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The Official Monthly Magazine of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority Issue No. 70 April 2014 With its museum-themed staons.. Dubai Metro radiates culture, art and history to the world Dubai the world's smartest city with 100 iniaves, 1000 services

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Page 1: With its museum-themed stations.. Dubai Metro … Smart City envisioned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the city that focuses on catering to the convenience and welfare

The Official Monthly Magazine of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority Issue No. 70 April 2014

With its museum-themed stations..Dubai Metro radiates culture, art and history to the world

Dubai the world's smartest city with 100 initiatives, 1000 services

Page 2: With its museum-themed stations.. Dubai Metro … Smart City envisioned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the city that focuses on catering to the convenience and welfare
Page 3: With its museum-themed stations.. Dubai Metro … Smart City envisioned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the city that focuses on catering to the convenience and welfare

THE SMART CITY

Mattar Al TayerChairman of the Board and Executive Director

THE initiative of transforming Dubai into a smart city, which was launched by

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and

Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, supervised and followed up by His

Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of

Dubai, epitomizes the aspiration of our wise leadership to ensure the welfare and

happiness of our people by providing world-class services, rendering Dubai a city

par excellence worldwide.

The Smart City envisioned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is

the city that focuses on catering to the convenience and welfare of residents,

and offering highly efficient services via state-of-the-art technologies. The smart

mobility is one of the key pillars of smart cities, and from this standpoint, the RTA

has set both the welfare & smooth living in Dubai as a top priority during projects

planning & implementation phases, and will capitalize on smart technologies to

provide services to customers.

The RTA has future master plans for setting up technological traffic & transport

systems, establishing a unified control center for all means of transport, and

providing more than 200 smart phones services by the end of 2015. The RTA is

currently offering a wide range of smart services covering various areas including

a Centralized Traffic Lights Control System, SMS parking payment service, and the

Dynamic Navigation System that provides motorists with information about road

conditions to help them avoid traffic congestions.

In the transport sector, we have the Dubai Metro, which has entered the Guinness

World Records in 2012 as the longest driverless metro network worldwide,

automated system for tracking & managing bus movement, routes and timetables

and a Unified Fare Collection System (Nol), and the Electronic Journey Planner

(Wojhati) which enables customers to plan their daily travels in advance. The RTA

has also installed 620 screens in metro and bus stations to provide passengers

with real-time arrival information of trains and buses, besides uploading public

transport data on Google Maps, rendering Dubai the first city in the Middle East

and North Africa to activate this service. It has also introduced the Smart Taxi App,

the first of its kind in the region enabling taxi users to book taxicabs and track their

movement in real-time via their smart-phones. The Smart Taxis are fitted with

electronic screens that provide a host of services to riders including flights inquiry.

Finally, we pledge to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice

President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that we will spare no

efforts to realize the vision of HH for the happiness of people, and to work in road

conditions team spirit to make Dubai road conditions the smartest city in roads

and transport systems worldwide.

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Cover

Cover

Mohammed bin Rashid issues directives to convert metro stations into museums, cultural, artistic and historical platforms.

The 100 initiatives and 1000 services render Dubai as the world`s smartest city

5 Issue NO. 70 April 2014

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Our Projects

Our News

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RTA awards AED104m contract to construct internal roads at Muhaisna 2

Al Jaddaf, Creek Metro Stations on the Green Line opened

Blue-waters Island and the International City Projects endorsed

Al Tayer showcases RTAs experience, role of infrastructure in prompting comprehensive development at Jeddah Economic Forum

Jumeirah Corniche Project to be developed at a cost of AED 100 million

GENERAL SUPERVISORAysha AL Busmait

EDITOR IN CHIEFAlMoatasem Belah Mohammed

MANAGING DIRECTOR Mohammed Al Munji

TECHNICAL SUPERVISIONAbou Baker Eltoum

EDITING MANAGER

Fiona ChantelleMagdy Abu Zeed

ADMIN COORDINATORAfaf Al Fayyad

PHOTOGRAPHYSyed Zaheer Haidar

DESIGN &MARKETING

Art DirectorSaid Mansour

CONTACT USP.O.Box: 118899 Dubai,U.A.E

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

Email: [email protected]

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RTA is the first public entity in Dubai to obtain ISO Energy Management System Certification.

440 million passengers used mass transit modes in Dubai in 2013

Marine transit services beefed up, Dubai Ferry service timetable revised

Smart system to identify paid parking zone codes

Gulf Traffic Safety 2013, Raising Pedestrian Safety Rates Reward

Achievements

Numbers

Services

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CONTENTS

Reciprocal Ads Initiative Al Masar magazine Editorial Board offers the Reciprocal Ads initiative whereby a space for an advert is allocated to strategic partners and other government entities against allocating the same space in the magazine of the beneficial entity during the same month for the benefit of the RTA.

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Al Masar – Mohammed Al Munji

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Mohammed directs to transform Dubai Metro stations into museumsUAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum gave his directions to transform Dubai Metro stations into art museums displaying artworks and creations from different themes and cultures.

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This first of its kind initiative aims to make arts and creativity accessible to all segments of the society and to provide Dubai Metro passengers with a unique and entertaining experience. It also aims to enhance the UAE’s international position in general and Dubai’s in particular as a vital supporter for arts and artists.

Sheikh Mohammed’s directive came

during a briefing on Dubai Metro Museum project and its different

implementation stages. The presentation was attended also attended by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid.Sheikh Mohammed also directed that the project be completed within 12 months and to synchronize the launch with the commencement of “Art Dubai 2015”.

His Highness said: “We want to reach everyone through arts. We want creativity to reach every individual in the society. We want to inspire and communicate with every employee on his way to work, every student on his way to pursuing education and every tourist visiting Dubai.”“We want to transfer Dubai Metro stations to museums accompanying passengers to all destinations.”His Highness also said that, “The U.A.E. has been playing a vital role

in supporting arts in the Arab

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region and in the world for years. The U.A.E. provides a cultural bridge that links the east and the west. Art is a universal language that has the power to unite humanity and bring people from different languages, nationalities and cultures together. It removes barriers that seems to separate them from one another.”“We will continue to create motivational environments to support arts and culture and highlight the creative and artistic aspects of Dubai. Our purpose is to lead a creative renaissance for all

the cultural and artistic aspects of life in Dubai,” Sheikh Mohammed also added.With more than 137 million visitors in 2013 and an average of 500 thousand visitors a day, Dubai Metro Museum initiative aims to create an artistic environment with a wide reach to inspire creativity and innovation.Phase one of the project will include transforming four vital metro stations into art museums. Each of the museums will have a specific

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theme that highlights a specific aspect of arts or cultures. The interior and exterior designs of the museums will reflect their themes. Islamic arts and Arabic Calligraphy

Museum, Inventions Museum, Contemporary Art Museum

and Visual Art Museum will be launched during phase one.The Islamic art and Arabic Calligraphy Museum will include a collection of artworks inspired by

the Islamic art and its

development phases over 1400 years. Manuscripts, ceramics and jewelry will be some of the items on display to highlight the art and cultural aspects of the times they represent. Calligraphy paintings will also be on display to give visitors a taste of the Arabic calligraphy art and its development through the different ages.Inventions Museum will offer the visitors from different ages a unique and interactive educational experience that illustrates the most important human

Cover Story

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inventions in different fields such as engineering, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, geography and many other fields. It will also include the contribution of the most important inventors in human history from all ages including the very age we live in.The Contemporary Art Museum will offer a unique and comprehensive view on modern art through a collection which reflects the sense of contemporary creative expression. It will have paintings, designs, graphic illustrations,

models, and many other items that reflect the expressive and intellectual styles which have been created by contemporary artists from different parts of the world.Visual Art Museum will highlight the contemporary visual art scene through the screening of movies and documentaries, and displaying multimedia content of cultural and artistic essence. The visual art museum will give its visitors the opportunity to share their work and have it on display as well.These museums will be provided

with state-of-the-art technology and smart and interactive mobile applications in line with Smart Dubai initiative that was launched lately by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world. Dubai Metro Museum will be an educational and a cultural opportunity on different art related topics. It will encourage people to interact with the displayed artworks. It will also contribute to increasing awareness levels of the importance of art in everyday life.

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Cover Story

Mohammed launches Strategic Plan to transform Dubai into the smartest city

The launch took place in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince and General Supervisor of the

project Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai Deputy

Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin M o h a m m e d bin Rashid Al

Maktoum.During the l a u n c h i n g c e r e m o n y, S h e i k h Mohammed

affirmed: Our country is

today ushering into a new era for the improvement and development of quality

of life through this gigantic project which got underway through an unprecedented public-private partnership to make a

new reality for all and change the concept of city which the human being lives in so as to live with him through his smart phone and who will be its key pivot.His Highness said: “Our ambitions is that this project touches the life of every individual in our country, or every mother in her house, or employee at his work or investor in his project, or a child in his school or a doctor in his clinic; our goal is to achieve a happier life for all and we ask God to help us achieve this .The launch ceremony was also attended by Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Information Department Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Sheikh Mohammed’s Executive Office and

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched Dubai›s strategy to transform DUBAI into a smart city . The Plan features six main pillars and 100 initiatives on transport, communications, infrastructure , electricity and economic services and urban planning as well as converting 1000 government services into smart services during the next three years .

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Chairman of the Higher Committee for transforming Dubai into a smart city Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Director General of His Highness’s the Ruler›s Office Lt. General Musabah bin Rashid Al Fattan, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, a number of department heads and senior officials.On this occasion, Dubai Crown Prince and General Supervisor of the project of transforming Dubai into a smart city Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum does not want to just develop the services, but he wants to change the way of life in Dubai. He did not set for us goals in customer satisfaction, but this time the goal is the happiness of man.

He added: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid wants a smart city, smart economy, smart education and smart environment; he wants to make a different life, not for upcoming generations , but a different life now .The Dubai Crown Prince praised the renewable vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which seeks to create a new environment for the life of the people in the emirate.He added that we will have a 5-D control room, the world›s largest room which we will use to follow-up the process of transforming Dubai into a Smart City .. and will be also used to oversee the government projects and service indicators, roads, weather conditions and emergency situations, etc... Sheikh Hamdan also mentioned that Dubai will have the largest open global laboratory for creative people and specialized companies

to try all that is new in science and immediately apply it. He went on to say, following the launch ceremony: We promise all investors, residents , those interested and above all the UAE citizens, to experience broad changes over the coming period; we are part of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s team; we are competent to face the challenge he had set for us.Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that Dubai visitors will have a different and unique tourist experience.He praised the team working on this project, which inaugurates a new phase in the history of the UAE. Addressing the teams members: «You are the people who are capable of meeting Mohammed bin Rashid’s trust; a head of us is journey that is full of challenges, a national task that is full of many accomplishments, a community holds a lot of expectations and a leadership that is not satisfied with but the highest aspirations .

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Preparedness... one teamMohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi , Chairman of the Executive Office and Chairman of the High Committee for Dubai›s transformation into a smart city said that that after the issuance of the high directions to start the project in October, the work team was formed and major government agencies in Dubai started to work as a team under the direct follow-up of Dubai Crown Prince to develop a full concept and a comprehensive plan to implement the project as soon as possible.He added, in a speech, that when the team began to work on this project , we found that the foundations were all ready. Sheikh Hamdan then told us: It seems that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid had known before to where he wants to be up; everything is ready for this project and we only need to build on the already existed foundations, thank God .

Al Gergawi affirmed that the next phase will include the creation of integration of systems in all institutions in terms technical and service-wise integration, and this will be the biggest challenge because it will also include integrated systems with the private sector.He explained that the strategic plan is flexible according to the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, even takes into account all the rapid and stunning technological developments in the world so we can absorb them and benefit from them directly .

Communication, integration, cooperationThe strategic plan is based on three basic ideas: communication,

integration and cooperation. These ideas will enhance communication between

the residents of the city and its institutions and facilities through easy access and information sharing

of data about the city among themselves to keep them informed about government

entities, schools, hospitals, roads and

transport, sensor systems, buildings, energy and

others. This can be achieved through “My window to Dubai

programmeThe plan also includes development of smart and personal boards

containing all information and data about the city of Dubai in one place to make it easy for individuals to communuicate with various institutions and facilities in Dubai. Dubai Electronic board will be allocated to decision makers which includes all the data and information that they may require to ensure that their decisions serve the public interest .As part of the Dubai Smart strategy, Roads and Transport Authority RTA will implement a comprehensive plan to ensure access to provide the smartest transportation system in the world through development of traffic systems , transportation , and creation of a unified control center for all means of transportation and traffic , as well as providing more than 200 services , using smartphones at the end of 2015 , in addition to RTA’s current services.

Al Tayer: Smart mobility is key pillar of Smart CitiesHE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that the initiative of

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Page 17: With its museum-themed stations.. Dubai Metro … Smart City envisioned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the city that focuses on catering to the convenience and welfare

transforming Dubai into a smart city, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, supervised and followed up by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, epitomizes the aspiration of our wise leadership to ensure the welfare and happiness of our people by providing world-class services, rendering Dubai a city par excellence worldwide.“Smart mobility is one of the key pillars of smart cities, and from this standpoint, the RTA has set both the welfare & smooth life of residents as a top priority during projects planning & implementation phases. The RTA utilizes smart technologies to provide services to customers, and in the near future the civic body will implement a comprehensive plan for technological traffic & transport systems, establish a unified control center for all means of transport, and provide more than 200 smart phones services by the end of 2015,” said Al Tayer. He pointed out that the “RTA is currently offering a wide range of smart services covering various areas including a Centralized Traffic Lights Control System, SMS parking

payment service (mParking), and the Dynamic Navigation System (Dalili) that provides motorists with real-time information about roads condition to help them avoid traffic congestions. “In the transport sector, we have the Dubai Metro, which has entered the Guinness World Records as the longest driverless metro network, in addition to the Unified Fare Collection System (Nol), and the Electronic Journey Planner (Wojhati) which enables customers to plan their daily travels in advance. The RTA has also installed 620 screens in

metro and bus stations to provide passengers with real-time arrival information of trains and buses, besides uploading public transport data on Google Maps, rendering Dubai the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to activate this service. “It has also launched the Smart Taxi App, the first of its kind in the region enabling taxi users to book taxicabs and track their movement in real-time via their smart-phones. The Smart Taxis are fitted with electronic screens that provide a host of services to riders including flights inquiry.

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RTA unveils smart roadmap comprising more than 200 servicesThe move is taken following the launch of the Strategic Plan of ‘Smart Dubai’ initiative

“Since inception, the RTA has been endeavoring to deliver services befitting the reputed standing of the Dubai Emirate as a premier global economic, tourist, and financial hub attracting multitudes of investors, business leaders, tourists and visitors, especially during the season of exhibitions and conferences representing key industries,” said Bahrozyan.He added: “In this conference we are unveiling the roadmap for migrating RTA services to the Smart Government platform after going through unremitting efforts and fruitful cooperation with the relevant departments of Dubai Government; which has ultimately culminated in realizing our cherished objective of achieving the Dubai Government vision in a way compatible with the new development seen by the UAE in general and the Dubai Emirate in

particular,” he stated.Bahrozyan further added: “We appreciate the massive efforts and the prudent drive of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world to ensure the happiness of its residents and visitors through the provision of services surpassing the highest international standards.”“We have nine new services covering different customer categories namely, Practice Theory Test (in Arabic, English & Urdu), Tender Services (information service to update vendors about new tender opportunities), Al-Hares Service, School NOC Services Inquiry (allowing schools, kindergartens & nurseries to track down their requested NOCs), Water Taxi Services (request form to book a water taxi), and NOL Basic Transaction History (list of

To this effect the RTA held a press conference yesterday at its Head Office to announce the roadmap for transforming various RTA service bundles (more than 200 services) into the Smart Applications platform in an effort to simplify procedures of availing public services, thus saving effort & time through using Apps installed in mobile phones and tablet computers among others.The conference was attended by Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Licensing Agency & Head of Supervision of Implementing the Integrated Roadmap to Transfer to the Smart Government Team; and a host of Directors of concerned RTA departments. Media folks descended in the event; which heralds a turning point in the mechanism of delivering RTA services to customers on daily basis.

Executives of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) pledged RTA’s full support to the initiative of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world within 3 years. This step is represented through adopting smart solutions & applications in various services & initiatives provided by the RTA to the public.

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the recent transactions made using NOL cards),” he continued.“Additionally, we offer Application for Elderly Parking Permit (allowing the elderly to apply for parking permit through mobile devices), Application for Renewal/Lost/Damaged Elderly Parking Permit, and Application for Renewal/Lost/Damaged Permit for the Disabled (Permanent Permit). It is worth mentioning that the RTA currently has 32 smart services which are all compatible with Android & iOS platforms.” Bahrozyan also said: “The RTA definitely attaches considerable importance to the realization of the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in caring for the public and customers spanning various community members, through delivering best-in-class smart 5-star services measuring up to their needs and expectations via mobile phones, such that they can avail these services wherever and whenever they wish without going through the hassles of conventional procedures; an exercise poised to contribute to raising their satisfaction rating as well.”“We, as a work team in the RTA, were keen on mapping out an important philosophy in designing services such that they become both accessible and easy-to-use, particularly as we have to tackle

our clientele informed of the cut off launch dates set for their key services,” said Bahrozyan in a concluding remark.During the press conference, Abdulla Al Bastaki, Director of IT at RTA’s Corporate Technical Support Services Sector, delivered a presentation about RTA’s Smart Services. The Smart Dubai initiative is built on six key pillars namely: smart economy, smart lifestyle, smart transportation, smart governance, smart environment, and smart generations; which revolve around three key thrusts namely: communication, integration and cooperation.

and provide more than 200 services over the mobile phone. Our focal attention and methodology will definitely revolve around customers and we will be keen on using a variety of communication channels with them in order to identify their prime service needs and embark on providing them over the mobile phone. We will also engage them with us directly during the designing and testing phases of the Apps to be developed. We will be developing a galaxy of creative services in a variety of fields related to vehicles parking, vehicles licensing and public transport means.”“In the near future we will be working diligently to comply with and fulfill the standards of the Dubai Smart Government as regards developing services over the mobile phone, besides providing ordinary services such as the payment portal via mobile phones, e-payment portal and registration through my e-ID. We will also test the new services in 11 telephone brands to ensure c o m p a ti b i l i t y with the most c o m m o n l y used devices. It remains to be said that the Roadmap will be accompanied by a comprehensive marketing campaign in order to keep

It is worth-mentioning that the Smart Dubai initiative aims at transforming Dubai into the world’s smartest city in the upcoming three years through rolling out 100 initiatives and 1000 smart services to

improve the quality of life in the city.

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The event was opened by the Governor of MekkahAl Tayer showcases RTA’s experience, role of infrastructure in prompting comprehensive development at Jeddah Economic Forum

spent more than AED 280 billion on major infrastructure projects across the Emirate.”“The Government policies have resulted in a steady and continuous economic growth in the Emirate of Dubai, where the emirate’s gross domestic product leapfrogged from 240 billion dirhams in 2006 to AED 312 billion in 2012, with an average annual increase of about 5%, thanks to the diverse economic sectors, such as free zones, besides creating events encouraging small And medium enterprises as they play a major role in driving the economy, and as a result of this drive, 80% of global companies are based in Dubai,” explained Al Tayer.

Return on InvestmentHE Mattar Al Tayer, added, “Road and transport projects represent the key infrastructure elements that support and propel the economic development. Studies have shown that the rate of return on investment of road & transport projects ranges

between 1.2 and 2, in addition to the indirect benefits that may quadruple direct benefits; which means that every single dirham spent on infrastructure earns a total return of 6 dirham, including direct & indirect benefits.“The Government of Dubai focuses on continuous development of roads & transport infrastructure, besides maintaining their quality. This approach contributed to ranking the UAE’s road network as the world-best according to the World Economic Forum Report 2013, and boosted the odds of Dubai to host international events such as the IMF and World Bank meetings, UITP Congress and Mobility & City Transport Exhibition, and the World Expo 2020. The roads and transport systems development have also contributed to saving time and fuel, and making savings in as much as AED 72 billion during the past seven years. The Dubai government is keen on utilizing the best technology in place after customizing it to fit Dubai conditions, such as the Dubai Metro, the world’s

His Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Makkah Region, has opened the 14th edition of Jeddah Economic Forum 2014, themed “Youth-driven Development.” The Forum was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the General Authority of Tourism and Antiquities; Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah Kamel, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah, and a number of dignitaries.

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), delivered a keynote address at the opening session of the Conference in front of more than 2,000 participants hailing from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Al Tayer reviewed the role of infrastructure in promoting the economic development, and highlighted RTA’s experience in developing an infrastructure of roads and mass transit systems.Al Tayer said: “There are many factors that could affect the economic development in any country, such regulations, legislation, available services, political stability and the strategic location. Although these factors are crucial, infrastructure commands a special importance as it represents the mainstay & the key driver of the economic development. Dubai Government’s policy is based on long-term investment in developing infrastructure and maintaining quality, where the Dubai government

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longest fully automated driverless metro line, which boasts of cutting-edge technology. These technologies have helped to achieve high reliability of service exceeding 99.9%. Stations and trains have been designed at five-star level to encourage residents to use the Dubai Metro, which has lifted since launched on 09/09/09 about 400 million passengers, and contributed to appreciating the value of the land around the metro stations by 30%.“The Dubai Tram, which will be up and running next November, is one the world’s first tramway projects powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track, thus obviating the need for catenary cables. It is also the first of its kind in the Middle East with no other peers except in France and Tokyo, Japan. The Tram diamond-like coaches have been customized specifically to Dubai, with high quality stations and excellent services including Wi-Fi and Gold Cabins for women and children. The tram is expected to lift

about 6 million passengers in 2015,” elaborated Al Tayer.

446 million passengersAl Tayer noted: “The integration between the mass transit systems is one of the defining features of the infrastructure, roads and transport in the emirate of Dubai. We strive to achieve the integration between transport systems and economic urban development plans in the emirate. We also seek to achieve the integration between the various transport modes and strike an acceptable balance between the use of private vehicles and the use of mass transit means. The RTA has made great strides in this aspect where the mass transit system witnessed a dramatic improvement

thanks to the new transport means introduced, including metro, tram, modern marine transport such as Dubai Ferry, Water Bus and Water Taxi. These efforts resulted in increasing e ridership from 163 million passengers in 2006 to 446 million passengers in 2013.” HE Mattar Al Tayer, had also touched on the strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at turning Dubai into the world’s smartest city within three years. This strategy is based on six aspects, and three main ideas, namely the integration, communication and cooperation. The strategy aims to provide seamless & hassle-free service to the public via smartphones in order to realize the objective of “Bringing happiness to People,” where Dubai government is no longer settling for customer satisfaction, but strives to ensure superior quality of life and bringing happiness to people.“The Government seeks to bring happiness to people by adopting clear-cut plans & procedures such as introducing hassle-free public services via smartphones. Several programs have been rolled out to achieve this objective including Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart Government Program, Dubai Smart Government Services Development Model, and Stars Program for Rating Service Centers. The Government also aims to develop the infrastructure, including roads and mass transit system, develop community and improve the quality of life,” continued Al Tayer.

The Conference aims to generate around 15 million jobs in the Kingdom and other GCC countries through adopting economic policies capable of eliminating unemployment amongst youths.

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Our News

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Smart MobilityAl Tayer said: “The provision of smart transportation is one of the six key thrusts of the Smart City Strategy. To achieve this goal, the RTA has set a well-defined roadmap that encompasses the provision of a host of smart systems and applications of roads and transportation such as the smart parking to easily identify unoccupied parking slots and streamline the use of parking. It also includes the smart taxi which is fitted with interactive screens enabling riders to review flight information details, and process the check-in procedures, in addition to comprehensive real time accurate information about road traffic, setting up a unified control center for roads and mass transit systems and several systems and technological applications currently in use in Dubai. Examples of these include the payment of parking via mobile phones (mParking) where more than 40 million e-tickets have been issued since the launch of service back in 2009, and the toll gate system (Salik) which is capable of remotely reading the vehicle’s details even if driving at 300 km/h speed. In the field of public transport, we have several technological systems

and applications highlighted by the Unified Fare System (NOL); which is one of the highly advanced systems worldwide enabling the payment of all public transport fares in an easy manner, and the smart buses fitted with screen displaying real time information and directions through which users can also access the Journey Planner program (Wojhati).“As we have a great belief in the huge role of youth in providing sustainability, the RTA launched a host of initiatives aimed at educating and motivating the youth to use public transport systems such as patronizing Youth Group for Public Transport initiative launched by the UITP, Dubai Youth for Public Transport at the level of Dubai targeting youth with the aim of encouraging them to use public transport systems, besides improving the profile of Dubai’s youth amongst cosmopolitan cities in the field of infrastructure and public transport.

Expo 2020In his speech, Al Tayer spoke about the Dubai winning the right to host the World Expo 2020; which will be held for the first time in the MENA region and South Asia under the

theme: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. “The theme fits well with the vision of the Dubai Government in achieving communication between various cultures and civilizations. The event comprises three main pillars: Mobility, Sustainability, and Opportunities, and these pillars fit well with the global drive towards sustainable development. The smart mobility represents one of the key elements of the Expo strategy. The RTA is currently working on a comprehensive roads and transport plan to serve the Expo through which smart and environment-friendly solutions will be provided where all buses and taxicabs dedicated for the service of the Expo will be eco-friendly. About 25 million visitors are expected to flock to the Expo venue over six months, and the event is set to provide 270 thousand job opportunities.”Al Tayer also touched on Expo Life initiative; which is a 7-year program aimed at stepping up cooperation & innovation besides translating the theme of the Expo into opportunities and partnerships of benefit to all stakeholders. Expo Life program envisages the setting up of Expo Partnership Fund amounting to 100 million Euros in terms of grants, loans and prizes to be specified based on the nature and category of projects & initiatives.He also reviewed future challenges on the march of turning Dubai into the smartest city of the world highlighted by the rapid urban & economic development, limited role of mass transit systems in the movement of residents, and the need to cater to the needs of a wide and diverse chunk of customers in Dubai who belong to more than 200 nationalities. “The government has developed comprehensive plans for coping with these challenges including continuing with the

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development of roads and transport infrastructure, and encouraging mass transport. Thus our future plans encompass the construction of 335 km-long rail and tram ways, and boosting the partnership with the private sector to provide funding, and achieve efficiency as well as sustainability,” he added.Concluding his speech, Al Tayer stressed the importance of investment in the infrastructure, considering it the key driver of the economic development, and benefiting the best international practices upon studying and designing road and transport projects and systems i.e. to start from where others have reached. “Much attention has to be paid to national cadres to qualify and groom them as they are considered the key factors underlining the success of government departments, and achieving the integration between the transportation plans and the urban & economic plans. Here the appropriate route of rail and tram ways has to be set along with the suitable locations of stations in a way integrating with the land uses plans, in addition to the integration of the transportation plans, the physical & informational integration between mass transit systems in terms of accessibility to stations, boosting the effective public-private partnership for providing

finance, sharing expertise, raising the operational efficiency and maintaining the infrastructure, and managing assets & properties in a highly efficient and sustainable manner.”The keynote speech delivered by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA to the Conference was well received and commended by senior officials and participants in the event.

Objectives of the ConferenceSessions of the Forum saw lively discussions about providing sustainable economic development, focusing of two specific sectors i.e. tourism on the one hand and transportation on the other, in addition to emphasis on the youth as a key focus group of the Forum. The sustainable economic development

relies on two key aspects i.e. the demand; which is reflected in nurturing an environment conducive to practicing business & investment, and sourcing jobs for the private sector in a sustainable manner; besides encouraging the entrepreneurship, supporting small and medium enterprisesand creating funding opportunities. The other aspect is the supply; which can be addressed by constructing an infrastructure for human resources capable of providing sufficient numbers of suitable job seekers who have the appropriate skills and attitudes at the proper geographical locations in order to cater to the needs of business owners in the private sector besides fostering and encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit & creativity amongst business young male and female leaders.

The Conference focused on the first day on the factors empowering the provision of jobs from the demand perspective, and the second & third days focused on empowering the human resources from the supply point of view. Sessions covered an array of issues

highlighted by the need to reform the work environment, rejuvenate the links between investors and the business community, encouraging entrepreneurs, probing the views of youth about work, developing and maintaining key skills, and supporting youth business leaders.

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costing AED700 mMohammed bin Rashid endorses two Entrance Projects for Bluewaters Island, International City

Our Projects

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has recently endorsed the Entrances Project for the Bluewaters Island; one of the unique projects opposite to the Jumeirah Beach Residence Coastline; which is poised to be one of the most stunning and highly captivating tourist destinations in the UAE. HH has also endorsed the Entrances Project for the International City, spanning an area of about 800 hectares comprising several residential communities as well as the Dragon Mart. The two projects will be undertaken at a cost hovering around 700 million dirham.H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “Entrances Project for the Bluewaters Island comprises the construction of a bridge stretching from the Bluewaters Island situated

to the opposite of Jumeirah Beach Residence Coastline to Jumeirah Lakes Towers Junction (Interchange 5.5) on the Sheikh Zayed Road. The Bridge will have two lanes in each direction in 1400 meters stretch and there will be lanes dedicated for the personal rapid transit system along with additional slipways at the junctions of Jumeirah Lakes, and a service road on the Sheikh Zayed Road leading to the Island extending 1500 meters. The RTA will award the project construction contract, which will cost around 500 million dirham, in the second quarter of this year.“The proposed Bridge will provide free movement for the traffic inbound from Abu Dhabi on the Sheikh Zayed Road outbound to Bluewaters Island, traffic coming from Al Khail Road via Qarn Al Sabkha Road heading towards the Island, and the traffic from the Island heading to Dubai and Abu Dhabi through the Sheikh Zayed Road.

“The new Bridge will serve the needs of the Bluewaters Island featuring an array of spectacular waterfronts which promise to be the most attractive in the UAE. The Island comprises the Dubai Eye; which is set to be the world’s largest Ferris wheel. The Island will also host retail, residential, tourist and recreational facilities in addition to a deluxe 5-star hotel, a diverse cast of residential options, and a bazaar surrounded by a walk fitted with outdoor dining outlets. The Island is set to attract around three million visitors every year. “The project will be served by a monorail system to lift visitors from the metro station to the festivities area, a footbridge will be constructed to link the luxury Island with the waterfront of the Jumeirah Beach Residence, and a telpherage (cable car) to shuttle visitors from and to the entertainment zone,” stated Al Tayer.

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The International City RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director said: “The International City Entrances Project extend from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Nouakchott Road (North – South), and from Al Awir Road to Al Manama Road (East – West). It comprises constructing a flyover at the intersection of Al Awir Road and Nouakchott Road to provide a free left turn from Nouakchott Road to Al Awir Road in the direction of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, besides providing a U-Turn for vehicles moving out of the International City travelling in the direction of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, thus bypassing more than 7 km-long distance. The project also includes widening the existing entry point to the International City off Al Awir Road by adding an extra lane to accommodate traffic volumes without impacting the traffic movement. The project also includes transforming the existing traffic signal on Al Manama Road into a flyover allowing free turns in all directions, besides serving future developments around the

International City. Improvements also include surface intersections allowing left turns off Al Manama Road to the International City and Nouakchott Road, and the project is set to contribute to stepping up the efficiency of roads around the International City to accommodate the rising numbers of traffic volumes.“This project is undertaken in collaboration with Nakheel, the master developer of the International City project and in the light of the traffic impacts study for the International City and the Dragon Mart as well as

the nearing completion of the Dragon Mart extension; which is anticipated to increase traffic congestions in the area. Currently there is a main entry point on Al Awir Road used by the residents of the International City and visitors of the Dragon Mart; which gives rise to snarls during morning & evening peak times. The RTA has recently provided an auxiliary entry/exit point on Al Manama Road controlled by a light signal which contributed to improving the traffic movement and alleviating the pressure on the entry point of the International City off Al Awir Road.

“Nouakchott Road will be widened from a single-carriageway to a dual carriageway of two lanes in each direction, besides

providing two additional entry/exit points for the International City to keep abreast of the property development projects in the neighbourhood of the International City, besides carrying out traffic improvements on a number of internal intersections in the International City.

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The facility which extends 14 km is scheduled to be opened in November this year

The facility which extends 14 km is scheduled to be opened in November this year

The Board of Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), chaired by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, has recently endorsed the awarding of the Jumeirah Corniche Development Contract costing about 100 million dirham. The project spans the beachside of six residential communities starting from a location at the back of the Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa up to Burj Al Arab Hotel in a 14 km stretch, rendering it the

longest corniche in the Emirate.“This urban project is undertaken in response to the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make people happier. HH considers sport as a key element in building the community and having healthy individuals capable of adding to the development drive. The Jumeirah Corniche will also be a beautiful addition offering rest & relaxation facilities for the public to

enjoy & practice a variety of activities, and top class care to all visitors including citizens, residents and tourists heading towards the Corniche for relaxation, swimming or practicing sport,” said Al Tayer.“Besides offering a value-added aesthetic & comfortable relaxation destination, the project commands special importance as it contributes to the improvement of the social infrastructure in the Emirate, particularly with regards to the quality

Our Projects

RTA awards 100m dirham contract to develop Jumeirah Corniche

RTA awards 100m dirham contract to develop Jumeirah Corniche

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of the public health of the community in terms of providing wider opportunities for practicing jogging & walking sports as well as a host of water sports such as swimming and rowing among others. These beach activities befit all family members and contribute to raising their physique, thus have a direct contribution to improving the public health of the community through caring for the facilities that enable the public to practice all forms of sport,” he explained.

“The contractor started construction works in the project in the mid of last February and the project is slated for opening next November. The project comprises the construction of a 5 meter-wide walk, 4 meter-wide jogging track, rest areas including retail kiosks & shaded benches overlooking the beach in addition to health & public realms. The project will have a distinctive landscaping theme featuring well designed and positioned flora, and decorative lighting characterized by stylish & creative design,” he continued.“The project aims at converting

the sand beach into a more vibrant facility through providing aesthetic, recreational elements as well as public services for the visiting tourists and residents heading to Dubai beaches to enjoy seaside sitting or practicing jogging & walking sports.“Dubai city is the favorite tourist destination for multitude of nationalities particularly during vacations and public holidays. This prompted the drive to construct tourist projects offering fun to visitors, and to bear reference to the global standing of Dubai in creative designs and innovation,” said Al Tayer in a final remark.

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Our Projects

Al Jadaf, Creek metro stations opened in MarchThe Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) opened on Saturday March 1st Al Jadaf and Creek stations; the terminal two stations on the Green Line of the Dubai Metro. By operating these two final stations, the RTA completed the operation of all the Dubai Metro stations.H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said: “Al Jadaf and Creek stations; which are located at the end of the Green Line track, serve existing projects and others under construction such as the Culture Village and Sama Al Jadaf, and they will also serve the Dubai Festival City by operating a marine transit service linking with the Creek Station. Al Wasl Club will also be linked with Al Jadaf Station through a bus route to be operated when matches are held. The RTA has provided 100 parking slots at Al Jadaf Station, besides providing a bus route to serve passengers of the two stations.“Operating these two stations will contribute significantly to expediting the development tempo in the neighbourhood, and accordingly the ridership will pick up gradually as per the foreseeable inputs. The daily ridership of Al Jadaf Station is forecasted as 2100 riders per day, whereas the Creek Station is

expected to be used by about 1400 riders every day. However, these numbers are poised to double up exponentially with the opening of property development projects, some of which are nearing completion,” added Al Tayer.“Through the Dubai Metro operator Serco Co., the RTA has completed all arrangements related to the operation of the two stations by carrying out technical test runs of the metro including testing the communication systems, automatic operation systems, power feed system, and the air-conditioning system among others. It has also finalized the appointment of 16 employees to man the two metro stations and they have already been deployed at site after undergoing

intense training exposures on delivering

customers service, implementing

regulations drawn up by the RTA to protect the facilities, and enforcing the rules against offenders,” said the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA in a final remark.Coordination has also been made with the Transport Security Dep’t to deploy security personnel at the two stations to ensure the security and safety of the metro riders. Moreover, teams of Emergency Services (Civil Defence, Ambulance and Rescue) made field visits to the two stations to know more about them and the surroundings.It is worth-mentioning that Al Jadaf and Creek stations are amongst the elevated metro stations where the concourse and platform are on the upper level of the elevated metro track. Each station extends 132 meters in length and 29 meters in width, and has a capacity to handle 11,000 passengers per hour per direction. The two stations are fitted with escalators as well as lifts.

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RTA awards AED104m contract to construct internal roads at Muhaisna 2

The Board of Directors of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), chaired by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, approved the awarding of a contract for constructing Muhaisna 2 Internal Roads Construction Project at a cost of AED104 million. The project is part of the five-year plan (2012 – 2016) endorsed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for paving internal roads in a number of residential communities in Dubai costing about one billion dirham in total.“Undertaking Muhaisna 2 Internal Roads Construction Project stems from RTA’s commitment to improve roads network to address the requirements of demographic and urban expansion in the Emirate in keeping with RTA’s vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all,” said Al Tayer. “The project comprises constructing roads extending 31 km, repaving existing roads in the

area, carrying out improvements of Amman Street, converting some roundabouts into signalized junctions, and erecting a fence on the median of Algiers Street as well as designating crossing points for pedestrians in order to improve the traffic movement and road safety. The project also includes providing new parking slots for vehicles

and buses all over the area in addition to street lighting works & storm water drainage network. Construction works in the project will start as early as this month and continue for 450 days,” explained Al Tayer.Phase II, which started in 2013 costing about 140 million dirham, covered three residential districts namely: Al Muhaisna 2 and Al Barsha South 1 and 2. Phase III, which starts this year, covers Al Mamzar, Al Nahda 1, and Oud Mateena 2 costing about 130 million dirham. Phase IV, which will be kicked off in 2015, will cover the construction of roads in 3 districts costing about 140 million dirham at Nad El Sheba 4, Oud Mateena 1 and Al Khawaneej 2. In Phase V, which will start in 2016, road construction works to the tune of 250 million dirham will be undertaken in 3 districts namely: Jebel Ali Industrial, Al Qusais Industrial 3, 4 and 5 in addition to Al Awir 1.

“The 5-Year Plan for Constructing Internal Roads in Dubai Emirate (2012 – 2016) spans about 16 districts where urbanization rates range from 20 to 80% but might be as low as 5% in some areas. The initial Phase of the plan, which cost about Dhs150m, covered five residential communities namely: Hatta community, Al Qusais 3, Al Qouz 2, 3 and 4.

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Numbers

440m passengers used public transport in Dubai in 2013Public transport daily ridership hits 1.3 m 136 m riders served by Dubai Metro last year

to make these modes the first mobility choice for citizens, residents and visitors in their daily travels for work or having a time out. RTA’s efforts in this regard have paid great dividends as reflected in the sustained growth of mass transit means users, and in the rise of the share of mass transit modes in peoples’ mobility from 6% in 2006 to 13% in 2013; which is edging closer to the target set by the RTA to raise the share of public transport in the mobility of people to as much as 20% by 2020. Moreover, the RTA managed to bring about a change and evolution in the culture & attitudes of all segments of the community towards using public transit means. Peoples have started to grasp the benefits and positives of using public transport such as the psychological and physical comfort, financial gains, higher safety, and lesser expenses

associated with the use of vehicles such as fuel, maintenance and others,” explained Al Tayer.“The Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro have lifted last year 137.759 million riders compared to 109.491 million riders in 2012, and 69 million riders in 2011. The Red Line was used last year by approximately 89 million riders compared with 71.914 million riders in 2012 and 60 million riders in 2011. The Green Line lifted last year 48.873 million passengers compared with 37.576 million passengers in 2012. The average daily ridership of the metro recorded last year was in excess of 450 thousand and exceeded half a million during public holidays, whereas the average daily ridership reported in 2012 was in the region of 300 thousand,” he commented.“The number of public transport users last year hit 115,670,587 riders compared with 107,800,000 riders in 2012. The average daily ridership of public buses amounted to 321 thousands compared with 299 thousands in 2012. Marine transit means, comprising abras, water bus, water taxi and Dubai Ferry, were used last year by 13.223 million riders; which is the same ridership level reported in 2012. Abras accounted for the lion share in the marine transit modes ridership last year, lifting about 12 million riders, and the rest is shared between the water bus, water taxi and Ferry Dubai.“The total ridership of taxis (Dubai Taxi and franchise companies fleet) amounted to 174.018 million riders last year compared

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), revealed that mass transit systems of the RTA - comprising the Dubai Metro, public buses, marine transit modes and taxis (Dubai Taxi and franchise companies taxis) - have all lifted 440.672 million passengers in 2013, according to statistics released by RTA Statistics Section. The figure compares well with previous public transport ridership which amounted to 367.657 million, and 346.500 million in 2012 and 2011 respectively. The average daily ridership of public transport in 2013 amounted to 1.3 million compared to one million in 2012 and 963 thousand in 2011.“The public transport systems in Dubai have today become instrumental in the mobility of people all over the Emirate, and the RTA is making huge efforts

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Al Tayer: Public transport systems in Dubai have become instrumental in the mobility of people in the Emirate

to 137.390 million riders in 2012. RTA-owned Dubai Taxi cabs alone served 72.167 million riders, and franchise companies taxicabs lifted 101.85 million riders,” he elaborated.Al Tayer was delighted with these indicators which validate the effectiveness of plans & programs implemented by the RTA towards offering a variety of mobility options for Dubai residents. “The strategic & executive plans the RTA is undertaking focus on the principle of integration i.e. the provision of smooth and easy travel around the Emirate hinges on the provision of holistic solutions in upgrading and widening networks of roads & bridges, improving all elements of public transport system (including the metro, tram, buses and marine transit modes) and upgrading transport

and traffic systems necessary for realizing the optimal utilization and highest efficiency of roads & public transport system. Plans also seek to implement policies capable of limiting the semi total reliance of the public on private vehicles by increasing their reliance on other transit means including public transport, and car-pooling, particularly in a city like Dubai where private vehicle ownership is more than 1 vehicle per 2 persons of population.“The last quarter of this year will see the introduction of a brand

new mass transit mode with the launch of the Dubai Tram which serves vital communities such as the Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village among others. The Tram will link with the Dubai Metro in the Dubai Marina as well as the Jumeirah Lakes Towers stations. The Tram will also intersect with the Monorail of the Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm off Al Safouh Street,” said the RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director in a final remark.

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Our Achievements

RTA becomes first civic body to achieve ISO certification in Energy Management System

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has recently obtained ISO 50001:2011 certification in Energy Management System, thus has become the first Dubai Government entity and the first public transport provider in the MENA region to obtain this certification. The award was made in recognition of the efforts made by the RTA to maintain transparency at the strategic and

local levels, and in manifestation of its vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all.H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, accepted the ISO Energy Management System certificate from Theuns Kotze, Regional Director of the British Standards Institution (BSI); the awarding body, in the presence of Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes,

CEO of RTA Strategy & Corporate Governance; Abdulla Al Madani, CEO of RTA Corporate Technical Support Services Sector, and a host of RTA directors.Al Tayer expressed his delight with RTA obtaining such international accreditation in energy management system, which adds up to successes of RTA’s efforts to ensure the highest international standards of

The award is made in recognition of RTA’s plan to improve pedestrian safety levels

مطر الطاير خالل ا�شتالم �شهادة الآيزو

to the challenges of road safety in Dubai. Such challenges are saddled with multiple difficulties when it comes to pedestrians safety; which will not simply be achieved by constructing bridges and designating pedestrian crossing zones. Rather it requires urging road users among pedestrians to use these facilities which are provided in the first respect for their own safety and to protect their lives. Among other strategies capable of improving pedestrian safety levels is to intensify promotional campaigns to diffuse the

class standards in this vital field.“Since inception, the RTA assigned considerable attention to traffic safety in general and pedestrians safety in particular, considering it part and parcel of its holistic safety strategy oriented towards minimizing road fatalities, and improving safety levels to bring them at par with the highest international levels in keeping with its vision of providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All,” said Maitha.“The Traffic & Roads Agency is continuously endeavoring to rise up

The Traffic & Roads Agency, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has recently bagged the Gulf Traffic Safety Award 2013 in the Roads Safety Achievement Category in recognition of its project entitled: Work Plan of Pedestrians & Mobility Safety in Dubai.Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, was elated to see the Agency clinching this prestigious award; which reflected the ongoing commitment on the part of the RTA to achieve the highest traffic safety rates at world-

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It should be noted that the RTA has obtained 10 certifications conforming to international standards such as ISO 50001, ISO 14001, ISO OHSAS 18001, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 20000, PAS 55, SA 8000, ISO PAS 22399 and ISO 31000.

culture of using footbridges and designated crossing zones amongst various community segments,” added the CEO of RTA Traffic and Roads Agency.Engineer Maitha further explained that the Traffic Safety awareness campaigns for improving pedestrian safety levels focused on specific segments such as workers, students, parents and motorists using various languages spoken in the UAE in order to realize the objectives of these campaigns which impact the lives of a wide chunk of the community. In this regard

the Department held workshops at schools, workers’ quarters, and mega firms and entities such as Dubai Drydocks among others.“The RTA was able to scoop the Gulf Traffic Safety Award 2013 thanks to the

Pedestrian Safety & Mobility Action Plan 2010 – 2014, which has seen a significant improvement in figuring out practical solutions in order to enhance pedestrians safety and reduce jaywalking mortality rates.

corporate sustainability.“This success, he said, culminates RTA’s efforts in energy management and sustainability, which echoes the long-term national initiative to build a Green Economy in the UAE initiative under the theme, “Green Economy for Sustainable Development,” announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It also comes in line with the UAE’s 2021 vision, and Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030,” explained Al Tayer.“Based on the RTA’s mission which provides for developing integrated and sustainable roads & transport systems, the RTA has designed the Energy Management System, which enables the civic body to adopt a systematic approach to

induce continuous improvement in energy performance, including energy efficiency, alternative energy, energy-efficient purchases and energy-efficient solution to meet the demand,” added Al Tayer..RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director further added, “Implementing the Energy Management System in conformity with the International Standards Organization (ISO) enabled the RTA to utilize the edge-cutting energy technology to rationalize energy consumption, enhance energy performance in general, cut energy costs, slash carbon emissions and provide a more secure energy supply. Adopting this unique standard has also contributed to improving management practices by fulfilling more operation requirements

of energy-efficient management system.”“The study conducted by the RTA of late about the importance of providing an energy management structure to control energy efficiency, has concluded that the Dubai Metro has saved a large amount of energy thanks to the sustainable, innovative and diversified solutions it has made in re-using energy. By fulfilling the ISO 50001:2011 requirements, the RTA has now been capable of monitoring and managing the use of energy efficiently, reducing energy costs, and ensuring transport sustainability,” continued Al Tayer.For his part, Theuns Kotze, Regional Director of the British Standards Institution (BSI) in the MENA Region, said, “Energy is a crucial element in most operations of institutions considering its costs and financial implications. The effort put by institutions to cut these costs may have a negative bearing on the overall performance of those institutions.” He lauded RTA’s keen attention on sustaining excellence in environmental fields.”

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RTA introduces smart system to recognize codes of paid

parking zones

Our Services

RTA increases Consumer ProtectionThe RTA Licensing Agency has introduced a new Online Vehicle Sales service for use by motor dealers and vehicle auction companies who process the private sale of used vehicles. The new service allows a motor dealership or auction company, known as an RTA’s Trusted Agent Dealer, to log onto the RTA’s website and record the

private sale of a vehicle between two clients. The RTA’s record is updated immediately. This means any traffic offences or other issues that occur after the transaction is completed are recorded against the new owner.Ahmed Bahrozian, CEO, RTA’s Licensing Agency said: “The Online service will replace the manual paper service that is provided

by motor dealers and auction companies. The RTA is making this a government managed service. The use of the RTA’s Online service will also allow Trusted Agent Dealers to provide clients with a range of other RTA services. It means some clients may not need to visit RTA after selling or buying a used vehicle.”“Currently motor dealers determine what they charge clients for the

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently developed a new application operable on mobile phones to facilitate the payment of parking fees under its continuous endeavours to come up with the best and most expedient means of accessing the service. The new system has the feature of automatically recognizing the Zone Code in an initiative aimed at saving the time of parking users looking around for a directional signage to know the correct Code of the area where they intend to park in.In this context Engineer Adel Al Marzooki, Director of Parking,

RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, said:

“The RTA has provided a number of options for paying

parking fees such as coins, Nol cards, prepaid cards, and seasonal cards as well as paying through the mobile phone. The rate of using smart car parking payment means (mobile phone, Nol card and prepaid cards) has touched 60% vis-à-vis the conventional means (using coins). To ensure top-class service offering to our customers, this state-of-the-art system has been developed and provided to smart phone users to enable them identify the relevant Zone Code to pay their parking fees in a smooth and smart manner.”“Over above providing the

required service, the new system boasts of several edge-cutting features that include storing the data of the vehicle in question and to use it as and when needed, and offering a list of all controlled parking zones in order to enable users easily verify their parking zones and buy e-tickets, thus avoiding unnecessary fines.“This smart app is a new step towards realizing RTA’s strategic goals geared towards addressing the needs of the Smart Government drive in Dubai Emirate, particularly as car parks are classified among broad-based services impacting community members. Therefore we are seeking to overcome potential difficulties that may be experienced by our customers in paying parking fees such that the exercise is performed in a hassle-free manner without feeling any burden while going through the procedure.

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RTA increases Consumer Protection

RTA beefs up marine transit services, revises schedules of Dubai FerryThe Public Transport Agency, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has beefed up its service offering in a number of stations of Dubai Ferry at the Dubai Marina by setting up Customer Service Kiosks in the marine transit stations of the Marina Mall, Marina Walk, Marina Terrace, and the Marine Promenade. The Agency has also revised the operational timing of the Dubai Ferry to match the demand for this service.“The Agency launched the said stations to mark the Public Transport Day on the first of November 2013 where the Ferry service was rejuvenated in the Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek,” said Hussain Khansaheb, Acting Director of Marine Transport, RTA Public Transport Agency.“The first journey of Dubai Ferry starts off at 11.00 am from Al Ghubaiba Station to the Dubai Marina in a one-way service only. The (evening tea) journey, which takes about one hour, starts at 3 pm from Al Ghubaiba in the direction of the Floating Bridge and then moves in the direction of the Hyatt Regency Hotel and back to Al Ghubaiba Station.

At 5 pm, (Enjoying the Sunset Scenery journey) for photography enthusiasts will move around Al Ghubaiba area and lasts about one hour.As for the Dubai Ferry journeys starting from Dubai Marina, he explained: «The first trip, which is a one-way trip, kick starts at 11:00 am from Dubai Marina station to Ghubaiba station, while the Evening Tea trip, which last for an hour, starts at 3:00 in the afternoon from Dubai Marina area, where passengers enjoy

the stunning views of the Dubai Marina. Another trip will set off at 5:00 pm to where photography enthusiasts will enjoy the view of the sunset within Dubai Marina area for a period of one hour.»The Acting Director of Marine Transport, Public Transport Agency revealed that «the Agency will probe the views of Dubai Ferry users about the possibility of changing the one-way two trips that start from Al Ghubaiba and Dubai Marina at 11:00 to round trips.

Sales transaction service. This will continue but RTA will advertise a recommended price and clients can negotiate an appropriate fee for the transaction with the motor dealer,” Added Bahrozian. “Placing this service Online and under the control of RTA is an investment in consumer protection. The service includes the use of Emirates ID Cards,

automatic alerts to both vehicle owners and agents who conduct the transactions. This reduces the likelihood of fraud,” he explained.The new service is piloting at present with Co-part UAE Auctions, a leading online auto auction company. The RTA expects all motor dealers to be using the Online service in 2014. To assist clients minimize their

fraud risk, the RTA will list the motor dealers who have commenced using the Online service on the RTA internet site, once the pilot period is finished. The RTA is encouraging clients to safeguard their interests and deal with Trusted Agent motor dealers, who are listed on its internet site. The new service will be available to other motor dealers in 2014.

It is noteworthy that the Ferry is the latest and largest RTA`s marine transit mode, used as an additional & fast transport means to serve new areas along with Dubai Creek, the coastal strip extending along Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the Waterfront projects.

35 Issue NO. 70 April 2014