RTA’s energy vehicle launched

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the building of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Wednesday and was briefed on the various projects, programmes and initiatives the authority intends to implement in the next phase.

Shaikh Mohammed was accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler; and Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group.

Shaikh Mohammed and Shaikh Hamdan attend a briefing at the RTA office on Wednesday. — Wam

Shaikh Mohammed began his visit by inaugurating low carbon emission “Energy Vehicle” launched by the RTA with the aim of encouraging public and private institutions to invest in environment-friendly transport means.

Shaikh Mohammed listened to a briefing about the new vehicle by Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA Mattar Al Tayer, who said that the new vehicle is a translation of Shaikh Mohammed’s call for a green economy initiative through the implementation of the latest technology in mass transport in order to provide a safe and sustainable environment that goes with the global reputation of Dubai. After that, Shaikh Mohammed toured the RTA gallery highlighting road development and mass transport in Dubai since the 1950s till the present time. The gallery sheds light on the most prominent road projects as well as images showcasing the most important projects and initiatives implemented by the RTA since its inception in November 2005 along with awards and appreciation certificates obtained by the authority.

MENA Centre

Shaikh Mohammed went on to unveil a plaque of the Middle East and North Africa Centre for excellent transport before touring the various sections of the centre crowning the great achievement of the 59^th UITP (International Association of Public Transport) Congress and Mobility and City Transport Exhibition hosted by Dubai in April 2011. The centre is a joint venture between the RTA and the International Union of Public Transport.

Al Tayer explained that enhancing public transport strategies in the Middle East and North Africa and spreading the culture of public transport in the region are among the centre’s major aims.

Bike track

At the RTA’s main meeting hall, Shaikh Mohammed listened to a presentation by Mattar Al Tayer and RTA engineers on the different plans, projects and programmes of the RTA to be implemented in the next phase. Shaikh Mohammed approved the name and logo of Dubai bike track in Sieh Al Salam and the 70km Endurance Street.

Deira Souq, Ittihad Square projects

Shaikh Mohammed also approved the Diera Souq improvement project and gave green light to pedestrian crossing project designs to be implemented by the RTA in the next stage before being briefed on the progress of work in the Al Khail Street development project.

Shaikh Mohammed listened to an illustration about land planning project around metro stations before reviewing Al Ittihad Square Project. He also gave his directions for the completion of the study concerning transforming Dar Al Ittihad to a museum that documents the different stages of the UAE federation. He went on to view road network and mass transport performance indices.

Also accompanying Sheikh Mohammed during the visit were Shaikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director of the Dubai Ruler’s Court; Amed Abdullah Al Sheikh, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office; and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director of Protocol and Hospitality.