44 events in celebration of National Day

Al Fareej bus makes Al Fareej Happier

The Official Monthly Magazine of Dubai`s RTA Issue No. 91 January 2016

RTA wins 11 awards ofHamdan bin Mohammad Program

هيئة ُمبتِكرهCountries, institutions and individuals are always connected to special dates and numbers, representing national events, unique achievements, or very special situations. The second of December is a day that is eternally engraved in the memory of every Emirati. On this day in 1971, the union of the United Arab Emirates was proclaimed. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has chosen number one “1” to be his favorite number as he mentioned, “My people and I love being in the first place.” In RTA, we strongly relate to the numbers “9” and “11”, as they represent our exceptional achievements. On 92009/9/, at 9:09, the Red Line of Dubai Metro was launched, while the green line was launched on 92011/9/. As for number “11,” it has its own story, where in November (the 11th month of the year), specifically on 12005/11/, RTA was established, and on 112014/11/, Tram Dubai was launched. Last month, RTA was crowned with 11 awards in the Hamdan Bin Mohamed Program for Smart Government after facing a fierce competition with different entities of the Government of Dubai. The lion’s share of different categories went to RTA, as it received the Number One Award on Public Buses Services, the best new e-government service for Dubai’s Tram that was launched on 112014/11/. RTA also received the Best Customer Service Center Award for its customer service center located in Barsha, in addition to the Best Communication Center for its Tolling System Center “Salik,” the Best Customer Segmentation Award for its Business Sector App, the Best Governmental Partnership Award for “Tam” initiative in cooperation with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Municipality, and Mohamed bin Rashid Housing Foundation. It also received the City Builders Trophy for the “Red Team” initiative. Further, RTA received two awards for the top two applications: RTA Dubai App and Smart Roads App. On the individual level, RTA has won the Smart Integration Super Star Mr. Abdulla Al Bastaki, Information Technology Manager, along with Best Communication Center Manager Award that went to Ms. Tania Barton. Many thanks and appreciation to all RTA’s employees in all sectors and agencies for their outstanding efforts to achieve this great success. They have worked as one team, to upgrade RTA’s services provided for clients, all the way to ensure the happiness of people.In closing, we reaffirm our commitment to covenant to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. We also reaffirm the covenant to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Vice Chairman of the Executive Council, to continue on the direction they outlined for us to make a success after success and an excellence after excellence.

The Story of a Number

H.E. Mattar Al TayerDirector General and Chairman

of the Board of Executive Directors

RTA to host 27th. International Railway Safety Conference

Completion of 80% of RTA’s data classification

Cycling lanes, new immense health benefits

IPRA award for Best Media Marketing of Smart Apps

AED 474m for Academic City Road Project (Phase II)

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Achievements

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CONTENT

Reciprocal Ads

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

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400 new shelters for Bus Riders

7 additional languages in Theory Knowledge Driving Test

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44 events in celebration of National DayThe innovation’s address: RTA

Al Fareej bus makes Al Fareej Happier

Hamdan Bin Mohammed’s Program:1 + 1 = 11 Smart Award

Ahmed bin Saeed honors the winners & launches the1st. Interactive Intelligent ForumRTA wins 11 awards of the Hamdan binMohammed “Smart Government” Program

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the 2nd. Deputy Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of Emirates Airline Group has honored the authorities, institutions and individuals winners of Hamdan bin Mohammed Program for Smart Government 2015, during the annual ceremony which has been held at Dubai World Trade Centre in the presence of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts, HE Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tmaim, Vice President of Dubai Police & Public Security, and Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council, and a number of government departments and executive managers.

Customer Service Center for its Customer

Service Center in Barsha, Best Communication

Center for its Tolling System Center “Salik”,

Best Customer Segmentation Award for the

its smart application serving the business

institutional level, and two on the individual

level. RTA won the number one award for

its public buses services, along with the Best

New Governmental Service Award for Dubai

Tram that was launched on 11/11/2014, Best

After a fierce competition with the other

governmental institutions and authorities in

Dubai, the majority of the program’s awards

were received by RTA, as it was crowned

with a total of 11 awards: 9 of them on the

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Ahmed bin Saeed honors the winners & launches the1st. Interactive Intelligent ForumRTA wins 11 awards of the Hamdan binMohammed “Smart Government” Program

sector, in addition to Best Governmental

Partnership Award for “Tamm” initiative

in cooperation with Dubai Electricity and

Water Authority, Dubai Municipality,

and Mohamed bin Rashed Housing

Foundation. RTA also won Town Builders

Trophy for its “Red Team” initiative that

was also in cooperation with Dubai

Electricity & Water Authority, Dubai

Municipality, and Mohamed bin Rashed

Housing Foundation. And finally, RTA

received two awards for best two smart

applications: RTA’s Smart Application

and Smart Roads Application. On the

individual level, RTA won the Smart

Integration Super Start Award received

by Mr. Abdulla Al Bastaki, Information

Technology Manager, and the other

award was received by Ms. Tania Barton

for being the Best Communication Center

Manager.

Smart Interactive ForumHH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

launched the first smart interactive forum

to document the customers’ positive

7Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

His Excellency Mr. Matar Al Tayer, General Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the RTA, expressed his extreme gratitude after RTA won 11 awards in the Third Hamdan bin Mohamed Smart Government Program for Smart Government. Where RTA received the “lion’s share” collecting most of the awards after a fierce competition with the different governmental sectors and entities. Al Tayer ensured that this program that puts all authorities in challenges and competitions, is a huge motivation to enhance and develop government working systems, along with providing best services for customers to fulfill the directions and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, along with HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of Executive Council. Their vision is to transform Dubai to be a Smart City, and reach with it to be the smartest city in the world, through providing services and performance that exceeds all customers’ expectation to reach the level of making all customers happy. Al Tayer also mentioned that this program has set a strong infrastructure that qualifies Dubai to achieve its highest ambition of being the smartest city in the world. “We are extremely proud of this large coronation, our RTA was honored by getting the ‘lion’s share’ and winning 11 awards in Hamdan bin Mohamed Program for Smart Government”, Al Tayer added, “RTA will always take pride for being the first governmental entity honored by carrying HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Flag in its headquarters for winning Best Governmental Service in the public voting system for the Metro initiative”, he stated, “that flag is a medal of honor for all RTA’s employees, and a motivation to put even more efforts for enhancing customer service, and reaching out to customers as they are the main key of developing any entity”.

“A Lion’s Share”

SH. Hamdan bin Mohammed patron of the award.

experience while using Dubai Government

Services. This forum was previously adopted

by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin

Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince and

Chairman of the Executive Council, to develop

the customers’ experience according to their

needs. His Highness praised all efforts of each

individual working for Dubai’s Government as

he said, “Dubai Government employees are

putting exceptional and pioneering efforts

to make sure that all people dealing with the

city’s government are pleased”, he added,

“thus, with applying the smart interactive

forum initiative, we spot the light on these

efforts with the help of our customers”.

His highness also stated, “We are always keen

on providing the chance for our customers

to share their different types of experiences

with Dubai Government”, he added, “Because

we believe in the importance of reaching out

to customers, listening to their needs, and

understanding their expectations. The ‘5D’

initiative is launched to focus on the positive

experiences with our customers, where lots of

lessons can be learnt from the different success

stories that we happily share with the world”.

He clarified that negative experiences

have been handled years ago through

establishing a system to take customers’

complaints documenting services’ challenges.

Furthermore, a system for suggestions

has been introduced documenting

clients’ suggestions and notes to enhance

governmental services. However, today his

highness is seeking towards focusing on new

type of customer responses, in an effort to

understand what makes Dubai’s crowd happy

and satisfied, and from there the government

can achieve further uniqueness and greater

leadership.

The “5D” initiative is one of its kind in

Dubai Government to focus on this type of

impressions, as positive experiences can

enrich the quality of gathered data to be

analyzed and studied to benefit from all

positive practices, along with sharing these

practices among different governmental

sectors and circulating them if possible.

Honoring

The annual awards ceremony started with

playing the national anthem, followed by a

creative artistic show expressing the effects

of governmental services in pleasing the

people and fulfilling their interests. During the

ceremony, the authority that received largest

number of votes was announced, as votes

were gathered during a public voting process

launched throughout 12 governmental

initiatives started at the beginning of last

November. The Department of Tourism

and Commerce Marketing won Hamdan

bin Mohamed Program’s Flag for Smart

Government; a flag that it will proudly carry

for a whole year.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktom

handed the honorary shield to RTA who won

the “Number One Award” for Bus Services,

after providing many creative initiatives

throughout the year to enhance this service.

Along with “Best New Governmental Service”

that went for Dubai Tram service of the RTA,

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while “Tamm” initiative for the “Red Team”

won City Builders competition in the Best

Governmental Partnership category including

RTA, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority,

Dubai Municipality, and Mohamed bin Rashed

Housing Foundation.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

honored the winning team in City Builders

competition, which is an initiative launched

by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed in last

year’s annual ceremony. The competition

blossomed with 14 pioneering initiatives

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9Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

RTA celebrated winning 11 awards in Hamdan bin Mohamed Program for Smart Government, where H.E. Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of Board of Directors, along with executive managers, and department heads, cut more than 11 cakes in the honors of this huge victory. HE Matar Al Tayer praised RTA employees’ efforts, their insistence on excellence, and their perseverance in their work. He ensured that this huge victory is the fruit of the employees’ dedication, and their one-team spirit. He also stressed on the fact all employees are keen on keeping up with the consecutive rapid development in the different fields, along with applying modern management concepts, elevating the performance level and taking care of the human resources, and encouraging creativity and innovative spirit in the work environment.

from the four participating teams in the first

gathering that was held in Skydive Dubai at

the beginning of this year. For the year 2015,

the “Red Team” won for their electricity and

water services and the hanging no objection

certificates. This team includes RTA, Dubai

Municipality, Mohamed bin Rashed Housing

Foundation, and Dubai Electricity and Water

Authority. Each of the four team members

received “City Builders Competition” trophy,

which is divided into four unique individual

trophies that smartly integrate together to

make a beautiful architectural piece. Each

sector gets to keep a part of this trophy to

express their continuous cooperation with

the other government sectors partners, along

with taking pride in the serious and creative

work with the intention of making positive

changes in the governmental services, and

to ensure that all these entities are one

consistent and cooperative body that thrives

to achieve customers’ satisfaction.

As for providing services using smart phones

category, RTA won two awards. The first was

for RTA’s smart application, and the other is

for “Smart Roads” application. The category

also included many winning applications

including, “Dubai Police” application from

General Command of Dubai Police, “Tifli” (My

Baby) Application provided by Dubai Health

Authority, and “DEWA” application provided

by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority. In the

Customer Segments Category (Joint Smart

Application), “Business Sector Services”

provided by RTA has won, in cooperation

with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Electricity

& Water Authority. The “Best Website”

award was honored to Dubai Police Force

website, while Dubai Tourism and Commerce

Marketing Department won “Best Pioneering

Governmental Initiative” for “E-Tickets”

initiative.

This year, “Al Barsha Center” from Dubai

Roads and Transportation Authority won the

“Best Customer Service Center” award. Salik’s

communication center, of the RTA as well, won

the “Best Communication Center” award,

which has been launched for the first time

this year to honor the best communication

center based on the unified standards set by

Dubai’s Prototype Center at the beginning

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of this year. “Al Markabat Police Station”

received “Best Joint Customer Service” award

that includes General Command of Dubai

Police, Dubai Courts, and Public Prosecution.

Furthermore, the initiative “Shiryan” (Artery)

provided by Dubai Health Authority won

“Best Partnership with People” award, “Smart

Case Management” system provided by

Dubai Women and Child Care Foundation

won “Best Internal Cooperation”, and “We

Feed You” initiative provided by Dubai Health

Authority won “Best Partnership with Private

Sectors” award.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum also

honored individual winners for the different

categories, where Abdulla Al Bastaki, RTA’s

Information Technology Manager, won

“Smart Integration Super Star” award, and

Tina Barton won “Best Communication

Center Manager” award. The “Year’s Best

Creative Leader” awards was received by Ms.

Ghanima Al Buhairi from Dubai Women and

Child Care Foundation, while “Best Creative

Team” award was given to Dubai Health

Authority team, and “Best Customer Service

Manager” award went to Mr. Esa Ebrahim Al

11Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

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RTA has received many congratulation bouquets and letters in celebration of winning 11 awards in Hamdan bin Mohamed Program for Smart Government. His Excellency Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors in the RTA, was congratulated by General Command of Dubai Police through HE Major General Abdulrahman Rafie, Assistant Commander in Chief of Dubai Police Affairs for Community Service and Equipement, in which he passed the sincere congratulations from His Excellency Major General Khamis Matar Al Mazyana, Commander General of Dubai Police, for the authorities great victory. A similar letter was received from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, passed by Engineer Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, in which he expressed the sincere congratulations from His Excellency Saeed Mohamed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chairman Executive Officer for DEWA, in this happy occasion.

For the first time in the MENA regionRTA to host 27th International Railway Safety Conference in 2017The International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) has announced the selection of Dubai as a venue for hosting the 27thInternational Railway Safety Conference 2017, which will be the first time for the Conference to be held in the MENA region. The event will offer an international platform for sharing expertise and identifying innovative solutions in the rail safety industry that is witnessing a remarkable growth in the Middle East in general and the Gulf region in particular. A statement to this effect was made in the final communiqué of the Conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa.The Conference, which was first held in 1990 as a result of an initiative from the Japan Rail Association, is considered a special gathering of rail safety professionals from around the world and is run on a non-commercial, not-for-profit

basis. It is a 5-day long event and compromises of technical presentations and site visits. The IRSC focuses discussion on railway safety, and provides a forum for an in-depth exchange of experience and lessons for improving rail safety and sharing of global best practices.HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General

and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), expressed his delight over the hosting of the International Railway Safety Conference by the RTA.He considered this announcementa testament to the confidence pinned by international organizations in the global standing

of Dubai and its ability to host and deliver international events in style. “RTA will invite to this event a great lineup of rail safety management executives, rail operators, maintenance contractors, railway societies, and accident investigators among others,” said Al Tayer.“RTA attaches considerable attention

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Our News

to security & safety; which is incorporated in its vision where safety takes precedence to smooth transit (Safe & Smooth Transport for All). Safety and environmental sustainability are also one of the strategic goals of the RTA. The compliance with health & safety standards in RTA projects is one of the core values, which cannot be waived or compromised under any circumstances. All projects undertaken, underway or to be undertaken in future by the RTA are designed and implemented at the highest safety levels and environmental requirements. They are subjected to a thorough assessment during all construction phases to verify the compatibility of construction processes with the international standards relating to projects safety,” added Al Tayer.

“RTA has an impressive record in the implementation of safety standards to the rail

projects at world-class standards like the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram; which have recorded a safety level better than the acceptable global rate of one accident per million working hours. RTA adopted the highest standards of rail safety and has signed several agreements and MoUs with global entities such as the Rail Safety Office in the UK, SMRT in Korea (Singapore)and others. Moreover, the organizational chart of the RTA has an independent department affiliated to the Strategy & Governance Sector named Safety, Risk Regulation and Planning Department that caters to planning, policies, licensing, regulations, investigation in accidents, auditing and monitoring. The RTA has also established quality, health, safety and environment units in various agencies & sectors and culminated its efforts in this regard by launching the Safety Award in 2009 to decorate entities, companies and individuals who have made excellent contributions in the field of safety.”

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44 national, heritage events in celebration of National Day44 taxicabs, 10 bus stops

wrapped up by national flags

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), attended RTA’s UAE 44th National Day two-day celebrations, which included 44 heritage events that reflected the Spirit of the Union.

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and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, along with their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the emirates, the UAE has made impressive economic, developmental, social and urban achievements enabling it to take a prominent figure worldwide, and a global business, financial, and tourist hub. “The prestigious standing enjoyed by the UAE is also ascribed to the wise approach adopted by our prudent leaders in foreign policy, as

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE,

Commenting on the events, Al Tayer said: “Thanks to the wise leadership of

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well as regional and international relations based on the principles of good neighborliness & friendship, respecting international conventions, and offering humanitarian help to sisterly countries all over the world to alleviate their sufferings. Although the economic, social and urban achievements made so far are unique by all standards, the real miracle is represented in grooming the human capabilities through science, thought, culture and all forms of knowledge that contributed to boosting the development drive,” added Al Tayer.“December 2nd has remained a source of pride for all Emiratis since the UAE had been founded in 1971, rendering it the most successful unionist model across the Arab

its deeply rooted history & cultural legacy,” continued Al Tayer.“The Spirit of the Union epitomizes the idea associated with the constituents of the UAE Federation derived from the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continued by our wise leaders, led by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.Variety of eventsMattar Al Tayer, accompanied by scores of CEOs and directors, toured the 44-shaped Heritage model, that comprises 44 booths to display the products made by RTA’s employees

world. This has paved the way for the blessed renaissance and progress

drive, which enabled the UAE to take such a prestigious position befitting

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to showcase their skills and creativity in diverse project management areas. The booths included a handmade products stand, and an old therapeutic herbs & perfumes corner, in addition to a popular food buffet. Events also included a workshop for drawing the UAE’s map in the shape of the national flag, and a heritage event where traditional dances of Ayyalah and Youla were performed. Some areas were designated for the RTA’s nursery children to play UAE federation-themed edutainment games, in addition to organizing prized contests for employees and children.The RTA has decorated main roads in Dubai with 1000 flags in and wrapped up 44 taxicabs as well as 10 bus stations, World Trade Center Metro Station, 3 buses, one abra, one ferry and one water taxi using UAE flag. 100 flags have also been fitted to RTA Head Office, Public Transport Agency premises, and the Main customers service center. 300 flags have been fixed on the roofs of RTA Head Office, and the event included traditional tents near metro stations offering traditional cuisine, gifts and entertainment spots to children.“The RTA has also distributed gifts to customers of service centers, and driving institutes, and provided a buffet for traditional dishes at RTA Head Office. Entertainment events included the outdoor traditional kitchen, Ayala band, and martial arts band to chant patriotic songs.

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Based on leadership, supremacy and impactThe innovation strategy endorsed to enhance RTA’s leading role

The Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), chaired by HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, has endorsed the new Innovation Strategy of RTA based on three key drivers; leadership, supremacy and impact. The strategy is aimed at empowering the RTA to deliver inspiring innovation for the present and future generations.

internal efficiency through sustained improvements of internal operations with the aim of maintaining the high profile of the RTA as a patron of innovation. The sixth is the economic growth of Dubai aimed towards enhancing the sustainable development of the Emirate. “The strategy classified innovation into three types; the first is gradual innovation; which relates to the development of better, faster and cost-effective services and products which do not lead to generating above-average returns. This sort of innovation contributes to improvements in the performance, cost and value added to customer by a rate ranging from 2 to 25%. The

aim is to realize the vision of Dubai Government in making Dubai the smartest city worldwide. The second is the achieving of excellence in RTA services and products through offering 7-star customer services. The third is the integrated mobility means with the aim of providing high-class mobility experience in Dubai city and meeting the future needs of an integrated transportation and infrastructure. The fourth aspect spotlighted by the strategy is the safety & environmental sustainability with the aim of maintaining the welfare of Dubai residents & visitors, and playing a leading role in conserving the environment. The fifth element is the improvement of

“Innovation is the exceptional change that prompts all parties to improve products, services and business processes in a way that generates a sustainable added value to all community segments,” said Al Tayer.“Through its innovation strategy, the RTA is seeking to assume a leading position in the field of transport at the regional and global levels, excel in delivering services and products to customers, and generate a substantial impact at various levels through coping with all challenges in the way of realizing its vision of Safe & Smooth Transport for All.“The innovation strategy has identified six areas to focus on. The first is the smart city where the

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second type is the core innovation; which is associated with a core change in technology used or the business model of products & services that lead to improvements in performance, cost and value added by more than 25%. The third type is the transitional innovation (root) concerned with setting new structures for competition in technologies or cost, besides bringing about a revolution in technologies, business models or creating an added value to the customer. The strategy classified RTA’s innovations into four key areas. The first is leadership & management; which relates to the adoption of innovative practices in leadership, innovation culture, development of administrative programs, and management & governance systems. The second area is a business model designed in a way specifying how the RTA can promote, sell and deliver value to customers. The third is operation & processes which is focused on innovation in improving operation procedures & methodologies and harnessing them towards serving customers, streamlining services offered and stepping up internal efficiency. The fourth areas is products & services covering the introduction of new products & services or improving the existing ones. Innovation MethodologyThe RTA has accorded special attention to creativity and innovation and was keen to impart it in its various projects as it believes that its growth, progress and competitiveness in excellence fields depends largely on its innovation methodology, thus giving added value to all its projects and services to overcome transport challenges in Dubai emirate.

Three years ago, the RTA launched the Creativity & Knowledge Week initiative as an annual event, comprising a series of events and activities including the Knowledge Cup and Creativity Contest. It has also invited leading figures to share their success stories with employees, and conducted short courses of relevance to its business domain. In recent years, the RTA has radically changed its practices in “Innovation Management” rendering it an integral part of the corporate system. In 2014 it developed a Research, Development and Innovation Section, affiliated to the Office of the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, and set up innovation teams in all affiliated sectors and agencies. It has also launched an annual Scientific Research award, and established an Innovation Lab concerned with the implementation of the best global practices in various RTA’s work fields. The RTA has also endorsed the outline of corporate researches, together with the corporate research plan for 2015-2021.The RTA has accomplished several

creative and innovative projects highlighted by the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram projects, which have contributed to coaxing a quantum shift in mass transit systems in Dubai emirate. Another flagship project undertaken by the RTA is transformation of all services into smart services designed to be innovative and user-friendly. The RTA has also inaugurated the Smart Mall service, the first of its kind worldwide, in five Metro stations, where users can do shopping via innovative, interactive screens. The RTA has also embarked on the installation of 100 smart air-conditioned bus shelters fitted with free internet service enabling riders to process a variety of services. The RTA is currently considering the use of smart driverless vehicles in Dubai, as part of its efforts to introduce cutting-edge technologies in smart mobility to be used in Expo 2020. It is also mulling the introduction of the Smart Rental initiative through the deployment of dedicated vehicles to lift mass transit users (particularly Dubai Metro riders) to their final destinations.

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Innovation is a subject of global demand for leveraging economic growth (Innovation Bus) leads Innovation Week to Projects Gallery at Noor Bank StationHE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has attended, in the presence of CEOs, Directors and scores of RTA employees, the launch of the Innovation Week held by the RTA in implementation of the directives of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declaring 2015 as a Year of Innovation. The event is also aligned with the launch of the National Innovation Strategy by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim of contributing to the fruition of the UAE Vision 2021.

The Innovation Week held by the RTA encompasses an array of distinguished events including lectures, seminars, workshops, innovation gallery, Innovation Bus plying all areas of Dubai, Innovation Cinema, and a training camp for students in collaboration with Enjaz among other events.The event, which was kick-started by a lecture delivered by the international expert Tom Kelly, Partner & Founder of IDU Graphic Designs and Development, was attended by Mattar Al Tayer and a host of RTA leaders and staffs, and focused on the best innovation practices worldwide.

“When we roll

out an idea of a project or a service to customers, we have to take into consideration from the beginning the need of people for this project or service such that it can deliver its objectives, and we must ensure the optimal utilization of the existing human, technical or informational resources,” said Kelly.

Innovation BusAl Tayer then launched the Innovation Bus which will tour all part of Dubai during the Innovation Week. Al Tayer attended to a briefing by Ms. Laila Faridoon, Executive Director of the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors cum Head of RTA Innovation Strategy

Committee, about

the components of the Bus. The Bus is fitted with high-tech systems and interactive screens as well as office equipment enabling the holding of mini training courses about innovation issues.As part of the events of the first day, Al Tayer opened the Innovation Gallery at Noor Bank Metro Station exhibiting models of innovative projects accomplished by the RTA and those to be undertaken in future. Al Tayer toured the Gallery comprising projects such as the metro, tram, water canal, union oasis as well as the electrical bus and the hybrid taxi and self-service kiosks deployed at vital areas and malls.“Innovation has a global appeal, and economically advanced countries are vying to adopt its concepts and

23Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

Innovation is a subject of global demand for leveraging economic growth (Innovation Bus) leads Innovation Week to Projects Gallery at Noor Bank Station

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smart apps. It has recently launched the Smart Mall; the first of its kind worldwide, in five metro stations enabling shoppers to use creative interactive screens. It has also embarked on the construction of 100 smart air-conditioned bus shelters offering riders free internet.“The RTA has a standing innovation committee to develop plans, programs and initiatives contributing to the realization of the leadership. It has also

established a research and innovation section in 2014, launched the smart innovation strategy, and established an innovation lab focused on the best global practices within the business domain of the RTA; which will contribute to realizing RTA’s vision of Safe and Smooth Transport for All,” added Al Tayer.

transport means, and reduce vehicle ownership as

well as carbon emissions.

practices as they appreciate its role in driving the economic growth. It is a key element in building a knowledge-based sustainable economy. The RTA recognized that its advancement and competitiveness rests largely on the innovation methodology and the added value of all transit-oriented projects & services in Dubai. The RTA is dedicating its efforts to realize the aspirations of our leadership to rank Dubai the smartest city in the world and has therefore adopted innovative solutions to the mobility challenges in Dubai.“Thanks to the government support, innovation has been integrated in the services offered to make people happier. RTA’s projects, which are highlighted by the Dubai Metro and Tram, have brought a paradigm shift in the mass transit systems in Dubai. The RTA has also succeeded in transforming all customer services into smart, creative and user-friendly services where 173 services are offered in smart platforms through 10

“The RTA is currently mulling the use of smart autonomous

vehicles in Dubai as part of its efforts to utilize sophisticated technologies in achieving smart mobility with the aim of applying the concept during Expo 2020. It is also considering the Smart Rental initiative where dedicated vehicles could be deployed to ease the mobility of public transport riders, especially the metro, to their final destinations.

Such initiative will also increase the ridership of public

Smart Vehicles

A camp to train students on transit innovation tools

More than 32 thousand students have benefited from Injaz UAE program with the assistance of more than 3 thousand private sector volunteers in more than 47 schools and universities since 2005. This cooperation included a galaxy of distinguished events launched by the RTA as part of its participation in the UAE Innovation Week a few days ago. The RTA was keen to showcase its role through this event in turning innovation into a reality to be achieved on the ground.The RTA has screened its innovation strategy at the Head Office in the

presence of representatives of 9 government bodies namely: Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Customs, Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, Dubai Sports Council, Public Prosecution, JAFZA, Etisalat, and Dubai Chamber. The RTA spotlighted three aspects on which its innovation strategy is based: the first is leadership in the field of transport at the regional and global levels. The second superiority in delivering services, products and activities, and the third is bringing a substantial impact at social, financial

and customers’ levels through coping with challenges in the way of realizing our vision of Safe and Smooth Transport for All.Events included a lecture delivered by the international expert Tom Kelly, Partner & Founder of IDU Graphic Designs and Development, who shed light on the best innovation practices worldwide. Discussion panels were held at Al Wasl Auditorium for the winners of the Dubai Government Excellence Program (2014-2015) in the categories of the innovative employee, innovative idea, and

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Injaz UAE organization, is holding a training camp at H Hotel to familiarize participants with innovation concept. Students will be trained on the tools of innovation with special focus on transportation.

24

is a member in Junior Achievement Foundation,

the largest non-governmental Global Foundation and the fastest growing of the

young people business devoted to educating and grooming students to the job market. Injaz UAE has forged partnerships with the private sector, educational institutions & volunteers. They work together to inspire students and develop their skills to enable them make financial and economic successes. The Foundation also promotes the cooperation between volunteers and students and oversees the readiness of the job market, leads business, and eliminates financial and economic

literacy through training programs and practical experiences. It also reviews the

relationship between work and life in the 21st

century.

the distinguished government employee where winners spoke about their practices until reaching the decoration stage. There was a great interaction between attendees and winners involving questions about the concept of innovation. The innovation cinema targeted inspectors and drivers segment where several inspiring footage were displayed prompting the audience to adopt the innovation concept and make a style of working and thinking.The RTA has launched bus named “Innovation Bus - The UAE Innovates” that toured Dubai. The Bus is equipped with all the technical and logistical equipment required for organizing mini-training sessions about innovation topics through which the public is apprised of the innovation-conducive tools, besides distributing related books. The RTA shared innovative ideas with the participants about some issues they face with the RTA services. The RTA also wrapped some Dubai Tram carriages with posters about UAE Innovation Week as part of media promotional efforts of the event. It has also held a gallery at Noor Bank Station exhibiting models for the diffusion of knowledge and inspiring the public to interact with the UAE Innovation Week.The RTA also held a special event where the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector of the RTA held the government innovation lab about the future of transport involving participants from the RTA and beyond. A number of public transport riders also took part and a professional artist was invited to portray and embody ideas discussed in order to

c o m e up with a visualization of the future of transport in the Emirate of Dubai.Ms. Leila Faridon, Executive Director of the Office of the Director General Office and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors cum Head of the Supervisory Committee of Innovation Strategy, RTA, said: The UAE Innovation Week represents a pillar for the desired future of our society, by embracing this concept as it has become an essential ingredient of progress and prosperity of societies. The RTA has made strenuous efforts to achieve the vision and aspirations of our wise leadership aimed at

rendering Dubai the

number one city in the world. The RTA has introduced

innovative solutions to overcome transportation challenges in Dubai emirate. Thanks to kind support of our prudent leadership, the RTA managed to integrate innovation into the services delivered to make people happy, and has accomplished a number of innovative projects.

File issue

Injaz UAE

For more information, please visit the websites: www.injazuae.org or www.jaworldwide.org.

25Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

26

Innovative workshop about delivering NOL card, e-Wallet servicesRTA’s Corporate Technical Support Services Sector has recently held agovernment innovation worship under the slogan (We Meet, Think, Innovate and Advance) to discuss how to be innovative in delivering NOL card and e-Wallet services. Abdullah Al Madani, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technical Support Services Sector had attended the workshop, which took place at the Government Innovative Lab of RTA at the Dubai Tram Depot, Al Sufouh. Attendees also included directors, managers and a host of RTA employees, one representative of strategic partners (Land & Properties Dep’t), a number of university students, and the team of the Government Innovation Lab.

This creative step comes within the context

of RTA’s commitment to the initiative

and directives of our government for

holding Government Innovation Labs with

the aim of improving the performance

through discussing innovative ideas that

can effectively contribute to nurturing

a superb working environment in the

Emirate of Dubai.

“The workshop discussed a host of vital

topics focused on simplifying the services

and procedures for NOL card users in

order to overcome the existing challenges

encountered. Such brainstorming sessions

can generate cracking ideas that form the

blueprints of creative initiatives to leverage

RTA’s excellence drive of serving various

community segments, especially NOL card

holders. Discussion also covered several

issues related to the e-Wallet and how

to innovate in delivering this service to

20 ideas rose from the technical testing development laboratory

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently held two innovation labs as part of its commitment to the initiative and directives of the Government to hold innovation labs. The objective of these labs is to leverage the performance through discussing creative ideas capable of generating a high-class business environment in the Emirate of Dubai.

The first of these two labs was held by

the Traffic and Roads Agency and tackled

short-term solutions for traffic congestions.

Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA’s

Traffic and Roads Agency, delivered an

opening speech in which she touched on the

highlights of the workshop, which was held

at the Dubai Tram Depot at Al Sufouhin the

presence of several external consultants, and

students of Higher Colleges of Technology in

addition to a bunch of experts & employees

of the Agency. Maitha expressed the

keenness of the Agency to ensure a smooth

flow of traffic on all highways & streets

of Dubai. The Agency, she says, conducts

periodic studies to examine and implement

the best traffic solutions for snarls on the

basis of established procedures at the

highest global standards. Solutions include

widening of roads by adding more lanes, or

introducing new entry & exit points capable

27Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

customers,” said Al Madani.

During the workshop, two visual

presentations were made covering

streamlined procedures and services to

RTA’s NOL card/e-Wallet users along with

a detailed explanation of processes of the

Government Innovation Lab at the RTA. A

brainstorming session was held to generate

fresh ideas for improving services and

developing initiatives in this regard.

Al Madani praised the positive impact of

such initiatives as they prompt the personnel

concerned to come up with smart, creative,

pioneering, effective and sustainable

solutions for the best procedures of testing

vehicles, considering the diverse challenges

in this regard. This, says Al Madani, has

motivated us to hold this innovative lab in

order to develop appropriate solutions that

meet the needs of community members

in line with RTA’s strategic goal of bringing

happiness to people.

It is noteworthy that RTA’s innovative lab,

which is situated at the Dubai Tram Depot at

Al Sufouh, is considered the first government

innovation lab in Dubai. It comprises training

halls fitted with sophisticated equipment,

areas for holding brainstorming sessions, a

gorgeous innovation club designed at the

highest standards to nurture an inspiring

innovative environment, a platform

for presenting and debating ideas, and

interactive display monitors enabling

the sharing of visual contents between

members. These monitors can be interfaced

with smartphones & handheld computers

of participants enabling wireless display of

contents. The lab also contains supporting

facilities such as a rest hall, prayer room,

and meeting halls.

of realizing RTA’s vision of Safe and Smooth

Transport for All.

“In the near future we will introduce

a variety of solutions to address traffic

congestions in several hotspots across the

Emirate using intelligent traffic systems,”

added Maitha. A visual presentation was

made to examine the key challenges of

short-term solutions for tailbacks in a

brainstorming session to thrash out new

ideas and approaches to the service

improvement and proposed initiatives.

The second lab was held by the Licensing

Agency entitled: “Improving Procedures

of Technical Testing of Vehicles. The aim of

the lab was to develop innovative solutions

for streamlining the technical testing

procedures in order to develop a faster and

more accurate testing regime accessible

to customers everywhere. The session

was attended by Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO

of Licensing Agency, directors, and service

providers of technical testing of vehicles

and the supply of technological and smart

instruments.

A visual presentation was made in the

session about the technical testing of

vehicles service of RTA highlighting the

evolution of the technical testing phases

starting from the visual inspection to

the automatic testing, the introduction

of sophisticated testing instruments,

developing a central system for all

testing centers, and standardizing testing

proceduresbefitting the technological

advancement of automanufacturing.

The presentation also shed light on the

expansion of the facilities of technical

testing services from 2 to 25 centers and 4

auto dealers, and examined an expansion

plan for testing centers and technical

workshops in the Emirate of Dubai.

The presentation showed that until

September 2015 about 1,091,332 light

vehicles, and 126,183 heavy vehicles

have been tested in Dubai that brings

the total number of vehicles tested to

1,217,515 vehicles. It also indicated the

challenges experienced by the technical

testing of vehicles, such as the lack of

qualified human resources, variation in

the perception of the extent or gravity

of defects by examiners, and the fast

technological advancements made by

vehicles manufacturers among other

challenges.

A presentation was also made about the

global practices of technical testing of

vehicles by an international expert who

made a number of suggestions and ideas

for improving the technical testing process

in the Emirate of Dubai.

Bahrozyan commended the positive role

of the lab in encouraging employees to

contribute smart, pioneering, effective

and sustainable solutions in order

to figure out the best procedures of

vehicles testing, considering the multiple

challenges in hand. “This has prompted

us to hold this innovative lab in a bid to

come up with appropriate solutions that

meet the needs of community members

and conform to the strategic goals of RTA

“People’s Happiness,” he said.

“Participants in the session came up with

20 excellent innovative ideas, which will

soon be studied and further developed

in order to implement them in the near

future and serve the main objective

of improving the technical testing

procedures,” added Bahrozyan.

File issue

28

In fulfillment of the requirements of the Dubai Data LawThe completion of 80% of RTA’s data classification The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the classification of 80% of its data in fulfillment of the requirements of the Dubai Data Law introduced by the Dubai Government in the mid of last October. The law provides for delivering clear-cut principles & procedures obliging all government and semi-government entities in the Emirate of Dubai to open their databases and share them with other departments. The aims of the law is to integrate and standardize the Dubai Data, deliver uniform & integrated services to the public, and present a clear and full picture to decision makers in various public and semi-public departments as regards a variety of all economic, social, urban and planning activities in the Emirate.

Abdullah Al Madani, Chairperson of the Dubai Open Data Committee in the Government of Dubai cum Head of the Dubai Smart City Project, and CEO of the Corporate Technical Support Services Sector at the RTA reiterated RTA’s commitment to the

implementation of this Law. He noted that the Law had set well defined procedures for classifying data in Dubai and a number of standards for databases, and following up the broadcasting & sharing of data with various entities aiming to develop

a standard platform for data in the Emirate. Such a platform will enable the sharing of data between operating entities of the Emirate with a view to nurturing an integrated legislative environment capable of driving the development of the city towards

IPRA award for Best Media Marketing of Smart Apps

Achievements

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has scooped the Golden International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Award in the category of Consumer PR For An Existing Service -Inhouse . The award culminates RTA’s efforts in running promotional campaigns through the Marketing & Corporate Communication Department showcasing smart apps developed in respect of a variety of RTA services.

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA accepted the award from Ms. Moaza Al Marri, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication (MCC) and the Award’s team. Al Tayer expressed his delight with the accolade and called for yet extra efforts to maintain the excellent corporate performance achieved, and

keep up with RTA’s enhanced image when it comes to adopting the best government practices. “The RTA has managed to scoop IPRA Award in Johannesburg despite highly competitive submissions made; which reflects the innovative efforts of the internal team of the MCC Department in undertaking a professional approach towards promoting the smart apps

developed for RTA’s services,” said Moaza.“RTA’s submission to the Award included a number of smart apps launched such as the smart Salik, smart parking, public transport, drivers & vehiclesin addition to corporate services. Such apps complement RTA’s apps structure like Wojhati, RTA, and the smart taxi. Such promotional and marketing campaigns contributed to

29Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

In fulfillment of the requirements of the Dubai Data LawThe completion of 80% of RTA’s data classification

making it the smartest worldwide.Al Madani summarized RTA’s commitment towards fulfilling the requirements of the Open Data Law through classifying its data, broadcasting open data according to controls & principles provided for in the Dubai Data Directory, drawing up a plan for broadcasting and sharing RTA’s data according to the approved timeline, taking procedures necessary for broadcasting and updating the open and shared data to ensure its quality, and complying with the principles of confidentiality and patency rights. Commitments also include modification of the infrastructure (devices, systems, and information) to enable RTA broadcast and share data online, handling of incoming data from other data providers in accordance with

the approved policies, and employing staffs with specific qualifications to undertake the classification and management of RTA data, and supply the competent bodies with any information or reports needed in this regard. It is noteworthy that the initial phase of the implementation process, which has been endorsed by the Executive Committee of Dubai Smart City, covered RTA in addition to a host of other government departments. In the contest of its efforts to fulfill the requirements of the Law, RTA has run a number of relevant initiatives including staging a contest for university students released by the end of last July, setting up of a team to implement the Dubai Data Law in RTA, and completing several supporting projects. “The new Law sets the legislative structures

required, which will open new innovation avenues for investors in the digital economy, and complement the legislative structure of the Dubai Smart City,” added Al Madani.“The Law will also enhance the integration between the services delivered by federal and local government bodies, maximize the benefit from data available with data providers, and improve the transparency of sharing data between data providers. It will also set the pillars for governance in broadcasting data and step up the efficiency of services provided by federal and local government offices to customers in terms of quality of deliverables, speed of processing, simplified procedures, and operational costs besides effectively contributing to people’s happiness.

raising the awareness of the smart services and their role in making peoples life easier in terms of saving time & effort; which reflects positively on the satisfaction of clients, and the happiness of people,” she added.The Award, which was collected at Johannesburg by Ms. Khulood Al Sharaf, Manager of Media

Communication Section at the MCC Department, is a testament to the importance of media marketing in the services industry across the globe. The RTA has been well aware of this trend as reflected in the full mobilizing of resources to communicate and interact with various media channels, be it written, audio or visual as well as

the social media (Facebook, Twitter), text and Whatsapp messages. The trend has become more relevant given RTA’s growing smart apps offering, rendering the delivery of multiple services just at a click of a button on a smartphone; enabling the serving of local community needs using best-in-class standards.

30

Our projects

The new project extends 57 KmCycling lanes in Warqaa, Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar & KhawaneejThe Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), chaired by HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA has endorsed awarding a contract for constructing two cycling & running tracks projects at Warqaa, Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar and Khawaneej. The tracks, which extend 57 km and cost about AED79 million, will be constructed during a 12 months period.

“The construction of the dedicated cycling and running tracks projects in the Emirate of Dubai is a manifestation of the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This projectis to implement the instructions of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of theDubai Sports Council, to provide suitable options to encourage residents to practice sport and cycling. It also ensures that the infrastructure of residential

districts is conducive to the practicing of sport as it has immense health benefits for community members. The project is part of a master plan developed by RTA for providing dedicated cycling & running tracks covering the entire Emirate to be environment-friendly mobility means for cycling enthusiasts. Advanced countries focus on raising the rate of trips made by walking and cycling,” said al Tayer.“The first project covers the construction of a cycling and running route extending 32 km at Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar and Khawaneej along

with three bridges for the combined use of cyclists & pedestrians at Al Khawaneej at a cost of AED52 million. The other project covers the construction of cycling & running tracks spanning 25 km at Warqaa along with a bridge for the combined use of cyclists & pedestrians at Tripoli Road at a cost of AED27 million,” he noted.“These districts were selected on the basis of several perimeters highlighted by population density, attractiveness to cyclists, surrounding areas, suitability of locations & existing obstacles, traffic safety, and

31Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

appeal to pedestrians. Moreover, lanes have been designed in such a way that provides safety and security of cyclists,” explained Al Tayer.Opening of Seih Assalam – Nad Al Sheba TrackRTA has recently opened the Dubai Cycling Track (Seih Assalam – Nad Al Sheba) stretching about 23 km. The project links with the existing cycling lane of Seih Assalam at Al Qudra Road (at the Gate of the Dubai Cycling Track), and extends further in the direction of the Emirates

Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Barari and up to Nad Al Sheba. The 115 km-long cycling tracks at Seih Assalam includes several public utilities, outlets for renting bikes & accessories, a fully equipped medical clinic, and 10 rest points all along the biking lane fitted with seats and bike racks.“In 2008, RTA developed a Cycling Master Plan that included charting out routes for bikes whether within the rights-of-way or in separate lanes.

The Plan detailed the standards of separating cycling tracks from pedestrian pathways, and addressed cycling tracks at intersection points. It also covered the provision of biking racks in general and at the public transport stations in particular, cycling lanes in entertainment areas, materials to be used in the construction of routes, and related signage for bikes and tracks,” elaborated Al Tayer.“Over the past years, RTA had constructed biking lanes extending more than 178 km. This includes 115 km at Seih Assalam and Al Qudra Road, 17 km at Jumeirah Road, 11 km at the central area of Bur Dubai, and various other districts as well as nearby metro and tram stations. Additionally, RTA is currently undertaking a project for linking the cycling lanes at Seih Assalam, Nad Al Sheba involving the construction of 23 km-long cycling lanes. It has also completed a project for allocating bike racks at stations of the Red and Green lines of the metro as well as the Dubai Tram stations,” he further noted.

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Part of a raft of projects endorsed by Mohammed bin RashidContract for construction of Academic City Road Project (Phase II), costing AED474 mRTA has awarded a contract for constructing Phase II of the Academic City Road Project, in implementation of the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to start construction works in a host of road projects and mass transit systems. HH endorsed these road projects and mass transit systems during a visit he paid to RTA’s HQ last September. The new road, which costs about AED474 million, extends from the Dubai – Al Ain Interchange up to Al Yalayis Road, and is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2017.

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: “The improvement of the Academic City Road project is part of RTA’s master plan for improving roads, bridges, crossings and underpasses to cope with the rising traffic movement, and ease the mobility in various parts of the Emirate. It also comes in implementation of RTA’s strategic

plan for improving the infrastructure of roads network and mass transit systems in Dubai, and developing integrated solutions of roads network as well as land & marine transit system that are safe for users, compatible with the sweeping development plans, responsive to the needs of demographic growth, and capable of leveraging development and investment drive in the Emirate.

“The project comprises the construction of a road of 4 lanes in each direction extending 25 km starting from the Dubai – Al Ain Interchange up to Al Yalayis Road. The project includes the construction of a bridge at the intersection of the Academic City Road with Latifa bint Hamdan Road near the entrance of the Global Village for the traffic inbound from Emirates Roads along

33Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

with a signalized intersection at-gradeunderneath the bridge. It also includes the construction of a temporary roundabout at the intersection with Al Qudra Road, and another signalized intersection at-grade with Hessa Road. RTA, in coordination with Dubai Prosperities Group, has recently started

the construction of Phase I of Improvement of the Extension of the Academic City Road Project costing about AED67 million, which is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2016,” stated Al Tayer.“Phase I of the project has two sections. The first encompasses the improvement of Hessa Road extension

covering a 4 km-long sector of two lanes in each direction from the entry of Ramram Project up to the existing R/A at the entry of the Dubai Sport City. The R/A will be converted into a signalized junction to ease the traffic movement of residents from and to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The project will cut short the journey time from 20 to 5 minutes, and serve a plethora of development projects in the neighbourhood such as the Dubai Studio City, Mudon, Akoya and Dubai Golf City. The other section of the project covers improvement of the road linking the extension of the Academic City Road with the Emirates Road to serve The Villa project in a 2.5 km-long sector of two lanes in each direction.“The new Academic City Road will terminate by linking with Al Yalayis Road, which has recently been completed by RTA, linking the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (at Al Houdh R/A) with the Emirates Road

“Al Yalyais Road constitutes an additional traffic corridor linking the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and the Emirates Road running parallel to Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road. The project will thus play a principal role in diverting a huge portion of traffic movement, especially trucks, from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to the Emirates Road. The Road is expected to be used by about 55 thousand vehicles per day, and will have a capacity to handle 6 thousand vehicles an hour per direction,” explained Al Tayer.

Our projects

34

Constructing roads in 13 residential districtsAED216 million for constructing internal roads at Nad El Sheba & Khawaneej In implementation of the 5-Year Plan 2012-2016 endorsed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for constructing internal roads in a number of residential districts in Dubai Emirate costing about one AED1 billion, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently awarded a contract for constructing internal roads at Nad El Sheba 4 and Al Khawaneej 2 at a cost of AED216 million.

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: “The construction of internal roads at Nad El Sheba 4 and Al Khawaneej 2 stems from RTA’s commitment to upgrade the infrastructure of roads, lighting, and rainwater drainage system in residential areas. The project is intended to meet the needs of the

urban and demographic expansion in the Emirate and make people happier. Over the past years, RTA has completed the construction of internal roads in 13 residential areas costing about AED552 million. Work is underway in the construction of internal road projects in five residential districts costing about AED319 million. In 2016, RTA will

undertake road projects in five residential areas namely: Al Awir 1, and Jebel Ali Industrial in addition to Al Qusais Industrial Area 3, 4 and 5.“The internal roads project at Al Khawaneej 2 will cost about AED127 million and take about 15 months to complete. It comprises the construction of roads network extending 80 km in length and 7.3

Beware

Data classificationMake sure that you know the classification level of your business documents in order to handle them accordingly.

Information Security Department - Information Technology Management.

35Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

meters in width for collector roads, and 7 meters in width for local roads. It also includes the construction of roadside parking slots on both sides of roads at a width of 2.5 meters, in addition to street lighting, and rainwater drainage,” added Al Tayer.

“Internal roads at Nad El Sheba will cost AED89 million, and take about 420 days to construct; thus all works are expected to be completed at the beginning of 2017. The project covers the construction of roads extending 56 km at a width of 7.3

meters for collector roads, and 7 meters for local roads at Nad El Sheba 4th (Area 282); which is part of Nad El Sheba 1 (Area 618). The project also includes utility works such as lighting of internal roads and rainwater drainage,” noted Al Tayer.

Mobile SecurityAlways lock your mobile device with a personal identification number (PIN) or complex password.

Our projects

36

Our Services

Including 50 smart shelters, 150 solar-powered sheltersContract awarded for constructing 400 shelters for Bus Riders (Phase II)The Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), chaired by HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors has recently endorsed the award of a contract for starting the construction of Phase II of Air-Conditioned Bus Shelters Project. The contract, which covers the construction of 400 air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus shelters, has been awarded to Right Angle Media Company on the basis of public-private-partnership (Design-Build-Operate-Transfer Model). The project will be complete by the end of 2017, and will bring the total number of bus shelters to as much as 1295.

Phase II of Air-Conditioned Bus Shelters Project culminates the success of the initial phase of the project, which covered the construction of 895 air-conditioned bus shelters distributed over 656 bus stops. Surveys probing the views of users showed a significant increase in the satisfaction with these shelters amongst bus riders. The project conforms to RTA’s continuous endeavors to achieve excellence & leadership through developing quality projects in the Emirate of Dubai.“The Air-Conditioned Bus Shelters Project is part of a master plan to leverage the public transport sector along with associated infrastructure in the Emirate with the aim of bringing happiness & comfort to riders especially during the blazing summer season. RTA, through this project, seeks to provide an attractive element attracting people to use mass transit means and then push the share of public transport in the daily mobility

of persons in the Emirate from 6% in 2006 to 20% in 2020 and further to 30% by 2030. In 2014, RTA succeeded in raising this rate to as much as 14%,” said Al Tayer. Solar PowerAl Tayer stated that the new shelters will cover areas in different parts of Dubai on the bases of population density, and feedbacks received from bus riders. Phase II includes the construction of about 50 smart air-conditioned shelters fitted with free internet service, as well as

the Smart Café for selling snacks & refreshments and several smart services. It also includes the construction of about 150 shelters featuring the new design of solar-powered shelters involving a creative solution for providing shelters in areas where electric power is not available. These sheltersare

37Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

fitted with solar panels, which will generate electricity enough to power lights of the Bus Stop as well as billboards. “Providing electricity to power air-conditioned shelters in some remote areas was one of the key challenges confronting planners at the initial stage of the project. Therefore, RTA has worked on ways & means to overcome this issue by developing cracking solutions to power these shelters through solar power technology. The Public Transport Agency embarked on the experimentation and assessment of the use of solar panels to power these shelters.“Shelters will be fabricated of a reinforced polyester-covered aluminum in order to protect the structures from tough elements. The seats are made of rigorous, low-heat absorption materials for the convenience of users. The protective solar sheets are made of glazed material distributed on the basis of an engineering & technical model preventing the permeation of as much as possible of sunlight to seated users. The solar panels are made of high-quality efficient materials to

generate and distribute electricity in such a way enabling maximum exposure & concentration of sunlight to convert it into electric power. LED lights will be used to power billboards to economize on the use of electric power,” said Al Tayer.

Smart SheltersRTA has started the initial phase of transforming 100 air-conditioned shelters into smart shelters in cooperation with Right Angle Company. 50 of these smart shelters will be completed this year and the remaining 50 will be completed next January. Accordingly, the total number of smart shelters will rise by the end of Phase II to 150 shelters. This initiative is aligned with RTA’s strategic goal of bringing happiness to people and encouraging them to use public transportation. It also involves an improvement of the public transport infrastructure in a creative style to make it similar to metro stations, and a transformation to a smart city. The drive also involves improved passenger information systems, and improved service satisfaction with the services of public transport.

The smart air-conditioned shelter offers a wide range of services to bus riders including a free Wi-Fi internet courtesy of Du, NOL card selling & recharging, mobile phone top-ups, payment of bills of government departments, and power-charging of mobile phones. In addition to the Smart Kiosk, the shelter will display passenger information, offer RTA services as well as interactive & promotional ads, in addition to screens displaying information about RTA services, besides the selling of refreshments & snacks.Crescent ShapeThe uniquely designed crescent-shaped shelters are manufactured of high quality materials, and using paints resistant to heat, humidity and dust. They will also be fitted with modern air-conditioning systems and eight seats custom-made to give added convenience to users. The shelter, which can accommodate 13 to 16 persons, is also friendly to the use of disabled persons, and will be fitted with screens directly linked with the control room of Public Transport Agency in order to transmit information about journeys and routes available.

38

Al Freej Bus lifts 50 thousand riders since debut last JulyRTA’s Public Transport Agency lifted more than (50) thousand riders via the bus service branded ‘Al Freej Bus’ that had been launched last July.The new service is proving increasingly popular where its daily rider-ship has leap frogged from 428 riders at the start of operation to as many as 765 riders three months later, recording in the process a 79% growth rate.

The service, which is denoted as (J01), opens a new bus route restricted to residential districts with the aim of providing mobility service to families, seniors, handicapped and housewives by lifting them from their homes to business centers, clinics, health centers, schools, recreational facilities and government offices offering a wide range of public services among others. The service is proving vitally important in the life of residents and serving their personal interests. The Route starts from the Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

to Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3 and up to the vicinity of Mall of the Emirates in a 12.2 km-long route serving about 23 thousand residents of these three districts of Al Barsha.“Through launching this service, RTA is seeking to bring more happiness to targeted brackets by offering them safe, enjoyable and smooth transit service availing them a chance to socialize with others and forge closer relationships amongst community members,” said Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development of RTA’s Public

Transport Agency.“This initiative has been undertaken following an elaborate field study conducted by the Agency covering several districts of Dubai to probe the size of demand of residents for a safe & smooth public bus service.“The Al Freej Bus shuttles in a circular loop, and may divert its route if a need dictates so, such as delivering elderly or disabled persons. The bus Route is generally aligned with the metro stations and bus stops in Dubai. The fare is payable through NOL cards likewise the standard

Voice-over service provided, translator permits abolished7 additional languages in Theory Knowledge Driving TestThe Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the endorsement of seven additional languages in the Theory Knowledge Driving Test (the knowledge test needed to obtain vehicle driving license). The service, which enables examinees to select the option of running the text in their mother tongues, is part of RTA’s continuous endeavors to realize its third strategic goal of making people happier.

over translation accompanying the text written in the language of

Bengali, Tamil, and Malayalam. The test material is run in a voice-

“The seven languages added are Hindi, Persian, Russian, Chinese,

39Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

Our Services

practice in the Emirate, and riders may use NOL monthly cards to pay for the applicable fare,” added Shakri.“Buses dedicated toAl Freej Bus service are 12-17 seats, and stops have been specified along the route. However, the driver may stop at any place, depending on a request of a

rider, provided the driver will make sure that the

s t o p

the examinee. This brings the total number of languages available in the Knowledge Test to 11 languages. Thus the applicant can now avail the chance of selecting the preferred test language; which translates into a better and clearer understanding of driving &traffic rules in a way securing the safety of road users as well as the examinee (after clearing the tests & obtaining the driver license),” said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency.“With the introduction of this step,

all permits issued in respect of employees who were previously entitled to translate the test material have been terminated; which is an important procedure towards ensuring the transparency and neutrality of the test in respect of all examinees. Meanwhile, the written Arabic language test has been amplified with the voice-over service to enhance the audio understanding of traffic rules and offer equitable chances to all applicants,” continued Bahrozyan.

“Adding more languages to the theory knowledge test for driver license applicants stems from RTA’s recognition of the growing number of nationalities as well as urbanization witnessed by the Emirate of Dubai; which naturally increases humans’ need of driver licenses. This step was therefore taken to ensure the grooming of drivers capable of contributing tothe realization of RTA’s vision of Safe and Smooth Transport for All,” added the CEO of RTA Licensing Agency.

will be safe and doesn’t undermine the safety of those on board nor road users or cause accidents. “Al Freej Bus will travel through Al Barsha 1, and pass across a number of recreational & tourist destinations such as Mall of the Emirates, Matajer, 3 to 5-star hotels, hotel apartments, restaurants, schools, and residential buildings. At Al Barsha 2 & 3, Al Freej Bus passes by a series of residential

villas mostly inhabited by Emiratis and GCC citizens, which are currently witnessing further developments including schools, hospitals, retail outlets and others,” he further added.It is noteworthy that Al Barsha is served by several bus routes including Routes 84, 93, F29, F30, and F33, rendering Al Freej Bus a high value addition to the safe & smooth mobility aboard public buses and Dubai Metro.

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Lifetime of limo extended to 10 years

3 locations offer 24/7 service45k transactions processed through ‘Nafethati’The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has revealed that more than 45 thousand transactions have so far been processed through “Nafethati” initiative topped by vehicles licensing service accounting for 56%, followed by seasonal parking cards (31%), and payment of fines (13%).

“The Nafethati initiative is part of the Smart Government requirements and the Smart City initiative launched by the Government of Dubai with the aim of raising customers’ satisfaction through responding to their needs & expectations.

These objectives are aligned with RTA’s third Strategic Goal of bringing happiness to people,” said Ahmed Mahboub, Director of Customers Service of RTA’s Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector.“The Nafethati have been

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the extension of the lifetime of long stretch limousines from 7 to 10 years. However, vehicles falling under this bracket have to pass a specialist technical test to determine their operational condition, and assess whether or not they are fit for continuing transit services following the elapse of 7 years from the start of service.

“This decision will encourage investment in stretch limo transit activity and support entities operating in this field. It will also reduce the costs of

replacement and renewal as the lifecycle of vehicles in operation is being extended to 10 years instead of 7, which will likely be accompanied by a drop in the

rates offered for the service,” said Adel Shakri, Director of Planning & Business Development, RTA’s Public Transport Agency.“The underlying factor of

41Issue No. 91 Janury 2016

activated at Al Tawar, Al Karama and Al Manar Centers to offer 24-hours service after being tentatively relocated outside the three premises. Depending on its success, the experiment will be applied to other centers for the sake of offering further assistance to our customers. Through these smart machines customers can process their transactions without seeking assistance from front-end employees, which saves their time & efforts. Services offered through these kiosks were increased from six to eight, namely: renewal of vehicles licensing, inquiry/payment of fines, printing of certificates, issuance of vehicle registration cards, printing of documents, issuance of vehicles registration cards instead of damaged/lost

extending the lifespan of deluxe stretch limos is quite logical judging by the practical business experience. The deprecation rate of this sort of vehicles does not match to the extent of depreciation sustained by ordinary limos or taxis. Stretch Limos are only operated on demand for serving private functions, important events, or VIPs and celebrities. This means that they remain intact and potentially usable for more than 7 years, and it doesn’t make

items, seasonal parking cards, and the renewal of driver licenses,” explained Mahboub.“The smart apps used by customers to process their transactions via smartphones or RTA website are linked with these machines such that these kiosks act as a channel for receiving transactions to be processed through smart and e-channels; which is part of a global trend towards standardizing customers’ service experience. The payment of channel is secured by the Smart Government of Dubai, and all machines are monitored by CCTV cameras monitored by the operating company; which can figure out the condition of the machines without waiting for complaints from customers. The most frequently used machines are

situated at Al Barsha, Al Karama, Al Tawar, Umm Al Romool and Deira.“Work is currently underway in outsourcing this service by the end of this year in order to expand and deploy the machines across the Emirate and throughout the UAE. Other services and fee payment options will be provided and machines will be located in vital locations such that they become more accessible to the public,” added Mahboub.Currently there are 16 Nafethati provided at RTA Head Office, Umm Al Romool Center, Deira Center, Al Barsha Center, JBR Center, Al Manara Center, Al Awir Center, Tasjeel Al Tawar, Tasjeel Al Barsha, Al Qusais Industrial Area 3, Shamil Al Muhaisna, Tamam Al Ghandi Center, Wasil Belhasa Center, Al Karama Center, and Al Tawar Center.

sense to replace vehicles capable of offering safe operation. Moreover, there are factories specialized in reconditioning and refitting bodies of stretch limos in countries like the US, Australia and the UK, which renders the replacement process more difficult let alone the exorbitant costs payable by operators,” explained Shakri.“All vehicles deployed in passenger transport services in Dubai are subject to a periodic vehicle replacement policy with a view

to maintaining their efficiency & outlook to fit the nature of transit services managed by RTA. Since RTA is keen on offering services capable of improving customers’ satisfaction rating & rising to their expectations, a technical committee has been set up with members from the Public Transport Agency and Licensing Agency to assess the condition of stretch limos after the elapse of 7 years in operation, and subject them to a technical tests to verify their fitness for further operation.

Our Services

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Induction workshop about (Dubai Sustainable Transport)

RTA’s Higher Organizing Committee of the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST) has held an introductory workshop for a number of public, private and educational entities in the UAE to highlight all matters of relevance to DAST. The workshop examined the seven categories, and application procedures, and prospects of adding further improvements to the Award.

Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of Rail Agency and Head of the Higher Organizing Committee of DAST, said: “Since launched in 2008, the Award has been endeavoring to improve processes to keep pace with RTA’s initiatives & projects. In this regard the Award engaged different government & private entities as well as public

benefit organizations across the nation rather than being restricted to the Emirate of Dubai. The move intended to avail these entities the opportunity to prop up RTA’s efforts and contribute to the advancement of sustainable transport in the Emirate of Dubai.” He commended the tremendous efforts made by companies which have had a

huge impact on the success of previous editions of the Award.“No doubt DAST, which is privileged by an unfettered support and attention from HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, in his capacity as Patron of the Award, is a practical

Salik Call Center handles 1.3 m calls this yearThe Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that Salik Call Center had handled about 1.3 million calls received from the public from the start of this year until November last. Calls received were highlighted by inquiries about balance, outstanding journeys, activation & addition of vehicles, change of mobile phone numbers, offences and objections. The Center has also dealt with about 35 thousand electronic messages and furnished responses to them during one working day in average.

“The Center is dealing directly with the public in supplying information, serving customer needs, and delivering 24/7 services by handling calls at a rate of 4500 to 5000 calls per day. All inquiries are attended to and customers are provided with the information they require, and are assisted to availSalik Services,” said Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA’sTraffic & Roads Agency.Maitha narrated the services of the system saying: “It covers setting up

a new Salik account, managing Salik accounts, submitting applications for modifying details of Salik accounts, updating vehicles status, adding/removing vehicle registrations, submitting objections to Salik offences, receiving complaints & suggestions, and caring for feedbacks received from individual or corporate customers as well as public & private entities. The Agency is keen on attending to all Salik channels open to customers, including the Call Center; which is considered one

of the key service-providing channels.”Commenting on the work procedure, Maitha said: “Salik Call Center is manned by 85 employees comprising 3 supervisors, 7 team leaders, and 10 employees from the quality, e-mail and fax team in addition to 65 competent and highly trained employees for responding to calls with the aim of portraying the true image for the Emirate of Dubai to citizens, residents and visitors. Jobs of these employees range from receiving calls, managing

Activities

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demonstration of the vision of the RTA aimed at providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All. Moreover, community organizations contribute to the

e-mails & incoming requests, and supervising complaints & suggestions in addition to other audit, quality and follow-up jobs to ensure high-quality levels and attain highest customers’ satisfaction rating.“The number of employees tasked corresponds to peak hours’ requirements in order to speed up the handling of calls, e-mails and fax

messages such that calls are attended to within 20 seconds, and e-mails & fax messages are catered to within one working day at most.“Salik Call Center is running a training program for employees and supervisors built on top-class standards where employees are offered training exposures to pick up the requisite skills & expertise within one month at most.

They are acquainted with the use of the required programs and systems and all service facilities so that they can effectively deal with customers in a perfect environment. The Agency oversees service improvement, quality control, and monitors some calls to assess them in order to identify the service performance and verify quality reports submitted. It also follows-up all statistical reports relating to the systems used in recording and archiving calls,” added Maitha.It is noteworthy that over the last five years Salik Call Center has clinched 5 awards at the Middle East level presented by INSIGHT Middle East, besides being nominated to Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart Government Award in the category of the Best Government Call Center in the Emirate of Dubai this year.

realization of this vision through making sustained efforts to improve the multi-modal integration of public transport, achieving sustainable transport and thereby contributing to shaping the future of Dubai,” commented Younes.He stated that the workshop was held in a bid to diffuse the concepts of sustainable transport amongst community members, and encourage various sectors to adopt best practices of the industry towards achieving the vision of Dubai in implementing sustainable initiatives for improving the quality of living of future generations.A visual presentation was made during the workshop spotlighting the objectives and seven categories of the award

namely: mobility management, mobility safety, environmental conservation, disabled, school transport, and smart apps. The special categories are: best academic research, best journalist, best media organization, best students’ project, and the most frequent users of public transport. The workshop focused on the basic and special awards, and the procedures of participation.Then winners of the 7th DAST 2014 made different presentations about their successful participations. Winners wereCAR Transport, The Center for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars, Emirates Transport, Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology, and DP World.