issue no. 21, march 2010 the official monthly magazine of dubai's

The winners of Dubai Awardfor Sustained Transport 2009The winners of Dubai Awardfor Sustained Transport 2009

The official Monthly Magazine of Dubai's Roads and Transport AuthorityIssue No. 21, March 2010

Roads and Transport Authority

Dubai

Chairman of Board

andExecutive Director

Mattar Al Tayer

Alongthe

way

Innovators

decorated

The Dubai Award for Sustained Transport (DAST) unleashed its third year by asuperb ceremony attended by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Patron ofthe Award, where HH honoured the winners of 2nd Dubai Award for SustainedTransport.DAST; which is striding confidently towards taking a leading position, is one of RTAinitiatives that contribute to realizing Dubai Strategic Plan; which stems from thevision of the Emirate, particularly with regard to the infrastructure and environ-ment. The Award aims at fostering and diffusing the culture of teaming up with thecommunity organizations and encouraging them to play a more active & construc-tive role in bolstering the efforts of the RTA to meet its objectives. Such objectivesinclude generalizing successful experiments and practices that contribute to effec-tive and sustained transport, and enhancing the interaction & cooperation withvarious organizations and strategic partners in the field of transportation, safetyand conservation of the environment. They also include contribution to realizingRTA strategic objectives as regards integrating transportation system, attaininghighest safety & security standards, and placing sustained transport & environ-ment conservation among the prime concerns of organizations and local media.The second round of DAST witnessed the introduction of the Disabled Categorywith the aim of honouring the organizations that submit initiatives or practices thatdirectly or indirectly contribute to easing the mobility of the disabled and mergingthem in the community through the provision of comfortable transportation meansfor the disabled. Accordingly the categories of the Award rise to four, namely:Streamlining Mobility Management, Conservation of the Environment, TransportSafety, and Special Needs Transportation. The Award has also seen addition of twonew Special Recognition categories: Best Media Coverage (aimed at to furtheringthe awareness of the Award) and Best Academic Research in the field of SustainedTransport.Despite the short time since it was introduced, DAST made remarkable successesas reflected in the huge rise in the number of initiatives subscribed which jumpednow by more than 100% compared to the first edition of the Award. Moreover, thesubstantial improvement in the quality and content of submissions and the inten-sive participation by public & private institutions is a strong indicator of the coop-eration of the public & private sectors and their sincere attention to make a posi-tive contribution in the interest of the community and environment.In conclusion I congratulate the companies and organization which won the sec-ond edition of DAST, and I thank & appreciate their initiatives in supporting masstransportation, safety and conservation of the environment. I call on all companiesand organizations which could not make it before to take an early action to ensureparticipation in the forthcoming rounds of the Award. This will broaden the scopeof participation, and contribute to the sharing of successful expertise and prac-tices; which will nurture & foster an integrated and sustained transport system.

Mattar Al Tayer

General Supervisor

Aysha Al BusmaitDirector of Customer Service

Editor in Chief

Al Moatasem Belah Mohammed

Editorial Consultant

Maher Al Kayyali

Managing Director

Mohammed Al Munji

Editing Manager

Khulood Al - Sharaf

Art Director

Sara Al Mudharreb

Editurs

Fahad Al MamariNashwan M. Al Taee

Layout

Mohd Hassan Al Hafiz

Photography

Syed Zaheer Haidar

RTA Address

P.O.Box 118899United Arab EmiratesTel: +971 4 2844444Fax: +971 4 2065555

www.rta.aeContact Us:

Tel: +971 4 2903989Fax: +971 4 2903933

Email: [email protected]

content

4Issue 21 - March 2010 . www.rta.ae

cover Story

cover Story

ws

Mattar Al Tayer:

We set a scientific traffic

awareness approach based

on studies and inputs of the

local community

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the

Board and Executive Director of Roads and Trans-

port Authority (RTA) in Dubai, stated that our men-

tor His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al

Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the

UAE and Ruler of Dubai, dedicates a great deal of

attention to the citizens in general and the youth in

particular.

1100

Efficient management of assets will

save millions of unnecessary expen-

diture

RTA's Roads and Traffic Agency has recently embarked on a

journey to achieve greater levels of internal efficiencies by

adopting leading practices in the area of Asset Management.

Embracing a formalized Asset Management approach over the

lifecycle of infrastructure assets is a relatively new and develop-

ing concept in many mature economies. By defining “best prac-

tices” in Asset Management, the RTA is taking the lead over the

transport authorities in the region.

The winners of Dubai Award for

Sustained Transport 2009x

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak-toum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Execu-tive Council, has honoured the winners of 2nd DubaiAward for Sustained Transport 2009; an initiativeunleashed by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) to moti-vate the public and private sectors to contribute to mini-mizing traffic congestion and conserving the environment.

2200

66

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Coun-cil, has honoured the winners of 2nd Dubai Award for Sus-tained Transport 2009; an initiative unleashed by Roads &Transport Authority (RTA) to motivate the public and privatesectors to contribute to minimizing traffic congestion andconserving the environment.Upon arrival at the venue, HH Sheikh Hamdan binMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was received by H.E.Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Direc-tor of the RTA, along with the executives of several govern-ment departments and organizations, and H.E. Hans Rat,Secretary General the International Association of PublicTransport (UITP).HH and the attendants watched a movie about Dubai Awardfor Sustained Transport (DAST) shedding light on the effortsof Dubai Emirate to conserve the environment & naturalwealth and application of sustained transport principles asthey shape the future and welfare of mankind. The filmtouched on the initiatives launched by the RTA in operatingeco-friendly hybrid vehicles, improving the quality of fuelused in public transport buses, and application of globalstandards governing vehicles gas emissions in Dubai.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Dubai Crown Prince and patron of the Award, accompaniedby H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, honoured the winners of the DASTcategories. Dubai Airports Co., won the first position in thecategory of Special Needs Transportation Requirements forits initiative of Providing A Friendly Environment for The Dis-abled. Second came Dubai Center for Special Needs inrecognition of its Seat Safety Scheme, and the third positionwent to Emirates Driving Institute for its program of learningdriving for special needs people.HH also decorated the winners of Mobility Management cat-egory; where the first position was claimed by Dubai WorldTrade Center for its imitative in Developing a ComprehensiveMobility Management Program, while Dubai Municipalitylanded the second position, and Dubai Police General HeadQuarters finishing third for the Mobility Management Pro-grams of their respective employees.In Transport Safety Category, Emirates Motor Sports Federa-tion landed the first position for its initiative of Road Starcompetition, and the second position went to Nasser BinAbdullatif Alserkal Est. for its initiative General Safety ofTransport, and the third position went to Emirates Transportfor its Golden Rule initiative.In Environment Conservation, the first position was clinched

Cover Story


Hamdan bin Mohammed honoursthe winners of Dubai Award forSustained Transport 2009

Hamdan bin Mohammed honoursthe winners of Dubai Award forSustained Transport 2009

by ENOC Retail Co. for its Eco-Friendly Vehiclesinitiative, while Land Rover Middle East Co. fin-ished second for its initiative of Minimizing Car-bon Dioxide Emissions from Vehicles, and Al Fut-taim Carillion Co came third for its initiative ofVehicle Tracking Technology through the DynamicNavigation System. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum also honoured the winners of SpecialRecognition Awards; where the New CommercialMedical Center won the Best Media CoverageAward, and Mr. Nazim Fawzi Mansour, and Mr.Roohi Abdat, shared the Award of the Best Acad-emic Research entitled: Trends of the Disabled in Using Pub-lic Transport in Dubai Emirate.HH also decorated the sponsors of the Award; KassabMedia, Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Co. (Du),Dubai Investment Park, Emirates Roads Contracting Co.,Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est., and the Judging Panel ofthe Award.HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Dubai Crown Prince was then presented with a trophy by H.E.Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Direc-tor of the RTA, in recognition of the continuous supportaccorded by HH to the RTA, and patronizing DAST.

Growth of Submissions H.E. Mattar Al Tayer said: “Despite the short time since it wasintroduced, DAST made remarkable successes as reflectedin the huge rise in the number of initiatives subscribedwhich jumped by more than 100% in just the second editionof the Award. Total submissions made totaled 67; 57 ofwhich cover four categories as follows: 19 submissions inConservation of Environment category, 18 submissions inTransport Safety category, 16 submissions in Mobility Man-agement category, and 4 submissions in Transportation ofthe Disabled, in addition to 10 submissions in the SpecialRecognition Awards for best media coverage and best aca-demic research in sustained transport”.The second edition of the Award witnessed a substantialimprovement in the quality and content of submissionsmade and a wide participation from public and private sec-tor entities; which is a strong indicator of their cooperationand positive contribution to everything that serve the inter-est of the community and the environment, where severalorganizations took the initiative of exhibiting their success-ful experiments and practices.Al Tayer added: “Since inception, RTA was keen on develop-ing an integrated and effective transport system that meetsthe highest safety standards and at the same time environ-ment-friendly. For instance all the new public buses, whichexceed 1800 buses, conform to the European standards setfor minimizing gas emissions (Euro 4 and Euro 5). They alsouse a special type of an eco-friendly diesel specifically sup-plied for Dubai, and the RTA is continuing with the use ofHybrid vehicles powered by diesel and electric engines, andthe trial run of CNG-powered abras instead of those operat-ed on diesel. In the field of boosting the contribution of masstransportation in people’s movement, public transportbuses have lifted about 119 million passengers in 2009 andDubai Metro lifted more than 10 million commuters in lessthan five months. Besides that RTA is also widening the

application of initiatives for boosting mass transportationsuch as Sharekni and Awselni.

Rapid GrowthFor his part H.E. Hans Rat, Secretary General the Internation-al Association of Public Transport hailed RTA initiatives asreflected in the launch of DAST and said that such Awardwould encourage companies and organizations to play aneffective & positive role in figuring out the best practices thatcontribute to the provision of effective and sustained trans-portation system.“Dubai Emirate is one of the fastest growing cities in theworld. But with growth come challenges like traffic conges-tion, environmental pollution and transport safety. DubaiGovernment has made tremendous progress in developingmass transit systems to encourage the public to shift fromusing private vehicles to public transport modes, and for thisend it operated Dubai Metro, procured sophisticated busesand upgraded water transport means” he added.Award CategoriesDAST is one of RTA initiatives that seek to realize DubaiStrategic Plan; which is based on the vision of the Emirate,particularly with regard to the infrastructure and environ-ment. The Award aims at fostering and diffusing the cultureof teaming up with the community organizations and encour-aging them to play a more active & constructive role in bol-stering the efforts of the RTA to meet its objectives. Suchobjectives include generalizing successful experiments andpractices that contribute to effective and sustained trans-port, and enhancing the interaction & cooperation with vari-ous organizations and strategic partners in the field of trans-portation, safety and conservation of the environment. Theyalso include contribution to realizing RTA strategic objec-tives as regards integrating transportation system, attaininghighest safety & security standards, and placing sustainedtransport & environment conservation among the prime con-cerns of organizations and local media.The second round of DAST witnessed the introduction of theDisabled Category with the aim of honouring the organiza-tions that submit initiatives or practices that directly or indi-rectly contribute to easing the mobility of the disabled andmerging them in the community through the provision ofcomfortable transportation means for the disabled. Accord-ingly the categories of the Award rise to four, namely:Streamlining Mobility Management, Conservation of theEnvironment, Transport Safety, and Special Needs Trans-portation. The Award has also seen addition of two new Spe-cial Recognition categories: Best Media Coverage (aimed atto furthering the awareness of the Award) and Best Academ-ic Research in the field of Sustained Transport.

7 Issue 21 - March 2010 . www.rta.ae

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive

Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced

that project completion has reached 97 per cent in the

bridges at the approaches of the entry/exit points of

Rashidiya Metro Station, and 95 per cent of bridges and

roads leading to Meydan Racecourse at Nad al-Sheba area.

Bridges leading to Rashidiya Metro Station are currently

undergoing final touches by the contracting company in

preparation for opening. The project includes construction of

directional ramps at the intersection of Emirates Road and

Khawaneej Road. It also includes construction of two bridges

at Khawaneej Road in order to facilitate vehicular movement

from and to the Park and Ride facility of Rashidiya Metro Sta-

tion with a total length of 2.5 km. Early last year RTA has

opened phase one of the project involving a bridge leading

to the entry of the Parking lot of the station; which has a

capacity to house about 2700 vehicles.

“Construction of the project, which costs about 699 million

dirham, comes as part of RTA drive to improve and upgrade

the network of main roads in the emirate of Dubai, and link

the Park-and-Ride facilities of the metro stations with the

roads network within Dubai Emirate. Rashidiya Station is

one of the key metro stations as it is the starting point of

Dubai Metro Red Line. The station extends 130 meters in

length and 30 meters in width and has a capacity to handle

11,000 passengers per hour per direction. The station has

two entry points fitted with escalators and lifts to ease the

movement of commuters to and from the station, and a

multi-level parking lot with a capacity to accommodate 2714

vehicles in order to encourage the public to use the metro in

their travels across the emirate. The ground floor of the com-

plex has been designated for public transport modes that

feed the station, and has been designed to accommodate

articulated and double-deck buses and to ensure smooth

traffic flow and accommodate a large number of buses at a

time. The building has also been linked with footbridges

extending to the opposite side of the road leading to the

metro station such that the period needed to travel from the

farthest point of a parking slot will not exceed 3 minutes,

while addressing all safety aspects of passenger movement

within the parking lot.

Al Tayer revealed that construction of Roads &

Bridges Project leading to Meydan Racecourse

reached an advanced stage and the contractor is

about to finalize the project which encompasses

construction of bridges extending 2025 meters,

including two entry/exit bridges extending 710

meters and a VIP bridge linking Meydan with

Dubai-Al Ain Road extending 1315 meters.

“Construction works in the project will be finalized

with the launch of the 15th Dubai World Cup on 27

March 2010. The bridges will serve Meydan proj-

ect; which covers an area of 76 million square feet

and encompasses the biggest horseracing race-

track in the world in addition to an hotel, golf

courses, malls, recreational facilities, modern sta-

bles, Godolphin gallery, waterways, restaurants

and parking lots for about 10,000 vehicles.

Our News


Project completion hits 97% in Rashidiya Metro Station bridges, 95% in Meydan bridges: Al Tayer


H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Directorof Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has received in his office H.E.Guy Warrington, Consul General - the British Embassy in Dubai, in avisit that comes in the context of RTA objectives to build on theongoing cooperative relations with relevant bodies at the local,regional and international levels.During the meeting Al Tayer praised the existing cooperationbetween the UAE and the UK, and referred to the rising numbers ofBritish investors and tourists attracted to the UAE, and also notedthe rising influx of Emiratis heading to the UK as tourists orinvestors.The meeting also explored means of boosting cooperation andexchanging expertise between the RTA and its counterpart Britishcompanies engaged in rail, roads and transportation industries, andthe parties also reviewed the forthcoming road & infrastructure proj-ects in Dubai.

RTA Chairman and Executive Director briefed the British Consul onthe key projects currently undertaken by the RTA and said: “The UAEin general and Dubai in particular is witnessing massive develop-ments triggering an influx of peoples and businesses; which requireupgrading the infrastructure of roads & various transportationmodes such as the metro, water transport, buses, and taxis toaccommodate the growth in population, projects and urbanization”.For his part the British Consul in Dubai hailed the sweeping devel-opment the Dubai Emirate is seeing in a record time, turning it intoa focal point for investors, businessmen and tourists, thanks to thewise leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Healso commended Dubai Metro Project, which added a beautifuldimension to the array of distinguished projects in Dubai Emirate,besides easing the mobility of residents and curbing traffic conges-tion.

Al Tayer discusses coop with the British Consul in Dubai

Al Tayer receiving theConsul of the BritishEmbassy in Dubai

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Direc-tor of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), recently received H.E.Hendrik Herring, Minister of Economy & Traffic in the FederalRepublic of Germany and the accompanying delegation compris-ing H.E. Joerg Herrera, Deputy Consul-General of Germany inDubai in addition to representatives of several German organiza-tions and businesses. The meeting also discussed the possiblecooperation in the field of constructing road networks & bridgesas well as transport system technologies.At the start of the meeting Al Tayer hailed the historic relationsbetween the UAE and the Federal Republic of Germany which con-tributed to expanding the bilateral trade, multiple joint-venturesin various fields, and increased exchanges of tourists visitsbetween the friendly publics. Al Tayer stated that he would belooking forward for German companies to play more active role inDubai; particularly those specialized in the rail industry, anddescribed these visits as ripe opportunities for sharing expertise,stepping up cooperation in various fields, and benefiting from thepractices of countries with extensive record in rail manufacturing& operation.Al Tayer spoke about the investment opportunities open for theprivate sector in rail and transportation systems envisaged by theRTA up to 2020, encompassing hundreds of kilometers of mainroads, crossings over Dubai Creek and ring roads around theexisting and new development centers & activities. Opportunitiesalso include rail projects such as the metro and tram, and procur-ing public buses & marine transport systems worth billiondirhams; which create good potentials for businesses to take partin tenders put out by the RTA.

The German Minister attended to a briefing by H.E. Mattar Al Tayerabout Dubai Metro, comprising the Red and Green Lines, which isconsidered the longest driverless metro project undertaken as asingle project worldwide. The Red Line extends 52 km, includes29 stations (4 underground and 25 elevated; two of which atDubai International Airport), and runs 5 km underground. TheGreen Line extends 22 km, includes 18 stations (6 of them under-ground) and runs 10 km underground. The Minister was alsobriefed on the results of the first of stage of Dubai Metro opera-tion; which has lifted about seven million passengers in fourmonths; an indicator which underscores the importance of themetro in boosting mass transportation in the Emirate.For his part the German Minister of Economy & Traffic said at theend of the meeting that he was impressed with RTA projects, par-ticularly in the field of mass transportation, marked by DubaiMetro and public transport means. He particularly praised theefforts made towards carrying out such projects in a record time.Afterwards, The CEO of Rail Agency Abdul Majeed Al Khaja andthe Director of Rail Operation Ramadan Abdullah escorted H.E.Hendrik Herring and the accompanying delegation in a tour ofDubai Metro; where they stopped at Rashidiya, Al Ittihad and Mallof the Emirates stations.Al Khaja gave a brief explanation of environment-friendly DubaiMetro and how it was designed on high security & safety levels attop-quality standards. He pointed to the unique design of themetro stations which brings together traditional & modern con-cepts, and highlighted the efforts made to provide the servicesrequired by the metro users; such as commercial outlets, restau-rants and waiting areas.

Al Tayer reviews coop & investment in RTA Projects with the German Minister of Economy & Traffic

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer,

Chairman of the Board and

Executive Director of Roads

and Transport Authority (RTA)

in Dubai, stated that our men-

tor His Highness Sheikh

Mohammed bin Rashid Al

Maktoum, Vice-President and

Prime Minister of the UAE and

Ruler of Dubai, dedicates a

great deal of attention to the

citizens in general and the

youth in particular. His High-

ness has always been direct-

ing the concerned staff at var-

ious government’s depart-

ments and agencies to sense

the concerns of the communi-

ty and strive to resolve their

problems. HH had decisive

attitudes with regard to the

issue of traffic security and

safety. Also well known for

everybody is the personal

keen interest taken by His

Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin


Maktoum, Crown Prince of

Dubai and Chairman of the

Executive Council in Dubai

Emirate, who himself patron-

ized several awareness cam-

paigns and programs.

In an exclusive interview with

Al Masar magazine on the

occasion of the 26th Gulf Traf-

fic Week which sets off on the

14th of this month, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said: “the

issue of traffic awareness and safety is one of the core

issues of RTA in Dubai which was included in RTA’s vision of

providing “Safe and Smooth Transport for All”, where safety

has preceded the smoothness. Right from the beginning, we

set up a traffic awareness section within Traffic Department

of Traffic and Roads Agency to provide sufficient response to

awareness requirements.

Following is the text interview:

How far are you satisfied with the level of traffic awareness

among the community individuals in general and the youth

in particular?

Generally, our society maintains high level of awareness and

culture and this something we are proud of. However,

Interview


Mohammed bin Rashid’s directives touch the community concerns

Mattar Al Tayer: We set a scientific traffic awareness approach

based on studies and inputs of the local community

Dubai Crown Prince is a role model forawareness and safety campaigns

Interviewed by: Al Mutasim Billah Mohammed

though we are somewhat lagging behind in so far as traffic

awareness is concerned we are yet better than other coun-

tries with reduced level of public traffic awareness. Our aim

is to help the uncommitted persons, particularly the

youth who, before obtaining driving licenses, were not

privileged to be effectively enlightened on the impor-

tance of compliance with the safety principles and

laws as being a moral obligation resembling com-

pliance with various codes of good manners. Since

we tend to describe a youngster who is a bit quar-

relsome with his colleagues as being ill-mannered

and inadequately brought up, we should also do

the same with any youngster who behaves

badly in a vehicle causing loss of lives.

I call on our UAE youth in particular

and all youth living on the soil of this

benevolent country to take the ini-

tiative and support volunteerism

for the proliferation of traffic

awareness among their col-

leagues.

You are known to be personally

concerned with the issue of traffic

awareness. What is the outcome

of this interest?

I am not the only one who takes

special interest in this subject.

Our role model His Highness

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Al Maktoum, Vice-President and

Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, dedicates

much of his attention to the people in general and the youth

in particular. He has always been directing the concerned at

the various government’s departments and agencies to keep

close touch with the concerns of the community members

and resolve their problems. His Highness had a decisive

position with regard to the issue of traffic security and safe-

ty. He directed that all

energies and capabilities

be dedicated to uplifting

the level of traffic security

and safety as well as traf-

fic awareness among all

segments of the society.

We will remain clinging to

the course drawn to us by

His Highness.

Also, everyone is aware of

the personal interest

taken by His Highness

Sheikh Hamdan bin


Maktoum, Crown Prince

of Dubai and Chairman of

the Executive Council in

Dubai Emirate, who himself patronized several awareness

campaigns and programs. In his age he has a better under-

standing of how the youth think. He himself is a role model

for them influencing them with his innovative personality

placing the society’s supreme interests above all other con-

siderations.

Are there any concrete results achieved by RTA in the field of

safety?


Traffic safetyis a corner-stone of ourwork in thecontext ofRTA’s visionand youthshave to takethe initiativeof voluntaryawareness”

RTA has devised solutions to the challenges facing transport

system in Dubai Emirate, most importantly is the traffic con-

gestion, traffic safety and the limited use of mass transport

modes which was not more than 6 per cent whereas in devel-

oped countries the rate is 40 – 80 per cent in addition to the

fulfillment of the requirements of rapid urban and economic

renaissance in Dubai Emirate.

RTA managed within 4 weeks to achieve tremendous results

including reduction of journey delays at peak hours by 32

per cent which reduced the wasted time owing to conges-

tions from about AED 5.9 billion annually to about AED 4 bil-

lion annually. This was largely due to the implementation of

a number of giant projects. Lanes on Dubai Creek increased

from 19 to 48 lanes, an increase of 153 per cent, and the

number of routes on the main traffic corridors (Sheikh Zayed

Road, Al-Ittihad Road, Emirates Road, Dubai Bypass Road,

Dubai-Al Habab Road, Al Rabat Road) increased from 36 to

66 lanes, an increase of 83 per cent.

Road traffic safety endeavors

carried out by RTA in coopera-

tion with the Ministry of Interior

and Dubai Police have caused

traffic accident mortality to

drop from 21 deaths per

100,000 of population in 2005

to nearly 12.7 deaths per

100,000 of population in 2009,

i.e. about 40 per cent improve-

ment. This is a particularly dis-

tinguished achievement

according to the global traffic

safety criteria.

The issue of traffic awareness

and safety has constituted one

of the major pillars of our work

and is included in RTA’s vision which

gives priority to security over smooth-

ness. Our vision is to provide “Safe

and Smooth Transport for All” and, in

this context, RTA has verified all of its

own projects and developers’ projects

during design and implementation

stages to ensure their consistence

with RTA's specifications.

In addition, RTA carries out regular

checks on current roads and has tack-

led and remedied over 120 of the black

points where traffic accidents are more

frequent. It has studied and construct-

ed a number of pedestrian bridges and

provided more than 100 pedestrian

crossing areas and speed limiter

means in areas including schools and

mosques. It has also compiled several

engineering manuals concerned with

traffic safety issues to the best global

practices and carried out several studies to address more

common traffic problems such as the pedestrian accidents,

over-speeding and federal traffic law. RTA’s efforts in the

field of infrastructural traffic safety ended up in RTA winning

the first place in the Gulf Traffic Week in 2009.

Who are your most important partners in the community?

With respect to traffic awareness, we have a common con-

cern and a humanitarian mission, which we share with every

one living on the soil of this nation and certainly using its

public roads. It is for this reason that RTA is keen on working

collectively with all security, religious, educational, social

and economic organizations towards disseminating the traf-

fic awareness message. We have found considerable

response from all entities who share with us the same mis-

sion of maintaining human safety and property.

What is the approach adopted by RTA to develop traffic

awareness activity?

Awareness activity in the

past depended on personal

and impromptu efforts and

attempts. There are many

entities who thankfully took

part in carrying out this mis-

sion by making good efforts

that contributed to the prolif-

eration of that message. RTA

has, however, set a scientific

approach for traffic aware-

ness activity that is firstly

dependent on studies and

researches in the field of

safety and traffic and social

sciences, and secondly on

local community specifics,

Interview


particularity and means of influencing community individu-

als.

The awareness activity was based on five principles, fore-

most of which is the work within the context of traffic aware-

ness programs based on no specific time and place as

opposed to working in the context of awareness programs

having specific time, place and impact maintaining at the

same time event-related traffic awareness campaigns. The

second principle we have adopted in traffic awareness is to

direct media spotlights on all traffic awareness activities so

that the media can do its part with us in the field of achiev-

ing community safety. The third principle focuses on

strengthening societal partnerships with various

government and private organizations and enti-

ties on the ground that traffic awareness is the

responsibility of all and not just one specific

body. RTA is just leading, coordinating and

directing these efforts towards success and

achievement of the desirable objectives.

The fourth principle, through which RTA is put-

ting emphasis on all awareness programs, con-

siders adherence to traffic regulations as being

part of the general conduct and moral commit-

ment by individuals. An individual’s commit-

ment to safety rules is part of his good conduct

and behavior. In the fifth principle we had a far-

reaching perspective whereby we directed con-

siderable efforts at the youngsters and we hope

to harvest the fruits of their traffic awareness in

the future when they turn into a generation that is committed

to proper road manners and behaviors.

What are your future plans?

Our first and ultimate plan is to achieve traffic safety for all

community members. The Traffic Department has drawn up a

plan for the implementation of more than 30 traffic aware-

ness programs during this year. One of these programs is the

campaign and event program which includes many aware-

ness campaigns. However, we look forward to further

strengthening cooperation with all radio and TV channels

through miscellaneous programs, in which we are going to

have a great deal of traffic awareness.


Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Customer Service Centersrevealed that RTA had considered customers’ suggestionsand complaints as critical factors of its success as they leadto the development and provision of services in a better way.She pointed out that the services had been provided inaccordance with the customers’ needs and expectationsindicating that “an in-house committee" was formed to re-design service provision styles, and streamline followed pro-cedures and steps such as reducing the number of therequired documents and time taken to complete traffic serv-ices, including Salik account data contained in the licensingform.”The Department has also applied a new customer care sys-tem known as Customer Relations Management (CRM) Sys-tem with the aim of promoting the services provided for RTAcustomers. She said: “RTA Customer Service Centers Depart-ment attaches special attention to realizing RTA’s strategicgoal of giving priority to customers by improving and devel-oping the services provided to the public, the locationswhere services are provided, listening to customers andmeeting their needs.”To achieve this strategy the Department has purposelydrawn up plans for projects that can meet the needs andexpectations of RTA's customers who are regarded the keytarget of the service development and improvement. Sheemphasized that based on the re-structuring process, the

Customer Services Centers Department services would beprovided in accordance with the approved design and devel-opment through the implementation of project managementmethodology and approved work plans and designs; the isbeing to develop the service provision processes. The re-structuring is also aimed at ensuring quality anddevelopment and provision of world-class services. It alsoinvolves sub-center and main center sections to standardizethe criteria of service provision at these centers as well as re-classification of service provision centers on the level ofDubai Emirate as per the area distribution study to ensurebalanced provision of services at all areas. The package ofservices provided at each center has also been analyzedwith due consideration to population density and cus-tomers' needs.She added: “the Department had created a new sectionnamed “Quality Assurance and Development Section” tostudy ways of service provision and analyze indicators ofvarious service provision channels, including the Call Cen-ter, Customer Care Center and Customer Service Centersdepending on global development standards for bench-marking results. The Department also allocated motivationalawards in several fields, the aim is to develop the servicesprovided, including Best Agency in Customer Service Award,a number of awards offered to customers contributing theiropinions and suggestions to the development of services

Our Services


73 customer service centers in Dubai re-structured

Customers welcomed to air all their viewsthrough 8009090 Gateway

RTA's Customer Service Centers Department

has finalized the process of re-structuring 73

sub-centers and main centers of the Depart-

ment. This process aims to standardize the cri-

teria of evaluation of services provided at

these centers. This was done after having re-

classified the service provision centers on the

level Dubai Emirate based on an area distribu-

tion study intended to ensure balanced exis-

tence of services in all areas. The package of

services provided at each center was also ana-

lyzed through this organizational process, tak-

ing into consideration the population density

and customers' needs.Dr. Aysha Al Busmait

and Best Receptionist Award, among others, which play asignificant part in developing customer services in accor-dance with the Dubai Government Excellence Program incoordination with RTA's Quality Management and Develop-ment Department.”She affirmed that the Department aspires to develop itsprocesses through the provision of services to meet cus-tomers’ needs and expectations. An in-house committee hasbeen formed to re-design service provision styles andstreamline the adopted procedures and steps. This includesreducing the number of required documents and time takento complete traffic services, including Salik account data inthe licensing form, regularly updating the manual sold byRTA to consultants for improved accuracy of accounts sub-mitted by consultants with regard to the traffic impacts studyto reduce the number of checks and augment the loadingcapacity of documents accompanying No Objection Certifi-cates on the webpage. She further said” “RTA had added other new services to therange of services it provides to customers at Al Mizhar Cen-ter and the Main Building at Um Al Rumool. These includeright of way services, response to Salik queries, activation oftraffic system card services, provision of NOC’ s and insur-ance service. The new services provided at the Customer Ser-vice Centers in Umm Al Rumool and Al Barsha Licensing Cen-ters include one outlet for vehicle insurance and another one

for common comprehensive government services. There arealso some other services under study, including entranceand exit requests, slow down means and traffic statistics.The Department has also provided Nol card sale services ata number of customer service centers such as the main cus-tomer service center (Umm Al Rumool) and licensing centersat Deira, Al Barsha, Al Aweer, Al Mizhar, Jumeirah Plaza, AlTawar and Al Karama municipalities Dubai Industrial Area.She revealed that there had been additional advantagesoffered by the customer service centers such as free cus-tomer valet parking service at Deira Center and Traffic Cen-ter. There are green spaces beautifying the entrance at thecenters recently established by RTA such as Umm Al RumoolCenter. Similar spaces will be available at the other centers,which would be set up in the future such as Bar Dubai Cen-ter (Al Barsha South). Other centers which are small in size are provided with dec-orative green trees. She also stated: “the Department hadapplied a new customer care system known as the customerrelations management (CRM) system that aims to promotethe services provided to RTA's customers. Implementation ofPhase I of the customer relations management system hadbeen finalized and applied to RTA website and RTA mainservices portals. To be applied to all other portals later aswell, the system provides various services such as sugges-tions, complaints, reporting, queries, lost items and items


received through various communication centers, includingthe call center, customer physical presence, e-mails andRTA's website”.“The system allows the customer in one glance to follow uphis suggestions and complaints. It has a mechanism throughwhich customer transactions can be received and trans-ferred to the competent Agencies for consideration andresponse to the customer as per the time designated foreach transaction. The system is also dedicated to providecomprehensive and analytical reports on the services pro-vided and transactions received, which assists RTA in diag-nosing and creating new services for the benefit of our val-ued customers and for better understanding of their chang-ing requirements. The new system deals precisely with thecommunication the RTA receives from its customers and thepublic as soon as they arrive at RTA and keeps followingthem with the competent Agencies in accordance with a con-trolled mechanism. The system is also meant to standardizecustomer database and provide each customer with anaccess to one personal account.Dr. Aysha Al Busmait referred to the use of the system thatprovides a gateway through which customers can haveaccess to other services such as e-services and journey plan-ner. The system represents a qualitative drive in the develop-ment and management of customer relations and assists inproviding better service to customers and achieving RTA'sobjectives and strategies aimed at “Safe & Smooth Trans-port for All.” It also assists in improving the performance of

RTA's sector concerned with the provision of services to thepopulace and visitors of Dubai Emirate. The system is onlythe first stage of an integrated program that includes sever-al phases. It is indeed the start point meant to understandcustomers’ needs in a better way. Subsequent stages willinvolve linking the system with further important serviceswithin RTA to enable the Authority to study the current andfuture needs of customers at all levels and analyze the dataand statistics in a more holistic manner ensuring promotionof the standard of services provided,” she added. On the other hand, the Director of Customer Service Centerstressed the importance of the hobby exhibition regularlyhosted by the Department affirming that it was an innovativeinitiative originating from Umm Al Ramool Center with theaim of supporting the hobbies of youngsters taking part inthe exhibition. Participants of the exhibition were at firstonly from employees of various RTA's departments and sec-tions who used to maintain communication with the exhibi-tion coordinators. Now, the door is open for external partici-pants other official entities.“The Department plays different roles in conjunction with anumber of RTA's agencies. Within Rail Agency, the Depart-ment plays a supervisory role over Serco (the company oper-ating the project) and those responsible for operational mat-ters and customer service at stations by ensuring that theMetro commuters are satisfied with the services provided atthe stations and Metro trains. This is measured throughquestionnaires and the mystery shopper at stations. The

Our Services


department is also working with Sammak to facilitate the dif-ficulties the customers face. Through its call center, thedepartment receives queries, complaints, suggestions andreports concerning the Metro,” she continued.About the department’s future projects and coordinationwith other agencies, she said: “RTA works towards develop-ing the channels of communication with customers throughthe implementation of customer relations managementmethodology and application of customer relations manage-ment system, which provides customers with an overviewallowing them to follow up their suggestions and com-plaints, adoption of concentration teams and electronicquestionnaires through the Electronic System as well as theadoption of the “golden questions” approach at the call cen-ter whereby customers are divided into main categories inorder to analyze their needs, among others, according tocustomer relations management processes framework andgovernance scheme. RTA deals with the reports that could be in the form ofqueries, suggestions or complaints as soon as they arereceived. RTA has achieved qualitative progress in its servic-es through communication with customers and care for theirneeds by attending to their suggestions and complaints andthrough call toll free number. RTA considers customer sug-gestions and complaints as part of the most important fac-tors of its success, because they lead to developing servicesand providing them in a better way. For this reason, the Cus-tomer Service Centers Department forwards the most fre-

quent complaints to various RTA's agencies to bring aboutsolutions and study suggestions to assess their practicabili-ty through 73 centers, the call toll free number 800909 andRTA's website.

RTA has adopted a clearly defined and reliable methodologyfor complaints received from external entities and anothermethodology for customers’ suggestions in implementationof goal No. 6 of its strategy. Both methodologies contain sev-eral points, including definition of objectives relating to com-plaints and suggestions, mechanisms of receiving andstudying complaints and informing complainant and ways ofremedying emergency complaints.

In the context of its endeavor towards continued progress,RTA reviewed the two methodologies in August, madeamendments to the flow path therein and added appliedexamples and the Electronic System. It has also formed com-plaint and suggestion committees on Agency wise to studysuch complaints and suggestions more carefully and bringabout long term decisive solutions to them. She pointed outthat the strategic features of Customer Service CentersDepartment’s working plan for the coming years is to devel-op objective relations with customers, diversify providedservices and enhance performance at service provision cen-ters. Consequently, the Customer Service Centers Depart-ment has met the needs and expectations of customers andtaken into consideration their feedbacks and queries.


Clearly

defined cus-

tomer com-

munication

methodolo-

gy adopted

If we were to say: Thanks to a non-living object, it would be difficult for us to find one worthy of thanks, becausethanks and commendation are meant for sane individuals who did something well, sincerely, diligently, creativelyand exceeded others in terms of expectations and achievements.However, we sometimes address an inanimate object, not because it hears us, but in order to let another capable ani-mate object or a living creature hear us as it succeeded in moving the inanimate object and giving it life, as the poetsaid: I pass along the dwelling of Laila, Kissing this wall and that wall;It is not actually the dwelling that I am in love with,But it is the dweller I loveWe say thanks from the bottom of our hearts to the Safety Bus, launched by Traffic Awareness Section at TrafficDepartment of RTA's Traffic & Roads Agency at the threshold of 2007, in cooperation with Emirates Transport and(Johnson & Jones Company). It began roaming through the internal and external roads, travelling thousands of miles,from Dubai to Ras Al-Khaimah, providing outstanding educational programs at schools, universities, Mudhish, Glob-al Village, Gulf Annual Traffic Weeks and elsewhere. Thanks to the pioneers who first led this bus and have not left the steering wheel so far. They drove it with their livesand hearts rather than their hands. Thanks to the staff who worked hard to translate the directives of their superiorsinto a significant innovation. Thanks to the staff of Traffic Awareness Section who were the first to ride Safety Bus.

Photo CaptionPhoto Caption


Thanks to the ..Safety BusThanks to the ..Safety Bus

Dubai (United Arab Emirates): Roads &

Transport Authority (RTA) has clinched

the Best IT Governance Application Stan-

dards Award; which is aligned with crite-

ria set by The Control Objectives for Infor-

mation and related Technology (COBIT)

in Government Departments Category

2009 presented by Financial Control

Dep’t of the Dubai Government.

The Award was received on behalf of the

RTA by the CEO of RTA Corporate Techni-

cal Support Services Sector Abdullah Al

Madani, in the presence of the Director

of Information Technology Dep’t Abdul-

lah Al Bastaki and several RTA officials in

the Award distribution ceremony organized at Park Hyatt

Hotel in Dubai; where RTA won the Award at the level of

Dubai Government departments. It is worth noting that

COBIT, which is supervised by Information Systems Audit

and Control Association (ISACA) covers key processes which

ensure the progress of IT processes in a controlled frame-

work.

Al Madani stated that RTA was privileged with landing this

prestigious Award; which reflects yet another success of the

RTA in the IT field. The Dubai Financial Control Department

Award gives the RTA a good impetus for

the RTA to redouble its efforts in the Gov-

ernance of IT standards & systems. RTA

clinched the Award following highly com-

petitive submissions featuring participa-

tion from various government depart-

ments.

Commenting on the event Abdullah Al

Bastaki said: “RTA is applying latest IT

practices and applications; with due con-

sideration assigned to the Governance of

IT standards. The process is based on

COBIT specifications within specific IT

governance and control processes appli-

cable at the RTA, spanning 34 key process-

es in various aspects including project management and

financial risks among others. These measures are intended

to bring excellence and success in the management of RTA

technological processes”.

The Dubai Government Financial Control Dep’t presents this

Award annually; based on an initiative from Information

Technology Governance Assurance Forum (ITGAF) to encour-

age and honour the agencies to perpetuate the culture of IT

governance and ensure its effectiveness. The Award, which

was launched in 2006.


RTA clinches best IT Governance Appli-

cation Standards Award

Abdulla Al Madani

An interview with Mr. Adi Omar AlDeesi,Director of the newly establishedAssets Management Department,under the Corporate Technical SupportServices Sector of RTA, lends moreinsight into this initiative.Q. Recently we have seen a focus onAsset Management within RTA. Why?“Asset Sustainability” is one of ourStrategic Goals in RTA’s Strategic Plan2009 – 2013. In line with this, ourChairman & Executive Director H.E.Matar Al Tayer has taken on an initia-tive to introduce an Asset Managementcapability within the organization. Thisis a sign of maturity of our organizationintending to protect its investments,such as the metro, buses, taxis, ferries,roads and even traffic lights, throughconsistent and structured processes.We hope to continue to build and main-tain our portfolio of assets, with robustsystems that will allow future genera-tions to depend upon their quality anduse.Q. How does RTA define assets management?The Assets Management Department’s vision is “Excellencein Asset Optimization.” We seek ways to optimize the use ofour assets, which is mainly by maximizing the benefits andreducing the operating costs. Our knowledge, informationand intentions are based on international standards andwell proven methodologies and processes. We have select-ed the British Standards Institute specifications for AssetManagement (PAS55) as our baseline for evaluating the

effectiveness of our Asset Manage-ment practice within the agencies ofRTA. Eventually we are aiming to meetor exceed these standard require-ments and achieve international cer-tification in the area of Assets Man-agement.

Q. What initiatives is RTA undertakingin the area of assets management?The Assets Management Departmentis undertaking some wide organiza-tion initiatives. The Assets Manage-ment Department (AMD) is estab-lished within Corporate TechnicalSupport Services as a result of stud-ies the RTA has carried out to compre-hensively understand the need forproper Assets Management for itsvaluable resources. The AMD hasdeveloped the corporate Assets Man-agement policy and strategy. Current-ly, it is developing the assets man-agement processes throughout the

RTA. Some of the Agencies have already started implement-ing the Assets Management software that will unify the stor-age and monitoring the condition of all RTA's assets. This isa project that we are implementing across the organizationin close coordination with our IT department to whom we areenormously indebted for the support they offered in thisregard. We are also leveraging on the GIS program to trackand manage our assets since they are located in differentareas within the emirate of Dubai.What is the role of the newly established AMD?

Asset Sustainability


A pivotal point in the RTA strategic thinking

Efficient management of assets will save

millions of unnecessary expenditure

RTA's Roads and Traffic Agency has recently embarked on a

journey to achieve greater levels of internal efficiencies by

adopting leading practices in the area of Asset Management.

Embracing a formalized Asset Management approach over the

lifecycle of infrastructure assets is a relatively new and devel-

oping concept in many mature economies. By defining “best

practices” in Asset Management, the RTA is taking the lead

over the transport authorities in the region.

Major efforts are exerted tochange the mindset of ourstakeholders about public

assets

Mr. Adi Omar AlDeesi

Our main role is to ensure the optimum use ofall RTA's assets while always maintaining thequality of service they provide. The AssetsManagement Department was established inMarch 2009 to essentially unify the currentlyfragmented asset management practices with-in the different agencies and to assist the dif-ferent Agencies within the RTA to streamlinetheir current Assets Management practicesand align them to a corporate Assets Manage-ment strategy and policy, which are in line withthe best international standards in thisdomain. In addition, we will support all RTA'sagencies to run their own operational assetsmanagement strategiesHow will the new AMD support the strategicgoals of RTA?As mentioned before, the RTA has set out 8strategic goals in its Strategic Plan 2009-2013.“Assets Sustainability” is one of the goals.Assets Management is also a key enabler forthe other strategic goals of RTA, and it is one of the DGEPevaluation criteria. The Assets Management departmentcontributes to achieving 5 of these goals.Through ensuring adequate focus on Assets Management,we will support RTA in providing and maintaining high quali-ty service to the public in the UAE, while building a financial-ly sustainable organization. In the meantime, proper AssetsManagement, in fact, helps in supporting to reduce not onlyoperations and maintenance costs but also capital coststhrough a more informed decision making while planningnew investments. Assets Management as a field has been formalized onlyrecently and it is the vision of our Chairman and CEOs to before adopters of this concept. This will put us ahead region-ally and globally. We will also be able to demonstrate ourcontinued commitment to advancing RTA through focuseddevelopment of our systems, process and people.Our research on similar leading transport authorities hasshown that proper assets management can reduce tens ofmillions of Dirhams spent unnecessarily, while providinghigh quality, reliable and safe assets and service to the pub-licWhat will be the impact on the Agencies and employees ofRTA?RTA has built a large and diverse repository of assets to con-tinuously provide high quality services to its customers. Tooptimize the usage of all these assets while maintaining thelevels of services through adopting new Assets Managementprocesses and policies, it will require a change in the mind-sets and the way we do things. Being more financiallyresponsible and aware of how we utilize our resources, it willbe a key learning for all of us and the understanding andknowledge we gain would be applicable not only in our workenvironment but also in our personal lives. For example, byadopting a standard assets classification, unified assetsdatabase and consistent reporting across RTA, we will

streamline the way we manage our assets. This will no doubtpositively impact the way by which we fulfill our day-to-dayresponsibilities towards managing our assets.

How would any organization and/or the public interactingwith the RTA be affected by this imitative?Certainly, our stakeholders include the Government of Dubaiand our customers. With the establishment of the AssetsManagement capability, there will be some changes in theprocedures we may follow, but the quality and reliability willremain at the highest standards. We have a diverse portfolioof assets and our consistent goal is to protect the invest-ments of the government by establishing a rigorous systemin accordance with international standards, which will be aregional role model. We are focusing on being environmen-tally conscious in our operations to ensure social responsi-bilityWhat are the future expectations and goals of RTA in regardsto assets management?The Assets Management Department is aiming to build a“Center of Excellence” in the area of Assets Management,which will enable the development of not only our internalstaff but also of the external entities in the future. We areaggressively working on achieving the PAS55 internationalcertification to demonstrate our commitment to this area.Our overall aim is to increase the lifespan of the RTA assetsby building our internal capability and establishing a consis-tent approach to assets management within RTA.What are the challenges that you foresee in achieving RTA’sgoals in area of Assets Management?Assets Management is relatively a new science that emergedapproximately 20 years ago in the United States and about10 – 15 years old in the UK and brings about a number ofchallenges. Firstly, there are, in fact, no Universities thatoffer programs in the Assetsf the valuable resources weposses


Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA's Licensing Agency,cautioned that under the rules of using and licensingquad bikes and jet skis issued by His Highness SheikhHamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the ExecutiveCouncil, a ban would be imposed on riding or practic-ing rental activity of quad bikes and jet skis withoutobtaining a prior license from RTA's Licensing Agencyfor use in off-road areas specified by RTA. It is alsobanned to drive quad bikes and jet skis on asphaltedroads, within residential districts, or at interior /coastal areas of the Emirate. He said: “the rules stipu-late that riders of quad bikes should be no less than 16years of age. Those below this age may, however, usethem under direct supervision of their parents provid-ed that they are mentally and physically fit to ridethese bikes and that they are well aware of their oper-ation and use in strict compliance with safety condi-tions and requirements defined in the Executive Regu-lation. The rules also oblige rental operators to ensurethat renters of these bikes do meet these conditionsand requirements."He revealed that RTA formed a committee to evaluateapplication of the rules, which were issued more than

three years ago with a view to studying the barriers totheir implementation and failure of bike owners tocomply with the rules in the manner described by RTA.He emphasized that the fundamental objective behindthe application of the rules is to preserve safety andsecurity of users of these bikes as well as other roadusers and legalize the ownership of each and everybike in order to easily establish the responsibility ofowners. He also revealed that a team of specialistswas visiting spots where riders exercise their hobbiesto explain to them the procedures that they wererequired to follow and assist them in having theirbikes registered and insured, and plate numberedwithout even needing to show up at the concernedDepartment. He said: “the team started its work after the committeehas completed its system compliance evaluation andidentified the reasons why people refrain from comply-ing with the system. The committee will study a num-ber of criteria, including testing, insurance, registra-tion fees, bike capacity, provision of distinguishednumber plates and hearing parents. In addition to RTA,the committee will comprise Dubai Police and GeneralDepartment of Traffic.” He stressed that the system

Community Safety


RTA urges parents to register quad bikes & jet skis

A committee is set up to assessrules implementation

The Roads and TransportAuthority (RTA) has urged

parents and riders of quadbikes and jet skis, who

have not complied with therules of using and licens-ing of quad bikes and jetskis in Dubai Emirate, to

expedite registration oftheir bikes. Compliance

with the regulations in thisrespect is in the first place

meant to preserve the livesand rights of those riders

and avoid the negativeconsequences of failure to

have them registered,including absence of an

insurance company to bearany potential risks.

obliges applicants wishing to license their quad bikesand jet skis should have comprehensive insuranceagainst accidents and civil liability with an insurancecompany licensed in the Emirate. He pointed out thatregistration of quad bikes and jet skis was to be madeat the Licensing Agency in accordance with the provi-sions of this system, noting that this was in the bestinterest of both drivers and owners of these bikes. It isalso conditional that the bike rider passes traffic safe-ty courses conducted by the sellers or specializedinstitutes.He said: "According to the system, the validity of thelicense to exercise the activity of using and renting outquad bikes is one year to be renewed for a similar peri-od in the same conditions and requirements providedthat the renewal application is submitted to the con-cerned department within thirty days from the date oflicense expiry." He added that the system grants RTAin Dubai the authority to establish conditions andinstructions to monitor and inspect quad bike and JetSki rental offices, including their locations and bikesin order to ensure their compliance with the conditionsand specifications set forth in this system and its exec-utive regulation," he said. “The system requires a specific fee for registration,renewal and testing of the bikes. Registration andrenewal costs AED 300 each, technical testing costsAED 100, while rental operator’s license and renewalboth cost AED 1,000” he added. Pursuant to the regulations, offences and fines vary,including 10 types ranging from AED 100 to AED 500 foroffences committed for the first offence that is dou-bled to AED 200 to AED 1,000 in the second time. Inthe third time or more, the bike shall be impounded forone month. The system also provides for confiscationof bikes, whose owners exercise quad bike rentalactivity without having license with the bike remainingconfiscated until such time as the offender has recti-

fied his status.For his part, Sultan Al Kutbi, Director of Registrationand Licensing of the Marine Agency, confirmed thatunder the water ski use and license system in DubaiEmirate, a natural or judicial person is banned fromusing or exercising water ski rental activity on thewaters designated by RTA without obtaining priorlicense from RTA. Water skis may be used in anywaters designated by RTA if they are licensed by theconcerned entities at any of the State Emirates.He said: “The system charged Marine Agency with theresponsibility of licensing water skis stipulating thatriders below 14 years of age should not drive waterskis without being accompanied by their parent or aqualified instructor, that they should be mentally andphysically fit to ride water skis and that they should bewell aware of the rules of their operation and driving.They should also wear life jacket during exercise andcomply with the safety condition and requirements.The system also stipulated that the license applicantshould have his water ski comprehensively insuredagainst accidents and civil liabilities with an insurancecompany that is licensed to operate in the Emirate.The license shall be valid for two years for the use ofwater skis by individuals and one year for exercisingwater ski rental business by companies and rentaloffices. The license is to be renewed for a similar peri-od in the same conditions and requirements providedthat renewal application is submitted to the concerneddepartment within thirty days from the date of licenseexpiry."The system provides that the license holder shouldnotify the concerned department before waiving hislicense or disposing it any way. The concerned depart-ment at RTA will in this case issue temporary licensesfor bikes taking part in water ski races as well asdefine the waters where use and rentals are allowedand conditions that are required to be satisfied in the


locations designated for exercising these activities.The system has empowered Marine Agency with theauthority to set the conditions and instructions ensur-ing control and inspection of water ski rental shopsand their water skis, the aim being to ensure theircompliance with the conditions and specificationsprovided for in the system. The Agency’s staff will havethe capacity of police in evidencing deeds and viola-tions,” he continued.

He further stated that the system includes renewal,testing and licensing of water skis. A water ski techni-cal testing costs AED 200, technical testing for partici-pation in races costs AED 500, while issuance orrenewal of rental activity costs AED 5,000, licensing orrenewal of registration of water skis owned by individ-ual costs AED 500 and for rental offices AED 3,000.Licensing or license renewing of an instructor at rentalshops costs AED 1,000.The system has divided water ski infringements intotwo categories, the first relates to individuals amount-ing to AED 200 - 500 for the first year with the bikeimpounded for 1 – 2 weeks while the fine doubles inthe second time to AED 400 – 1,000 with the bikeimpounded from one week to one month. In the thirdtime, the fine is AED 600 – 1,500 with the bikeimpounded for a period of one week to one month,which can even be extended until such time as the sit-uation has been rectified.As for offences relating to water ski rental offices, thesystem provides for a fine of AED 200 – 2,000 for thefirst time with the bike impounded for one week. Insome breaches, the renter is suspended from exercis-

ing the activity. In the second time, the fine is AED 600– 4,000 with the bike impounded for 1 – 2 weeks,which may sometimes be extended until such time asthe situation has been rectified. In the third time, thefine ranges between AED 600 – 6,000 with the bikeimpounded indefinitely and the renter suspendedfrom exercising the activity. The Marine Transport Agency discusses with theNational Transport Authority the implementation ofthis system"Water System" opens the door to impose fines up toAED 6,000 and bike impoundment for using a licenseissued from another emirate discussed with the National Transport Authority waysof cooperation enhancement to ensure the

Community Safety


Dubai (UAE): RTA's Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has honoured200 cabdrivers who had completed five years and more in theservice of the Corporation in recognition of their loyalty. Themove comes in line with the DTC’s attention to acknowledge thestrenuous efforts exerted by drivers in their capacity as RTA’sambassadors and representatives to the public, consideringtheir continuing interaction and mingling with various spectra ofthe community wisely, patiently and respectfully under all cir-cumstances.Ammar bin Tameem, Director of Fleet Drivers Affairs at DTC, said:“This decoration comes in appreciation of those drivers whowork hard and diligently under no supervision at all. It is, there-fore, required to highlight their achievements, loyalty to DTC andshowcase their contributions, which set an example to follow.This is particularly relevant as they make these actions andachievements out of their own conscience and inherent drive todo more and excel their performance in order to achieve thedesirable results without angling for return against such com-mitment and regardless of the magnitude or nature of the jobdone.”He added: “All junior and senior drivers are exposed to compre-hensive and intensive training courses based on the lateststate-of-the-art syllabi applicable internationally in this field,the aim being to improve their performance and promote thestandard of service they provide to passengers of various seg-ments of the community. Cabdrivers are also targeted by a num-ber of awareness programs coordinated with the concernedbodies and delivered in three languages, i.e. Arabic, English andUrdu. These programs include theory and practice on the besttraffic safety practices to maintain the safety of drivers, passen-gers and road users in general. By this, we aim to achieve ourvision of “Safe and Smooth Transport for All.” Nearly, 10,563

junior and senior cabbies were trained last year, out of whom1,800 junior drivers were trained in 40 groups each comprising45 drivers.”Bin Tameem continued: “DTC had launched a number of initia-tives to honour cabbies in recognition of their efforts, dedicationand hard work within the context of its strategy to uplift drivers’satisfaction and deliver excellent service. The initiatives includeawarding honest drivers on a monthly basis under the theme“Honesty, the Whole Honesty and Nothing but Honesty” andhonouring distinguished drivers through the Drivers Perfor-mance Management System where DTC allocates AED 2 millionannually as rewards granted every three months, in addition tohonouring the drivers who are commended by customers andthe public”. For their part, the honoured cabbies expressed theirutmost thanks and gratitude for this good gesture by DTCemphasizing that they would exert more efforts and demon-strate further perseverance in performing their duties. Theyadmitted that the step is a great motivation driving them intoproviding yet better service

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Women’s establishment . The one-year term

MoU reflects RTA’s attention to adopt the best international practices applica-

ble in educational nurseries, a move which echoes the gracious initiative

launched by the President of Dubai Women’s establishment Her Highness

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of

Presidential Affairs.

RTA signed the Agreement with Dubai Women’s establishment represented

by Aisha Khaifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, in the pres-

ence of Shamsa Salih, Director of Strategy and Corporate Planning Dep’t; and

Maitha Qarwash, a project specialist.

Kawthar Kazim, Director of Human Resources and Development Dep’t at RTA,

stated that RTA was keen on bolstering the strategic cooperation between the

two parties in support through advocating the law calling for establishment of

nurseries within the Dubai Government Departments. “The aim is to ensure

empowerment and support of women to develop self-esteem and job satisfac-

tion as well as enhance their involvement in life and taking initiatives to

improve the community service such that Dubai Emirate always remains

ahead in terms of corporate services in line with the National Nurseries Project

during 2009” she said. Kawthar added: “The underlying objective of RTA

establishing the nursery is to nurture an atmosphere of psychological comfort

& safety for children by being close to their mothers. This atmosphere effec-

tively contributes to uplifting productivity and reducing wasted working hours.

It also enables women to play the role of mother and working women at a time

which reflects positively on all parties, namely the employer, the employee

and the child”.

She pointed out that RTA had taken necessary measures to set up the nursery

which would be ready by the end of February, with the inauguration taking

place at a later date. “This service comes to integrate the many other services

provided by RTA to its employees and involves 40 children from both sexes,

including newly born and children up to 4 years old. The nursery is built on an

area of over 500 square meters and fully qualified to nurture children and take

care of them in line with the approach of the International Montessori Nursery.

All precautionary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of children

and their protection against various risks they are exposed to at this early

age” continued Kawther. She revealed that the nursery system depended on

nurturing children in a scientific manner through development of their physi-

cal and moral potential and skills taking into account the creation of a healthy

environment fitting their age. “It is also meant to enable children to have

diverse activities that assist in building and developing their physical, mental

and social potential, with particular focus on children 3 – 4 years of age. The

nursery’s service hours are aligned with RTA’s official working hours, i.e. from

7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.” concluded Kawther.

For her part, Aisha Khalifa Al Suwaidi said: “We in the Dubai Women’s estab-

lishment are keen on activating this initiative with the largest number of

authorities, departments and agencies of the Government of Dubai as well as

with the private sector. Through the dissemination of this initiative, we aim to

focus on working women. We are thankful to RTA for signing this memoran-

dum which will be a strong motive for other authorities, departments and

agencies in Dubai to follow suit”.


Dubai Taxi honours 200 cabbies who served more than 5 years

RTA signs MoU with Dubai Women’s establishment

RTA Community


On behalf of Mr. Yousef Jawad,Acting CEO of RTA's CorporateAdministrative Support ServicesSector, Dr. Aisha Al Busmait,Director of Customer Service hon-ored the General Supervisor ofRTA Al-Masar Magazine alongwith the editorial team for theoutstanding role played over thepassed period that culminated inturning the magazine from a quar-terly publication to a monthlypublication starting from January2009. Dr. Aisha Al Busmaitpraised the role of the team in upgrading various aspects of the magazine. The General Supervisor of Al-Masar stated that the nextphase requires further development, in form and content, to meet the directives of HE Chairman of the Board and Executive Director tomake the magazine voice of the RTA, its projects and its achievements. Honorees also included: Peyman Younes Parham, Maher Al-Kayali, Al-Motasem Bellah Mohammad, Mohammad Al-Munji, Zakia Al-Musharrakh, Mohammed bin Towaih and photographer SayedZaheer Haider.

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Women’s establishment . The one-year term MoU

reflects RTA’s attention to adopt the best international practices applicable in educational nurseries, a move which echoes the gracious initiative launched by the

President of Dubai Women’s establishment Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed

Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

RTA signed the Agreement with Dubai Women’s establishment represented by Aisha Khaifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, in the presence of

Shamsa Salih, Director of Strategy and Corporate Planning Dep’t; and Maitha Qarwash, a project specialist.

Kawthar Kazim, Director of Human Resources and Development Dep’t at RTA, stated that RTA was keen on bolstering the strategic cooperation between the two par-

ties in support through advocating the law calling for establishment of nurseries within the Dubai Government Departments. “The aim is to ensure empowerment

and support of women to develop self-esteem and job satisfaction as well as enhance their involvement in life and taking initiatives to improve the community serv-

ice such that Dubai Emirate always remains ahead in terms of corporate services in line with the National Nurseries Project during 2009” she said.

Kawthar added: “The underlying objective of RTA establishing the nursery is to nurture an atmosphere of psychological comfort & safety for children by being close

to their mothers. This atmosphere effectively contributes to uplifting productivity and reducing wasted working hours. It also enables women to play the role of moth-

er and working women at a time which reflects positively on all parties, namely the employer, the employee and the child”.

She pointed out that RTA had taken necessary measures to set up the nursery which would be ready by the end of February, with the inauguration taking place at a

later date. “This service comes to integrate the many other services provided by RTA to its employees and involves 40 children from both sexes, including newly

born and children up to 4 years old. The nursery is built on an area of over 500 square meters and fully qualified to nurture children and take care of them in line

with the approach of the International Montessori Nursery. All precautionary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of children and their protection against

various risks they are exposed to at this early age” continued Kawther.

She revealed that the nursery system depended on nurturing children in a scientific manner through development of their physical and moral potential and skills

taking into account the creation of a healthy environment fitting their age. “It is also meant to enable children to have diverse activities that assist in building and

developing their physical, mental and social potential, with particular focus on children 3 – 4 years of age. The nursery’s service hours are aligned with RTA’s offi-

cial working hours, i.e. from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.” concluded Kawther.

For her part, Aisha Khalifa Al Suwaidi said: “We in the Dubai Women’s establishment are keen on activating this initiative with the largest number of authorities,

departments and agencies of the Government of Dubai as well as with the private sector. Through the dissemination of this initiative, we aim to focus on working

women. We are thankful to RTA for signing this memorandum which will be a strong motive for other authorities, departments and agencies in Dubai to follow suit”.

At the end of the ceremonial signing of the memorandum, RTA presented a trophy to the Dubai Women’s establishment in recognition of this initiative between the

two parties. Helen Al Shartooni, Project Manager at Human Resources and Development Dep’t at RTA, then escorted the visiting delegation in a tour within RTA build-

ing, during which the visitors learned about th

Al-Masar editorial team decorated

Dr. Aisha with Al-Masar with Editorial Team

Dr. Aisha honors Zakia Al-Musharrakh. Honors photographer Sayed Zaheer Haidar

RTA signs MoU with Dubai Women’s establishment

issue no. 21, march 2010 the official monthly magazine of dubai's

Documents