The Official Monthly Magazine of `s RTA Issue No. 83 May 2015 RTA wins 8 (DGEP) awards

Dubai Metro expands toward Expo 2020

Corporate Excellence The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has bagged eight awards in the most important race for excellence between various Dubai Government entities i.e. the Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) 2015. The achievement merited commendation of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council. On this occasion, we are honored to offer sincere thanks and appreciation to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for their unlimited patronage of RTA’s excellence drive. Thanks are also due to our employees for their tireless efforts and the team spirit they have exhibited enabling the RTA to clinch these coveted awards. What makes this wholesome achievement a standout in the 18th DGEP is the superior corporate excellence of RTA to other entities of the Dubai Government. Six of the awards won by RTA were at the corporate level and two at the individual level. For the second year in a row , we scooped the Government Entity Sponsoring Creativity award. We have made a breakthrough success by winning for the first time the Best Government Entity in Customers Satisfaction award (main entities) scoring 95% satisfaction rating. RTA also won the Creative Idea award for the (Smart Journeys Initiative). Inaddition, the RTA bagged the Distinctive Administrative Initiative award for Labeh (Here to Help), and the Distinctive Work Team award in recognition of the efforts of Team 11, which oversaw the project. We also grabbed the Distinctive Inter-Governmental Project award with the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities (Dubai Hands). At the individual level, RTA won the Creative Employee award (Khalifa Humaid bin Dhaiban) and the Unsung Hero award (Abdul Haleem Mano). This mega achievement franks the soundness of the approach adopted by RTA in implementing modern administrative concepts, working in a team spirit, and nurturing creativity & innovation through motivating & qualifying employees. It is also attributed to the perfect work environment provided and efforts made to keep pace with successive developments made in various fields. In closing, we renew our pledge to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to pursue the model charted by HH for achieving more successes and excellent achievements.

Mattar Al Tayer Chairman of the Board and Executive Director 06 RTA wins 8 (DGEP) awards

Our News AED 26 million for the 14 owners of taxi plates 16 expands toward numbers Expo 2020

Al Shaibani commends the Exhibition (Dubai 19 efforts of the Authority in 20 Achievements) put Dubai getting Platinum rank (The Canal) to the attention of visitors

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Advice on decreasing vehicle movement during bad weather Reciprocal ‏ Ads ‏Al Masar warns against possible increase in Initiative accidents during rainfall CONTENTS

06 Achievements

19 (Transportation Pulse) contributed to (Dubai Taxi) raises the the rationalization of expenditures by 22 operational efficiency of its more than 200 million AED fleet to 97%

Our projects Starting work in the development The completion of 40% of the 29 of Wafi intersection 30 first phase of Dubai Canal

Zero pedestrian deaths in five (Building Information 32 main roads in 2013 and 2014 34 Modeling) controls the quality of infrastructure projects

34 19 Cover Story

RTA wins 8 awards Mohammed bin Rashid honors the winners of DGEP 2015 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai (may Allah protect him), honored in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the Executive Council, the winners of Dubai Government institutions and departments in the Government Excellence program the 18th, in a solemn ceremony held at the(DWTC).

HH Sheikh Mohammed main in the memory of the ments and Government en- bin Rashid Al Maktoum, .nation )ergies as a source of pride stressed that each Excel- His Highness said through He added: 18 years ago lence in the Government de- «Twitter» after he honored some officials complained serves thanks, each creative the bodies, teams and indi- to me that Excellence Pro- is worthy of pride, each ac- vidual winners at the eigh- gram distracts them from complishment for the sons teenth Dubai Government their basic jobs, but today of the nation deserves to re- Excellence: (leading achieve- the basic function for all of

6 The Vice President: Each Excellence in the Government deserves thanks and each creative deserves pride

.us is Excellence His Highness addressed the Court of His Highness the During the award ceremony, audience saying: Now, af- Ruler of Dubai, and HE Lieu- His Highness gave a brief and ter more than 18 years you tenant General Dahi Khal- improvised speech through are competing to win the fan Tamim, Deputy Chief of which he brought the offi- awards of this Program and Police and Public Security in cials back 18 years ago when you are racing in work to Dubai, and HE Jumaa Majid, His Highness announced achieve success that quali- Chairman of Jumaa Al Majid launching the Program to fies you to be honored on Heritage and Culture Insti- discover the national talent .this platform tution, as well as the heads in the Government depart- Attended the ceremony, and directors of the Gov- ments and institutions, to which began with the na- ernment departments and stimulate the male and fe- tional anthem, HH Sheikh institutions in Dubai, and male employees to compete Ahmed bin Saeed Al Mak- more than three thousand in creativity and innovation, toum, Chairman of Dubai employees jammed in the and to raise constructive Civil Aviation and Supreme .Arena hall ideas which contribute to Chairperson of Thanks to the Sponsor of the development and im- Airlines Group, and HE Mo- Creativity provement of the Govern- hammed Ibrahim Al Shaiba- The celebration started with .ment performance ni, Director-General of the the arrival of His Highness

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 7 Cover Story

the sponsor of the event which he confirmed- on be- and the National Peace and half of all the distinguished then a documentary of the and honorees- his loyalty to process of Dubai Program the beloved nation and its for Government Excellence wise leadership, and Cov- that won the admiration of enant to continue on the the audience. Then, the dis- path of Excellence which has tinguished honorees in the become the culture of our previous session of the Pro- departments, institutions gram gave a word of thanks and their employees who and gratitude to HH Sheikh learnt from the philosophy Mohammed bin Rashid Al and school of Mohammed Maktoum for his sponsor- bin Rashid Al Maktoum the ship of innovation and excel- meaning of excellence and lence in Dubai Government .reaching number one departments and institu- Honoring began with HH ernment Excellence of all tions and his unlimited en- Sheikh Mohammed bin .categories couragement for the cre- Rashid Al Maktoum taking The RTA and the General ative sons and daughters the stage accompanied by Command of Dubai Police of the nation in all national HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mo- won the largest number of .production and work sites hammed bin Rashid Al Mak- awards; HE Mattar Al Tayer, The outstanding Colonel toum and HE Abdullah Al the Chairman and CEO of Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith Shaibani, Secretary-General the RTA, and Major General from the General Director- of the Executive Council in Khamis Mattar, the Com- ate of Residency and For- Dubai, where Their High- mander in Chief of Dubai Po- eigners Affairs gave a speech nesses honored the winners lice, had the honor of stand- on behalf of his colleagues in of Dubai Program for Gov- ing on the platform next to HH Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and HH the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Execu- tive Council, together with their teams and staff amid enthusiasm and applause of the audience, and praise and congratulation of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for Al Tayer, Khamis Mattar and 8 their colleagues the man- regular daytime service, re- agers and staff honorees in centers in Dubai to 511 cen- sulting in the availability of .other government agencies ters covering all the UAE. The RTA won eight awards vehicles at Dubai airports Furthermore, the Authority including six awards at the intensively, which contrib- won the Outstanding Team institutional level, where the uted to the reduction of the Award for team (11), who Authority won for the sec- waiting time from 30 min- oversaw the completion of ond year in a row the Spon- utes to three minutes after Dubai tram project, which is sor of Creativity Award. The the application of the initia- the first tram outside Europe Authority achieved a great tive, and this helped to raise running with the ground accomplishment by winning the rates of the customers’ power feeding on the en- for the first time the Award .satisfaction tire line without the need of The Authority also won the for Best Result of Customer pneumatic wires for electric Distinguished Administra- Satisfaction, also won the power supply. It is the first tive Initiative Award for its Creative Idea Award for the tram in using the initiative, which contributed initiative (Smart Journeys), automatic gate technology to simplify the procedures which contributed to reduc- for the passenger terminal of vehicle property and driv- ing the time of waiting for platform concurrent with ing licenses renewal. This taxis at Dubai international the opening and closing sys- is by providing the service airports through the appli- tem of the train doors. In through the insurance com- cation of two systems for addition, there is the Award panies and Optometry cen- the vehicle. The first is that for the Government Proj- ters (trusted agents), where the vehicle is within the air- ect shared with the Depart- the number of the agencies port mechanism at night, ment of Islamic Affairs and in coordination with the Au- and the second is that the Charitable Activities (Dubai thority increased from 17 same vehicle turns into the Hands). At the individual

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 9 Cover Story

level, the Authority won the Ahmed Al Marri; the Public Director General Dr. Arif Al Creative Employee Award: Prosecution in Dubai repre- .Muhairi and finally DMI (Khalifa Hamid Ben Zeban) sented by HE Essam Issa Al The ceremony was con- and the Unknown Soldier: Humaidan; the Department cluded by taking souvenir .)(Abdel Halim Manu of Islamic Affairs Charitable pictures of His Highness the During the ceremony, all the Activities represented by HE sponsor of the ceremony, following are honored: the Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani; DHA the Crown Prince of Dubai DEWA represented by its represented by its Director and the honorees. Then, HH CEO HE Saeed Mohammed General HE Essa Al Maid- Sheikh Hamdan bin Moham- Al Tayer; Dubai Municipality our; Knowledge and Human med bin Rashid Al Maktoum represented by HE Engineer Development represented read a poem on the occa- Hussain Nasser Lootah; the by HE Dr. Abdulla Al Karam; sion congratulating the UAE, General Directorate of Resi- Dubai Courts represented the bodies and institutions dency and Foreigners Affairs by its Director Tarish Eid as well as the honorees un- in Dubai represented by HE Al Mansouri; the Statistics der the title (The Land of Major General Mohammed Center represented by its .)Dreams

10 Institutional Superiority in the performance of the age the spirit of innovation HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chair- Government sector mani- and creativity through mo- man of the Board and CEO of fested in the establishment tivating its employees and the RTA, expressed his hap- of Dubai Program for Gov- providing them with a good piness for the RTA winning ernment Excellence 1997, to work environment; achieve eight awards in the 18th be an integrated Excellence many accomplishments and Dubai Program for Govern- Program at the global level, projects that have had a lot ment Excellence 2015. He the driving force for the de- of positive results at the expresses his sincere thanks velopment of the Govern- level of the Emirate and con- and gratitude to HH Sheikh ment performance, and to tribute constructively in all Mohammed Bin Rashid Al make a quantum leap in the categories of Dubai Program Maktoum, UAE Vice Presi- performance of the Gov- .for Government Excellence dent and Prime Minister and ernment departments and HE Mattar Al Tayer com- Ruler of Dubai (may Allah agencies, based on docu- mended the efforts of the protect him), and HH Sheikh mented and known to all in- winners and honorees and Hamdan bin Mohammed bin .ternational standards their insistence on excel- Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown He said: the RTA managed, lence and perseverance in Prince of Dubai and Chair- thanks to the wise leadership their work, culminating in man of Dubai Executive and dedication of employees reaching the honoring plat- Council, and HH Sheikh Mak- and teamwork spirit, to raise form, stressing that the toum bin Mohammed bin the level of performance; Authority winning these Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy keep up with the rapid de- awards is a strong motiva- Ruler of Dubai and Vice Pres- velopments in all fields; ap- tion to continue in the ad- ident of the Executive Coun- ply modern management ministrative and technical cil, for their care and support concepts; care about its development, and keep up of Excellence and Leadership human resources; encour- .the Excellence process

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 11 Cover Story

Line extension spans 15 km, includes 7 stations Mohammed bin Rashid endorses extension of Metro to Expo 2020 site

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed the “Route 2020” Project, encompÅassing the extension of the Red Line of the Dubai Metro from Nakheel Harbour & Tower Metro Station to the site of Expo 2020. The extended sector of the metro line stretches 15 km and includes seven stations.

HH directed to start the project developing a world-class infrastructure with Al Maktoum International Airport, construction works immediately, and to & services. It also comes as practical an icon of a new important development complete it on the fixed timeline at high- implementation of RTA’s Master Plan for phase in the , and a class finishing serving the needs of the providing multiple options of integrated symbol of sustainability, advancement projected demographic growth and the mass transit means comprising the and creativity for current & future hosting of Expo 2020. metro, tram, buses and water transport generations,” he said. HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the towards realizing RTA’s vision of Safe and “The RTA has mapped out an integrated Board and Executive Director of the Smooth Transport for All. plan for roads and transport projects Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) “Route 2020 project will offer a safe & to serve Expo highlighted by “Route said: “The construction of “Route 2020” smooth mobility to visitors of Expo 2020 2020” project. The plan is meant to project conforms to the strategic and residents of the neighbourhood achieve sustainability of the project vision of the Dubai Government for as well. It stands out as a vital transit and accordingly the path is planned achieving sustainable development, and corridor linking various Dubai districts to link Expo site with a number of vital

12 101 km By endorsing the extension of the Dubai Metro Red Line, the total length of the Dubai Metro lines (Red and Green) will rise to 90 km, and the total length of rail network in Dubai will be 101 km (90 km metro lines, 11 km tram lines).

projects and locations in the area. In density such as the Gardens, Discovery Director stated that the RTA would hold this regard, the RTA has coordinated Gardens, Furjan, Golf Estate, this month a workshop for consultants with all developers and government and the Dubai Investment Park. These & contractors specialized in rail entities in working out the proposed communities are inhabited by about 240 projects where it would exhibit various paths of the metro to ensure that Route thousand persons and the journey from components of Route 2020 project. 2020 will support vital areas in the the to the site of Expo will As per the timeline set, the project is present and future. take 16 minutes,” explained Al Tayer. expected to be released for tendering “The RTA has examined different RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive next July. options of Route 2020 and assessed their effectiveness and impact on the neighbourhood based on a host of technical perimeters that include the enhancement of the development plans in Dubai. It also serves the largest possible number of residents as well as current & future projects, easing snarls on some congested road sectors, providing top class service to targeted communities, and integrating with public transit systems and roads network in the Emirate. “Route 2020 starts off Nakheel Harbour & Tower Metro Station and extends 15 km (11 km elevated and four km underground), and includes seven stations (5 elevated, and 2 underground stations). The project serves densely with average-to-high population

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 13 Our News

Mohammed bin Rashid orders payment of AED26m bonus to taxi plate holders in Dubai

Al Shaibani praises RTA’s efforts empowering Dubai to earn Platinum Designation

HE Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council, commended the efforts and immense contribution of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in thrusting Dubai to earn the Platinum Designation for its compliance with ISO 37120 Certificate, through the provision of a database that bolstered indicators of the ISO certificate.

Al Shaibani made such comments while as competitiveness, quality of living, means, light public transport means honoring HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman happiness and security levels. These per 100 thousand of population, total of the Board and Executive Director of global metrics and standards contribute to number of trips made through public the RTA, and presenting him a copy of raising the competency of decision makers transport means per person, number the ISO certificate obtained by Dubai in obtaining the core data needed for town of private vehicles per person, and the in recognition of the huge efforts made development, and empowering them to ratio of public transport riders. Such by the RTA in support of the Executive carry out benchmarks based on standard data also included the average number Council in obtaining this certificate. global measurements,” he explained. of motorbikes per persons, number of “Obtaining the Platinum Designation The Secretary General of the Dubai kilometer-lanes and dedicated cycling of ISO will enable Dubai to share Executive Council expressed his deep tracks per 100 thousand of population, knowledge & expertise as well as the gratitude to the RTA for their efforts and the number of fatalities per 100 best practices of services provided; which in providing transport-related data thousand of population. He added that in turn will enhance its global standing comprising kilometer-based statistics RTA’s contribution had empowered in several international indicators such about high-capacity public transport Dubai to cover 96 out of 100 indicators

14 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, has ordered the payment of a bonus of AED 26,608,000 (twenty six million, six hundred and eight thousand Dirham) to whose taxicab number plates are operated by the Dubai Taxi Corporation and Taxi Franchise Companies at the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). The total number of which is 6652 plates. RTA’s Public Transport Agency will start who are among the fixed income group, and the attention he pays to their social distribution of the 2014 bonus to the and enabling them to cope with the affairs and living conditions, particularly entitled recipients, over and above their requirements of life and decent living for those with fixed incomes. It also illustrates annual financial dues starting from April 1st. them and their families. the attention made to provide good living H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board “This bonus is one of several other generous to all members of the community, and and Executive Director of the RTA, thanked gestures we are accustomed to receive articulates the prevailing social solidarity HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al from HH, which are a true testament to concepts among individuals,” concluded Maktoum for rewarding taxi plate holders, the support accorded by HH to his people Al Tayer.

listed under this certificate. Maktoum, Vice President and Prime “Standardizing the metrics of indicators Al Tayer expressed his delight that Dubai Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and data related to cities across the had scooped the Platinum Designation under the close monitoring of HH Sheikh globe will nurture a reliable database rendering it one of nine cities worldwide Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid for carrying benchmarks between to receive this coveted award including Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and cosmopolitan cities; which will leverage London, Barcelona and Boston. Such Chairman of the Executive Council, and the strategic planning process, support an achievement illustrates that the HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohamed strategic decision taking by leaders of Departments of the Dubai Government bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler cities & relevant bodies, and further work in team spirit spearheaded by of Dubai and Vice-Chairman of the enhance the concept of sustainability in HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Executive Council. cities,” added Al Tayer.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 15 Our News The proposed unit is affiliated to Operations Room at Dubai Police

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has recently held a coordinative meeting with Major-General Khamis Mattar Al Muzainah, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police. The meeting discussed the Assessment of Traffic Accidents Management Project in the Dubai, and reviewed the proposal of establishing Traffic Accidents Management Units. These units will provide traffic support during crashes, ensure the rapid clearance of vehicles involved in minor traffic accidents as well as broken- down vehicles to ease traffic congestion, alleviate traffic congestion & streamline the traffic flow at the site of the crash or surrounding roads, cut short the time of clearing vehicles involved in accidents, and avoid the onset of potential secondary accidents as a result of sudden congestion.

At the outset of the meeting, Al Tayer hailed the two parties in an institutional manner. several joint campaigns, and sharing the strategic partnership between the RTA We are equally keen on leveraging this knowledge and expertise. and the General Headquarters of Dubai relationship in a way that serves all The Chief of Dubai Police noted some Police. He appreciated the huge support community segments and reflects positively traffic jam hotspots, and was briefed on the and cooperation accorded to the RTA by the on the economic and social development solutions figured out by the RTA to address Dubai Police, and the coordination in place drive in the emirate. them in the form of projects that will be as regards to the management of traffic Major General Khamis Mattar Al Muzainah constructed shortly. movement and law-enforcement measures. stressed the importance of the continuous The meeting also reviewed the report “These periodic meetings are held in the coordination and communication between submitted by the consultant tasked to context of the MoU between the RTA and the General Headquarter of Dubai study the Assessment of Traffic Accidents Dubai Police to effectively bolster the Police and the RTA, which contributed to Management Project in Dubai emirate, existing strategic partnership between improving the traffic safety level, launching and benchmarking it against the world’s

16 best practices in countries with advanced Al Tayer receives Qatari traffic practices such as Britain, USA and Singapore, Consul in Dubai The study showed that the cost of traffic congestion in Dubai is estimated as 3.5 billion dirham per annum; where 1.8 billion dirham is attributed to snarls triggered by traffic accidents. This means that traffic accidents-related tailbacks account for up to 51% of the total cost of congestions whereas this rate in countries with advanced traffic systems is as low as 25% only. The study also reported that improvement HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and of roads in Dubai reached 48% between Transport Authority (RTA), has recently received at RTA premises HE Ali Al-Tamimi, 2006 and 2014, and crashes escalated Consul General of Qatar in Dubai, in the presence of Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, RTA by 16% between 2011 and 2013. It also Board Member. At the start of the meeting, Al Tayer welcomed the Qatari diplomat and pointed to the massive increase in the commended his efforts during his tenure in Dubai which has substantially contributed number of vehicles and the huge projected to enhancing joint cooperation at various fields. “Visits of GCC delegates offer an apt increase in vehicle numbers over the next opportunity for sharing expertise and boosting inter-GCC cooperation at various fields. few years particularly during the lead-up of In implementation of the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Expo 2020. Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the RTA puts its The two parties discussed the proposed expertise & resources at the disposal of friendly and sister countries,” said Al Tayer. Organizational Chart of the Traffic The Qatari Consul General hailed the upswing witnessed by the UAE in various fields. Accidents Management Unit in Dubai, and setting up of a joint Operations Room for the Dubai Police, RTA and some strategic ...Al Tayer receives the partners, provided it has to be affiliated to the Operations Room of the Dubai Police. A tentative agreement has been reached President of AECOM Co. as regards to the Roles & Responsibilities of the RTA and the Dubai Police in the Accidents Unit, and the signing of Service Level Agreement detailing the roles of each party. The two parties have also agreed to start the trial application of the Traffic Accidents Management Unit in sectors of the Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and a 100 km-long sector of the Dubai–Al Ain Road. The practice will be subjected to assessment over a period of HE Mattar Al Tayer, the RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, received in his one to two years. office HE Michelle Burke, Chairman and CEO of AECOM Company. Engineer Husain Mohammed Al Banna, During the meeting, areas of cooperation and roads and bridges projects implemented Director of Traffic at the RTA, and the by the RTA and the projects planned to be implemented in the next phase in the sectors Consultant of TRL Company, attended the of roads and rail systems were discussed. meeting.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 17 Achievements

AVM controls movement of 1568 buses on 252 routes, saves more than AED200 m

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that the spiraling use of smart & electronic systems in public transport & taxi sectors at the RTA has stepped up the integration of mass transit systems in Dubai. Narrating the positives of the systems, Al Tayer said: “It contributed to increasing the efficiency and generating savings in excess of 200 million dirham, increased bus compliance with timetables, and brought added happiness to customers. In 2014 bus compliance with on-time exiting of depots was as high as 99%, Dubai taxicabs covered about two billion kilometers, and the average time of dispatching a taxicab to customers was 13 minutes and 43 seconds.

Taxis travel 2 b km in 2014 equivalent to circling equator 48 k times

“The Automated Vehicle Movement (AVM), designed at the highest global practices to provide bus monitoring & Operation Control Center tracking in an area of about 83 million square meters contributed to enhance The Bus Operation Control Center is fitted with 24 giant the communication between the Control screens and the full Center has a capacity to deploy 22 staffs per shift, and currently 14 operators are on duty per Center and bus drivers, monitoring shift. The Center has 27 employees and the Emiratization the movement of 1568 buses over rate is 26%. 252 routes, increased the control of The Center works out timetables, conducts electronic revenues, and reduced expenditure by monitoring of bus movement, and verifies the compliance more than AED200 million. It has also with schedules, routes and timetables. It measures the raised customers’ satisfaction rating daily bus movement, ensures the on-time bus departures from 68% in 2009 to 85% in 2014, and & arrivals at stations, and acts appropriately to control the reduced customers complaints from 500 performance and enhance compliance with timetables. It complaints in 2009 to 8 complaints in also monitors the interfacing with RTA’s control centers 2014. The system assisted in producing and verifies the accuracy of the real-time passenger more than 46 reports of performance information system at metro stations through 620 screens indicators, and carrying out periodic dotting metro stations, bus stations, bus stops, airports maintenance to buses. The system is and malls. linked to seven smart technologies and

18 Dispatch The Booki ng & Dispatch Section at the Transportation Systems Department, Public Transport Agency receives all taxi booking calls and arranges dispatches to Dubai Taxi and franchise companies applying specific parameters of place, speed and others in Smart systems improve bus compliance a specific time indicator. The system compiles & produces with timetables, up performance, and periodic reports in respect of reduce operational cost all franchise companies about the extent of compliance apps such as the fare system (NOL), Taxis & implementation of the screens displaying real-time information “Last year taxis in Dubai (Dubai Taxi franchise agreement in terms of the number of about bus movement, journey planner and franchise companies) have made trips executed, deployment, (Wojhati) app, scheduling system, and the 108.875 million trips serving more response speed … etc. cost accounting system among others. than 217.751 riders, covering 1,941.748 The Center also follows up “In 2014, the number of public bus million kilometers; which is equivalent to complaints & suggestions riders topped 135.5 million (compared circling the equator 48 thousand times. received from customers with 115.67 million riders in 2014), and The number of calls picked up by the for improving the service the daily ridership of buses clocked 371 Booking & Dispatch Section amounted to level, and responding to thousand riders (compared with 321 8.238 million calls of which 5.938 million them periodically, besides thousand riders in 2013). Bus routes calls were responded to by staffs of the analyzing them and service accounted for the lion share in Booking & Dispatch Center, and 2.299 submitting reports to the the total bus ridership accounting for million calls were responded to by the management in this regard. 91.888 million riders, followed by metro Interactive Voice Response system (IVR); The Center, which operates stations feeder bus service accounting which is equivalent to 42% of the total 24/7 on 3 shifts basis, has a capacity to engage 35 for 24.432 million riders, inter-city bus number of calls received by the Center. operators, 6 booking trackers, service which lifted 12.89 million riders, The number of bookings completed and 4 supervisors. and the bus corporate rental service through the Smart Taxi app amounted to which served about 5.8 million riders,” 52 thousand bookings,” stated Al Tayer. explained Al Tayer.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 19 Achievements

20 regional, 4 local awards bagged, plans developed for enhanced participations this year RTA’s collection of global awards soars by 150% in 2014 The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed that it had clinched 34 local, regional, and international awards in 2014 compared to 21 awards collected in 2013. A target was set for participations to hit 80% and the actual participation was as high as 86%.

“The rising tempo of bagging multiple make yet more successes to maintain the Quantum Shift local, regional and international high profile of the RTA at all levels, and “In 2014 the RTA scooped 10 accolades by the RTA is a testament to its the RTA has got plans to up participations international awards compared to commitment to the highest international this year,” said Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim 4 in 2013; which is equivalent to a standards required for scooping such Younes, CEO of Strategy & Corporate 150% increase. During the same year, honours. These awards motivate us to Governance at the RTA. it bagged 20 regional awards, and 4 local awards. Awards won in 2014 are highlighted by Broadening Project Excellence and Diversity (Phase III) which won the Excellence Award of the Toll Systems Technology “The Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector received the awarded by The International Bridge, regional award of ‘Be Green’ for the most sustainable government Tunnel and Turnpike Association entity. Apart from the two previous awards, the Traffic and Roads (IBTTA). This award was presented to Agency received four regional awards, viz. MEED Award for Projects the Traffic and Roads Agency by an Excellence, two awards from the Middle East, for call centers - Insight, American based entity bearing the while the 4th award came during GCC Traffic Exhibition Awards for same name. In the award presentation the Smart Roads Application,” said Abdul Mohsen. “In addition to the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, the Licensing speech it was said: “Salik is the biggest Agency received 7 Awards presented by ceica and cita in Belgium, tolling system worldwide in terms including two international awards for using smart applications of multiple lanes covered, offering in renewing driving licenses and vehicles ownership. The Licensing smooth vehicular flow on the road, Agency also won four regional awards as a pioneer in uploading and is classified as the world’s widest Medical Fitness & Eyesight Test for Professionals Drivers, renewing toll gate in one direction providing a vehicles ownership through trusted agents, in addition to uploading free traffic gate spanning 44 meters. vehicle insurance details, and GCC Traffic Exhibition Award (Standard It enables carrying out full periodical Modules for Training Drivers and Light Vehicles Driving Test). The maintenance without road closure, and Rail Agency also won two regional awards: Achievement Award is the first tolling project operating on during the 10th Railway and Metro Summit, MENA Region, and the 870 frequency. The Agency has won 2nd Sustainable Tunnels Management from the Arab Conference for the Best Traffic Safety Achievements Tunnels in collaboration with the International Society for Tunnels. Award in 2014 during the 1st IRF The Dubai Taxi Corporation also received the regional award of Middle East Customer Service, in addition to another local award for Asian Regional Congress in Indonesia Smart Journeys in the International Conference, UAE Ideas,” said the through its project: Children Traffic of Strategy & Corporate Governance at the RTA. Safety a Joint Responsibility,” stated Abdul Mohsen.

20 Commitment & Achievement Gulf Information Security Congress & Corporate Technical Support Services “The Rail Agency has bagged the Exhibition held in the Dubai World Trade Sector won 2 regional awards, namely: American Stevie Silver Award; classified Center witnessing tough competitions The Best Project for the Corporate Storage as one of the highest international from 34 entities. The Licensing Agency Application Award, presented by the ITP honours since 2002, in the field of has scooped Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Media Foundation and the Best Corporate transportation in a submission about Award in the category of Services Storage Unit Project presented by CPI the metro project. The Dubai Taxi Sector; which illustrates RTA’s superior Media Foundation, in addition to a third Corporation has also won the Silver services in vehicle licensing, inquiring local award granted by Dubai Quality Award of RoSPA (Royal Society for the about offences, obtaining distinguished Group in the 6th Sustained Development Prevention of Accidents, UK ) in the field numbers, and online mortgage Seminar for the Best Corporate Practices of health and occupational safety. The redemption through its smart phone in Development and Innovation. The Award recognizes DTC’s commitment apps,” noted Abdul Mohsen. Administrative Corporate Support to minimize the number of crashes & Services Sector won an international award injuries, and raise cabbies awareness Milestones presented by Avaya International Users of the importance of safe driving for “Last year, the RTA won Hamdan bin Group (Customers’ Innovations Awards their own safety and the safety of Mohammed Smart Government Award - Sustainable Excellence), in addition to passengers. The Corporate Technical as the Best Website. The Public Transport three regional awards: Middle East Awards Support Services Sector has also won a Agency scored 3 prominent positions in for Call Centers (Insight) for the Best Skill regional award for the Best Information the Arab Ideas Award in the Environment Career Path, Middle East Summit Call Security App at the regional level as Category (Green Buses), Health and Safety Centers for the Best Technological Call part of endeavors to boost the efforts (Improving Bus Accidents Investigation Center Category, and the Best Call Center of curbing cyber-crimes. The Award was Mechanisms), and the Financial Efficiency for the Best Music Production Category,” presented in a special event during the (Cost Accounting System Project). The said Abdul Mohsen.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 21 Achievements

Dubai Taxi fleet operational efficiency exceeds 97% in 2014 The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has carried out 46,561,702 trips last year at a rate of more than 3.8 million trips per month, lifting 81,017,361 riders at a rate of more than 6.751 million riders per month, besides taking part in a host of events & activities across the Emirate of Dubai.

Narrating these statistics, Ammar Rashid “About 66,836 preventive maintenance about 600 taxicabs per month besides Al Buraiki, Acting Director of Fleet processes have been carried out the daily washing of more than 3,650 Operations at the DTC, said: “In 2014 to taxicabs last year at our internal vehicles,” said Al Buraiki. the operational efficiency of the DTC workshops compared with 58,876 “In the context of refining the skills of has touched 97.08% compared with processes carried out in the preceding staffs, coordination is made with strategic 94.76% in 2013. The total number of trips year. About 24,009 remedial (corrective) partners of the DTC to hold specialist carried out last year topped 46,561,702 maintenance operations have been training workshops for technicians at trips compared with 41,259,635 trips carried out in 2014 in comparison with the workshop in order to leverage their in 2013 recording in the process an 23,370 processes carried in 2013. About capabilities throughout the year. Such 11.39% rise. The organizational units of 99.8% of total maintenance operations qualification will reflect positively on the Department stand ready to respond have been carried out last year, and 89.4% improving the business processes and to the daily needs of the fleet in terms of accidents have been repaired. The realizing the vision of the DTC of Pioneers of repair, maintenance, and cleaning of Maintenance & Fleet Services Section is in Passenger Transport Services. affiliated taxicabs. The Dubai Taxi fleet doing what it takes to improve the level “The Department has accomplished a comprises 4,254 cabs deployed under of service as well as the appearance of host of achievements, services & facilities several brands namely Airport Taxi, Hatta taxicabs; which ultimately contributes to and rolled a number of initiatives for the Taxi, Ladies Taxi, Commission Taxi, Hala raising customers’ satisfaction rating. The benefit of customers such as deploying Taxi and VIP taxi.” cleaning operations include cleaning more VIP taxis under the theme ‘New

RTA clinches Silver Award of Stevie International Customers Service Awards

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has scooped the Silver Award of the Stevie International Awards for Customers Service in the Best Customers Complaints Management Team category. The Award, which ranks amongst the top corporate awards recognizing innovation & excellence in international business, had been launched in 2002 and sponsored by the American-based organization Stevie. Hundreds of international entities vie for top accolades of these awards which are presented to the best organizations & individuals in a variety of business fields in more than 60 countries. A judges panel comprising 150 of top executives, business leaders and innovators officiate the awards.

22 Dimension of Transport Luxury’; bringing the number of VIP taxis to as much as 105 black vehicles in order to deliver excellent services to customers and raise their satisfaction. It has also opened Taxi Operation Station to slash the waiting time of customers requesting taxis in new Dubai communities, and also reduce wasted kilometers. The Operations Control Center has been set up to act a communication link with various organizational units of the DTC and help provide instant tracking of taxicabs of the fleet,” continued the Acting Director of Fleet Operations at the DTC,” stated Al Buraiki. “The DTC has also run the BBS project; an electronic system considered the first of its kind in the region enabling the tracking of vehicles and drivers without involving human intervention; which contributes to raising the operational efficiency of the fleet, and generating more revenues to the DTC. It also directs the driver and addresses any observations on the spot. The periodic maintenance is in place around- the-clock where vehicles are being directed to the workshop 24-hours a day; resulting in enhanced technical competency of the workshop; which reflects positively on increasing the operational efficiency. “The Department is undertaking a host of programs to save maintenance expenses through using various means of fixing spare parts, and encouraging employees to use safety equipment in their daily routines. Moreover, the Department makes relentless endeavours to roll out motivating initiatives for employees such as the Employee of the Month (covering administration, technical, or field staff). Besides that it engages them in making suggestions and offers them improvement exposures by means of suggestion boxes, and instills the competitive & innovative spirit among them,” concluded the Acting Director of DTC Fleet Operations.

Ahmed Mahboob, Director of RTA is enshrined in its third Strategic Goal are increasingly changing and getting Customer Service, was delighted (Peoples Happiness). Signing-off of more diversified; which warrants with the award, which is one of the complaints last year touched about initiating new tools for achieving top international honours aimed 90%; which is indicative of the effective their satisfaction and minimizing their to recognize entities that make management of customer complaints as complaints. The RTA will not rest on the outstanding customers service a result of adopting the best practices to laurels of obtaining coveted awards achievements. “The RTA had engaged minimize transport-related complaints documenting its achievements such in a fierce competition with a host such as booking & receiving taxi service as the international Stevie Awards, of reputed international entities like requests (Hala Taxi) by phone, and other but is developing a future strategy for the DHL Express Courier Service, and services,” explained Mahboob. uplifting performance, especially in DELTA Airlines, to scoop the Silver “The RTA always endeavours to roll out serving customers; whom we consider Award in the field of Customers Service. improvement initiatives to meet and the cornerstone of our business,” said The RTA attaches special attention to even exceed customer aspirations. We the Director of RTA Customers Service raising customers’ satisfaction; which recognize that peoples’ transit needs in a concluding remark.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 23 Achievements Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) wins Risk Management Professional of the Year 2015 The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has won at the Institute of Risk Management (IRM’s) Global Risk Awards 2015. This has recently been announced in a glittering Awards ceremony in London.

Eur. Ing. Amair Saleem, Director of Safety, Risk support from His Excellency Matar Al Tayer, instruction of the RTA Chairman of the Board Regulation and Planning Department of RTA’s RTA’s Chairman of the Board and Executive and Executive Director, we were tasked with Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, Director. Saleem summarized that the award setting up an Enterprise Risk Management who won this prestigious award, expressed was a recognition of RTA’s Leadership and System that would interface with RTA’s his satisfaction and pleasure over this Excellence in the field of Risk Management. major risk related systems e.g. Strategy achievement, attributing it to the constant More specifically, under the direct vision and Management, Project Management, Health and Safety Management, Emergency and IRM is the leading professional body for risk Crisis Management, Security Management, management. IRM is an independent, not-for-profit Asset Management, Financial Management, organisation that champions excellence in managing etc. The RTA Enterprise Risk Management risk to improve organisational performance. System acts as the engine to all major

MENA Center for Transport Excellence holds variety of outstanding events in 2014 The MENA Center for Transport Excellence has organized a variety of outstanding events including training courses and workshops that covered various mass transit issues, not only in the region but also all over the world.

Abdul Aziz Malik, Chairman of the Supreme needs of officials and employees involved in International Association of Public Transport Committee of MENA Center for Transport public transport sector and fit well with the (UITP) on how to organize and establish Excellence, said that the Center made a plans, strategies and projects undertaken. a mass transport authority in the State of remarkable success in 2014 not only in The Center also holds training courses & Kuwait. training courses, but also in statistical workshops about excellence in providing “In collaboration with the World Bank, the projects, in addition to conducting Public mass transit services,” he said. Center also organized Grooming Leaders Transport Leaders’ Preparation Course in “The Center also participates in training of Urban Transport Planning Forum. RTA collaboration with the World Bank. sessions conducted by entities responsible host the 7-day Forum in the middle of last “We, in MENA Centre for Transport for regulating and operating the transport year and sponsored by some of the world’s Excellence, are keen on delivering diverse sector in the MENA region, including prominent institutions including the Energy training courses & workshops that serve the a training course organized by the Sector Management Assistance Program

24 management systems to minimize risks to lowest practical levels, thereby ensuring that RTA operations run smoothly and safely. “Since its inception in 2005, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has always attached a great significance to Risk Management due to the key role it plays in Public Safety; Asset Preservation; RTA Reputation; System and Project Optimisation” said Saleem. =Nearly 400 risk leaders from 20 countries arrived at the Hilton on Park Lane in London, United Kingdom to celebrate the Oscars of the risk profession. The Awards, hosted by British IRM do this by providing internationally recognised actress Joanna Lumley, rewarded winners in qualifications and training, publishing research and risk excellence from as far afield as the UAE, guidance and raising professional standards across Nigeria and Switzerland. An independent the world. Our members work in all industries, in all panel of 24 experts, representing all aspects risk disciplines and across the public, private and not- of risk management, judged entries for-profit sectors.

MENA Center for Transport Excellence holds variety of outstanding events in 2014 (ESMAP), and the Korean Green Growth entrusted with the establishing & regulating of channels for organizing transportation Trust Fund (KGGTF) for Green Growth and public transport operators in modern cities and sharing experiences, preparing Consultancy Facilities for Infrastructure in worldwide.” reports about mobility policies in MENA, Public and Private Sectors. The event saw The MENA Centre for Transport Excellence and delivering training courses to help a large participation of entities concerned participated in other training courses in 2014 employees in the transport sector. with planning and urban transport not only including courses focusing on the public Objectives of the Center: from MENA Region but also from all corners transport fundamentals and development The MENA Center for Transport Excellence of the globe,» added Malik. programs in this sector. These events and aims at promoting public transport The Chairman of the Supreme Committee activities were organized in Kuwait, Paris, strategies in MENA region and establishing of MENA Center for Transport Excellence Brussels, Abu Dhabi, Manama and Jeddah. an information center comprising the best noted: «the RTA attaches considerable The RTA has established the MENA Centre practices of mobility and transport. The attention to the Center by providing every for Transport Excellence in collaboration Center also aims to familiarize mobility support & assistance, and whatever it with the UITP, and held the MENA Public and transport specialists with the best takes to bring success to activities, events, Transport Congress and Exhibition. The international practices of the industry, plans and strategies of the Center aimed at initiative of establishing a permanent conduct researches and studies about disseminating and consolidating the culture center and organizing the congress & mobility and public transport, and promote of excellence in the public transport sector. exhibition has rendered Dubai a hub for exchange of experiences & cooperation Our participation in training courses has professional researches and the exchange between entities concerned with transport brought about tangible positive effects. of field knowledge. The initiative enabled as well as universities in the MENA region The MENA Center for Transport Excellence the development of real-time applications and beyond. It also seeks to disseminate is always keen on keeping pace with the to ensure better mobility for people and the culture of public transport in the MENA latest developments in mass transport and contributed to providing a healthy living region, and assist countries of the region introducing modern strategies applicable environment. The core initiatives adopted acquire successful practices in mass transport in regulating & establishing of entities by the Center include establishing a host to meet the mobility needs of population.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 25 Achievements

Wade Adams Best Contractor, AECOM Best Consultant

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has recently felicitated departments, entities, firms and individuals winning the 6th RTA Safety Awards 2014. The Awards are designed to recognize annually the best safety practices in all operations of the RTA. Award categories include the Best Strategic Partner in realizing RTA’s safety strategy, Best Contractor, Best Consultant, the Best Workers committed to occupational safety standards in various projects and construction sites of the RTA, and the Best Sector/Agency as well as the Best Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Team in the RTA. The sixth edition of the Award saw an introduction of three new categories namely: Best RTA’s Safety Initiative, Safest Public Transport Driver, and the Safest Maintenance Team in the RTA.

The ceremony, which was held in RTA’s entities, contractors and consultants. decorated by Al Tayer were: Al Wasl Auditorium, was attended by The Dubai Police General HQ and scores of top executives of the RTA as Winners the Dubai Electricity and Water well as representatives of government Winners of RTA Safety Awards 2014 Authority shared the Best Strategic

26 “The Award saw a sweeping changes in the number of categories from just four in the inaugural edition covering contractors & consultants engaged in RTA’s projects only, to cover in the second round all contractors and consultants working with RAT’s agencies and sectors. In its past edition, the Award saw an addition of new categories bringing the total number of categories to eight in this edition. The assessment of all categories is based on specific technical criteria approved in respect of each category and aligned with the highest international Partner of the RTA in the field of an affiliate of Emirates National practices attended to by a Safety category. AECOM Middle Petroleum Company (ENOC), Judges Panel comprising East was the winner of the Best finished second. In the Best Medium experts from various agencies Consultant in the field of Safety Contractor (with less than 500 staffs) of the RTA as well as external category. Wade Adams won the category, Tamam Testing Center entities,” added Abdul Mohsen. Best Contractor in the field of Mega came first, and Shirawi Facilities Contractor category, and Tasjeel; Management finished second. In the Best Safety Worker category, the Mohammed Salman, from China winner was Jagdish P. from United State Engineering Contracting Crop, Motors & Heavy Equipment LLC, and was the runner-up. Safety & Security

“The compliance with the health and occupational safety standards in RTA projects is one of the core values which cannot be compromised under any conditions. All projects undertaken by the RTA are designed and constructed at the highest safety & security levels and are subjected to rigorous assessment criteria throughout construction phases to verify the compliance of construction operations with the international standards of occupational safety in projects,” said Al Tayer.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 27 Achievements

“The Safety Award is one of the pioneering initiatives of the RTA intended to decorate consultants, contractors and strategic partners who contribute to embedding and furthering good practices in various fields of health, occupational safety and environment,” he further added.

the awareness of the public and community organizations about the importance of safety, enhance the Al Tayer decorated RTA’s winning Members of RTA Safety Award Team. role of strategic partners in bolstering sectors, agencies and work team Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO RTA’s activities and projects, and where the Public Transport Agency RTA’s of Strategy and Corporate positioning the occupational safety won the Best HSE Team award, and Governance said: “The Award, which concept & practices as a top priority the second place went to the Traffic was launched in 2009 seeks to raise of public and private entities.” and Roads Agency at the level of RTA agencies. The Corporate Technical Support Services Sector won the Best HSE Team at the level of RTA sectors. The Dubai Taxi Corporation won the Best Safety Initiative award. Bus Maintenance Team at Public Transport Agency won the Best Maintenance Team Award, and Streets Lighting Team at Traffic & Roads Agency was the runner-up. Iftikhar Ali Sardar, from Cars Taxi Company, won the Best Taxi Driver Award, Mohammed Rafi, from Rawiyya Depot at Public Transport Agency, won the Best Bus Driver award, and Hernan C. Jolom won the Best Marine Transit Modes. Al Tayer also felicitated the Head and

28 Projects

RTA starts construction of 700 meter-long Bridge at Wafi I/C The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has commenced construction works in Wafi Interchange Improvement Project comprising the construction of a 700 meter-long bridge of three lanes in each direction, stretching from Oud Metha Road (nearby Latifa Hospital) in the direction of the Sheikh Rashid Road, and head towards the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Saadah Road (elevated bridge leading to the Dubai World Trade Center). The underlying objective of the bridge is to minimize the overlapping traffic at the I/C, and ensure better traffic flow in all directions.

“The new bridge will offer smooth Metha),” said Engineer Maitha bin Udai, Dutco Balfour Beatty LLC at a cost of 88 movement for vehicles inbound from Oud CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency. “Wafi million dirham, is viewed as one of the Metha Road and outbound eastward to I/C is one of the key interchanges in the integrated solutions the RTA is keen to Al Ain Exit. It will also improve the traffic city, linking a number of highways, thus realize in the best shape in concurrence flow from the Sheikh Rashid Road to Oud experiencing high traffic intensity. The with its strategic vision in dealing with Metha Road in the west (Umm Harir, Oud project, which has been awarded to snarls in the Emirate.

RTA completes construction of internal roads at Warqaa The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has completed the construction of all internal roads at Al Warqaa 1, 2, 3 and 4 Internal Roads Project. Accordingly, it has completed the opening of all internal roads in the area between the Tripoli Road in the North, Al Awir Road in the South, Academic City Road in the East, and the Mohammed bin Zayed Road in the West.

“The project included the construction of new roads stretching 125 km, widening of existing roads at Warqaa extending 36 km, and fitting these roads with all requisites such as lighting and parallel parking slots,” said Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency. “Work is currently underway in rehabilitating entrances to villas and buildings which is expected to be completed by the middle of this year. Once completed, it will ensure a smooth traffic movement for residents and safe ingress & egress of road users from and to nearby districts,” added Maitha. These projects are part of the first and second batches of the 5-Year Plan 2012 – 2015 for Upgrading & Improving Roads Network to meet the rising needs of population and urbanization in the Emirate.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 29 Projects

Works include elevating Sheikh Zayed Road above the Canal course Al Tayer: Completion rate hits 40% in Phase 1 of Dubai Water Canal HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed that completion rate in Phase I of the Dubai Water Canal project had hit 40%. Works under Phase I include the construction of a bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road comprising 8 lanes in each direction. Al Tayer also reported that completion rate in Phase II, which includes constructing bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads, had reached 25%. The completion rate of Phase III that includes constructing a 3 km-long canal connecting the Canal with the Arabian Gulf, had hit 15%.

“The Contractor of Phase I of the Project constructing bridges on Al Wasl Road, between Al Wasl, Al Athar and Al Hadeeqa started construction works in the Northern where drilling works and casting of concrete Roads in order to ensure full traffic flow Bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road in the piles & columns had been completed. The upon the completion of the project instead direction of Dubai, nearby the Red Line company also started preparatory works of of the existing traffic signals. Works also of Dubai Metro. 50% of excavation works Phase II of the traffic diversion. In Jumeirah include constructing bridges extending to and casting of concrete piles have been Road, excavation works are underway to the proposed peninsula at the southern completed, and the Northern Bridge is protect the utility lines in preparation for part of the Jumeirah Park. The contract also expected to open in the fourth quarter of constructing the traffic diversion,” RTA includes shifting the utility lines via conduits this year. The construction of the bridge Chairman of the Board and Executive passing underneath the Canal, in addition to in the direction from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Director added. laying spare conduits underneath the Canal would follow. The company also embarked “Phase II includes the construction of to cater to anticipated future requirements,” on constructing service roads in the Business bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads over added Al Tayer. Bay area after shifting the existing utility the Dubai Water Canal at a height of 8.5 Al Tayer, extended his sincere thanks lines in situ,” explained Al Tayer. meters allowing yachts to pass underneath. to residents and road users in areas “Phase I of the project comprises It also includes the construction of a fully- impacted by traffic diversion works, for constructing a bridge on the Sheikh Zayed fledged multi-tier flyover to link the traffic their cooperation with both the RTA and Road crossing over the Canal waterway in such a way allowing free navigation around the clock. Impacted roads would be rerouted to ensure a smooth traffic flow between the two shores of the new Canal. The impacted part of Sheikh Zayed Road is about 800 meters long. The project also includes shifting the existing utility lines impacted by the Canal course, in addition to the lighting and water fountains works on the bridge,” stated Al Tayer

Phase II “Work is progressing according to the plan in Phase II of the project, which includes the construction of bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads, with a completion rate of more than 25%. The contractor is currently

30 project contractors, which had a significant convenient and effective water-transport, will also enhance Dubai’s image as a leading impact on expediting construction works. especially after the completion of several of city in attracting leisure marine tours. Phase “The Dubai Water Canal, a modern, unique, islands in the Arabian Gulf, such as The World III also includes filling works to build a man- commercial and tourist destination project, and Jumeirah 2. The marine transit modes made peninsula along the Jumeirah Park, would add further glamour to Dubai city and are expected to lift more than 6 million which will double the beach line of the Park, off a new lifestyle experience in the heart of passengers annually according to the master increase the park area, and allow for more it and at both banks of the Canal,” he said. plan of marine transport in Dubai. The Canal leisure activities.

Phase III Master Plan “Completion rate in Phase III has so far exceeded 15%. Work is currently underway As the RTA is keen to ensure the safety of road users, it has developed to complete the protection of utility lines and a plan for traffic diversions to ensure a smooth traffic flow. The traffic the shifting of sewage lines on both sides movement has been diverted on both directions of the Sheikh Zayed of the Canal, besides constructing sewage Road as well as Al Wasl Road. The engineering design of the temporary pumping station and coastal works for the traffic diversion conformed to the specifications of the permanent road breakwater. Earlier this year, the RTA has in terms of engineering design, surface & asphalt leveling, and the reopened the running track of Al , provision of adequate lighting in accordance with the design speed of the which had been impacted by construction road to ensure users’ safety. The same number of previous lanes in traffic works; a step that reflects RTA’s keenness to diversion was maintained in order to ensure smooth traffic flow, and avoid bring happiness to the people by providing adverse impacts on the intake of traffic volumes resulting in traffic jams. facilities for jogging or walking,” said Al Tayer. Contractor’s work areas have been fully separated by high barriers to It should be noted that phase III of the Dubai minimize the inconvenience to road users and residents in adjacent areas. Water Canal Project includes digging the The RTA has also communicated with all inhabitants of areas impacted Water Canal, building the Canal sides and by project works and provided them with diversion layouts along with constructing 3 pedestrian bridges linking the contractor’s phone numbers. Notices were placed in public places, the two sides of the Canal. It also includes published in newspapers and social media sites to inform the public about constructing 4 marine transit stations alternative roads. to enable marine transit modes offer

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 31 Projects

RTA completes construction of 22 pedestrian bridges, starts construction of 7 others Pedestrian fatalities recorded hit the lowest rate over 20 years

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the start of construction works in seven footbridges in six roads; namely 2 bridges on Baghdad Street and one bridge on each of Al Maktoum Road, Al Mina Street, Amman Road, Baniyas Road and Al Rasheed Road. Works in these bridges are expected to be accomplished during the first half of 2016. The RTA has completed the construction of 22 pedestrian bridges in 2013 and 2014; which would bring the total number of pedestrian bridges constructed by 2016 to 107 pedestrian bridges.

location of bus stops, availability of markets & organizations, and locations witnessing high proportion of run-over accidents (Black Points). “Over the past two years, RTA constructed 22 footbridges in a number of vital locations including two bridges at Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (one near Fruits & Vegetables Market, and the other near workers complex at Al Qusais). It established three bridges at Umm Suqeim, two bridges at each of Al Asayel Road and at the First Al Khail Road. It also built one bridge at each of Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Saada Road, Al Mina Road, Al Wuhaida Road, Amman Road, Al Rasheed Road, Al Mankhool Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Road, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Al Zero pedestrian fatalities recorded Khaleej Road, Al Ribat Road, and the JLT,” explained Al Tayer. in five main roads in 2013 & 2014 “The number of pedestrian bridges in Dubai has soared from 14 bridges HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the of vital locations selected in the light in 2006 to 74 in 2011 and jumped Board and Executive Director of the RTA, of traffic studies based on a number further to reach 100 bridges by the said: “The construction of pedestrian of perimeters such as traffic intensity, end of 2014, and the number is set to bridges stems from RTA’s commitment number of accidents & fatalities, rise further to 107 in mid-2016. These to provide safe transit means for maximum speed limit, number of bridges contributed to recording the pedestrians crossing roads. RTA will lanes, population density on roadsides, lowest rate of pedestrian fatalities on construct the new bridges in a number distance to the nearest footbridge, Dubai roads over 20 years. Statistics

32 indicate pedestrian fatalities dropped and Executive Director of the RTA. urged motorists to abide by the speed from 9.5 fatalities per 100 thousand Al Tayer called on community members, limits, and slowdown at pedestrian of population in 2007 to 7 fatalities both citizens & residents, to use crossing points for their own safety and per 100 thousand of population in pedestrian bridges and subways, and the safety of road users. 2010 and dropped further in 2014 to its lowest rate of one fatality per 100 thousand of population. “Pedestrian bridges located at five main roads are Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim Road, The RTA is adopting specific standards in designing and Al Rebat Road, Al Asayel Road and constructing pedestrian bridges in the Emirate of Dubai based First Al Khail Road had recorded zero on traffic studies that give due consideration to population fatality following the installation density in the area, speed of the road, services provided at of footbridges in 2013 and 2014, roadsides, and the number of traffic accidents recorded. compared to seven fatalities on Accordingly, solutions concluded in those studies are those roads before the installation of transformed into technical and traffic projects that might be pedestrian bridges. The number of in the shape of pedestrian bridges, and pedestrian crossings pedestrian-related accidents on the fitted with light signals or speed-calming devices such as same roads dropped from 19 to 9,” humps. continued the Chairman of the Board

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 33 Projects

RTA launches Building Information Modeling project

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently unleashed the Building Information Modeling project; one of the vital projects rolled out by the RTA with the aim of nurturing an engineering information environment that deals with assets information in a comprehensive manner starting from the design stage and until these assets are written off.

“This project offers a kind of platform for them under one platform. Thus it reflects broadening the scope of modeling the that responsible parties in the RTA are keen information of RTA’s facilities to cover all on adopting and implementing the best construction projects relating to RTA’s international practices in this regard. infrastructure such as service stations, “Building information modeling solutions operational offices, road networks and rail is an effective tool for the management, communication between these parties in a systems,” said Abdullah Ali Al Madani, CEO of mobility and sharing of engineering way that provides them access to the most Corporate Technical Support Services Sector information between the owner, architects, accurate details of the final design,” added at the RTA. engineers, developers, contractors, Al Madani. “The Building Information Modeling project manufacturers and maintenance officials “The building information modeling project is considering one of the leading projects in an environment customized to ensure comprises a series of processes aimed at across the region, or possibly the world the reduction of power wastage. Such creating, saving, and following changes over, as it covers all types of infrastructural an objective can be achieved through as well as retrieving information about a projects owned by the RTA and combines establishing an effective and smooth construction project during the project’s lifecycle starting from the concept till the scrapping or demolition all under a single platform for all engineering specialties of relevance to the project. The project is therefore developed electronically through a single platform starting from the developer and including the consultant and the contractor until it is delivered and managed by the concerned personnel at the Asset Management Department who would complement the project till the end of its lifespan,” explained the CEO of RTA Corporate Technical Support Services. The Platform comprises all computer-aided programs used in building, managing, and maintaining the project. The platform

34 captures information & engineering thickness of plaster, type of painting, and detected only during the construction requirements from all specialties in the shape the ability to cut openings for windows phase; which would have an impact on of layouts where each element is defined and doors. Accordingly, it will be possible the progress of works. The Model has comprehensively. This covers merging to establish the fourth dimension i.e. the proved effective in reducing the waste of the requisites of supply & maintenance time chart (4D) and follow-up the progress building materials because of reducing to set up a 3D integrated virtual model of works during construction through the errors resulting from coordination and the of the facility before starting the actual 3D, and produce the Bills of Quantities ability of the developer to visualize the construction. This model is characterized (5D) accurately in a time shorter than the project practically before commencing by integrated and interrelated engineering time taken in conventional projects. It also construction works. It also enables the properties including minimizing costly streamlines the computing of the facility’s project parties to cooperate well as the variations during the construction phase lifespan and runs a comparison between model is built on the same platform as a result of overlapping systems. It also different options. Thus, it will be possible to in a cumulative manner starting from enables the production of all projections add information about the cost, lifespan of the developer, consultant, contractor, and information required for production each element of the project in comparison suppliers of materials & equipment, and and construction (Stop Drawing), while with all elements, besides enabling the up to the maintenance; which requires eliminating frequent errors which might tracking of maintenance processes, accuracy and verification of information. crop up in coordination between different managing the facility, and carrying out The Model is currently being applied specialties during the construction phase, necessary changes & modifications in a with the same success achieved in the besides registering all information about smooth and semi-virtual manner. infrastructure projects for various public the origin in a single place for managing This Model has been applied to buildings transport means. Through implementing assets after taking over the project. in a number of advanced countries such as the model, the RTA is seeking to benefit Each line in the 3D Model comprises Singapore, Australia and Germany, and it from previous characteristics in leading the integrated information (such as the blocks proved effective in saving the time because implementation; and it is anticipated that line encompassing information describing of avoiding the overlapping engineering this will be the way to go in the engineering the type & thickness of block, type & requirements, which are otherwise development field.

Issue No. 83 MaY 2015 35