Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Keolis–MHI, has successfully completed a comprehensive wayfinding signage enhancement plan across all Dubai Metro stations, aimed at improving the daily commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.
The initiative was developed to enhance passenger satisfaction and ensure a seamless, intuitive journey for all users of both the Dubai Metro and Tram networks.
By simplifying navigation and improving clarity at every stage of a journey, the project supports RTA’s broader vision of delivering world-class public transport services.
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Unified visual and audio guidance
To create a fully integrated experience, the updated signage is not limited to physical station upgrades. The improvements were synchronized across all user-facing platforms, including:
- RTA’s smart systems
- Mobile applications
- Train and platform audio announcements
- Digital signage
- RTA’s official social media channels
This unified approach ensures that visual and audio guidance remains consistent, clear, and accessible, regardless of how passengers choose to interact with the system.
Hassan Al Mutawa, director of Rail Operations at RTA’s Rail Agency, said: “This project is part of RTA’s strategy to enhance and develop Dubai’s public transport services through assessing and upgrading wayfinding signage across metro stations. The Rail Agency’s technical teams implemented a comprehensive plan to modernize wayfinding signage across all stations on the Red and Green lines.
“The plan aims to make commuting easier and more seamless by facilitating passenger movement within stations and helping them reach their destinations more quickly. As part of this plan, around 9,000 wayfinding signs were installed and replaced, requiring approximately 11,000 work hours.”
Al Mutawa added: “The project included upgrading entry and exit signage and installing new signs at station entrances and exits, with exit signs now highlighted in bright yellow boxes to improve visibility. It also introduced clearer platform directional indicators and floor stickers to guide passengers towards the correct train lines, thereby improving passenger flow.
“Recognizing the importance of etiquette and public behavior, various behavioral messages were introduced through stickers displayed across stations and waiting areas. These messages encourage passengers to observe proper etiquette when using public transport, contributing to a more comfortable journey.
“Out of RTA’s keenness to ensure the comfort of Women and Children Cabin users as well as Gold Class passengers, and to reduce unauthorized use of these cabins, prominent signage was installed. The previous floor markings were replaced with clear pink and gold boards labelled ‘Women and Children Cabin’ and ‘Gold Class Cabin’ to make them easier to identify.”
Elevating the passenger experience
The wayfinding upgrade reflects RTA’s ongoing commitment to passenger-centric innovation and highlights the role of strategic partnerships in delivering exceptional mobility solutions across Dubai’s world-renowned transport infrastructure.
