emergencies, from medical incidents to suspicious activity.
“We monitor the operation in coordination with police. If anything happens, they communicate directly with station staff to resolve it quickly,” said Al Mutawa.
Technology Driving Efficiency
The OCC’s efficiency relies heavily on AI, predictive analytics, and sensor-driven monitoring systems. These tools help maintain Dubai Metro’s impressive 99.7% punctuality rate, ranking it among the world’s top five metro networks.
Sensors continuously monitor key assets — from train engines to track systems — predicting failures before they occur. This predictive maintenance approach reduces downtime, improves safety, and cuts costs.
Alongside train operations, the OCC also manages fire systems, lighting, escalators, elevators, and environmental controls across stations, ensuring comfort and safety for passengers.
Lessons from the 2024 Floods
Perhaps the biggest test in Dubai Metro’s history came in April 2024, when record-breaking rainfall — the heaviest in 75 years — triggered widespread flooding. Several stations were forced to shut temporarily, severely disrupting services.
“The flood was a new experience for Dubai. We managed to restore operations quickly, but it pushed us to completely rethink our emergency plans,” recalled Al Mutawa.
In response, the RTA overhauled its emergency preparedness protocols, introducing contingency plans for heavy rain, extreme heat, and strong winds. These plans are now tested regularly to ensure readiness.
Constant Upgrades
To keep pace with rapid growth in demand, the OCC undergoes continuous upgrades. Recent improvements include:
Enhanced train movement control systems
Upgrades to the Nol card ticketing network
Expanded AI-driven monitoring tools
“We are constantly updating back-end systems to prevent problems before they affect passengers,” Al Mutawa noted.
A Massive Scale of Operations
Since its launch on 09/09/09, the Dubai Metro has transported more than 2.4 billion passengers across 4.3 million journeys. In the first half of 2025 alone, 143.9 million commuters traveled via the Metro, cementing its role as the backbone of Dubai’s public transport system.
To manage fluctuating demand, the OCC adjusts train frequency dynamically — increasing services during peak hours and scaling back during quieter periods. This flexibility ensures comfort for both daily commuters and international visitors.
Looking Ahead: Blue Line Expansion
While expansion plans for the Dubai Metro Blue Line are progressing, the current OCC in Rashidiya — supported by a backup facility in Jebel Ali — continues to focus on delivering world-class service.
“My responsibility is to ensure every passenger travels safely and comfortably,” said Al Mutawa. “We depend on smart systems, AI, and the dedication of our staff to make that possible.”
Conclusion
Behind the sleek trains and spotless stations of Dubai Metro lies a world of advanced technology, round-the-clock surveillance, and highly trained staff. With 9,000 cameras, predictive AI, and seamless coordination with police, the OCC ensures that millions of passengers can travel safely every month.
As Dubai expands its metro network, this blend of automation, human expertise, and continuous innovation will remain central to maintaining its status as one of the world’s most reliable and futuristic transport systems.
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