Mohammed bin Rashid inspects Etihad Museum - RTA
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The Official Monthly Magazine of Dubai`s RTA Issue No. 94
92 April
February
20162016
Mohammed bin Rashid
inspects Etihad Museum
Under the Patronage of Hamdan Bin Mohammed
Dubai hosts MENA Transport
Congress 2016
بتكره
The Icon of Information ِ هيئة ُم
The steps taken in the implementation of the Etihad Museum project
are accelerating, and days towards completion are getting faster to
meet the scheduled day for the official opening to coincide with the UAE
45th. National Day celebrations this year. The project works witnessed a
significant milestone when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,
accompanied by the Deputy Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Maktoum
bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, had a tour to inspect the work
progress that gone a long way. His Highness approved the museum brand
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer identity that has been inspired from the round structure of the Etihad House
building, the birthplace of the UAE Union.
Director General and Chairman
of the Board of Executive Directors At the conclusion of his tour throughout the project halls, His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described the museum as a
distinctive icon promising to be a source of historical & national information,
documents, images and private collections and cultural artefacts for the
benefit of the UAE next generations in their academic, professional and social
lives. It will also be a reliable source for researchers and historians.
“The history,” as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
says, “is the art of impossible that cannot be manipulated as it constitutes
to us the entity in which we take pride generation after generation. Without
our entity, we will lose our identity and existence as a nation deeply rooted in
history and land like the roots of an ever-growing date palm.”
Once opened, the Etihad Museum will act as a radiation hub and a destination
for citizens, residents and tourists to learn about the phases & challenges
experienced during the formation of the UAE Etihad It will also highlight the
achievements made throughout the union drive, and inculcate the concept
& value of the Etihad in the consciences of citizens and next generations. It
chronicles the evolution stages of the union and spotlights the roles of the
late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed
Al Maktoum in laying the blueprints of the union. It will also educate visitors
about the nature and lifestyles of residents of the Emirates in the pre-union
era, and highlight the upswing and phenomenal achievements witnessed by
the UAE during the early days of the union .
CONTENT
Our News
19 Smart Customers Service
Center launched at Al Barsha
13
Achievements
22 Dubai Taxi revenues hit AED 1.4bn in 2015
24 50% of Dubai Taxi fleet to hybrid cabs by 2021
20
Reciprocal Advice on decreasing vehicle movement during bad weather
Ads Al Masar warns against possible increase in
Initiative accidents during rainfall
06 Mohammed bin Rashid
inspects Etihad Museum
13 Under the Patronage of
Hamdan Bin Mohammed
Dubai hosts MENA Transport
Congress & Exhibition 2016
Our Project Our Services
26 Opening of a 7 km-long sector of Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed Road
31 the
Dubai Taxi launches Limo service for
tourist & companies sectors
29 Oasis
Investment features of Union
Project
30 The contract for constructing the Deira Palm Entrance Bridge
Project has been awarded, costing AED150 m
30
24
Cover Story Mohammed bin Rashid inspects progress in Etihad Museum project HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, expressed satisfaction at the steps taken in the implementation of the Etihad Museum Project, and described it as a distinct national civilizational and cultural icon as well as a prominent tourism project. HH further added the Museum, upon completion, promises to be a source of historical & national information, documents, images, private collections and cultural artefacts for the benefit of upcoming generations of citizens in their academic, professional and social life. HH went further to say that the Museum would be a reliable source for researchers and historians whom he described as “the People of History with high hopes unlike politicians with high interests.” “The history”, says HH, “is the art that cannot be manipulated as it constitutes, together with our lofty Islamic religion, Arabian belonging & culture, the entity in which we take pride across successive generations. Without our entity we will lose our identity and existence as a nation deeply rooted in this land like the roots of an ever-growing date palm.” 6
V/P: Etihad
Museum is an
iconic national,
civilizational &
cultural project
HH made these remarks during a tour to in 1971. The completion rate has touched
Advisory Committee and the technical
inspect the work progress in the Etihad 62% in the project which is scheduled for
team of the Etihad Museum about work
Museum project, accompanied by the full completion and official opening in
progress in the project which spans
Deputy Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh December this year.
an area of 25 thousand square meters
Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid HH has also endorsed the corporate
and costs about 616 million dirham. All
Al Maktoum. The project stands next to brand of the Etihad Museum.
concrete works and boundary walls have
the Union House that had witnessed the At the start of the visit, HH heeded to a
been completed, and the completion rate
signing of the UAE federation treaty back briefing by members of the Museum’s
Issue No. 94 April 2016 7
of the metal structure of the reception constructing a new flag pole fluttering House. The design of the entrance of the
building has reached 40%. The contractor 123 meters above the ground. new pavilion replicates a manuscript with
is finalizing electromechanical utility HH and the entourage then toured seven tilted columns simulating the pen
works, and the restoring Dar Al Dheafa the Etihad Museum; which is built used to sign the declaration. The museum
& the Union House to their original underground and linked to a pavilion includes permanent & temporary
state. Works have been completed in leading to Dar Al Diyafa and the Union galleries, theatre, educational areas,
lounges, and administration offices in
addition to several supporting activities,
The project contract also includes
and patios as well as a basement &
surface parking.
revamping the premises of the Union 8 Galleries
House which hosted the signing of The Etihad Museum encompasses eight
the Union document to restore it to permanent galleries and temporary
galleries used for exhibiting artefacts of
its original shape in addition to some other international museums to make it
a vibrant & lively destination, which will
structural enhancements as well as encourage visitors from citizens & tourists
improvements of the surrounding to visit it repeatedly to see new exhibits.
This ensures a sustainable operational
buildings. strategy and achieves the objective
of making the facility one of the most
8
Cover Story
frequently visited facilities in the UAE.
The first gallery is devoted to an
introductory movie at the theatre
taking visitors to deep historical insights
accompanied by sound effects and
illustrative music to chronicle the
establishment of the union story. It uses
impactful clips narrating the evolution of
the UAE story by showcasing key events
and the most influential figures in the
creation of the new state.
The second gallery sheds light on the pre-
federation era, and the third gallery (Road
to the Union) displays steps leading to the
federation stage using images & exhibits
flowing like a Falaj (water canal). The
fourth gallery (Seeds of the Union) has a
captivating visual display using state-of-
the-art exhibition technologies. The fifth
gallery uses sophisticated technologies
Issue No. 94 April 2016 9
The • The Museum is set to be a beacon of historical
Museum is set information, documents, images & private collections
• Project completion rate hits 62%, set for opening next
to be a beacon of December
historical information, that has turned the dream into a HE Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi,
documents, images & reality along with a digital copy
of the constitution for visitors to
Minister of Health and Prevention and
Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts
private collections browse the detailed articles. The Authority Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed
eighth gallery (New Nation) is an Al Owais Minister of State for Foreign
open display lounge acquainting visitors Affairs HE Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed
with the developments that contributed Gargash, Director-General and Chairman
to the creation of the new nation, the
features of the post-federation state of
the UAE, historical milestone such as the
triggering imagination and intellects
UN recognition of the UAE, the impact
by capitalizing on interactive touch
of the Union on developing community
technology taking visitors in a virtual tour
members, international influence,
of the underlying reasons & concepts of
national currency, establishment of the
the union.
armed forces, and the development drive
The sixth gallery (UAE Federation)
& urbanization witnessed by the UAE
highlights the path of the UAE leadership
since 1971.
including formal & informal meetings held
The gathering was attended by the
in preparation for establishing the single
Chairman of the Museum’s Advisory
state. The seventh gallery is devoted to the
Committee HE Mohamed Ahmed Al Mur,
UAE Constitution exhibiting the document
Minister for Cabinet Affairs and Future
10Cover Story
of the Board of Executive Directors of declaration of the UAE federation such stages of the Union and spotlights the
the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) that it will act as a radiation hub and a roles of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan
HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of destination for citizens, residents and Al Nahyan, and the late Sheikh Rashid
the Dubai Department of Tourism and tourists to acquaint themselves with the bin Saeed Al Maktoum in laying the
Commerce Marketing HE Helal Al Marri, phases & challenges experienced during blueprints of the Union. It also intends
and the Director-General of Protocol the formation of the UAE, showcase to educate visitors about the nature and
and Hospitality Department in Dubai HE the achievements made throughout lifestyles of residents of the Emirates in
Khalifa Saeed Sulieman. the federation drive, and embed the the pre-federation era, and spotlight the
The Etihad Museum aims to showcase concept & value of the federation in the upswing and phenomenal achievements
the historical value of the site that conscience of citizens and upcoming witnessed by the UAE during its blessed
witnessed the signing and the generations. It chronicles the evolution drive,” explained Al Tayer.
Issue No. 94 April 2016 11Etihad Museum Brand
Concept Preferably, the horizontal lock-up should 12/2: December 2nd, unification date.
أ.ع. م:This is Arabic for UAE
appear on landscape applications, such as
We predominantly drew our inspiration
the letterhead and DL envelope. 7: number of the emirates in UAE.
from the round structure of the Union
House building, the birthplace of the UAE Logotype Pattern
federation. For Etihad Museum’s brand we This is a rare lockup and does not appear as This pattern is a complimentary element to
highlight the significance of this structure often as the other two. The ‘logotype only’ the frame and can be used in print / web.
that lies in the heart of the museum’s new lockup can only appear in cases that one of
the two primary lockups are already present
complex. The logotype is heavily influenced
in the media, to avoid repetition.
Visual Language
by the original copy of the constitution and • The visual language of the brand lies
its typography. Typography on use of the primary brand colors (see
The logotype is heavily influenced by the 4.0), photography (gray scale/colored)
Identity original copy of the constitution and its and the frame (see 5.2). [Colored
Master Identity typography. images need to be overlayed with a
The main identity-mark holds all main layer of 20% opacity of color black.]
elements of the brand, the detailed Colors Three examples are presented below,
illustration of the structure, the flag post The colors of the brand are inspired by the • 01. Splitting the page into two sections
and the type inspired by the constitution. UAE flag colors and the UAE federal colors. with the help of color and imagery.
The primary lockup, consists of the Please note placement of the logo in
logomark (Union House building and the Brand Elements relation with the split. Also please note
UAE flag post) and the logotype in both Icons the numbers on the 4 corners.
English and Arabic. Following the style of illustration from the • 02. Colored background, centered
Proximity logomark, the icons were created with three imagery, overlapping the frame and
The minimum required clear space is equal line weight variations. They all have a certain the logo. Please note the placement
to the size of the flag in the logo. General degree of detail to them. of the text at the bottom, left aligned,
Rule: The clear space around the Etihad Frame following the line the flag post draws.
Museum logo, logotype and the secondary One of the main design elements of the • 03. A combination of the first two
lockup should stay the same and it equals brand is the frame with the four noteworthy examples. Colored background, left-
the size of the flag in the logo. numbers related to the unification of the aligned imagery, overlapping the
Horizontal UAE. This element can be scaled up or down, frame and the logo. Please note the
The horizontal lockup is not the secondary keeping the same ratio between the stroke placement of the text at the bottom,
lockup but the supporting lockup and the and the font size. left aligned, following the line the flag
two can be interchanged when appropriate. 1971: year of unification. post draws.
12File Issue
Dubai hosts MENA Transport
Congress & Exhibition 2016
Organized by RTA and UITP
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown prince
and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, Dubai will
be honored by hosting the Middle East and North Africa
Transport Congress & Exhibition 2016. The congress and the
following exhibition will be organized by the international
organization for public transport authorities and operators
(UITP) in partnership with RTA, and will take place in Dubai
World Trade Center from 25 to 27 of April 2016.
Issue No. 94 April 2016 13His Excellency Matar Al Tayer,
Director General and Chairman of
the Board of Executive Directors of
RTA has ensured that RTA is ready
to host the Transport Congress &
Exhibition in Middle East and North
Africa. He warmly welcomed visitors
and participants, and passed his
sincere wishes for them to have a
good prosperous stay in UAE, and for
the exhibition to be successful and
beneficial.
“Industry leaders, policy makers, more decision makers in the Middle East and North Africa, and
legislators, developers, consultants, field of transportation.” he said, this is done through gathering
operators and manufacturers all “This is because of the significant experiences and knowledge available
look forward to this event as it is development witnessed in the region in the UITP through its international
one of the largest events in the along with the steady increase in our countries members.”
region for transport.” Al Tayer said, populations.” Finally, Al Tayer praised RTA’s efforts
“All stakeholders meet under the Al Tayer pointed that the congress and hard work to ensure hosting a
flag of this event to discuss future and exhibition are great opportunities successful event that would help
resolutions for public transportation to take a look at successful trials in expanding and enhancing public
systems.” and most advanced technologies mass transportation systems. This
“The organizing committee meets implemented by progressive event is also a key contributor
in RTA regularly, in addition to a countries in this field. in promoting Dubai’s prestigious
quarterly meeting held with UITP Furthermore, Al Tayer mentioned, placement for hosting exhibitions
representatives to plan and prepare “We, at RTA, always care to bring in and conferences representing various
for this big event.” Al Tayer added, best experiences and most adopted commerce, economical, services,
“The event is of high importance practices from all over the world in finance, touristic, and many more
to ministers, directors, executives, the field of public mass transportation vital sectors, adding more and more
consultants, experts, and many systems to be implemented in the high achievements to Dubai’s record.
Congress programme and land use, and a rapid increase in
more on application of various
The programme of MENA Transport mass transit supply in order to absorb
the demand. Cities have multiple methods in different contexts, case
Congress and Exhibition 2016 that
modal choices at their disposal most specific findings, use of the derived
will be defined by the Dubai 2016
often proposed in a combination - knowledge for improvement of
Congress Programme Committee
conventional or automated metro, transport systems, addressing policy
(CPC) based on the results of the
light rail or tramway, BRT, different issues. The following is a non-
present call for papers. It will be
bus categories, waterborne - but exhaustive list of potential topics:
organized around the below thematic
also other less conventional modes Transportation Data Collection and
clusters:
such as cable car, tram-train or Processing Methods
monorail to meet specific needs. For • Analysis and assessment of
PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR interactions between urban land
cities with long-established public
FAST GROWING CITIES transport systems, rehabilitation use and transport
The MENA region is one of the • Transit-oriented development and
and automation will be needed to
most urbanized areas in the world. impacts of transportation services
improve operational efficiency and
Growing urbanization will require a • Cultural and Social Issues in
capacity. This session track focusses
strong integration between transport
14File Issue
Transport financing sources public transport customer/user-
• Impact of changes in • Institutions, Governance and friendly while facilitating accessibility
transportation levels of service on Capacity Building for all citizens. All these tools offer
urban form • Concession contracts and a huge potential for attracting new
• Planning of Exceptional Events: specifying incentives, public transport customers and
Incidents, Evacuation, Emergency commitments and risks consequently increasing revenue.
Management • Tendering procedures The following is a non-exhaustive list
• Multimodal land development • Planning, Financing, Socio- of potential topics:
impact assessment tools, economic Impact Evaluation • Seamless multimodal transport
techniques and practices • Transport System Analysis and planning and design
• Value capture: Links between Economic Evaluation • Effective design of mobility
transportation/ infrastructure • Economically efficient pricing in environments
investments and economic transport • Intermodal urban transport
development including tools • Public Private Participation in networks
and techniques used to estimate financing (PPP) • Innovations in public transport
economic impacts as well as case infrastructure
studies of particular projects PUBLIC TRANSPORT • Integrated mobility solutions and
• Applications of Travel Behaviour QUALITY AND IMAGE new innovation and business
Analysis and Demand Modelling Significant qualitative improvements models
Approaches are necessary to make public • Popularizing public transport
• Informal public transportation transport more attractive and through Internet/web technologies
management and regulation strengthen its image. Cars are
• Tourism and Transport integrating latest technologies PUBLIC TRANSPORT
to make driving easier and safer. MANAGEMENT AND
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Customers expect similar lifestyle EMPLOYMENT
GOVERNANCE AND services and connectivity from public Public transport will not be able
FUNDING transport vehicles and stations that to provide truly customer-focused
Developing public transport requires they have in their own environment services if it does not adopt modern
funding. However, excessive and living space. Such services and business-oriented management.
dependency on public funds can should be built in addition to basic Public transport companies need
thwart the growth efforts of the requirements, which include comfort, to recruit the appropriate skills
sector. Alternative funding streams security and cleanliness. The notion from top management to front line
and resilient funding architecture of quality should also be translated staff, ensures continuous training
are increasingly recognised as as operational excellence, including
indispensable and partnerships enhanced frequency, punctuality
with private investors are often an and reliability of the service resulting
option to be considered for major from optimised network design
projects. There is a need of adequate and service performance. Likewise,
governance in a clear regulatory smart ticketing and integrated travel
framework that provides business information will contribute to making
stability, supports sustainable
mobility and leaves room for
commercial activities, in
parallel to the traditional
public transport
provision. The
following is a non-
exhaustive list of
potential topics:
• Alternate funding and
Issue No. 94 April 2016 15and professionalization. Employees than cars. Though its contribution to field. IT and Internet-related services
should feel pride in working for public overall energy consumption is very companies provide integrated
transport and serving its customers, low, public transport is improving information to travelers. They also
while the sector itself should pro- its emissions standards, increasingly support information exchanges
actively strengthen its position adopting clean fuels and resorting between travelers through mobile
as a provider of green jobs and a to electricity. The following is a non- applications and social media. This is
contributor to economic growth. The exhaustive list of potential topics: pushed by a mixture of technological
following is a non-exhaustive list of • Transport and energy use innovation (big data, geo-positioning,
potential topics: • Alternative fuels and public autonomous driving), the sharing
• Drive business agility, scalability transport economy, business strategies and
and innovation • Green transport and electric bus business model adjustments (car
• Business oriented management industry development in MENA industry in search of new business
• Training and Capacity building cities models, IT companies seeking
• Mitigation measures to reduce to increase their margins, etc.);
PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND greenhouse gas emissions while sustained by governmental
ENERGY • The market development and frameworks and policy initiatives
Overconsumption of energy and its promotion of electric vehicles (Smart Cities). The following is a non-
impact on greenhouse gas emissions • Transport futures, in the context of exhaustive list of potential topics:
is an obvious challenge. Oil and transport’s emerging relationship • Emerging mobility technologies
transport are interdependent: 90% with ICTs and devices that directly facilitate
of transport fuels are oil-based and • Technologies relating to the public transport use
50% of oil produced worldwide electric ‘plug‐in’ hybrids and • Advanced Public Transportation
is consumed by the transport hydrogen fuel cell vehicles Management
sector. Peak oil implies improving • Web-based public transport
energy efficiency, while looking for PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN A applications and user perspectives
alternative “fuels”. This is all the NEW MOBILITY LANDSCAP • Smart management of Demand
more necessary, as traffic congestion The urban mobility landscape is side and supply sides of
is worsening in most cities, increasing changing fast and the MENA region Transportation
environmental damage at both local is being progressively concerned • Intelligent and Context aware
and global levels. Public transport by those changes. The automotive Systems and services
and active modes (cycling and industry, media groups, payment • Electric Vehicle Transportation
walking) are the answer to achieving service providers, Internet start- Systems
sustainable urban mobility. In ups and a number of organizations/ • Mobile Apps for transit innovation
addition to being energy efficient and sectors are increasingly involved • Innovative vehicles for shared
green, they use less public collaborating in the urban mobility use (single passenger, electric,
space and are collectively drive assisted, platooned, fully
safer and healthier automatic, etc.)
SCHOOL TRANSPORT
School transportation involves
complex issues. Every one of us is
a user, a provider, or is affected by
school transportation at some time
during our daily travels. All running
Yellow school buses are the most
visible and safest mode of school
16File Issue
transportation and make up the lifestyle of school age children are school bus services. In addition, the
largest form of public transportation promoting travel to school by walking security exposure of school buses
in the nation. Nevertheless many or bicycling to increase the levels is a primary concern for school bus
more students travel to and from of physical activity. Smart growth operators. The following is a non-
school by personal vehicles operated advocates encourage thoughtful exhaustive list of potential topics:
by adults or teenagers than by school school sittings to avoid urban sprawl. Regulations & Guidance
bus, contributing to traffic congestion At the same time, the nation’s school • Impact of Smart Technology in
and putting school-age children systems face challenging academic School buses
at greater risk. Teenage drivers performance standards that affect • School Bus- riding Behaviour
represent the highest safety risk where students attend schools, and • Special Needs Students’ Challenges
category. Public health professionals systems must cope with budget
concerned about the sedentary shortfalls that can force reductions in
Middle East and North Africa
Future Projects
Historically, countries in the Middle of transport. Regional governments in 2014, while activity in oil-exporting
East and North Africa (MENA) region are now seeking these alternative countries recovered slightly after
have focused mainly on investing in forms of transport in an attempt contracting in 2013. However, growth
infrastructure to satisfy the region’s decrease the region’s long-standing is expected to pick up gradually to
rapidly increasing demand for private reliance on private vehicles and low 3.5 % in 2017 and now national
vehicles. However, with the region prices of fuel. governments and local authorities in
recently going through an adverse The MENA region, which extends nearly all the region’s countries have
economic environment and facing from Morocco to Iran, represents a embarked on far-reaching structural
risks from regional turmoil and market which is home to over 300 reforms and on the building of
the volatile price of oil, financial, million inhabitants. According to the major infrastructure projects. This is
energy saving and environmental World Bank, growth in the region’s oil- particularly apparent in the transport
considerations have now become importing countries was broadly flat sector.
integral to the region’s transport
future, shifting regional government’s
preferences on transport modes. Not
only have these nations started
spending intensively on public
transport over the past few
years, most cities across
the region are focusing
on new low carbon, low
cost metro, light rail and
bus rapid transit modes
Issue No. 94 April 2016 17Exhibition information MENA Transport Exhibition is the presented through the direct display of categories. business and networking platform for the products presented by the industry In this 2016 edition, a new sector has all the public transport players. This or through the presentations given by been added to the categories of the biennial exhibition in Dubai will gather the experts in the Expo Forums. exhibition which is the school buses public transport industry together The Expo forum is a platform built sector. with authorities and operators to in the exhibition halls where the School buses is becoming an exchange experiences, solutions, exhibitors can present their solutions important part of the authorities ideas, business opportunities and and products development in a and operators services in the get acquainted with the latest seminar form to the professional MENA region. Manufacturers and innovations in the public transport audience and the trade visitors of the operators of school buses will show sector. This exhibition is the right exhibition. their products and services in the place to meet with the top decisions On the exhibition floor, the local exhibition hall starting from this and policies makers in the public and international public transport edition. transport sector. industry, operators and authorities Given the strong synergies among UITP in partnership with RTA are will be showcasing their products and these different sectors, gathering offering through this exhibition an their latest innovations over 6000 them all under one roof will bring opportunity to the Middle East and SQM floor space. major added value, especially for North Africa public transport, school In 2014, the MENA Transport authorities and operators dealing bus, road and traffic market the place Exhibition had expanded beyond its with these various services as well as where the trends, the innovations traditional sectors and opened the for the manufacturing and consulting and the best practice solutions will door for the Taxi sector to showcase companies working in these areas of be demonstrated, discussed and with the other public transport business. MENA Transport Congress & Exhibition Committee meets UITP in Belgium The Chairman and Members of the for holding the MENA Transport RTA make to raise the profile of the Higher Committee for Organizing Congress & Exhibition in April 2016. UAE in general and Dubai in particular the Hosting of MENA Transport Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, Member in the field of public transport and the Congress & Exhibition has recently of RTA Board of Executive Directors & hosting of international conventions & met the President and Members of Chairman of the Higher Committee exhibitions. the International Public Transport for Organizing & Hosting the MENA “We are always keen on visiting the Association (UITP) at its Head Office Transport Congress & Exhibition said UITP with a view to keeping abreast in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting that RTA always seeks to make this of the latest developments of public aimed at coordinating joint efforts event a success, thanks to the unlimited transport industry, sharing expertise, and briefing the UITP on the latest support accorded by the Government stepping up cooperation, and developments of RTA’s preparations of Dubai, and the relentless efforts the discussing papers to be presented 18
File Issue
in the Congress about innovation
& excellence to keep pace with the
global trends in this field. The visit
also familiarized us with the best
practices of joint committees such as
marketing, transportation, protocol,
sponsorship & hospitality packages,
and the accompanying recreational
events,” added Al Mulla.
“The UITP Congress and Exhibition
also offer an opportunity to
familiarize participants and visitors
descending on Dubai from the world
over with the advanced technologies
& sophisticated transport means
visitors from over 80 countries with wisdom and shrewd vision of the UAE
as well as the intelligent systems
an exhibition area spanning more in steering the state of affairs during
provided by the RTA to public
than 30,000 square meters. The 59th crises.”
transport users, which enhances the
edition had been flagged as a landmark “This successful hosting of the UITP
emirate’s endeavours to become
event in the history of the UITP thanks Transport Congress in 2011 came up
the smartest city worldwide. In this
to the record figures that exceeded with two major benefits for Dubai.
sense, the MENA Transport Congress
expectations, given the financial crisis Firstly, the UITP signed a 10-year
& Exhibition 2016 will focus on
and political developments engulfing strategic partnership agreement with
creativity, innovation & excellence
Arab and MENA region, be it in terms of RTA to host the UITP MENA Transport
and highlight the role played by these
quality service, number of attendees, Congresses & Exhibitions biennially
factors in promoting smart cities.
or business prospects generated. It in Dubai until 2024. The agreement
The conferences and exhibitions
proves that Dubai has not only delivered reinforces the trust reposed by the
industry plays a vital role in
on its promises, but has also exceeded international community in Dubai
generating revenues and boosting the
expectations thanks to its extensive for its commitments to promote
national income thanks to investments
experience in this regard. More the public transport vision in the
and business deals in the field of
importantly, the UAE, represented region. The second benefit is the
mass transit systems & infrastructure
by Dubai emirate, had managed to establishment of the MENA Center
to be concluded on the sideline of
make back-to-back successes in this for Transport Excellence (CTE) at RTA’s
the event between manufacturers,
filed despite the exceptional financial Headquarters,” added Al Mulla.
officials and decision-makers hailing
conditions currently experienced by
from various countries around the
a number of regional countries that
world, especially the MENA countries
illustrates the
which have a variety of strategic plans
& programs. In addition, such events
have the potential of cementing the
UAEs leadership in this regard,
added Al Mulla.
“In April 2011, Dubai has made a
remarkable success in organizing the
59th UITP Transport Congress and
Exhibition, which was attended by
more than 2,000 delegates and 9,000
Issue No. 94 April 2016 19Our News
The Korean Consul visits RTA
HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads
and Transport Authority (RTA), has recently received in his office HE Namduk Heo, the new Korean
Consul in Dubai. During the meeting the two parties explored means of boosting cooperation and
sharing expertise between RTA and its counterpart in the Republic of Korea. They also reviewed the
cooperation with the Korean firms operating in transportation systems and roads sector.
At the start of the meeting, Al Tayer
welcomed the Korean Consul wishing
him nice stay in the UAE, and success
in his mission to enhance the bilateral
relationships of the two friendly
countries. He briefed the Korean diplomat
on a number of projects the RTA is set to
undertake in the near future.
“Over the next few years, RTA would
engage in constructing rail projects,
comprising the metro and tram, costing
billions of dirhams. The portfolio of
such projects include Route 2020 for
the extension of the Dubai Metro Red offer a great opportunity for companies witnessed by the UAE, and commended
Line to the exhibition yard of Expo 2020, to bid for tenders released by RTA,” stated the smart services provided by RTA to
extension of the Green Line of the Dubai Al Tayer. the public, especially in the field of mass
Metro, Phase II of Dubai Tram, and several The Korean Consul in Dubai expressed transport, which is easing the mobility of
roads & bridges projects. Future projects deep admiration of the upswing residents, he noted.
Al Tayer issues a decision to from the Experts Council
His Excellency Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RTA
Dubai, has issued a decision to form a consultancy council titled “Experts Council”. This council will
include number of experts in the different departments within RTA, which will include the different
fields and disciplines such as transportation, project management, creativity and innovation,
happiness and satisfaction,
in addition to trains, risks,
environmental safety, and
much more.
Under the statement of this resolution,
the Experts council is responsible for
issuing technical research papers that
implement innovative ideas, along
with holding discussion sessions to
20Smart Customer Service Center launched at Al Barsha
The first of its kind in Dubai
HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-
General and Chairman of the
Board of Executive Directors
of the Roads and Transport
Authority (RTA), has launched
the Smart Customers Service
Center at Al Barsha. The
Center, which is the first of its
kind in Dubai, enables visitors
to process transactions by
themselves without needing
assistance from staff.
“The launch of this smart center, smartest city in the world, is based transactions, and a service corner
which is situated within the existing on delivering services & performance offering individual or corporate
Customers Service Center at Al Barsha, that go beyond meeting customers’ customers access to personal
is part of RTA’s efforts to deliver best- expectations to make people happier,” accounts for processing transactions
in-class services to customers towards commented Al Tayer. or reviewing financial reports &
realizing the vision & directives of During an inspection tour of the receipts. The Center is also fitted with
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Center, Al Tayer heeded to a self-service kiosk enabling customers
Al Maktoum, Vice-President & briefings by Yousef Al Rida, CEO of to process transactions themselves
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler Corporate Administrative Support around-the-clock. Through the
of Dubai; HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Services Sector; Ahmed Hashim device, customers can carry out
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Bahrozyan, CEO of Licensing Agency; transactions relating to the renewal
Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman and Ahmed Mahboob, Director of of driver licenses, renewal of vehicle
of the Executive Council; and HH Customers Service, about the devices ownership cards, issuance of vehicle
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin and services provided by the Smart ownership cards instead of lost ones,
Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler Center; which is fitted with interactive vehicle ownership certificate, non-
of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of screens displaying information about ownership of a vehicle certificate,
the Executive Council, advocating the RTA and its website. The Center query and payment of traffic fines,
the Smart City concept. The drive, also has tablets fitted with smart payment of bills, and seasonal parking
which aims at ranking Dubai as the apps enabling customers to process card services.
resolve underlying challenges through welcomed the experts’ team as employees’ body, are all goals to be
creative methods. The council is also he encouraged them to embrace achieved when these experts give in
responsible for constantly following team spirit and work as one whole the best knowledge and effort.
up with international developments unit to reach best results possible. “Roads and Transport Authority has
and global trends, and from there He also ensured that developing many impressive accomplishments
suggest ideas and a discussion list to the authority’s work, achieving throughout the last 10 years,” At Tayer
be addressed throughout the year. real accomplishments, along said, “the future holds much bigger
His Excellency Matar Al Tayer warmly with spreading knowledge across and better projects that aim to keep
Issue No. 94 April 2016 21Achievements Dubai Taxi revenues hit AED 1.4bn With net profits clock AED 280m HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), revealed that total operating revenues of the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) at the RTA reached AED 1.481 billion in 2015 compared with AED 1.311 billion reported in 2014. The total profits posted by the DTC last year amounted to AED280 million compared with AED 270 million last year after deducting franchise fees paid by the DTC to Public Transport Agency against plate fees, and booking & distribution fees among others. Al Tayer was delighted with DTC lifted about 94 million riders 113 vehicles for VIP service, 100 the results of the performance compared with 92 million riders in vehicles for ladies, 3 vehicles for indicators of the DTC and stressed 2014,” said Al Tayer. Hatta city service, 385 vehicles for that the RTA would continue, “The overall indicator of the DTC Hala Taxi service, and 3,722 vehicles through the DTC, to improve its in 2015 refers to a 14% growth for the standard commission taxi. services and deliver them via smart in the number of trips and riders “The DTC has completed a project devices. “The drive will push efforts when compared with 2014. The for improving the interiors of VIP towards making customers happier operational efficiency of the vehicles besides installing sensors besides living up to the regional & DTC increased from 97% to 98% in all fleet vehicles supplied by car global profile of Dubai in business, during the same period. The DTC dealers, rendering sensors part of economic, service, financial, real has launched several initiatives the standard vehicle specifications. estate, and tourist sectors among including beefing up DTC’s fleet The DTC has also enabled fare others,” he noted. by 420 new vehicles; bringing payment via credit cards and NOL “The DTC has carried out about 47 the total number of vehicles card in all fleet vehicles, and has million trips in 2015 at an average to 4,673 vehicles including 350 automated maintenance operations of 129 thousand trips per day vehicles dedicated for Dubai and with the aim of improving the compared with 46 million trips Al Maktoum International Airports, efficiency and reducing the recorded in 2014. Last year the 22
Smart Training
The RTA attaches special attention to the training and
qualifying of drivers with a view to uplifting traffic awareness
level in delivering taxi services, which will accordingly contribute
number of vehicles in workshops.
to improving passenger services in a bid to make them happier. In
The Maintenance Section has set
this regard the RTA has opened the Drivers Qualification Center at
an online program for periodic
Al Ruwaiyah; the first smart training center dedicated to training
maintenance of vehicles. As many
taxi drivers of franchise companies and on-call taxi drivers of
as 400 auto start devices have been
deluxe limo service in Dubai. The Center, which is supervised
installed where a vehicle would
by Drivers Affairs Department at Public Transport Agency, is
only operate after the driver’s own
fitted with smart touch-screens characterized by high-definition
card is swiped, in order to put an
educative material & visual display, internet accessibility and a
end to the so-called anonymous
direct interaction with the educational material.
kilometers and cut fuel and
The Center is fitted with practical labs considered the first of their
maintenance cost. The DTC has also
kind in the region comprising interactive e-maps linked with the
installed new systems in taxi cabs
GPS using touch technology for use in positioning landmark
in a bid to improve safety and curb
tourist and urban locations in the Emirate, besides displaying
accidents. Vehicles have also been
the route layout as well as the nearest and shortest alternative
fitted with cameras to track cabbies’
routes to destinations. The Center also has a simulator to embed
performance (directed to the
the basics of learning driving skills under various conditions
cabdriver only), in addition to rear
and situations to which the driver might experience in roads,
& front cameras installed to assess
and drivers will be assessed automatically based on the driving
cabbies driving style and identify &
results generated.
analyze reasons of accidents. The
The Center also dedicated halls for training drivers on security
DTC has also introduced drivers
& safety, first aid, and fire-fighting equipment at world-class
incentive program where the best
standards in collaboration with the competent bodies. The
cabdrivers are rewarded on the
Center has also a social clinic to uplift human potentials where
basis of some parameters namely
all drivers undergo a medical and psychological assessment
accidents, complaints and offences,
before obtaining a permit to practice their profession
using the Service Star prize where
The Center focuses on training drivers with a view to nurturing
the winner will be rewarded by a
their driving skills and accordingly achieving a mobility free from
car, besides honoring drivers who
traffic fines & accidents, which in turn contributes to realizing the
have completed more than 10
satisfaction of taxi users in line with the highest international
years in service.
practices used in advanced countries, thanks to this sophisticated,
creative, flexible and suitable training environment.
The training program to which cabdrivers are subjected comprises
four courses; the first is a foundation course designated to novice
drivers lasting 22 days which is mandatory to all drivers of taxis
and on-demand taxis. The second course lasts 10 days and is
dedicated to fresh drivers of on-demand taxis (Limo), the third
is a supplementary course for practicing drivers every two years
lasting 3 days, and the fourth is a 3-day rehabilitation course for
drivers who are subject of frequent complaints or traffic fines.
Issue No. 94 April 2016 2350% of Dubai Taxi fleet to hybrid cabs by 2021
34% reduction in carbon emission
HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads
and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a plan to convert 50% of Dubai taxicabs to hybrid
vehicles by 2021. The move is part of a master plan to reduce carbon emissions of the taxi sector
by 2% to fulfil the requirements of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and the Green Economy
drive. The step was prompted by the deregulation of fuel prices, and the low lifecycle cost of hybrid
vehicles compared with normal vehicles.
accommodating the rising demand for to travel 100 km,
“The plan encompasses beefing up the
transit means in the Emirate. RTA is whereas the hybrid
fleet of hybrid taxicabs in Dubai from 147
the first entity in the region to take the vehicles needs about
in 2015 to 791 taxicabs by 2016, 1582
initiative of experimenting the operation 8.25 liters to travel
taxicabs by 2017, 2375 taxicabs by 2018,
of hybrid (fuel-electric) vehicles as part the same distance.
3167 taxicabs by 2019, 3959 taxicabs
of the Taxi fleet in 2008. The amount of carbon
by 2020, and to further increase the
“Results of the trial operation of emission generated
number to 4750 hybrid taxicabs by 2021.
hybrid taxis conducted by Dubai Taxi by the normal vehicle
The Dubai Taxi Corporation will account
Corporation since 2008 indicated that is estimated as 182
for lion’s share of these hybrid taxicabs in
they offer an environmental solution kg per day, whereas
as much as 2280 cabs, followed by Cars
for reducing carbon emissions by 34%, the hybrid vehicle
Taxi (900 cabs), National Taxi (812 cabs),
Arabia Taxi (463 cabs), Metro Taxi (377 slashing fuel consumption
cabs), and City Taxi (18 cabs),” explained by 33%, besides cutting
Al Tayer. maintenance costs due to
“RTA is endeavoring to bring about a the low mechanical faults,
quantum shift in the infrastructure of and curbing noise levels. For
mass transit systems to make them instance the normal vehicle
environment-friendly, and capable of requires about 12.5 liters
24Achievements
generates about 121 kg of carbon the old public bus fleet by modern buses “As for lighting, RTA started
emissions per day only. Studies showed compatible with Euro 4-5 specifications. upgrading the efficiency of street
that replacing all taxicabs in Dubai These buses are fitted with a Selective lights by introducing power-
by hybrid cabs would reduce carbon Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, saving lights using LED lighting
emissions by 230 thousand tons per and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology in a bid to reduce
annum, which translates into saving technology. It has also started the trial electric power consumption in
about AED170 million,” added Al Tayer. run of the Electric Bus that is operated by this field, and accordingly reduce
electric power only through recharging carbon emissions. The project
Environmental Sustainability batteries. The battery can be recharged resulted in reducing carbon
“RTA attaches paramount attention in less than 30 minutes, and the bus can footprint by more than 3000
to environmental conservation and travel up to 200 km with a fully charged tons per annum. As part of its
optimizing power consumption. battery,” stated Al Tayer. strategic plan, RTA is planning
Environmental safety & sustainability is “As for marine transit modes, RTA has to replace all street lights with
enshrined in the strategic goals of RTA, launched the operation of CNG-powered LED lights by 2030, which would
which has undertaken a raft of projects, abras instead of diesel-powered ones to reduce the carbon footprint
programs & initiatives for saving live up to its commitment of improving of RTA’s operations by about
energy consumption and conserving the marine transit service between the 27,000 mega tons of carbon,”
the environment. At the top of these two shores of the Dubai Creek. In 2013, explained RTA’s Director-General
projects comes the Dubai Metro, which RTA deployed seven electric-powered and Chairman of the Board of
had been manufactured using state- abras fitted with electric motors instead Executive Directors.
of-the-art technologies to make it of the traditional diesel motors, and the
environment-friendly. For instance, project was broadened to include 17
RTA started using regenerative abras. In August 2015, RTA launched the high-octane benzene. Additionally, this
braking power of the Dubai Metro operation of five modern abras featuring year RTA has started the trial run of a
to feed the metro line, replaced a heritage-inspired design, powered by solar-powered abra.
Issue No. 94 April 2016 25Our ProjectS Opening of a 7 km-long sector of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Extends from Al Maktoum Airport R/A to Jebel Ali-Lehbab R/A HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced that the RTA has opened the Widening of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Project. Accordingly, the number of lanes will double from three to six lanes in each direction along this 7 km-long sector extending from Al Maktoum International Airport R/A to Jebel Ali-Lehbab R/A. He also announced that the completion rate had touched 60% in Al Houdh Junction project between the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Yalayis Road undertaken by the RTA at a cost of AED227 million, and the project is set for completion in the last quarter of 2016. Al Houdh Junction Project, which is Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road in street lighting works, rainwater drainage, situated at the western part of the an 11 km-long sector extending from traffic signs, ground markings, and service Dubai bordering the Arabian Ranches Al Houdh R/A to the junction leading to utility works in the area as needed by Interchange to the north, and the Al Maktoum International Airport from service providers. Trucks Road to the south, is one of three to six lanes in each direction. The The project contractor has made a 60% the key strategic projects on the project also includes the construction progress in the construction works of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. It of a service road on both sides of the flyover, as well as lighting works and utility encompasses upgrading the existing Al Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road of a lines. Completion rate has reached 90% in Houdh R/A from a signalized junction 4 km-long sector extending from Al Khail the widening of the road from the R/A of into a free flyover accommodating Road junction to Al Houdh R/A to ease Al Maktoum International Airport to Al the track of Etihad Rail. The project the entry & exist from the neighboring Houdh R/A. This coming Friday, RTA will also encompasses the widening of the development projects. It also includes open the widening of the Road in the area 26
60% of Al
Houdh Junction
is completed; the
project is set for
opening in the last
between the Al Maktoum International directions. It will result in a smooth traffic quarter of this
Airport R/A and the Jebel Ali-Lehbab R/A. flow for vehicles coming from Al Yalayis year
All construction works are expected to be Road heading east towards the Dubai
completed and the flyover opened in the Investment Park, and west towards the
final quarter of this year. Sheikh Zayed Road and Jebel Ali Free
Zone. It will also provide a smooth flow flyover comprises three lanes stretching
Smooth Traffic Flow of traffic from the Sheikh Mohammed bin one km linking traffic coming from Jebel
Al Tayer explained that RTA had worked Zayed to the north & south, from and to Ali Area through Al Yalayis Road with the
out a plan for the traffic diversions of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road in the
project to ensure a smooth traffic flow direction of Dubai.
along the R/A and the connected entry AED940 Million
& exit points. The main traffic diversion Al Houdh Junction Project is part of Phase Al Yalayis Road
will be opened early April 2016 where II of the Improvement & Widening of the During the mid of last year, RTA opened
the traffic on the Sheikh Mohammed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Project the Widening & Improvement of Al Yalayis
bin Zayed Road will be diverted to the costing about AED940 million. In Phase Road linking the Sheikh Mohammed bin
R/A within the flyover area in order to II, RTA accomplished the construction Zayed Road (at Al Houdh R/A) with the
complete road works in the surroundings of a flyover linking Hessa Road, Al Khail Emirates Road via the Dubai Investment
of the flyover. The engineering design of Road and Al Barsha area with the Sheikh Park (DIP) in a sector stretching 9 km
the temporary traffic diversions conforms Mohammed bin Zayed Road. This vital and comprising 4 lanes in each direction.
to the specifications of permanent roads junction serves the traffic movement from Entry & exit points had been provided
including sufficient lighting matching to and to Al Barsha community through the for the DIP as well as Jumeirah Golf
the design speed of the road to ensure the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Estates through signalized R/As that
traffic safety of users. The same number provides seamless traffic movement in all are convertible at a later stage into
of lanes is maintained in the proposed directions besides serving communities flyovers. Al Yalayis Road also includes a
traffic diversion to ensure a smooth flow under development near the junction. bridge crossing Emirates Road providing
of traffic without affecting the traffic RTA has also opened the flyover passing unimpeded traffic movement for vehicles
volumes and causing congestions. over Al Houdh R/A on the Sheikh coming from Jebel Ali Area heading
When completed, Al Houdh Junction Mohammed bin Zayed Road; which towards Sharjah. Due consideration
Project will sort out the overlapping serves the traffic movement from Jebel was given in the project design to avoid
traffic in the existing R/A, and ensure a Ali Port to the Sheikh Mohammed bin clashing with the construction works of Al
smooth vehicular movement in various Zayed Road in the direction of Dubai. The Etihad Rail project.
Issue No. 94 April 2016 27Opening a ramp linking Al Aathar - Al Hadiqa Roads The Roads and Transport Authority has opened a new bridge serving the traffic inbound from Al Aathar Road heading towards Al Hadiqa Road above Al Wasl Road. The ramp will ease the traffic flow coming from Jumeirah Road and Al Aathar Road in the direction of Al Hadiqa Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. RTA will maintain the same number of existing lanes of Al Wasl Road in both directions with a slight repositioning of the light signal to enable the contractor complete works relating to the Dubai Water Canal Project. HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General had completed construction works “Completion rate of the bridge on and Chairman of the Board of Executive early January this year in the northern Al Wasl Road has exceeded 90% and Directors of RTA, said: “Work is bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road in is expected to be completed by the progressing according to the set time the direction from Abu Dhabi to Dubai end of this May. Likewise, completion chart of the project where completion stretching one kilometer. The company rate of the bridge on Jumeirah Road rate of the entire project is as much then started construction works of the had exceeded 35%, and is expected as 80%. The contractor of the initial southern bridge in the direction from to be opened by the end of this July. phase, which includes the construction Dubai to Abu Dhabi, where construction The contract of Phase II of the project of a bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road works of the initial phase are expected encompasses the construction of comprising 8 lanes in each direction, to be completed this August. bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah 28
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