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Issue No. 23, May 2010 The official Monthly Magazine of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority

10 Medals adorn our hearts Together we can accomplitsh, excel & translate the vision Al Masar 23-E-May 2010 4/26/10 12:29 PM Page 2 Al Masar 23-E-May 2010 4/26/10 12:29 PM Page 3

Along the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai way Chairman of Board andExecutive Director Mattar Al Tayer

your support Our achievements

I’m honoured to offer sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for patronizing the excellent and pioneer drive with the aim of boosting the performance of the government sector. This is illustrated at best in the directive of HH to establish the Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) in 1997 as an inte- grated government excellence program at the global level, with the aim of upgrading the government performance in Dubai; which had set an example to be emulated across the region that had been culminated by the winning of the UN Public Service Award in 2007. We are thankful to HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai General Supervisor Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, for the ongoing follow-up of the Aysha Al Busmait performance of various government authorities and departments in the Emirate. Director of Customer Service Since inception in November 2005, RTA adopted the criteria of the DGEP as a framework Editor in Chief and was keen on drawing up a comprehensive strategic plan to deliver an array of excel- lent projects. RTA efforts paid dividends in sweeping 10 prizes of the coveted DGEP Al Moatasem Belah Mohammed Awards 2009; a tally putting the RTA ahead of any other government body. What thrilled Editorial Consultant us in particular was the Special Recognition accorded to the RTA with the Award of the Maher Al Kayyali Government Entity with the Most Advanced Performance, and the Award of the Electron- ically Distinguished Government Entity. In so doing, RTA succeeded in beating the dar- Managing Director ing challenge of offering the best-in-class e-services to the public despite the number Mohammed Al Munji and quality of services offered which topped 160 services. Editing Manager We were particularly happy with the winning of the Distinguished Team Award by the Khulood Al - Sharaf 090909 Team; which has delivered Dubai Metro Project on time. The galaxy of RTA indi- vidual winners include Dr. Khalid Al Zahid who won the Distinguished Government Art Director Employee Award, engineer Ramadan Abdullah who won the Distinguished Administra- Sara Al Mudharreb tive Employee Award, Hussain Al Banna who won the Creative Employee Award, Dr. Oth- Editurs man Metex who won the Distinguished Technical/ Engineering Employee Award, Ms Fahad Al Mamari Sarah Ishaq who won the Distinguished New Employees Award, and Ismail Juma and Nashwan M. Al Taee Qaid Mohammed Al Halaqbi who were honoured in the Unsung Hero Award category. Layout This resounding success is testament to the soundness of the approach adopted by the RTA in developing its human resources & young leader potentials, adoption of the best Mohd Hassan Al Hafiz global administrative practices, dedication of employees to their jobs and fostering of Photography teamwork spirit. Syed Zaheer Haidar In conclusion I would like to reiterate that the application of quality & excellence stan- RTA Address dards as well as winning these awards is not an end in its own right, it is rather a tool P.O.Box 118899 to leverage the administrative & technical development, and a medium for showcasing United Arab Emirates RTA achievements in various fields. We, at the RTA, reaffirm our pledge to HH Sheikh Tel: +971 4 2844444 Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Fax: +971 4 2065555 Ruler of Dubai, to drive down the path of excellence set by HH for making endless suc- www.rta.ae cesses and countless achievements. Contact Us: Tel: +971 4 2903989 Mattar Al Tayer Fax: +971 4 2903933 Email: [email protected] Al Masar 23-E-May 2010 4/26/10 12:29 PM Page 4

content

Cover Story

RTA scoops 10 DGEP Awards 6

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has patronized the award-giving ceremony of Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) 2009 Awards which was held at Madinat Jumeirah .

Laptop Service Clinic cures 16 technical patients 19 Al Tayer: Completion rate hits 85% in Al Results of “Laptop Service Clinic” campaign, Khawaneej Bus Depot which was conducted by Information Technology Department of Corporate Technical Support Ser- vices Sector at Roads & Transport Authority in Dubai had shown clearly that campaign assump- tions were correct that laptop users requires awareness about the importance of periodic main- tenance of their laptops to ensure smooth & effec- tive operation levels.

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Cover Story

Al Tayer and the CEOs receiving the Di stinguished Work Team Award

Honoured winners of DGEP Awards Mohammed bin Rashid: Achievements illustrate UAE’s pioneering role Mohammed Al Munji: His Highness the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai confirmed: “Excellence and innovation are a culture that should prevail across the community organizations, segments and mem- bers, because we are living in a state that has pledged to be a leader in every respect. This requires us to build creative & intellectual people capable of making the required change and equipped with resolution, determination, self-confidence and belief in God and our beloved nation for the sake of which we ought to make every sacrifice.”

His Highness commended the efforts of the Dubai Gov- toum, has patronized the award-giving ceremony of ernment Excellence Program team who have dedicated Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) 2009 their sincere efforts to reach this good result and are Awards which was held at Madinat Jumeirah and now harvesting the fruits of their continuing contribu- attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin tion taking our departments, agencies and citizens to Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown the highest levels of innovation and effective communi- Prince; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed ty participation. bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak- Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chair- toum, congratulated the departments and individuals man of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Exec- who won the program awards, and considered their utive of Emirates Airline Group; His Highness Sheikh achievement they had made for their departments and Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chair- the community as a contribution towards uplifting the man of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; His Highness profile of the UAE at the international level that reaffirms Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director Gen- the UAE’s pioneering role in various spheres. eral of the Department of Information; His Highness His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak- Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak-

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toum; and other Sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries and heads of local departments and authorities. The ceremony began with the arrival of His High- ness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Arena Ballroom of Madinat Jumeirah by playing the national anthem, followed by a documentary film showcasing Dubai’s achievements and devel- opment stages of Dubai Government Excellence Program. Then, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, addressed the ceremony expressing loy- alty and gratitude to the founder of Dubai modern development, stating: “Excellence is not a job, it’s a recipe for each job.” HH Sheikh Hamdan pledged before His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the power- Al Tayer, Abdul-Mohsin and Al Hamadi receiving the Government Entity with the Most Advanced Performance Award house of the culture of excellence, innovation and knowledge, to exert further efforts in order to boost the pioneering & innovative spirit, promote corporate excellence, and improve the efficiency of government spending and management of public funds. His Highness the Crown Prince of Dubai announced in his address that as of the current edition of the DGEP two categories of Financial Excellence and Joint Government Project will be added to the program. His Highness referred to the performance level of government agencies in Dubai and the extent of customer satisfaction that rose to 83% this year. List of departments that won this category (cus- tomer satisfaction with government services) Khalid Al Zahid receiving the Distinguished Government Employee Award included Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and Dubai Municipality. Following the address, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-Presi- dent and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ascended the decoration platform stand- ing to his side His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council and Chairman of Dubai Govern- ment Excellence Program, where awards and cer- tificates of appreciation were distributed to the winning departments, agencies, government enti- ties, innovators and unsung heroes. Ramadan Abdullah receiving the Distinguished Administrative Employee Award

10 Awards Awards given to the RTA. RTA won the Electronically Distin- RTA has swept the lion share of the Awards in this competi- guished Government Entity Award, and got a Special Recog- tion involving local authorities, departments and entities. nition as the Government Entity with the Most Advanced Per- H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive formance. It also won the Distinguished Team Award Director of RTA, along with RTA's honourees, received the ten (090909 Team which delivered Dubai Metro Project on time).

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Cover Story

Hamdan bin Mohammed: Excellence is not a job, it’s a recipe for each job

and raising revenues in excess of AED10 million. Ramadan Abdullah won the Distinguished Admin- istrative Employee Award for contributing to the operation of Dubai Metro at the highest global Hussain Al Banna, receiving the Creative Employee Award standards and operating the Unified Card span- ning various mass transit modes in the Emirate. Dr. Othman Metex won the Distinguished Techni- cal/ Engineering Employee Award for his excellent contribution to the introduction of the new imple- mentation methods and using new materials in the building of bridges and tunnels in Dubai with a view to minimizing costs, time and traffic diver- sions, besides compiling technical studies for the construction of bridges at world-class designs such as Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Bridge and Dubai Smile Bridge. Hussain Al Banna, Director of Traffic won the Creative Employee Award for Mad- inati Scheme; which contributed to raising traffic safety levels, and maintaining the urbanized and aesthetic excellent appearance of Dubai City through involving individuals and community Othman Metex receiving the Distinguished Technical/ Engineering Employee Award entities in the program. Ms Sarah Ishaq won the Dr. Khalid Al Zahid won the Distinguished Government Distinguished New Employees Award in recognition Employee Award in recognition of his efforts in planning, of the several initiatives and excellent achievements, and implementing and operating the water bus for the first time two other employees were also honoured in the Unsung Hero in the region, planning and commissioning Ferry Dubai and Award category; namely Ismail Juma and Qaid Mohammed Al the Water Taxi for the first time in the region, delivering vari- Halaqbi. ous initiatives that led to saving more than AED260 million, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, represented by its

Ismail Juma and Qaid Mohammed Al Halaqbi honoured in the Unsung Hero Category

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Chairman of the Board His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Authority represented by its Director General His Excellency Tayer and the concerned staff, were decorated with 10 Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Directorate General of Residency awards. Dubai Municipality took the third place in terms of and Foreigners Affairs, the Centre of Ambulance Services, the number of awards with its Director General His Excellen- Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dubai Airports, Culture & cy engineer Hussein Lootah and the concerned staff receiv- Arts Authority, Statistics Center, Dubai Customs, Dubai ing 8 awards. Dubai Police General Headquarters ranked Department of Tourism, Department of Islamic Affairs and fourth in the number of awards where its Commander-in- Charitable Activities, Endowment Department & Minors Chief Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, his Deputy Com- Affairs, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Civil Defence mander-In- Chief Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina Department, Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment, and the innovative policemen collected seven awards. Dubai Public Prosecution, Knowledge and Human Develop- Among the winning authorities and agencies, the Health ment Authority and Dubai Media Inc.

Al Tayer: Winning the awards is a motivation for administrative & technical development, pursuing the drive of excellence

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) offered deepest “Thanks to the astute directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed thanks and appreciation to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ongoing follow-up of HH Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE and Ruler of Dubai for patronizing the excellence dedication of RTA's employees & fostering of team spirit, and pioneering drive to boost the performance of the gov- the continuous efforts made to keep pace with the latest ernment sector, as illustrated in the establishment of developments at all fields, the introduction of modern Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) in 1997. administrative concepts, the substantial improvement of The Program was intended to be an integrated government the performance level & attention made to human excellence program at the global level, and a driving force resources, and diffusing the spirit of creativity & innova- to leverage the government performance and bring about tion through motivating employees and nurturing a posi- a qualitative shift in the performance of government insti- tive working environment, RTA has managed to realize sev- tutions based on sound and reliable international stan- eral achievements and projects; which had contributed dards. HH has always made it clear that whoever takes a heavily to the advancement of the infrastructure of the government post assumes a huge responsibility to work by Emirate,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and heart and mind, continue to make progressive successes Executive Director of the RTA. and take pioneering role in keeping with the practices set Al Tayer commended the efforts made by the winners and by our ancestors and our expectations from the new gen- honourees and their willpower to achieve excellence in erations. their respective jobs; which had been culminated by RTA is also appreciative and grateful to HH Sheikh Ham- clinching the awards. He added that RTA's winning of dan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown these awards would be a huge impetus to do better at the Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, for the administrative & technical levels, and keep up with the ongoing follow-up of the performance of various govern- excellence drive. ment authorities and departments in the Emirate.

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Our News

RTA signs strategic partnership agreement with Ajman Municipality

The Dubai Roads & Transport Author- ity (RTA) has signed a Partnership Agreement with the Municipality & Planning Department of Ajman to boost the existing partnership rela- tions between the two entities in an effective and an institutional manner that serves the interest of all commu- nity segments and adds to the ongo- ing economic & social drive in both emirates. The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Municipality & Planning Department of Ajman by Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chair- man of the Municipality & Planning Dept-Ajman, and H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA. The Agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 4th Ajman International According to the Agreement, the two parties have to Urban Planning Conference held under the theme "Water- exchange expertise & best practices, cooperate in urban front: New Trends in Architecture and Planning”. planning & development affairs, share traffic studies & solu- The Agreement calls for the partners to make concerted tions, upgrade roads & public transport modes, and cooper- efforts to realize the visions of Dubai Emirate and Ajman ate in customer service and means of raising customer satis- Emirate through materializing the visions of the two respec- faction with the services rendered. They also have to step up tive parties and meeting customer satisfaction as it has their legal, administrative and financial corporate organiza- strong bearing on the economic & social spheres of the two tion, boost the relationship of each party with the strategic emirates and the whole country. The Agreement also calls for partners of the other, and cooperate with the other party in cementing the joint cooperative links in keeping with the holding conferences, seminars, lectures, courses workshops objectives of the two parties to have a solid, reputable, pro- and other joint events. fessional and pioneering corporate profile that sets sights Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Munici- on achieving higher rates of customer satisfaction, building pality & Planning Dept-Ajman, expressed his delight with the effective mutual partnership relations that meet their strate- signing of the partnership agreement with the RTA, which gic objectives and step up their joint coordination in various would “boost the cooperation and exchange of expertise business fields. Such steps would contribute to improving between the two parties in a way that serves the cause of the performance, simplifying procedures, enhancing cus- development and growth in the country,” he said. He hailed tomer services, and stepping up coordination, business the huge successes made by the RTA in completing mega cooperation and technical & administrative skills of both road projects and mass transit networks, such as Dubai parties. Metro, which are a source of pride not only for the UAE but The Agreement provides for exchanging of knowledge, the whole region. expertise and corporate practices at all levels, sharing of For his part Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Exec- information and studies relevant to the scope of both parties utive Director of the RTA, said that he would be looking for- business, and developing mechanisms for implementing an ward for more cooperation and exchange of expertise integrated communication system between the two parties between the RTA and Ajman Municipality. He said: “This to pave the way for exchanging knowledge, expertise, spe- Agreement is testament to the strategic partnership estab- cialized studies and researches capable of boosting mod- lished by the RTA since inception with various organizations ernization and corporate development of the two entities. inside and outside the UAE.” They will also lead to promoting the creative skills and moti- Signing of the Agreement was attended from the RTA by the vating innovation, and creating a consolidated database for CEO of RTA Marine Agency Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO information and documents related to the subject matter of of Strategy & Corporate Governance Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim, the Agreement, as well as ensuring easy access & timely CEO of Public Transport Agency Eisa Abdul-Rahman Al update thereof.

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Our News

sRTA explores means of upgrading Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport

RTA has recently held a meeting with the Committee of Dubai Award screen submissions and identify the winners based on sound and for Sustainable Transport (DAST) attended by the Chairman and accurate technical standards,” added Al Zahed. members of the Committee in which they discussed means of coop- DAST, which is in line with the sustained development principle eration and upgrading the profile of the Award. adopted by the RTA, was inaugurated in 2008 with a view to educat- The Chairman of the Supreme DAST Committee Khaled Mohammed ing and encouraging various community organizations to play an Al Zahed said that the purpose of the meeting had been to review active and constructive role in support of RTA's objectives in the the huge success made by the Award over its short life span not field of sustained transport. The second edition of the Award was exceeding two years, the lessons learned from the previous edi- launched in 2009 to showcase the importance of the Award and the tions, and how to upgrade the Award in future, particularly the third need to place sustained transport among the overriding concerns of edition of 2010. the public & private entities as well as the local media. Al Zahed said: “In the presence of RTA's concerned officials and In the first edition, the Award comprised 3 categories: Mobility Man- members of the Award judging panels, we discussed means of agement, Conserving the Environment, and Transport Safety. In the uploading the excellent initiatives, including non-Award winners, on second edition a fourth category was added: Special Needs Trans- DAST portal and publishing them in the media in order to raise the port Requirements and two additional categories were also added in public awareness of the best practices in this field, and offer more the Special Recognition categories: Best Media Coverage with the news items at the disposal of the media. aim of boosting the awareness of the Award, and Best Academic “The meeting had also discussed the need to upgrade and regularly Research in the field of Sustainable Transport. The targeted four key update DAST portal, and to start receiving the applications online as sectors in Dubai Emirate are: government entities (local & federal), of the next edition of the Award. Discussions also included develop- private sector entities, public interest groups, and individuals. ing a Guide for the Best Academic Research, and holding press con- The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim Al Shaafi, Development & ferences and workshops to stimulate companies & individuals to Planning Consultant at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport, and play a bigger role in this field starting from the third edition. The H.E. Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen, Director of Dubai Judges Panel is an independent circuit comprising experts and spe- Police’s Traffic Department and Head , in addition to members of cialists from the RTA, which is the competent body authorized to Judges Panels and the Supreme Committee of the Award. Al Tayer Receives the Kuwaiti Consul in Dubai

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Transport for All, and showcase the profile of Dubai across the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has recently received at his office world. The UAE in general and Dubai in particular is witnessing a H.E. Ambassador Tariq Khalid Al Hamad, the Kuwaiti Consul in huge influx of people and businesses; which warrants preparing all Dubai, where he explored ways & means of boosting cooperation sorts of roads and transportation infrastructure such as Dubai and exchanging expertise between the RTA and its Kuwaiti counter- Metro, water transport, buses, taxis and others in order to cope with part. The visit comes in the context of RTA's endeavors to enhance the rising number of projects & population and cope with the urban- the cooperative relationships with various entities at the local, ization drive. regional and global levels. For his part H.E. Ambassador Tariq Khalid Al Hamad stated that he At the start of the meeting Al Tayer welcomed the Kuwaiti Consul and was impressed with the sweeping development witnessed by Dubai wished him a pleasant stay in the UAE and hailed the cooperative Emirate in a record time which contributed to making Dubai a focal links between the UAE and Kuwait. point for investors, businessmen and tourists, thanks to the wise RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director briefed the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- Kuwaiti Consul on the key projects currently undertaken by the RTA President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He including roads & bridges network, the Dubai Metro project; the first made a special mention to the Dubai Metro project; which has phase of which was opened in September 2009 and Phase II is set brought about a quality shift in the mobility systems in the region, for opening this April, and Al Safouh Tram Project. and added a beautiful dimension to the fabulous array of projects “RTA is committed to adopt the highest practices in each phase in seen by Dubai, besides contributing to passenger transport and order to achieve the intended objectives of providing Safe & Smooth reducing traffic congestion.

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Qatari delegation reviews RTA expertise in delivering Dubai Metro Project

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Direc- Red Line stations, commitment to open the project on time i.e. tor of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) recently received H.E. 09.09.09, and cooperating with various stakeholders of the Dr. Hassan bin Eisa Al Fadhala, Executive Vice-President for project, dealing with engineers and workers of almost 200 hun- Operations, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, in the dred nationalities. The leadership team coped with these chal- presence of H.E. Faris Al Nuaimi, Qatari Consul General in lenges out of its commitment to carry out the directives of HH Dubai; Ghanim Hassan Al Ibrahim, Director of the Group’s Pro- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; which were com- jects; and Sultan Bakheet Al Azzi, Director of Qatar Railways municated to all personnel working in the project, be it employ- Project. The meeting explored ways and means of boosting ees of the RTA or employees of the Consortium constructing the cooperation in railways networks. project. It was reiterated to all personnel that the decision of In the outset of the meeting Al Tayer hailed the fraternal rela- opening the Dubai Metro Project on the time preset at the sign- tions between the UAE and the State of Qatar under the wise ing of the contract in 2005 is an irreversible decision and every- leadership of the two sister countries. “Visits of GCC delega- one has to work accordingly. RTA succeeded in mobilizing all tions are good opportunities for sharing expertise, boosting potentials & resources of all affiliated agencies & sectors to cooperation in various fields and benefiting from the practices ensure the project delivery on time”. of GCC countries. In keeping with the directives of HH Sheikh The Qatari delegation watched a documentary film about the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Dubai Metro; which comprises two lines; the Red Line and the Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, RTA offers all its expert- Green Line. It is considered the longest driverless metro line ise and potentials in the service of sisterly and friendly coun- undertaken in a single project in the world. The Red Line tries,” he said. extends 52 km and includes 29 stations (4 underground and 25 During the meeting Al Tayer spoke about the key instrumental elevated stations with two stations at Dubai International Air- factors that helped RTA complete Dubai Metro on time; namely port). The Green Line extends 22 km and comprises 18 stations the unlimited support & follow-up of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin (including 6 underground stations), and extends 10 km under Rashid Al Maktoum, clear vision, mission & objectives, ongoing the ground. follow-up of work progress at various phases of the project, H.E. Dr. Hassan bin Eisa Al Fadhala, Executive Vice-President for teamwork spirit, the cooperation & communication with all rel- Operations, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, stat- evant internal & external parties, proper management of risks ed that he was impressed with the projects undertaken by the and challenges, developing an integrated work program for all RTA, particularly in the field of mass transportation such as key stakeholders & subcontractors, and documenting & learn- Dubai Metro, and Public Transport means. He also hailed the ing lessons. fast speed of constructing RTA's projects in a record time. He further elaborated: “Dubai Metro Project was confronted Afterwards, the delegation was accompanied by the Acting CEO with several challenges such as the integrating various mass of Rail Agency Adnan Al Hamadi, Director of Rail Operation transport systems in the Emirate, reviewing the important proj- Dep’t Ramadan Abdullah, and Director of Rail Planning & Devel- ect details, tackling technical issues such as tunnel ventilation, opment Dep’t Abdul Rida Abu Al Hassan in a tour of Dubai taking strategic decisions such as the phased opening of the Metro.

RTA reviews latest technologies in use in security & surveillance systems for key facilities in the UK

Abdul-Mohsin Ibrahim Younes, CEO of RTA's Strategy & broadening the scope of security systems & equipment, Corporate Governance Sector visited the annual special- and integrate & enhance their operational efficiency to ized exhibition, showcasing the latest technologies ensure the fulfillment of their original purposes,” he con- developed by leading British companies in the field of tinued. security & surveillance systems & equipment organized “RTA is always keen on adopting the latest transport tech- by The Home Office Scientific Development Branch in nologies and upgrading all systems, including security & cooperation with the UKTI Defence & Security Organiza- safety systems, with the aim of delivering the best servic- tion, which was held in the British capital London on 16 – es to all segments of the community in keeping with RTA's 18 March 2010. vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All,” “The purpose of the visit was to review the best practices added Younes. and latest technologies in the field of security surveil- It is note-worthy that this Exhibition, which is held annu- lance systems & devices for facilities and infrastructures, ally, features participation of leading British companies such as public buses, metro, and marine transit modes in specialized in Defence systems & devices through estab- addition to buildings, assets & properties,” said Abdul lishing specific inter-government relationships; lay the Mohsin. foundation for building confidence between clients & As RTA has extensive systems & devices controlling & suppliers, these systems & devices. The participating monitoring traffic flow on Dubai roads & parking zones British companies exhibit specialized systems & devices over and above the operational systems of the metro, in the fields of combating crimes, policing practices, gen- metro stations, public buses and various transport eral security, counter terrorism, identity management, modes, it has become imperative to benefit from the and border security. expertise of the advanced countries in upgrading &

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Our Projects

Completion rate hits more than 50% at Rashid Hospital tunnels

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Bridge, and the second tunnel, inbound from Umm Harir Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced Road, passes through Oud Maitha Park, and the two tunnels that more than 50% of Rashid Hospital Tunnels had been converge to make a 4-lane tunnel heading to Riyadh Road via completed and preparations had been made for the basic Rashid Hospital. The project also encompasses converting traffic diversion under Phase II of the project, which would Riyadh Road intersection with the extension of the Floating enable the contractor to construct the remaining tunnel Bridge into a 4-lane road. A road will be constructed to serve units. 19 tunnel units out of a total 30 units had been com- the traffic inbound from the Floating Bridge heading towards pleted that accounted for 65% of the required works under Tariq bin Ziyad Road,” added Al Tayer. the initial phase of the project. Installation of the electro- Tellingly, RTA undertook several projects in this area of Bur mechanical fittings would be initiated after opening the sec- Dubai to ease traffic bottlenecks and increase the intake of ond stage of the traffic diversion. Works in surface roads out- roads in order to cater to the urban expansion and resulting side the tunneling area had so far reached a 75 per cent com- vehicular traffic. RTA had constructed the Floating Bridge, pletion rate. which is just half a kilometer off Al Maktoum Bridge, com- “Rashid Hospital Tunnels Project; which costs about AED705 prising 6 lanes extending from the surface intersection near million is part of RTA's master plan to alleviate traffic jams in City Center and Dubai Golf Club (Deira) and terminating at the vicinity of Rashid Hospital and improve traffic flow in the the would-be constructed intersection at Riyadh Road. The area. Upon completion of the project the capacity of roads project included modifications with the aim of improving the within the project zone is set to rise to about 6000 vehicles efficiency of the intersection in the vicinity of Riyadh Road; per hour,” stated Al Tayer. where R/As on the way to the Creek Park had been convert- “The project comprises construction of roads and two tun- ed into signalized junctures. The project also involved con- nels to serve the traffic inbound from Tariq bin Ziyad and struction of an extra lane linking between Khalid bin Al Umm Harir Roads and outbound to the intersection of Riyadh Waleed and Oud Maitha Roads on the one hand, and Al Itti- Road with the extension of the Floating Bridge, with each had Road and Deira on the other. tunnel comprising two lanes in width. The first tunnel RTA had also widened Al Maktoum Bridge from 9 to 11 lanes branches out of Tariq bin Ziyad Road beneath Al Maktoum and the project also encompassed widening of roads lead-

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ing to the Bridge and the approach to the Bridge at Umm to 6 lanes spanning the total length of the Bridge. Harir Road from two to three lanes; which added to the Al Tayer stressed that RTA would carry on with the improve- capacity eased the flow of traffic inbound from Sheikh Zayed ment of key roads in the city of Dubai as part of the vital proj- Road towards Deira. It also included the improvement of ects undertaken to upgrade and improve roads, and provide Khalid bin Al Waleed Road to ease the pressure on this vital advanced services at residential areas; which is part of the road in order to improve its traffic flow towards Deira. Bridge strategy and ongoing endeavours of the RTA to keep pace improvement and widening works also included increasing urbanization drive, and meet the requirements of growth and the number of lanes from Deira heading to Bur Dubai from 4 demographic expansion in the Emirate. RTA opens bridge linking Dubai Media City & the Greens

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has opened the “RTA is keen on linking the two sides of Sheikh Zayed bridge linking Dubai Media City and the Greens for traf- Road with roads & bridges network serving the inhabi- fic, providing a direct link between the two sides of tants of those areas, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media Sheikh Zayed Road in that area. City and the residential blocks at the opposite side of Engineer Maitha Mohammed bin Adai, CEO of RTA's the road to ease the mobility between the two sides of Traffic & Roads Agency, said: “The Bridge, whose Sheikh Zayed Road; which contributes to the fulfillment designs and construction phases have been endorsed of RTA's vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for and supervised by the RTA as per the applicable speci- All." fications in Dubai Emirate, serves road users on both “In future, the new Bridge will provide a link between sides of Sheikh Zayed Road; namely Dubai Internet City, the Parallel Roads and Al Wasl Road through capitaliz- Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village on one hand, ing on Al Safouh Tunnel linking the neighbourhood of and the Greens, TECOM, and Emirates Hills on the other. the Knowledge Village and Jumeirah up to Al Wasl Road. “The Bridge, which is being constructed at the cost of It will also open up more options to motorists travelling Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority from areas in the vicinity of Emirates Hills to Jumeirah (TECOM), comprises two lanes in each direction and two and Al Wasl Road." surface signalized intersections at both ends of the “Opening the Bridge coincides with the construction of Bridge. Opening the Bridge would ease the traffic con- a series of road projects in the area such as the Parallel gestion on Sheikh Zayed Road, particularly in the sector Roads Project which, upon completion, wouldmove- from Street 331 (4.5 Interchange) and the 5th Inter- ment and flow across the change."

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Our Projects Al Tayer: Completion rate hits 90% in Al Khawaneej Bus Depot

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive The number of bus drivers at the station is estimated as 691 Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced drivers, and the number of buses about 227 sophisticated the completion of 90% of construction works of Al Khawa- buses of Mercedes brand and SITA manufactured by the neej Bus Depot and revealed that the station will start oper- Dutch VDL company. Buses are deployed over 29 routes and ation during the first half of this year. Al Tayer also expressed the rate of bus compliance with the planned entry & exit time his delight with the operation of Al Rowaya Bus Depot; the schedules is as high as 99 per cent. latest bus depot completed and operated by the RTA in Al Tayer stated that he was delighted with the operational August 2009. Al Tayer made this statement during a site tour results of the station, which was fitted with the latest equip- that took him to the two depots accompanied by the CEO of ment and technical tools for carrying out all maintenance Public Transport Agency Essa Abdul Rahman Al Dossari, CEO works and electromechanical repairs, in addition to the lat- of Corporate Technical Support Services Sector Abdullah Al est testing systems, spare part warehouses, and offices for Madani, and several RTA's directors. administrative & technical staff. RTA's bus maintenance Al Tayer set off his tour by inspecting the Bus Depot at Al workshops are operated at the highest global safety stan- Rowaya, comprising a bus parking yard capable of housing dards, and maintenance is done in air-conditioned halls 295 buses (144 standard buses and 151 articulated buses) in equipped with the latest tools and machinery. addition to an electromechanical maintenance workshop Afterwards, Al Tayer moved on to inspect the work progress with a capacity to accommodate 20 buses at a time, a sup- at Al Khawaneej Bus Depot where the contracting company ply line for 12 buses, a washing unit for 20 buses at a time, is putting the final touches as the whole works are expected and an administrative office for about 40 employees. Al to be completed during the first half of this year. Designs and Tayer was briefed by Essa Al Dossari and Abdullah Yousef Al infrastructure works completed included road networks, and Ali (Director of Buses) to the progress at the Depot including parking & sewage systems whereas building completion rate bus operation & maintenance and drivers training programs. reached 85% in the project. The station includes construc-

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tion of a bus parking yard capable of housing 284 buses integration of mass transit modes that include public buses, (comprising 146 standard buses and 138 articulated buses) Dubai Metro and marine modes. The plan also considered in addition to an electromechanical maintenance workshop the construction of air-conditioned bus shelters, introduc- with a capacity to accommodate 20 buses at a time, a sup- tion of electronic systems such as the journey planner ply line for 12 buses, a washing unit for 20 buses at a time, “Wojhati”, Automated Vehicle Management, Unified Faring and an administrative office for about 40 employees. System, and Real Time Passenger Information system, in Al Tayer stated that the project is part of RTA's master plan to addition to “Sharekni” and “Awselni” programs. upgrade mass transportation on buses with the aim of At the end of the tour, Al Tayer hailed the efforts of employ- attracting new commuters and hence contribute to easing ees who are working tirelessly to complete the project, and roads congestions. These highly sophisticated buses feature called on the contracting company to do more efforts to com- top quality specifications, affordable fare and wide geo- plete the project on time. graphical coverage and as such provide a big boost to the

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Our Services 10 touch screens for public use of Wojhati Program

RTA's Public Transport Agency announced that its work “These screens are powered by high-speed internet (Wi Fi) teams have recently completed setting up of 10 touch screen connectivity and offered as complimentary service from the platforms; reflecting the latest technology in use in the field RTA to all segments of the community. These screen plat- of passenger information service under Worjahti program forms enable public transport users to access Wojhati pro- (Journey Planner) at several public locations and outlets of gram and make prior planning of their journeys and identify the Agency. the public transport means available in Dubai such that they It was confirmed by Essa Abdul-Rahman Al Dosari, CEO of can access their destinations swiftly and travel safely,” said RTA Public Transport Agency, that the work teams of Plan- Al Dosari. ning & Business Development Dep’t of the Agency had coor- These screens are easy to use and so is Wojhati program. dinated with Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Co. The user can either access the website in Arabic or English, (Du) the installation of these intelligent screens at: Gold then follow three simple steps: firstly enter the name of the Souk Bus Station, Main Customer Service Center at RTA's old place where the user is in along with the intended destina- premises in Umm Al Ramool, Rashidiya Metro Station, Al Itti- tion; which are obtainable from the options automatically had Metro Station (2 screens), Khalid bin Al Waleed Metro offered by the system. The second step calls for the user to Station, Burj Khalifa Metro Station, Mall of the Emirates select the date and timing of the journey, and in the third Metro Station, Dubai International Airport (Terminal 3) Metro and final step the user presses “Map” where he or she will Station, and Deira City Center Metro Station. get within a few seconds a list of journeys using various pub- lic transport modes including information such as the jour- ney time, and a detailed route map including the names of areas en route of the con- cerned public transport mode along with the reference points and other GIS that help the user access the required destination in an accurate, speedy and effective manner. Al Dosari expected that the number of Wojhati users to double with the launch of these screens which do not require more than a few min- utes to use, and yet are con- sidered a great addition, which will undoubtedly improve the culture of using public transport among a wide spectrum in Dubai Emirate. “This step underscores RTA's continued attention to apply the latest technologies and means capable of easing the use of various public transport means,” he added. It is note-worthy that Wojhati Portal was launched by Public Transport Agency on 25 April 2009 in a broad press confer- ence held at the Head Office of the Agency in the presence of a large number of written, audio, visual and electronic media. Once unveiled

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Opened for short term to check pulse and spread awareness Laptop Service Clinic cures technical patients

Results of “Laptop Service Clinic” campaign, which Bastaki, ITD's Director & Esam Al Falassi, ITD's Deputy was conducted by Information Technology Department Director were delighted that campaign objectives were of Corporate Technical Support Services Sector at achieved successfully. He mentioned that this cam- Roads & Transport Authority in Dubai had shown clear- paign is one of ITD's initiatives in response to RTA's ly that campaign assumptions were correct that laptop staff suggestions during ITD annual survey for 2009. users requires awareness about the importance of He added that the campaign main objectives had been periodic maintenance of their laptops to ensure to ensure perfect operation of RTA's laptops through smooth & effective operation levels. undergoing specific checkups such as: hardware Mr. Abdulla Al Madani, CEO of CTSS named this cam- checkup, Outlook checkup, performance fine tuning, paign as “Laptop Clinic” to draw user’s attention to the preventative maintenance & laptop antivirus scan- fact that laptops could get sick like humans and ning. Prior to the campaign a detailed announcement require periodic checkups. was done mentioning campaign objectives, methodol- Despite the fact that ITD invited 650 of RTA’s laptop ogy, method of participation by booking time-slot users to book a time-slot to benefit from this campaign through specific link and getting confirmation by email only 45 users replied back, only 35 users showed up at about time & location of the workshop. Upon arrival to the agreed time and venue. workshop venue, a technical engineer verifies user Abdulla Al Madani, who participated personally in this registration and starts the work campaign that lasted for 3 days along with Abdulla Al

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Our Services

mParking service subscribers top 14k last year

Engineer Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA's nage), and the required parking period. The Traffic & Roads Agency revealed that using user then receives an SMS confirming com- the mobile phone for paying parking fees pletion of the process; which acts as a virtu- service (mParking) was rising steadily in al parking permit including the details of the Emirate of Dubai as the monthly aver- using the parking. Owners of vehicles regis- age of using the service has reached 350k tered in other emirates have to register in virtual parking permits, and the number of the service through the service portal subscribers to the system hit 14k sub- (www.mpark.rta.ae), or dial the toll-free scribers by the end of 2009. number (8009090) and then follow up the “Introduction of this service comes in the above mentioned steps such that the user- context of RTA's strategy to provide inte- name is entered instead of the vehicle num- grated solutions of systems and services ber,” added the CEO of Traffic & Roads that facilitate the use of roads and parking Agency. in a way that keeps pace with the sweeping It is note-worthy that the mParking service, development plans witnessed by Dubai undertaken by the RTA in cooperation with Emirate and measures up to world-class Etisalat and Du, is the first of its kind in the standards applicable in this regard,” said UAE and the region. The service was intro- Maitha. duced with the aim of easing the use of pub- "Since the mParking service was launched by the RTA in May lic parking for residents & visitors of Dubai Emirate. Due to 2009 starting with Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Media City its multiple benefits, the service saves much time & effort of up and until the project was completed in November 2009 parking users covering all parts of Dubai Emirate, this service played a vital role in the remote renewal of the parking tickets through the mobile phone, without requiring the parking users to under- go the inconvenience of getting out of their places to go to the parking machines in order to renew their parking tickets manually." "Besides that, this service also contributes to the efforts of Dubai eGovernment to process the majority of daily transactions in a speedy and smooth electronic format,” said Maitha. “According to the service procedure, once the user parks the (Dubai-registered) vehicle in the paid parking zone, he or she sends an SMS to the Number: 7275 (PARK) including the vehicle number plate, parking zone code (shown in the sig-

RTA Activates Jebel Ali Registration Center to Provide Testing and Registration Services

RTA's Licensing Agency began activation of services provid- cles; and the other 3 for testing light vehicles, in addition to ed for vehicles licensing, through ENOC Jebel Ali at Jebel Ali 6 counters for serving customers, and visitors so as to Free Zone, Gate No. 5, in coordination with the Jebel Ali Free process their transactions as fast as possible. Zone Authority to direct companies' vehicles operating in He further added that activation of the Center came in that zone to ENOC Jebel Ali Station, in order to save their response to the wishes of the existing companies in this time and efforts. area busy with thousands of light and heavy vehicles related Mohammad Abdul Kareem Nimaat, Director of Vehicle to those companies and the idea is to provide those compa- Licensing Department of RTA's Licensing Agency, said that nies with vehicle registration services. that the activation of the Center started with the reception of “The Agency seeks to provide a host of services which the customers last February to provide a host of vehicle licens- RTA pays great attention to, including registration, licensing ing services that includes testing services, licensing, number and technical inspection centers, due to the great demand plates, and Salik Services. He pointed out that the official for such services from customers. This causes congestion working hours of the Center were 7.30 am up to 03:00 in the and crowds, and thus the idea of multiple centers across key afternoon. sites came to cancel centralization, reduce human crowds Mohammad Abdul Kareem also explained that the Center and provide high quality flexibility and outstanding opera- comprised 6 testing bays; 3 of which for testing heavy vehi- tional efficiency

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Dubai Taxi opens new taxi rank for Hatta

RTA's Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has introduced a new would operate from Sabkha to Hatta and back to Sabkha, Taxi Rank for Hatta Taxi service at Al Awir (near Vegetables & and 12 drivers have been selected to work on this service at Fruits Market), in response to the needs & expectations of a fixed monthly salary. The fare is fixed as AED25 per passen- clients and residents of Hatta town. The new service is also ger, with 4 passengers for each taxicab so that the vehicle destined to improve the quality of service rendered to the would not stay for long at the rank. Once 4 passengers are local community and serve the needs of considerable num- loaded, the driver contacts Dispatch Center at RTA's Public bers of citizens, residents and tourists aspiring to more com- Transport Agency to open the meter at AED100, as per the fortable means of transportation. prevailing practice at Al Ghubaiba Station. According to Yousef Al Ali, Director of DTC's Fleet Processes “Hatta Taxi service was launched in 2008 as DTC had been & Operation, this new taxi rank had been launched to keen on upgrading the transit system in Hatta, serve the address the needs of residents of Hatta town, and the serv- needs of the local community, and provide a new safe & ice would therefore be exclusive for the residents of Hatta comfortable transport mode for residents and tourists fre- and operate within pre-defined routes from Hatta to Dubai quently coming to the town to visit its tourist, historical and and back to Hatta. “DTC has deployed taxicabs with a capac- archaeological attractions. The service was launched after ity for 6 passengers maximum to lift passengers from dedi- studies revealed that the area needed a taxi service that is cated stops at Sabkha (near RTA's Public Bus Stop), and in smooth, affordable, time-saving, comfortable, and speedy in Al Awir (near Vegetables & Fruits Market) and the service can arriving at the intended destinations,” added Al Ali. be ordered only by residents of Hatta through the said Hatta Taxi is offering its services in Hatta town and villages rank,s” said Al Ali. in the neighbourhood, and from there to Dubai and other He added: “Six (Innova) vans have been deployed for Hatta Emirates. The taxi is allowed to pick up passengers from Taxi service; where two of them would operate from Al Awir Dubai city to Hatta (near Vegetables & Fruits Market) to Hatta, and the other four

RTA inaugurates online taxi booking service

RTA's Public Transport Agency; which oversees taxi sector in Dubai Emirate, has recently launched Online Taxi Booking service, known as e-Taxi. RTA offers this service to the resi- dents and visitors of Dubai as it is vitally important during events that warrant prior arrangements to be made by hotels, businesses and organizations in certain occasions such as Dubai Shopping Festival. Through this service, the customer can book the required taxicab well in advance to ensure time- ly arrival at the required destination. Commenting on the new service, the CEO of Public Transport Agency Mr. Essa Abdul-Rahman Al Dosari said: “RTA is always seeking to implement Dubai e-Government electronic applica- tions through capitalizing on the world’s top-notch technolog- ical solutions. The online taxi booking service is based on hav- ing the customer’s details and address saved in the Dispatch This system at the Public Transport Agency; which makes it easy to service is poised to bring about a remarkable cut in the number process the booking in subsequent times. A taxi can be booked of telephone calls incoming to the Dispatch Section at the Public 24 / 7 through accessing the link (http://rta.ae/etaxi), and this Transport Agency. This would in turn slash the number of working service is currently available for hotels only. hours spent by the Dispatch Section staff for processing the “This service is based on two key elements; the customer and incoming telephone call requests, as the electronic system of the cabdriver. The customer books a taxi and sends the booking e-Taxi service is automatically operated and is highly efficient in request to the Dispatch Section at the Public Transport Agency. processing the requests. This in turn would contribute to uplifting The system electronically forwards the request to the nearest the caliber of services provided by the RTA to taxi passengers in taxicab available in the area of the customer. The cabdriver who the Emirate of Dubai,” added the CEO of Public Transport Agency. receives the request is held responsible for auctioning the “The launch of this service was widely received, for the time request and ensuring arrival to the customer on time without being, by the hotels in Dubai Emirate, and is expected to boost delay,” continued Al Dosari. the revenues of franchise companies operating under RTA's “The Online taxi booking service would be fully available to the umbrella. With the number of internet users in the UAE account- public and all segments of the community at the end of this year. ing for

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Numbers X Numbers Motorized Abras ferry 16m passengers on Dubai creek

RTA's Marine Agency has transported 16,345,303 passen- stations is AED100 per hour” said Al Saffar. gers in 817,265 journeys made by motorized abras in 2009; “In total, there are 149 motorized abras deployed to provide according to statistics recently released by the Agency. shuttle service between four stations; Al Sabkha Station, Bur According to Hussein Al Saffar, Director of Operations and Dubai Station, Deira Old Souq Station and Dubai Old Souq Maintenance Dep’t at RTA's Marine Agency, the monthly Station. Motorized abras are essential for keeping pace with average of motorized abra ridership clocked 1,362,109 pas- development & modernization drive in marine mass transit sengers and the daily count was 447,082 passengers. Pas- industry. They provide transit service to all commuters senger traffic peaked in November hitting 1,589,015 passen- gers ferried in 79,451 journeys, followed by October where 1,495,116 passengers were transported in 74,756 trips. Next came March with 1,481,655 commuters ferried in 74,083 journeys, ahead of May where 1,445,120 passen- gers were served in 72,256 journeys made by motorized abras. “Motorized abras operate over two main lines; the first line shuttles between Deira Old Souq Station and Bur Dubai Station. The second line links Dubai Old Souq and Al Sabkha Stations providing 24-hour service. 15 abras are deployed on this line offering service at a fare of AED1 (one dirham) per passenger per trip. The tourist fare from all

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More than AED12m fetched from auctioning 97 Distinguished Plates in Dubai

RTA's Licensing Agency has conducted its first distinguished ber plates totaled 10, including 1 three-digit plate, 3 four- number plates open auction in 2010, at Mina Hall of digit plates and 6 five-digit plates. Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The 66th distinguished numbers "The 66th Auction witnessed a renewed heated competition plates auction comprised a total of 97 distinguished number among the 400 plus bidders in attendance, including spec- plates: 87 for vehicles, 10 for motorcycles. tators. 10 distinguished motorbike licensing plates have The Director of Vehicles Licensing of RTA's Licensing Agency generated an equal amount of appeal to many bidders that Mohammad Abdul Karim Nimaat, said: "Gross proceedings compares well with vehicles number plates. Bidders hailed of the 66th Number Plates Auction, the first of our auctions from various spectrums of the community and nationalities; in 2010, totaled AED12,005,000/- and the plate (G 44) which reflects a strong relevance and continuing success of topped the sales list selling for AED1.8 million in the Auction distinguished number plate auctions, the number of which which witnessed a huge number of participants and atten- has now reached 66," said Mohammed Abdul Karim. dance, who booked up all seats in the hall. "Many factors have contributed to the success of this Auc- He added that the number plate (E 32) came second fetching tion. Examples of these include proper and early prepara- AED1,120,000/-, followed by (H 666), which was sold for tions of the venue and auctioneer company in advance, coor- AED720,000. Motorbike number plate (11110) was sold for dination of associated operational processes, in addition to AED21,000. provision of several registration points for auction such as He pointed out that 97 plates were sold in the auction includ- Deira Traffic, RTA's Main Customer Service Centre, besides ed 2 two-digit plates, 20 three-digit plates, 29 four-digit registration on the Auction Day at the Auction Hall," he con- plates and 36 five-digit plates, whereas the motorbikes num- tinued.

RTA issues 121 offences to Metro users last February, drops 34%

RTA's Rail Agency has issued 121 offences to Metro users, during February 2010, while commuting across the eleven stations of the Red Line, and the statistic reveal a 34% drop, compared to January where 183 offences issued. The Director of Rail Operation at RTA's Rail Agency, Ramadan Abdullah, said that the public had become aware of the need to comply with Offences & Fines Regulations. This is best illustrated by the decline in the rate of offence committed which plunged by 34%; equivalent to one-third of the total offences recorded last January. Issuance of Offence Code comes in the context of efforts to streamline the Metro use in a practical and civilized manner synonymous of its standing as the latest and the best transport mode in Dubai. parking designated for metro commuters for more than 48 "The Agency issued 121 offences spanning 22 clauses out hours clause (7) offences. Last in the order of offences of the 31 clauses provided for in the Metro Fines & came eating and drinking at prohibited areas (4) Offences Code. Entering or sitting in areas designated for offences," revealed Ramadan. specific categories clause topped the list with 67 offences "The Rail Agency issued this Code to ensure smooth reported, followed by using public transport means, facil- mobility on the Metro, and deter unruly individuals from ities and services or entering/ existing fare zones without attempting to cause riots, sabotage or tamper with the paying the prescribed fare clause; which attracted 13 stations and the metro, thus maintaining the safety and offences. Next in the order of offences made came using cleanliness of the iconic Dubai Metro project; the latest the parking designated for metro commuters for more transport addition offered by Dubai," added Ramadan in a than 24 hours clause (12) offences, followed by using the concluding remark.

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Numbers X Numbers

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Community Safety

Dubai Taxi launches “Salamtak” tire initiative in coop with Al Dobowi Group

RTA's Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has teamed up with Al Dobowi Group to launch a week-long "Salamtak" tire initiative with the aim of stressing the importance of tires to the safety of the vehicle, and the need to consider tires as crucial compo- nent of vehicles, and how to maintain them to guard against road risks and surprises. According to Yousef Al Ali, Director of DTC's Fleet Processes and & Operation: "the DTC had coordi- nated this initiative with Al Dobowi Group in the light of the Agreement made last year for the sup- ply of Korean Hankook Tire brand to the DTC con- forming to the GCC standards for a two-year peri- od. The initiative also came in the context of build- ing and boosting relationships between the DTC and private businesses & vendors with whom the DTC is interacting in various fields. achieve the best results and materialize the vision of the RTA “Drivers have well been briefed to this initiative along with and DTC of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All. the accompanying rewards announced and budgeted for the “The DTC workshop had been fitted with all the required distinguished drivers in the form of purchase vouchers of services, equipment and technicians who carry out regular AED100 to encourage other drivers maintain and continuous- checking & maintenance of all taxicabs. The technical capac- ly check tires condition and air pressure regularly,” said ity of the workshop had been upped with the deployment of Yousef. more personnel to commensurate with the volume of the He added: “This initiative aims at heightening the awareness required jobs to be done on daily or monthly basis including of cabdrivers of the importance of tires and carrying out reg- repair, service and cleaning of taxicabs,” said the Director of ular checks considering their significant impact on curbing DTC's Fleet Processes and & Operation. accidents and frequent problems encountered by taxicabs of “The workshop is currently operating at 90% operational the DTC fleet, which currently comprises 3504 vehicles oper- efficiency with 145 specialized administrative & technical ated by more than 7200 drivers on shift basis 24 hours a staff working on shift basis at the workshop; which has 54 day.” bays for servicing vehicles fitted with the latest tools & Al Ali highlighted the key & vital role of tires in maintaining equipment used for vehicle repairs. the safety of vehicle and accordingly the safety of both the “Coordination is in hand between the workshop and the car driver and passengers. Therefore, it is imperative to select washing station, which carries out body washing for about the proper tires and carry out regular checking, as provided 1500 vehicles and interior washing for 30 vehicles per day. for in the contract made with Al Dobowi Group. DTC seeks to June & July are the busiest months of the year in the work- provide all elements of tire security & safety in order to shop”

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RTA Community

RTA holds a seminar on anti-cancer foods The symposium is held to commemorate the International Women's Day

Women's Committee of the Roads & Transport Authority therapeutic aspect. She thanked RTA's Women's Com- (RTA), under the chairmanship of the Director of Cus- mittee for availing her the opportunity to shed light on tomer Services Department and Chairwomen of this paramount issue and praised its efforts in serving Women's Committee Dr Aysha Al Busmait, held a medical RTA's employees, especially in women-related issues. seminar entitled “Anti-Cancer Foods” to commemorate For her part Dr Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Customer the International Women's Day. The seminar was held in Services and Chairwomen of RTA's Women's Committee, RTA's new premises at Al Garhoud on Tuesday 9 March said: “This Committee has come to light, thanks to the and attended by RTA's employees of both genders. confidence pinned by RTA's Chairman of the Board and During the seminar, which lasted one and a half hour, Executive Director in the crucial role and contribution of Ms. Nada Zuhair Al Adeeb, Director of Nutrition Dep’t at the Committee, whether within the RTA or in linking up the Eastern Medical Zone, Abu Dhabi, made a presenta- with the community. Thereby it forms a social tributary tion explaining the types of cancer triggered by eating enhancing women’s effective contribution to decision- fast foods, poor nutrition and obesity. She highlighted making process; which is poised to have positive bearing the latest medical developments in cancer treatment and on the work environment, families and the community as stressed the importance of early examination and diag- a whole.” noses to curb the spread of these dangerous ailments. She added: “The Seminar inspired RTA's employees to “Fighting cancer ranks high on the priority list of the Soci- think of several concepts and benefit from the tips ety, particularly breast cancer, cervix cancer in women, offered by Nada Al Adeeb in cancer-prevention efforts. and prostate cancer in men. Cancer is a killer and RTA was badly in need of such symposiums tackling pre- extremely dangerous disease that does not differentiate vention of cancer diseases which are spreading in the between juniors & seniors nor the rich & poor. We live in UAE, and accordingly figure out suitable solutions to curb countries where 70% of mortality cases are attributed to the disease.” cancer diseases. We are liable more than other peoples The participants expressed their pleasure with the suc- to catch this disease for several reasons including the cess made by the seminar and the valuable insights limited resources for diagnosing, treating and preventing which will help participants avoid such diseases, main- the onset of this disease,” said Nada. tain health, comply with doctors’ instructions, and pro- She concluded by a call for fighting cancer through all ceed Right Nutrition Dome. Attendance was not restrict- possible means & methods and the enhancement of ed to women but also included several RTA

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RTA takes part in the global Earth Hour campaign

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) took part in the global Earth Hour campaign, which had been unleashed on Saturday 27 March 2010 for one hour starting from 08.30 pm to 09.30 pm, as contribu- tion from us to the efforts of protect- ing the environment by conserving power, minimizing global warming, and raising the efficiency of environ- mental sustainability. Peyman Younes Parham, Director of RTA's Marketing & Corporate Com- munication Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, said: “Through taking part in this global campaign, RTA aims at consolidating the efforts mustered to showcase Dubai's endeavors to conserve the environment, besides lobbying more participants in the shunning the excessive use of power and distributing campaign. RTA is equally keen on manifesting the strength posters,” he added. and impact of collective actions in leveraging the required “RTA's commitment to protect the environment and preserve change, disseminating the culture of conserving environ- the nature as well as the public safety can be achieved by mental resources among all employees & clients, and reduc- striking a balance & integration between road systems as ing the use of electricity consumption throughout RTA's well as mass land & marine transit systems with a view to premises.” making mass transit modes the favourite means of mobility “RTA's participation in Earth Hour is illustrated in switching besides introducing technologies to suppress the noise off lights in part of Jumeirah Road for 60 minutes starting caused by transport modes.” from 08.30 pm to 09.30 pm tonight in reflection of RTA's “RTA will join a rally that starts off Jumeirah Beach Hotel for attention to conserve the environment and show commit- (1 km) to deliver a symbolic message across a wide segment ment to tackle the climatic change phenomenon and how of the community. So everyone is invited to take part in this best to cope with it. RTA also aims at raising the awareness global drive. This is the second time for the RTA to team up of the importance of saving power, supporting the global with Dubai Executive Council and Government Departments efforts in this drive, spreading the culture of power saving in this global initiative. RTA was officially registered in the among RTA's employees through e-mailing them materials website of Earth Hour and its in this campaign is

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