DM to invest Dh4b in Dubai’s infrastructure

DUBAI — More than Dh4 billion will be invested by Dubai Municipality (DM) in various infrastructure and road projects during the next two years, Qassim Sultan, Director-General, DM, said.

By Tarek S. Fleihan

Published: Thu 28 Oct 2004, 9:49 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 2:43 PM

Sultan explained that the projects, aimed at keeping pace with Dubai's rapid development, would noticeably reduce the traffic congestion by 2006.

During a Ramadan Majlis held at Dubai Press Club on Tuesday, Sultan spoke about the last meeting held between Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, and officials from Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality.

He pointed out that several issues were raised up by Shaikh Mohammed who gave instructions to officials at both bodies to study the possible plans and steps for reducing traffic jams in the emirate.

“Dubai Municipality will invest Dh4 billion in upgrading and developing Dubai's roads network and its infrastructure. The construction of the longest tunnel in the Gulf region will be among the projects expected to take place. Besides, widening of roads and interchanges, the addition of a fifth lane to Shaikh Zayed Road are among other projects,” he noted.

Although many factors combine when speaking about the issue of traffic jams, Dubai has proved to be a pioneer city in handling traffic problems as it initiated the Dubai Train project, which is expected to create one of the most advanced mass transport systems in the Gulf region, Sultan pointed out.

“We have taken part in a recent international conference on urban planning in Barcelona, Spain. The conference discussed urban planning issues and other relevant topics on city development. Participants at the conference agreed that urban advancement in Dubai is considered to be the most rapid development worldwide,” he added.

Shedding light on the municipality's housing projects, he explained that more than Dh375 million was invested for constructing housing units during 2002-04. More than 100 housing units are currently under construction, he pointed out, noting that the project is being implemented at a cost of Dh500 million.

Responding to a question on the necessity of constructing public residential units for low-income workers, he said the development board had already completed several projects and many other plans are expected to take place later on.

On the occasion, a UAE national journalist asked Sultan: “What are the goals behind launching all these huge projects? Is our culture only about constructing buildings? Do we want to build a New York City in the region?”

Sultan replied: “As a UAE national, I might agree with you about these fears. But as an official, I would say that such questions should be directed to the leaders of the country.”

About the municipality's emiratisation initiatives and plans, Sultan pointed out that the civic body has put tremendous efforts to train UAE national employees at the municipality.

“More than 800 female UAE nationals have joined the municipality, which has become a school in guiding UAE national cadres. Many of the UAE national employees, who served in Dubai Municipality, have reached prominent positions in the country later on,” he said.

Commenting on the issue of rent increase, he pointed out that the market is expected to stabilise during the next few years, according to the municipality’s studies. He explained that the rise of rents is due to the constant hike of construction and building materials worldwide.

Sultan spoke about various projects initiated by the municipality including creating special areas for pedestrians at Al Mimzar, opening new libraries in Al Mankhoul and Al Towar Areas, launching the online library project, building new parks at various areas of the emirate, and attracting youth through various activities and functions.