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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the expansion of the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST) to include the MENA region as of the 12th edition where winners will be honoured in 2021. The move is made in collaboration with the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).
“Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, DAST was launched in 2008 to encourage government, semi-government and private entities to embrace the best practices of sustainable transport,” said HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.
“During its initial editions, DAST was limited to the Emirate of Dubai and in the fourth edition, it covered the entire UAE. Between 2008 and 2018, the number of DAST categories grew from 3 to 10, submissions soared from 28 to 129, and the number of attendees jumped from 90 to 500 last year. Since launched, DAST received an aggregate of 970 submissions, attracted 97 sponsors and 4500 attendees.
“The decision to expand DAST cements Dubai’s efforts to foster the best sustainable transport practices across the region and culminates the previous successes of the award. The move raises the awareness of the community to the importance of supporting RTA’s efforts in improving public transport infrastructure and promoting the cooperation with stakeholders in the fields of transport, safety and environment,” commented Al Tayer.
“DAST also highlights sustainable transport, instils the sense of responsibility as well as the initiative spirit at the individual and corporate levels. It supports successful initiatives relating to transport, safety and environment, and leverages the adoption of innovative mobility for the benefit of the public.
“Participation will be open for organisations across the MENA region to make submissions under the four main categories. The first category is ‘Mobility Management’, which focuses on initiatives contributing to the improved efficiency of using public transit means. The second is ‘Transport Safety’; which is catered to initiatives for improving the security and safety of public transport riders. The third category is ‘Environment Protection’ focused on highlighting initiatives capable of cutting the negative impact of transit means on the environment. The fourth category relates to initiatives for offering direct or indirect assistance in the ‘Transport for People of Determination,” he further added.
Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of UITP praised RTA’s efforts culminated in the development of an urban public transit network that speaks volumes not only across the MENA region but also across the world over. DAST expansion is a further evidence of Dubai and RTA’s determination to keep abreast of global public transport trends and sharing expertise with the region.”
DAST is a practical illustration of RTA’s strategy to realise its vision of ‘Safe and Smooth Transport for All’ in keeping with the ongoing upswing of Dubai spanning business, tourism, real estate sectors among others.
This initiative is crucial for engaging the business sector, government and semi-government entities in supporting RTA’s efforts to boost the multi-modal integration of public transit means.
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