RTA Kicks Off A Campaign To Enlighten Metro Workers To Beat Summer Heat

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) organized a campaign to overcome the blaze of the summer, in coordination with partners; the Consultants and Contractors of Dubai Metro Project. The Campaign comes in the context of RTA commitment to promote health and occupational safety and diffuse the culture of occupational safety among all workers deployed at various construction projects undertaken by the RTA.

In a gathering with a large number of workers at Dubai Metro Project site, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA, paid tribute to the efforts made by all workers towards delivering this project which will be a landmark in the emirate of Dubai and a remarkable addition to the glittering array of pioneer projects in Dubai.

“I was keen to accompany with me in this tour Essa Abdullah Al Ghurair (Vice President of ETA Star Holding LLC), Abdul Majeed Al Khaja (CEO of Rail Agency) and several departmental Directors & key executives of the project contractor Dubai Rapid Link, to say thank you for your dedication and good job done in delivering the project on the preset time. RTA commends your work for extended hours; particularly during daytime under soaring temperatures, and will remain always keen on providing a healthy environment for labourers at all sites”.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, accompanied by Essa Al Ghurair and Abdul Majeed Al Khaja, distributed water bottles to workers at Rashidiya Station as part of a campaign aiming at educating Dubai Metro manpower on the best means to beat summer heat through adopting proper health practices and enlightening them on the risks resulting from heat strain.

Al Tayer added: “The Campaign covers several work sites at Dubai Metro Project, where more than 10,000 workers will take part. Workers received more than 12,000 water bottles supplied by Aquafina Mineral Co.; one of the Campaign sponsors. The Campaign will run for a week and Rail Agency employees will take part in a number of activities including distribution of water, refreshments and dehydration salts among workers at various construction sites of Dubai Metro Project”.

The Campaign illustrates RTA commitment towards implementing health and occupational safety locally and globally through educating manpower on the injuries and risks resulting from heat strain. This will be highlighted in awareness campaigns, continuous site inspection visits and publication of educative leaflets for this end.

It is worth-mentioning that RTA will run this Campaign across all affiliated agencies. Moreover, it will print posters of the Campaign to beat summer heat, and will also coordinate with media in transmitting awareness messages about the risks of summer heat and how to overcome the cases of heat strain.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Endorses Unified Fare Of Mass Transport In Dubai

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, endorsed Order No. 3/2009 governing the Unified Fare of Mass Transport in the Emirate of Dubai by means of a Unified Electronic Fare Card known as “NOL CARD”; an electronic Pay-As-You-Go system introduced by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) as a means of easing the mobility of all public transport users.

While breaking the news in a press conference held yesterday in the Conference Room of RTA HQ, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of RTA, said: “The Unified Nol Card, which will be unleashed with the start of passenger service of Dubai Metro, offers smooth & comfortable service to users of Dubai Metro, Public Buses, Water Bus and Paid Parking Zones. The name “Nol” was branded to the card as it is an authentic Arabic word meaning “Fare” or “Cost of using transport”. The logo of the Unified Nol Card was designed to replicate the unified identity of transport systems, with a symbolic reference to the seamless flow of various transport modes in Dubai. It illustrates the continuous mobility of commuters between various transport modes without stopovers; where the flowing lines depict the smooth mobility of transport, and the thin lines enrich the card, providing added value and protection to the card against counterfeiting”.

Al Tayer went further to say: “While assessing the fare of mass transit systems, RTA was keen to have in place fares affordable to all, as we were seeking to encourage citizens, residents and visitors to use to use mass transit modes in an effort to make public transport the ideal choice of population. Under the Project, it was decided to divide the emirate of Dubai into five mobility zones, and offer Metro Park-and-Ride facilities free of charge to public transport users, while for non-public transport users a fee of 10 dirham per hour or 50AED per day will be charged.

“Nol Cards comprise four types: Nol Silver Card, Nol Blue Card, Nol Gold Card, and Nol Red Ticket. RTA was keen to have Nol Cards offered at diverse sale outlets such that they can be purchased and topped-up at Ticket Booths and Ticketing Vending Machines in all Dubai Metro stations, different bus stations, RTA Customer Service Centers, and at RTA authorized sales agents. Nol Cards are easily obtained and used as the user has just got to top-up the card in order to use it for boarding various transport modes. The fare will automatically be deducted depending on the use. The Card, which is modeled after international standards, is manufactured by more than one supplier, rendering it safe and difficult to counterfeit. Moreover, the Card has been designed with a view to addressing future requirements of e-payment systems i.e. to allow for the possibility of adding several and diverse uses.

“There are two categories of Nol Cards: Unified Paper Ticket issued at a two-dirham cost, and Unified E-Card issued at a 6-dirham cost. The fare of a single short journey not exceeding 3 km using the paper ticket is 2 dirham. The fare of travel within a single zone is 2.50AED, whereas it is 4.50AED in two neighboring zones and 6.50AED in 3 zones or more. The fare in the Gold Class for a short distance journey not exceeding 3 km is 4AED; whereas it is 5AED for a single zone, 9AED for 2 zones and 13AED for 3 zones or more. The cost of 10 journeys for short distances not exceeding 3 km is 20AED, whereas it 25AED in a single zone, 45AED in two zones and 65AED in three zones or more. A one-day travel pass is 14AED.

“The fare of travel using Unified e-Card in a short journey not exceeding 3 km is 1.80 dirham, whereas it is 2.30AED for a journey in a single zone, 4.10AED for a journey in two neighboring zones, and 5.80AED for a journey in three or more zones. The fare of travel in a single journey using Gold Card is 3.60AED for a short journey not exceeding 3km, whereas it is 4.60AED for a journey in a single zone, 8.20AED for a journey in two neighboring zones, and 11.60AED for a journey in 3 or more zones. The travel fare using a 30-day pass in short journeys within a single zone is 100AED, whereas it is 180AED in two zones and 270AED in three zones or more” continued Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director further added: “RTA was keen on fixing discounted fares for elderly as well as schools and college students. Here it was decided to fix the fare of travel using the Unified e-Card as 90 fils in short trips not exceeding 3 km, whereas it will be 1.15AED in a single zone, 2.05AED in two zones and 2.90AED in three zones or more. As for elderly, a 30-day pass is 200AED; whereas it will be 170AED for students”.

For his part Ramadan Abdullah, Director of the Unified Card Department elaborated on the types of various cards and said: “Nol Silver Card has an e-purse rechargeable up to 500AED, and the journey fare is calculated automatically based on the fare table. This card can be purchased from any ticket booth and some ticket vending machines at a price of 6 dirham for the card and an initial balance of 14 dirham rechargeable. This Card can be used immediately upon purchase, rechargeable at any ticket booth and valid for five years.

Nol Blue Card is a personalized card (with user photo inserted on the card) and no other user can use it should it be lost or stolen, therefore the credit is secure, so it will be stopped and now alternative card will be issued after reporting of losing the card and it can hold up to 500AED worth of credit. This card has an e-purse and the journey fare is calculated automatically based on the fare table. It enables the user to obtain secure online services such as balance recharging, inquiry about transactions, lodging complaints and receiving SMS & email notifications to verify or identify the required instructions. In future a discounted package will be made available for kids, students, elderly and special needs, and the Card valid for five years.

Nol Gold Card is rechargeable and can hold up to 500AED worth of credit. This card has an e-purse and the journey fare is calculated automatically based on the fare table. This card can be purchased from any ticket booth and some ticket vending machines at a price not exceeding 20AED – some of 6 AED for the card and 14AED as credit in the card and can be used immediately upon purchase. This card enables the user the privilege of using the Gold Class in Dubai Metro, and in case this card is used on other modes of transport with no Gold Class cabins, the user will be charged the normal fare, and the Card is valid for 5 years.

Nol Red Tickets is a 2-dirham paper ticket rechargeable that can be recharged for one or two journeys and up to 10 journeys maximum, or a travel pass for one day up to 5 days. This ticket can only be used for one mode of transport at a time (e.g. on Dubai Metro only or on Dubai Bus only), and is considered ideal for occasional or casual users of public transport. This ticket doesn’t have an e-purse account, and has to be pre-paid with the correct journey type. This ticket is valid for 90 days only and can be purchased from any ticket booth and ticket vending machines.

RTA Receives the Flag of Hosting 59th UITP World Congress & Exhibition 2011

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 16/PRNewswire/ — More Than 1000 Personalities Attend the Event Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
Dubai received the flag of hosting the 59th World Congress and Exhibition of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011, at the closing session of the 58th UITP World Congress held in the Austrian capital Vienna.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090616/350639 )

The event was attended by more than 1000 personalities headed by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador
to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E.Roberto Cavalieri, UITP President, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, senior Austrian government officials, executives of transport sector from all
over the world, and representatives of companies specialized in the field of transport.

Al Tayer received the flag of hosting The 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition from H.E. Roberto Cavalieri and H.E. Hans Rat amid a huge applause from the attendants.

In a speech delivered after taking over of the flag, Al Tayer said: "The United Arab Emirates made massive economic, social and cultural development and grew into a key commercial center, thanks to the wise
leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Accordingly, the UAE has had a vibrant and diverse economy and succeeded in attracting considerable number
of investors, businessmen; thanks to its superb infrastructure, international outlook, free economic policy and emphasis on delivering top-notch services at the least possible costs".

Al Tayer lauded the efforts of the Austrian Government and the UITP in bringing success to the 58th UITP World Congress and delivering it in a fine format. He also praised the work papers discussed during the Congress
and the latest transport technologies displayed by the participating companies. Meanwhile, Al Tayer welcomed all attendants to Dubai during the 59th UITP Congress; which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011.

"When you visit Dubai, you will notice the eye-catching infrastructure, smooth flow of business cycle and world-class service delivery. We view Dubai as a regional hub of integrated transport systems.

The 59th UITP World Congress 2011 will be a milestone in our drive to achieve transport excellence, marking the completion of transport modes spanning the metro, tram, public transport, and marine transport in the emirate such that Dubai will set the example to follow in the region," said Al Tayer.

He added: "I’m proud of the huge success made by the emirate of Dubai in upgrading mass transit system; which has become crucial for the daily mobility of Dubai residents. RTA was established in 2005 to assume
responsibility for transport in Dubai and from inception it set sight on provision of an integrated mass transit network that includes buses, marine modes, metro, and tram; all of which are characterized by top quality,
affordable rates and wide geographical coverage. Additionally, RTA is assigning much attention to safety in all public transport means; including trains and buses.

"This year will witness the operation of the initial phase of Dubai Metro Project; the longest driverless metro project constructed as one project worldwide. It extends 75 km and connects 48 stations; including the biggest metro station in the world i.e. the 25,000 square meter area Union Square Station; a key interchange station between the Red and Green Lines.

Dubai Metro is modeled at the highest global standards and based on state-of-the-art rail technologies to meet the requirements of various community segments. With its air-conditioned stations, and e-ticketing system, the system sets the benchmark of total quality standards. It has a capacity to handle 23,000 passengers per hour per direction, and the metro is set to attract 17% of total person trips in the city by 2020."

During the closing ceremony a film was played to showcase the massive economic process in the emirate of Dubai, the traditions of the UAE society as well as the tourist, cultural and commercial landmarks of the emirate. Al Mazyoodi Band made Yawla dance which was well received by the attendants. Events also included sand drawing of several Dubai tourist attraction landmarks, RTA logo and the logo of the 59th UITP World Congress &
Exhibition "Dubai 2011".

Afterwards, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, together with H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria, accompanied chief guests of the closing ceremony to RTA stand at the Exhibition; where they were served with
popular UAE cuisine and Arabian coffee. The guests attended a video presentation about the experiment of the RTA in developing mass transit systems covering metro, tram, marine transport and public buses as well as
road projects and modern traffic technologies.

At the end of the event, Al Tayer presented trophies to H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, the outgoing UITP
President whose term has ended with the current term, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, H.E Elain Flausch the new President of UITP and the representative of Vienna Government.

Peyman Parham, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Roads and Transport Authority, Tel: +971-42065005, Mobile:+971-50-8889689, peyman.parham@rta.ae; Fiona D’Cunha, Marketing and
Corporate Communications, Roads and Transport Authority, Telephone: +971-4-2065098, Mobile-+971-50-2821969, website: http://www.rta.ae

RTA Receives the Flag of Hosting 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition 2011

Dubai received the flag of hosting the 59th World Congress and Exhibition of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011, at the closing session of the 58th UITP World Congress held in the Austrian capital Vienna.The event was attended by more than 1000 personalities headed by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, UITP President, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, senior Austrian government officials, executives of transport sector from all over the world, and representatives of companies specialized in the field of transport.Al Tayer received the flag of hosting The 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition from H.E. Roberto Cavalieri and H.E. Hans Rat amid a huge applause from the attendants.In a speech delivered after taking over of the flag, Al Tayer said: “The United Arab Emirates made massive economic, social and cultural development and grew into a key commercial center, thanks to the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Accordingly, the UAE has had a vibrant and diverse economy and succeeded in attracting considerable number of investors, businessmen; thanks to its superb infrastructure, international outlook, free economic policy and emphasis on delivering top-notch services at the least possible costs”.Al Tayer lauded the efforts of the Austrian Government and the UITP in bringing success to the 58th UITP World Congress and delivering it in a fine format. He also praised the work papers discussed during the Congress and the latest transport technologies displayed by the participating companies. Meanwhile, Al Tayer welcomed all attendants to Dubai during the 59th UITP Congress; which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011.“When you visit Dubai, you will notice the eye-catching infrastructure, smooth flow of business cycle and world-class service delivery. We view Dubai as a regional hub of integrated transport systems. The 59th UITP World Congress 2011 will be a milestone in our drive to achieve transport excellence, marking the completion of transport modes spanning the metro, tram, public transport, and marine transport in the emirate such that Dubai will set the example to follow in the region” said Al Tayer.He added: “I’m proud of the huge success made by the emirate of Dubai in upgrading mass transit system; which has become crucial for the daily mobility of Dubai residents. RTA was established in 2005 to assume responsibility for transport in Dubai and from inception it set sight on provision of an integrated mass transit network that includes buses, marine modes, metro, and tram; all of which are characterized by top quality, affordable rates and wide geographical coverage. Additionally, RTA is assigning much attention to safety in all public transport means; including trains and buses.“This year will witness the operation of the initial phase of Dubai Metro Project; the longest driverless metro project constructed as one project worldwide. It extends 75 km and connects 48 stations; including the biggest metro station in the world i.e. the 25,000 square meter area Union Square Station; a key interchange station between the Red and Green Lines. Dubai Metro is modeled at the highest global standards and based on state-of-the-art rail technologies to meet the requirements of various community segments. With its air-conditioned stations, and e-ticketing system, the system sets the benchmark of total quality standards. It has a capacity to handle 23,000 passengers per hour per direction, and the metro is set to attract 17% of total person trips in the city by 2020”.During the closing ceremony a film was played to showcase the massive economic process in the emirate of Dubai, the traditions of the UAE society as well as the tourist, cultural and commercial landmarks of the emirate. Al Mazyoodi Band made Yawla dance which was well received by the attendants. Events also included sand drawing of several Dubai tourist attraction landmarks, RTA logo and the logo of the 59th UITP World Congress & Exhibition “Dubai 2011”.Afterwards, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, together with H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria, accompanied chief guests of the closing ceremony to RTA stand at the Exhibition; where they were served with popular UAE cuisine and Arabian coffee. The guests attended a video presentation about the experiment of the RTA in developing mass transit systems covering metro, tram, marine transport and public buses as well as road projects and modern traffic technologies.At the end of the event, Al Tayer presented trophies to H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, the outgoing UITP President whose term has ended with the current term, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, H.E Elain Flausch the new President of UITP and the representative of Vienna Government.

RTA Transition Towards Mass Transit Presented To The 58th UITP Congress

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), headed RTA delegation taking part in 58th International Union of Public Transport (UITP) Congress and the accompanying City Transport Exhibition held at the Austrian capital Vienna under the theme “Public Transport: Making the Right Mobility Choices. The Congress attracted participation from around 4000 exhibitors/participants hailing from 35 countries. RTA has a large stand to share with the participants and visitors its experiment in developing mass transit systems spanning metro, tram, marine transport, public transport buses, road projects, and modern traffic technologies.
In a press conference held yesterday attended by a considerable numbers of media representatives and executives of companies taking part in the Exhibition, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer said: “The sharp vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, enabled Dubai to thrive at a rate higher than any city in the region. It turned Dubai into a creative city with innovative investment projects spanning airports, ports, and rail & transport systems in addition to landmark property projects such The Palm islands, The World, and Burj Dubai; all of which boast a stunning & magnificent design. Over the last decade, Dubai made unprecedented development strides across the region as demonstrated in the complete overhaul of the infrastructure, building of modern roads across the city, constructing high rises, uplifting Dubai International Airport to world-class standards, and constructing free industrial zones in addition to the provision of communication, internet & media services.
Al Tayer added: “The huge progress made by Dubai was paralleled with an equal growth in the number of vehicles used; triggering traffic bottlenecks. RTA prepared legislations and developed integrated solutions for road systems as well as surface & marine transport network; which are safe to use, and in line with the economic development plans of the emirate of Dubai and the highest global standards. Implementation of this plan contributed to a host of achievements such as the drop in traffic mortality rates from 24 cases per 100,000 of population to 17 cases (26%), drop in the worth of time wasted as a result of traffic congestion from 5.9 billion dirham to 4 billion dirham (32%), an increase in the number of lanes crossing Dubai Creek from 19 to 48 lanes (153%), an increase in the number of lanes of key roads from 36 lanes to 66 lanes (83%), and improved traffic flow on major roads by 30%.
Al Tayer went further to say: “The main challenge facing RTA is the limited use of mass transit modes which is as low as 6%, whereas the share of public transport modes in advanced countries ranges from 40% to 80%. Therefore RTA worked out a comprehensive plan to upgrade mass transit sector with a view to pushing its share in person trips made up to 30% through extensive expansion of public transport systems. Projects undertaken to achieve this objective include Dubai Metro; which expands 75 km and comprises 47 stations, Sufouh Tram Project extending 14 km and covering 19 stations, beefing-up public transport bus fleet to 2100 by mid of 2010 covering a network of 3000 km long. The plan also envisages construction of 1000 air-conditioned bus shelters for public transport users offering them comfort to lure them toward the use of public buses. RTA also launched several initiatives to boost the transition towards public transport such as Sharekni and Awselni, in addition to introducing Journey Planner program (Wojhati), provision of maps showing route path at stations as well as internal & external bus display monitors, and re-routing bus lines to serve the major spots and provide feeder services to Dubai Metro Stations”.
In his speech Mattar Al Tayer spoke about RTA plan to upgrade marine transport mode and threw some light on Creek lines operation, the Coastal Line along Jumeirah Beach and the vital line linking with man-made island projects. “Marine transport network is set to expand from 20 km to more than 450 km to serve waterfront projects, and property islands which have a coastal line stretching more than 1700 km. RTA operated the Water Bus, improved abra services, and embarked on a trial run of natural gas-powered abras. Additionally, RTA is currently undertaking two vital marine projects; operation of about 20 ferries with a capacity to load 120 passengers each, and 10 Water Taxis with a capacity of 7 passengers each”. Al Tayer commented on the environment conservation through public transport by saying: “All the new public transport buses are fitted with Euro 4 environment-friendly technologies, and we kicked off the trial run of gas-powered abras as part of the drive to make marine transport modes, including the water taxi and Ferry Dubai, environment-friendly. Work is up and running in the trial run of hybrid taxis and introducing green building concepts in transport stations and buildings”.
Exhibition Tour
The Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA H.E. Mattar Al Tayer made a tour of the exhibition accompanied with Roberto Cavalier Chairman of the International Union of Public Transport (UITP), Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of Marine Agency, Essa Al Dossari, CEO of Public Transport Agency, Abdul Aziz Malik CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation, Naser Hamad Bu Shihab Director of Strategic Planning Dep’t, and Peyman Younes Parham Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep’t.
During the tour of the specialized companies and factories participating in the exhibition accompanying the Congress, Al Tayer reviewed the latest technologies used in the driverless trains and trams, and checked the latest trends in constructing, manufacturing, operating and maintaining rail systems, and also reviewed the new generation of public buses fitted with environment-friendly engines. In one of the stands Al Tayer viewed a modern system, which is being introduced by Public Transport Agency on several buses enabling the Agency to track bus movements, measure driver efficiency and fix bus maintenance schedules, and the system is set to be generalized to all public buses by the mid of 2010. Al Tayer also viewed high-tech unified fare collections cards used for buses, trains, and marine transport modes as well as paid parking zones. At the sidelines of the tour, Al Tayer met with several key executives of companies operating in rail and transport system industry.

RTA Focuses on Customer & Employee Satisfaction in the Tawasul Forum

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) opened the events of Tawasul Forum  which seeks to enhance the interaction between various RTA leaders, review the achievements made, and shed light on future challenges & how best to cope with them. The gathering also aims to spread the awareness of tasks & responsibilities rendered by RTA agencies, sectors and affiliated departments in a bid to raise the performance level of different departments & sections. The Forum was attended by about 350 personalities including RTA CEOs, Directors, Managers, Experts and Specialists.At the outset of the gathering Al Tayer praised the efforts of RTA employees in the past, which enabled RTA overcome several challenges encountered and turn the dream into a reality as evidenced by the completion of several projects & plans such as the opening of roads, bridges & bridges, as well as beefing up the number of modern bus fleet. “These achievements will be culminated by the operation of Dubai Metro; which was described by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as “a cause of pride for the UAE”, he said.Al Tayer explained that RTA attention over the next period will focus on achieving a quality shift in promoting customer satisfaction. “Achieving this objective requires upgrading the level of customer services, improving the working environment of Customer Service Centers, expanding customer service centers network to serve a wider base of customers, and enhancing the scope of e-services. Equally, more emphasis will be placed on achieving employee job satisfaction across the RTA. For this reason Human Resources & Development Dep’t introduced a number of initiatives & programs, such as Qiyadi in coordination with Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development with the aim of bringing about a shift in the strategic thinking knowhow among RTA Emirati leaders. 20 Emirati Directors and 20 Emirati managers were selected from the incumbent Emirati directors & managers at the RTA to enroll in this Program. RTA also unleashed Tamayyaz initiative, which urges employees to showcase their skills & talents, and upgrade their competency & performance so as to contribute to raising productivity and realizing the intended goals, while proceeding with the ongoing training & learning programmes.“In the near future, we will be looking forward for RTA employees to take the initiative, become innovative, develop teamwork spirit, commit to excellence & transparency, develop institutional loyalty, apply strategic thinking and achieve sustainable development” he said.The Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of RTA directed all RTA agencies & sectors saying: “Over the next stage we have to focus attention on a number of core issues at the top of which is the care for safety at various sites & projects, considering it one of the crucial values that cannot be relinquished or tolerated in all projects under any circumstances whatsoever. RTA recently launched Safety Awards to be granted on annual basis to the best road consultants and contractors. Similarly we have to assigned added attention and care for the environment; which is one of pivotal axis of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 as well as RTA Strategic Plan. RTA has made a considerable progress down this track and public buses now have eco-friendly Euro 4 technologies. RTA also embarked on the trial run of gas-powered abras and we are set to make all marine transport modes, including the Water Taxi and Ferry Dubai, environment-friendly. Work is up and running in the trial operation of hybrid taxis and introduction of green building systems in transport stations and buildings.“Preserving the infrastructure (through maintenance) will be high on our agenda over the next stage; particularly noting that RTA is possessing massive assets estimated in billion dirhams spanning Dubai Metro, roads, bridges, buses … etc. Preserving these properties warrants much attention to maintenance programs so as to lengthen the lifespan of these facilities & assets. RTA has recently established Assets & Properties Dep’t to formulate strategies & policies, create a database, and monitor the performance of assets & properties” added Al Tayer.The Forum reviewed the achievements made by the RTA such as the 153% increase in the number of lanes crossing Dubai Creek from 19 to 48, and the 83% increase in the number of lanes of key roads from 36 to 66 lanes. Achievements reviewed also included a 30% improvement in traffic flow in key roads and a 32% drop in the time waste due to traffic congestion from the worth of 5.9 billion dirham to 4 billion dirham.Through developing mass transport systems RTA is seeking to raise the share of public transport in the rate of person trips from 6% to 30% by 2020. Under this drive, RTA procured new and advanced buses the number of which is set to rise from 560 buses at the time of establishing RTA to 2100 buses in mid of 2010, and installed 770 air-conditioned bus shelters. All these efforts yielded an increase in the number of bus ridership from 85 million to 100 million passengers in 2008.At the end of the gathering a discussion was opened between H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the RTA and the attendants where H.E. graciously answered all questions and queries raised by the participants.

Al Tayer Trends launches the region’s first Caffe Nero store at The Dubai Mall

The premium Italian style coffee house brand, Caffe Nero, has opened its doors in Dubai with the official launch of the first store in the Middle East, at a prime location next to the Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall.The new 1,900 square-foot, 86-seat store is the first by exclusive franchisee Al Tayer Trends, with plans to open new stores and expand to Saudi Arabia and other GCC markets in the near future. The company plans to open at least 50 Caffè Nero outlets across the GCC over the next five years.Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Guillaume Motte, CEO Al Tayer Trends, said “we are pleased to welcome Caffè Nero to our portfolio of food and beverage brands. The brand has enjoyed a category leading position in its home market for many years, and we look forward to emulating that success here in the Middle East, by offering coffee connoisseurs the finest espresso-based, Italian quality coffee available in the market.”Gerry Ford, Chairman and Founder of Caffè Nero is also looking forward to the imminent opening of the first Caffè Nero in the GCC – “We are excited to introduce Caffè Nero to the region and we’re fortunate to have found a partner who will be able to bring the best of what Caffè Nero has to offer to the Middle East”.Caffè Nero is renowned for offering a superb customer experience by friendly and expert staff offering a unique, personalised (one-on-one) barista service, selling the finest espresso-based Italian quality coffee, iced drinks and a wide range of freshly prepared, deli-style food.The discerning coffee lover’s choice, Caffè Nero’s coffee is strong, rich and distinctive – the only coffee house to include two shots of espresso in every coffee-based drink – has earned the brand such accolades as “the best espresso this side of Milan” by UK’s Tatler magazine. The range of freshly blended, handcrafted iced drinks offers a refreshingly cool alternative to hot drinks.The menu includes a range of delicious Italian influenced food, using natural, fresh ingredients, ranging from freshly toasted paninis, speciality breads such as focaccia, to hot fresh soup, pasta dishes and salads. Mouth-watering sweet options include Tiramisu and other indulgent cakes, as well as a wonderful selection of muffins and pastries.The store is crafted with superior quality classic Italian finishings. The combination of warm mahogany wood, rich paint palettes, large ornate mirrors and soft leather armchairs and sofas creates the trademark welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. While catering to busy executives and families who require the convenience of a quick, refreshing drink or snack, Caffè Nero customers are encouraged to stay longer, engaging in conversation and taking advantage of the free WiFi service that’s available.Music is another important ingredient in Caffè Nero stores – all tracks are carefully chosen to enhance the ambience in-store throughout the day, from light classical music in the morning to more up tempo jazz and Latin beats in the afternoon and evening. A proud promoter of home-grown musical talent, Caffè Nero hosted live performances by top local bands Beat Antenna and Jonas Desai, at the Dubai Mall launch event on Friday, May 29.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Orders The Launch Of The 2nd Round Of DAST, Special Needs Added

 HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, directed to launch the second edition of Dubai Award for Sustained Transport (DAST); an event organized by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) that aims at educating and encouraging community organizations to play an active & constructive role in supporting RTA sustained transport objectives. The Award also reasserts the leading role of the RTA in promoting partnerships & cooperation with various organizations, and placing sustained transport among the key issues of concern to the local organizations and media. HH directed to introduce a new Category to the Award to cater for Special Needs Transportation. Accordingly the number of categories covered by the Award becomes four, namely: Mobility Management & Regulation, Environment Conservation, Safety, and the newly introduced Special Needs Transport Category. The Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of RTA H.E. Mattar Al Tayer expressed his deep thanks to HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for lending support & patronage to Dubai Award for Sustained Transport (DAST). “DAST is sheer translation of Dubai Strategic Plan; which stems from the vision of the emirate; particularly Infrastructure, Lands and Environment Sector. It is also a reflection of the strategic goals of the RTA calling for protecting lives & properties, conserving the environment & natural wealth, and improving public safety under the drive to fulfill the vision of the RTA to provide Safe & Smooth Transport for All” said Al Tayer. He added: “Nomination to the Award is open up to 30 October 2009, and RTA has set nomination categories & standards of DAST in parallel categories, enabling a large number of organizations to apply for the Award which covers small as well as large businesses in the private and public sector, as well as government departments and non-profit organizations. "The Award comprises four Categories: the first one is Special Needs Transport; which is concerned with any initiative or practice that takes into consideration the mobility requirements of special needs. The second category is: Mobility Management; which focuses on applied practices & initiatives that contributed to the enhanced use of various modes of transport. The third category: Conserving the Environment from the negative impact of mass transit modes, which covers any initiative leading to suppression of noise levels & effects, and the optical pollution resulting from various public transport modes. The fourth category is Transport Safety, which addresses initiatives & practices leading to improved security & safety levels for various mass transport commuters through boosting performance metrics & levels related to transport modes users. This can be achieved through stressing & upgrading the compliance with safety laws and safe practices during operation or use of any transport means. It also relates to the drive of upgrading security & safety levels to make mass transit modes safer; which in turn involves the application of simple or highly sophisticated technologies and introducing of changes to those means. Safety aspects also include caring for transport facilities through strengthening security elements of those facilities such as roads, bus stops and stations, railways, and marine transport facilities.“In its second edition, DAST added two new categories; the Best Media Coverage; which is meant to boost the awareness of the Award, and the Best Academic Research in Sustained Transport. The Award has 3-tier sponsors; Platinum Sponsor, Gold Sponsor, and Silver Sponsor” said Al Tayer in a concluding remark.For obtaining information about the Award, or downloading the Nomination Form, please log on to the Award link from RTA portal (www.rta.ae).

An Official Saudi Delegation Visits Dubai Customs And Ports

Received by the Director of Ports Security Management at DP World, Mr.Mahmoud Amin, a delegation from Saudi Arabia had recently visited Dubai Customs and Ports. The delegation included officials from the Saudi Ministry of Interior, Saudi Customs and King Fahd University headed by General Abdel Ghani Bin Ibrahim AlKhoudair with the purpose of getting informed about Dubai Customs and Ports experience in security systems, customs systems and weapon diffusion combat.Mr.Mahmoud Amin welcomed the Saudi delegation stating: "this visit expresses both parties’ mutual desire to enhance coordination and exchange of expertise and to boost the distinguished relationship level between both parties, wishing the Saudi delegation a fruitful visit".During its meeting with Dubai Customs and DP World officials, the delegation learned more about the security and safety measures at Customs and Ports and got the opportunity to attend a presentation on Ports security and the programs for combating the massive destruction weapons’ diffusion as well as the adopted customs systems used for preventing the smuggling of dangerous products.After that, the Saudi delegation had a field visit at Dubai Ports to be acquainted with the dangerous products storage locations, the containers’ yards and facilities as well as the security, safety, transportation and storage systems adopted physically in those facilities.The Saudi delegation Head, General Abdel Ghani Bin Ibrahim AlKhoudair praised the development level reached by Dubai Customs and Ports, the modern techniques adopted in their facilities, their beneficial expertise as well as the future cooperation and coordination regarding information and expertise’ transfer and exchange between both parties.The meeting was attended on the part of Dubai Customs and DP World by Abdullah Al Khaja, Director of Customs Intelligence Department at Dubai Customs, Said Al Tayer, Jebel Ali Customs Center Director, Ibrahim AlSaadi, Director of the Special Tasks Department at Dubai Customs and Mohammad Foulaz, Expert and Consultant- massive destruction weapons’ diffusion combat as well as other officials.
 

Al Tayer Reviews Metro Marketing Campaign With The CEO Of Saatchi & Saatchi

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) received Mr. Kevin Roberts, Worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi; a leading global company in the field of marketing that was recently awarded the contract of marketing Dubai Metro project under the brand “My Metro”.Al Tayer said that RTA was pinning high hopes on launching a comprehensive marketing campaign for Dubai Metro Project; the longest driverless metro line constructed as one project worldwide. “This campaign will be unique in nature but in line with the international specifications of Dubai Metro; which is modeled after the best global practices and built on sophisticated rail technology to meet the requirements of various community segments. Metro stations feature a unique & highly innovative internal & external designs, and are suitably linked with other transport modes and surrounding areas” said Al Tayer.He added: “RTA is proud of tasking this campaign to one of the biggest advertising agencies in the globe, with 150 offices in 86 countries, employing over 6,000 people, and ranking among the biggest 100 advertising company worldwide.“RTA was keen to set this marketing campaign of Dubai Metro in motion well ahead of the project operation. It will start as early as this week and lasts for one year comprising three phases. Phase I focuses on project introduction in terms of launch timing, design and message selection i.e. (My Metro). Phase II is the basic stage comprising all information related to the metro operation, fare, public services, station services, multi-modal integration, and security & safety means. Phase III is the preparatory phase that sets the stage for the launch day on 09/09/2009, and covers all media, promotional and marketing outlets of this pioneer project. Examples of these include television stations, radio channels, newspapers, magazines, ad spaces on roads, bridges and tunnels. The message will be delivered in several languages to address all community segments.For his part, Kevin Roberts expressed his delight with RTA selection of Saatchi & Saatchi to undertake this promotional marketing campaign of Dubai Metro. “The Co. will employ all its global expertise and experiments to deliver an excellent marketing product coherent with Dubai Metro Project; a pioneer global project in rail transport industry” he noted.“My Metro” campaign aims to introduce the public to the services & facilities rendered by Dubai Metro Project, which offers Dubai residents top-notch & highly sophisticated transit system. The Project is viewed as a new ring in the ongoing series of successes made by the RTA that opens up huge employment and investment opportunities.The elements of this campaign will be oriented to target all age groups and span wide sectors of the community. Various awareness messages will be directed to different community segments emphasizing on making Dubai Metro a flagship project, to stand on the same footing with other Dubai landmark projects such as Burj Al Arab, Burj Dubai, The Palm, The World among others. The theme (My Metro) will be stressed such that all passengers will be proud of using this metro in their daily travels.