HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that RTA had aligned its strategic indicators & initiatives with the ‘Eight’ defining principles of Dubai, and the 50-Year Charter announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and has set them as a code of practice for the  future. “This step is needed to keep pace with the ambitions of our leaders in harnessing the government’s resources to serve the society and ensure sustainable welfare of future generations.

Al Tayer expressed gratitude to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the unlimited support of RTA’s plans & projects. He also thanked HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council; and HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council, for their close follow-up of RTA’s business and guidance for further improvement.

In his speech during the ceremony marking RTA’s 12th anniversary in the presence of CEO’s, directors and staffs, Al Tayer said, “Dubai Government has earmarked 19% of its 2019 budget to RTA. It clearly reflects the Dubai Government’s continuous support to the sustainable development and the construction of infrastructure projects required to enhance the competitiveness of the city. Such allocation will also stimulate the economic growth and underscores the government’s sustained delivery of excellent services needed for the happiness of citizens, residents and visitors.

“This year, RTA will continue with the completion of several strategic projects in support of Dubai’s development plans. Projects underway are highlighted by Route 2020 for extending Dubai Metro Red Line to the site of Expo 2020, and road projects in the surroundings of Expo. The portfolio projects underway include Al Shindagha Roads Corridor, upgrading Dubai-Al Ain Road, expanding the smart traffic systems, procuring buses, and constructing bus stations to serve Expo 2020,” explained Al Tayer.

Future of Transport

RTA will continue its efforts to boost the profile of Dubai as a global hub of futuristic mobility means. RTA has a comprehensive set up for planning the future of transport highlighted by the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy aimed at converting 25% of mobility means into driverless mobility means by 2030, and undertaking future mobility studies.

RTA is monitoring the global trends and latest technologies for re-aligning Dubai future mobility path. These efforts entail developing innovative transit means and new mobility patterns that suit future generations; which will be revealed on time.

“Among the world’s pioneer projects currently under consideration at RTA is Dubai Sky Pods; a highly power-efficient futuristic autonomous mobility system; which requires infrastructure much less than conventional transit means. The future projects also include autonomous air taxi; which is being developed by a big global firm, and autonomous transit pods. RTA is working with global labs on trials of innovative transit systems to solve the first & last mile challenges,” explained Al Tayer.

Accomplished Projects

“Dubai roads network had been extended by 62% from 8715 km in 2005 to 23084 km in 2018. RTA has improved roads traffic safety through policies, legislation and advanced infrastructure. Accordingly, the rate of fatalities plummeted from 21.9 per 100 thousand of population in 2005 to only 2.3 per 100 thousand of population in 2018.

Last year, RTA opened several strategic projects such as the intersection of Latifa bint Hamdan-Umm Al Sheef Streets; and the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed-Sheikh Rashid Streets. It had also opened parallel roads in the Godolphin area, widened Airport Street, improved Al Awir Street & the entrances of International City, and constructed the 7th Interchange on the Sheikh Zayed Road with Al Yalayes and Al Asayel Roads. 

The public transport ridership had increased by 4% compared with 2017. Last year, RTA established an e-Hail company with Careem Networks to deliver online taxi booking service in Dubai. The company aims to improve the experience of taxis riders in Dubai and increase their happiness. 

“RTA has launched a package of new services such as the convertible limo, limo bike, mobile customers service, loyalty points programme (nol Plus), smart booking of parking, and the automated conversation system (Mahboub),” he noted.

Training & Qualification

“RTA is keen to implement the directives of leaders for providing a perfect environment for supporting employees and qualifying young Emirati leaders capable of shaping the future. It also seeks to develop innovative tools necessary for leading the future. 

“RTA has opened a training centre at the Marina Plaza near Dubai Marina to promote the abilities & skills of employees. The three-floor building has 17 training halls fitted with the latest smart learning technologies. The centre can accommodate 350 trainees. 

“Last year, RTA had trained 2810 employees on 635 programmes in a bid to provide a working environment suitable for women, and expanded its nursery to accommodate 120 children,” he further added.

Al Tayer concluded his speech by hailing the efforts of employees enabling RTA to overcome challenges and make several achievements.  At the end of the event, he honoured RTA’s agencies, sectors as well as excellent-performing directors, employees, inspectors and bus drivers.