Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has taken a major leap in infrastructure innovation by adopting Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and digital twin platforms to monitor and manage road assets more accurately and efficiently. This move aligns with Dubai’s broader smart city ambitions, offering new levels of precision in assessing road conditions, predicting maintenance needs and enhancing traffic safety.
LiDAR can scan up to 80km of roads daily, a 96% improvement over traditional methods, which only cover around 3km. The technology allows inspections to be performed at speeds of 30kph to 100kph, without disrupting traffic flow. Compared to manual inspections, LiDAR delivers up to 95% accuracy. This precision enhances decision-making and enables proactive maintenance planning using updated digital twin data.
With a sensing range of 80 metres, LiDAR can scan a wide range of elevated and critical assets including lighting poles, traffic signs and signal systems, many of which are hard to inspect safely with conventional methods. The data collected helps maintain the Asset Condition Index, allowing the RTA to implement predictive and strategic maintenance schedules. This ultimately extends the lifespan of infrastructure, lowers operational risks and supports Dubai’s goal of long-term sustainability.
By investing in digital innovations like LiDAR and digital twin systems, RTA sets new global standards in intelligent infrastructure management while keeping Dubai's roads safe and efficient.