DUBAI  – Millions of residents and visitors from around the world will take home memorable magical moments of a 32-day retail bonanza as the 17^th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) draws to a close today.

The DSF has lived up to its promise of staging the most exciting activities and offering the best shopping experience for the whole family, inspired by the theme “One World, One Family, One Festival”, and its marketing slogan for this year “Dubai at its Best”.

Laila Suhail, CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions (DEPE), an agency of the Department of Economic Development and the organiser of Dubai Shopping Festival, said: “With the end of another successful journey, we would like to emphasise that this would not have been possible without the long-standing and whole-hearted support of our partners in the private sector, which is a reflection of how different synergies could work in unison to successfully put together a monumental extravaganza such as the Dubai Shopping Festival year after year.” Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator-General and Deputy CEO of DEPE, said: “This year’s festivities again transformed Dubai into a mega centre for shopping and entertainment. The support and cooperation extended by various government entities, big and small, played a crucial part in ensuring that DEPE was able to organise all these activities in a smooth and efficient way.”

The DSF began on January 5 with the longest fireworks in DSF history that stretched over a 6km distance drawing rapturous applause from residents and visitors alike.

People also got an opportunity to watch a shorter version of the fireworks display by Al Zarooni Group everyday from Al Seef Street, the cultural hub of DSF.

The “shopping at its best” seems to have worked on the hordes of DSF visitors, who have been scouring over 70 participating malls and more than 6,000 retail outlets to grab the best offers possible. As a result, malls and retail stores in Dubai have been inundated with shoppers trying to make the most of the shopping bonanza, last-minute deals and offers.

The magnets that draw crowds to DSF every year are undoubtedly the mega raffles, and this year they have again succeeded in transforming the lives of scores of people and creating true rags-to-riches stories in homes across the world.

The non-stop festivities got a fitting finale with world-class entertainment on the last weekend, spearheaded by the festival’s showpiece event this year – Dubai Fashion 2012, which saved its best for the last with the “Longest Catwalk”, a dazzling show of pomp and pageantry by 120 models on a 120-metre outdoor catwalk and the “Biggest Makeover” which saw 100 stylists provided by Paris Gallery apply makeover on 100 models in record time at The Dubai Mall.

The Night Souq at Al Riqqa Street presented visitors with a unique night time shopping experience, as well as offering daily variety entertainment that lasted till 1am.

DSF 2012, in fact, provided residents and visitors a taste of the best in everything that the vibrant city of Dubai has to offer.

news@khaleejtimes.com

Style takes centrestage this DSF and the spotlight will fall on haute couture fashion. Models representing leading designers and labels will take to the catwalk on the second day of Dubai Fashion 2012, the mega event of this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival.

The haute couture designs from the house of Arushi, Dar Sara and Indian couturier Parul Grover will take centre-stage at The Dubai Mall, the second in a series of daily Fashion Shows that are being held during the 10-day Dubai Fashion 2012, which ends on February 4.

Dubai Fashion 2012 is being organised by Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), an agency under the Department of Economic Development, and organiser of the Dubai Shopping Festival, in association with The Dubai Mall and Paris Gallery. Both are Strategic Partners of DEPE’s Events and Festivals for the Year 2012.

On Friday, the first fashion show at 6.30pm will showcase creations of Dubai-based ‘Arushi’, which until now has been well known for its elegant wedding dresses. Recently, it created a unique collection of evening wear dedicated to the Flowers of Paradise.

UAE haute couture house ‘Dar Sara’ owned by Joumana Al Hayek, will present its collection at the second fashion show at 8pm. As a high-end dressmaker, Dar Sara’s creation is a reflection of the creativity and dedication invested in each garment, gown and dress. Dar Sara is careful to use only the most exclusive materials from France and Italy to produce gowns that provide the crowning glory of any wardrobe.

The final fashion show on the second day of Dubai Fashion 2012 will be Label 24 presented by Parul Grover at 9pm. Starting her design journey in 2007, Grover combines the finest hands craftsmanship with modern silhouettes and styles. Her collections accentuate the wearer’s inner beauty, and feature intricate designs in a feminine and soft colour palette.

Dubai Fashion 2012 got off to a grand start at the Star Atrium of The Dubai Mall on Thursday with fascinating fashion shows and interactive performances including a Flash Mob activity featuring about 50 dancers who made a sudden appearance to stage a song-and-dance show and give fashionistas and visitors a wonderful welcome.

The three fashion shows on the opening day showcased the creations of well-known designer Jameela Al Mansour, top women’s retailer ‘Bebe’ and renowned ‘I Love Fashion brand’.

Dubai Fashion 2012 also includes a 3D Fashion Show created from holographic technology at Bloomingdales Atrium and a Fashion Photography Exhibition on the second floor, in front of Galleries Lafayette during mall hours. Visitors will also enjoy the Lights, Camera, Fashion! event that simulates a typical fashion photo shoot. This will be held thrice a day at the first floor, Bloomingdales Atrium at 12noon, 3pm and 7pm.

One of the main highlights of Dubai Fashion 2012 is ‘The Biggest Makeover’ on February 4 that will aim to set a new Guinness World Record at the mall’s Star Atrium. Hundred professional make-up artists will attempt to do a makeover for 100 ladies in a record 10 minutes. Ladies can participate through prior registration on a first-come first-served basis through DSF’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/dxbevents.

DUBAI – Overcrowded on Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), city’s malls may not be the favourite choice for the special needs kids, people with disability, the less fortunate and aged individuals to go.

A woman on crutches enjoying shopping at Deira City Centre. — KT photo by M.Sajjad

Yet, the spectacular international shows, colourfully dressed performers promenading around the malls and the eye-catching decorations and sales promotions wheel them into the malls to shop and be entertained. Much more, they 
hope to take home valuable giveaways.

More than anything else, the DSF is also for the special needs people, many of whom are walking around in the malls in their crutches. Others are wheeled inside by their loved ones in wheelchairs as they see for themselves the irresistible huge discounts, the internationally top-rated entertainment and the joy that makes them forget the difficulties of being helpless when left alone.

A lady in crutches, who moved in a hurry from the Metro Station to Deira City Center, said excitedly that she came even with difficulties to the mall in response to the special discounts she heard about from friends. “I have been waiting for the DSF to get a good discount in clothes, shoes and household items. I cannot wait to do my shopping. Walking with crutches around is like walking in ages, especially I am doing this shopping alone. But, I am determined to manage myself to get what I need this DSF.” Coming down in a wheelchair through a conveyor does not seem to bother the 70-year-old Pakistani woman, Rachina. Looking at her, no one can ever see any traces of  weariness on her age-laden face.

Her grandchildren were teasing each other and laughing as they were pushing slowly the wheelchair on the conveyor transport towards  the ground floor of Mirdiff City Centre. “It’s fun. We come together as a family to see what shopping can offer to us this DSF,” said Nafis, 20. Her mom whispered to her and signalled that the entertainment shows were about to start. There, they positioned themselves in the Central Galeria where the Bulgarian-based Drummers were performing. More info and photos

DUBAI – This year’s Dubai Fashion, the signature fashion event of the DSF, begins on Thursday and will continue till February 4. It will bring to the forefront the creations of promising, young and exceptionally talented designers, as well as international haute couture styles and trends.

Models walk the ramp in creations by Lebanese deisgner Noha Karam at The Dubai Mall as part of Dubai Fashion last year. — KT file photo

Dubai Fashion encompasses an extensive programme for fashionistas and connoisseurs of high fashion including the “Biggest and Quickest Fashion Makeover ” that will aim to set a new Guinness World Record, “The Longest Catwalk in the Middle East”, “The Highest Catwalk” and fashion shows featuring amateur designers and the brands of retailers, plus a unique holographic fashion show, mock fashion photo shoots, and an exciting fashion photography exhibition.

Dubai Fashion 2012 will be launched tomorrow by an exciting Fashion Flash Mob event at 6pm that will involve about 75 male and female models, who will abruptly break into song and dance while mingling with visitors at the Star Atrium of The Dubai Mall.

Announcing Dubai Fashion for DSF 2012, Laila Suhail, CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, said: “We have made elaborate plans to host a spectacular event highlighting the world of fashion. With all the world’s best brands available under one roof in Dubai, it is natural for us to showcase Dubai as a fashion hub that has become a magnet for renowned brands and designer labels on a par with that of London and ahead of other renowned fashion destinations like Milan, Paris and Hong Kong.  For Dubai Fashion 2012, we have put in place a programme that gives an opportunity for amateur and professional designers to showcase their creations.  Dubai Fashion 2012 will be a prestigious fashion event that will consolidate Dubai’s position in the international fashion league and further promote it as a fashion capital of the world.”

She added: “The DEPE is pleased to be cooperating with two of our strategic partners for the year. Dubai Fashion is being held in The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping destination and the hub of haute couture in the region. The active participation of The Dubai Mall and Paris Gallery, a renowned home-grown brand that has pioneered beauty and cosmetics retailing in this region,  is ample testimony to the strong cooperation extended to the DEPE by the private sector.”

Nasser Rafi, chief executive officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “Building on our strategic partnership with the Dubai Events and Promotion Establishment, The Dubai Mall is honoured to support Dubai Fashion, regarded as one of the region’s definitive couture events. Dubai Fashion highlights the credentials of the city as the fashion capital of the region, complemented by an array of retail initiatives and promotions, across the mall. Apart from fashion shows, the mall will also host a range of entertainment events that will appeal to all visitors.”

Mohammed A. R. Al Fahim, CEO of Paris Gallery Group, said, “We are thrilled to be part of Dubai Fashion, the latest creation of the DEPE, as they are renowned for executing world class events and we are excited about the possibilities of the alliance.”

Al Fahim added, “Looking at what drives both our businesses, we can see that as the region’s leading luxury retail shopping destination Paris Gallery and Dubai Fashion share strong aspirations. Our partnership which commenced at the same time as the DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival) 2012 will carry forward onto all Dubai-based events. This milestone as DEPE’s strategic partner for 2012 is an important step to further strengthening Dubai’s position as an innovative fashion hub to global shoppers and tourists.”

The other highlights of Dubai Fashion 2012 include:

Biggest and Quickest  Fashion Makeover

The DSF is synonymous with the Guinness World Records and this year, it is no different. Aiming to set a new world record will be the  “Biggest and Quickest Fashion Makeover”.  This event will see 100 make-up artists transforming the appearances of more than 100 ladies in a record 10 minutes. This event will be held at The Dubai Mall’s Star Atrium at 7pm on February 3. Ladies wishing to participate in the event can register for it before the date of the event through the DSF’s official Facebook page www.facebook/dxbevents.

Longest Catwalk in 
the Middle East

Billed as the longest outdoor fashion show of its kind in the region, this street catwalk will feature 40 models plus 60 ladies who will register for the event strutting about along a 120-metre stretch on the promenade of The Dubai Mall from 4.30pm on February 3. If you are interested in participating, register through Facebook page www.facebook/dxbevents.

Dubai Fashion Shows

Amateur designers and models representing renowned brands from retailers will take to the catwalk in a series of fashion shows that will be held at the Star Atrium of The Dubai Mall at 6.30pm, 8pm and 9pm from tomorrow to February 2. The designers, who will showcase their collection of abayas, jalabeyas, wedding dresses, evening wear, and Indian wear, include Paris Gallery Givenchy and Chopard eye wear, Das Collection, Bebe, Tamara Al Gabbani, Anjali and Arjun Kapoor, Salma Khan, Ted Baker, Jameela, Ghada El Rewiny, Fatma Al Majid, Fatma Bin Fahad, and Mona Abdul Karim, to name a few.

Fashion Photography Exhibition

Four talented Emirati photographers will showcase a range of fashion photographs at this photo exhibition from tomorrow to February 4, which will be held during mall hours. Each photographer will display five of his best fashion photographs, highlighting the true art behind capturing a fashion photograph.

Lights, Camera, Fashion!

On each day of Dubai Fashion, a well-known, local photographer will snap pictures of models in a mock mall photo shoot. There will be a different theme everyday of the week, such as a cultural/international theme, the seven colours of the rainbow or a rotation of the seasons. Onlookers will feel as though they are part of the photo shoot process and also get an opportunity to what goes on behind the scenes, during a typical day at the studio, including lighting techniques, set direction and the use of backdrops.

Holographic Fashion Show

Titled “Holo Cube”, this unique show will pave the way for visitor interaction, and make them feel the magic of Dubai Fashion. The “Holo Cube” will allow people to enter a specially installed cube-shaped structure to watch a holographic fashion show. Viewers will feel as though they are part of an actual event, as the fashion show will be projected onto the walls. The DSF visitors will have easy access to the event, and will be able to move about, and in and out, freely, as there will be an entrance on one side of the cube-shaped structure and an exit on the other. This show will be held at the The Dubai Mall from tomorrow to February 2.

World’s Highest Catwalk

An exclusive fashion show that will take place on February 4 at the highest altitude — At the Top, of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building,  It will feature models showcasing some of the world’s top brands. It will be a double delight for the audience, who will have a close  view of the fashion gala in front of them as well as a breathtaking view of the city of Dubai from one of the world’s highest points.

news@khaleejtimes.com

DUBAI – Several conferences, trade exhibitions and seminars will be held in Dubai, as a part of the DSF 2012 calendar of events, further enhancing Dubai’s image as a centre of excellence and a hub for international conventions, conferences and exhibitions.

Many of the key exhibitions are being hosted by Dubai World Trade Centre, a strategic partner of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment’s Events (DEPE) and Festivals for the Year 2012.

DEPE is an agency under the Department of Economic Development and organiser of Dubai Shopping Festival.

The conferences and exhibitions industry in the Middle East is worth Dh5 billion, according to reports published locally. The UAE has captured 50 per cent of the market in this sector, which helps boost the national economy by giving an impetus to other service sectors like aviation, hospitality, tourism, cargo and customs.

Meanwhile, Dubai is investing heavily in infrastructure development to further enhance its position as an international hub for conferences and exhibitions.

Work is currently underway at Dubai Exhibition City, which is being established on an area of 3million sqm at a cost of Dh8 billion. This mega project is set to become a new landmark in Dubai, and encourage international business houses and corporations to host their major conferences and exhibitions in the Emirate.

Suhaila Ghubash, Director, Events and Festival Marketing Services, Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, said: “We are delighted that major conferences and exhibitions will be taking place in Dubai while the world’s spotlight is shining on the Dubai Shopping Festival.

“The organising of conferences and exhibitions is a specialised area and a growing sector, and Dubai with its multitude of world-class infrastructure and facilities is a natural choice when it comes to hosting international events in the region. In this regard, we at Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment will continue to extend our whole-hearted support to Dubai World Trade Centre in particular, and the conferences and exhibitions sector, in general, as a part of our long-standing mutually beneficial alliance.” Ghubash added:

Ahmed Al Khaja, Vice President, Venues, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment are united by the common vision of strengthening Dubai’s position as a strategic location for hosting international conferences, events and exhibitions. Our sponsorship of DSF for 17 successive years is ample testimony of our commitment to support this international shopping and tourism extravaganza.

Events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises and Eid in Dubai have contributed tremendously to boost Dubai’s position as a top destination for tourism, shopping and entertainment, as well as a venue for international conferences and exhibitions.” For the last 33 years, the Dubai World Trade Centre had been organising and hosting conventions, conferences, and exhibitions, and this has immensely helped Dubai become a venue of choice for holding such events, said Mr Khaja.

Dubai’s calendar of events during the period of DSF 2012 includes several key major conferences and trade exhibitions

City Times brings you a special feature on Consumer Electronics during this Dubai Shopping Festival to guide you on the best gizmos and gadgets to choose from.

Here you’ll find the latest electronic products on the market as well as great deals to be found this season.

A new Galaxy

Samsung welcomes new addition to Tablet family with the launch of the Galaxy Tab 7.7

Samsung recently announced the availability of the Galaxy Tab 7.7 in the UAE. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 is the world’s first tablet to feature the Super AMOLED Plus display. The new Galaxy Tab 7.7 joins the ranks of Samsung’s renowned Galaxy Tab 10.1, 8.9, 7.0 and 7.0 Plus.

Launched earlier this year, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 made global headlines as it became the world’s thinnest tablet in the market. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 features an impressive 4G download speed with HSPA+ 21Mbps connectivity for reduced data transfer time.  The Galaxy Tab 8.9, a smaller yet powerful tablet is powered with the latest Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 provides a seamless user experience with faster and smoother transitions between different applications, more intuitive navigation among home screens and broader support of USB accessories. The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, soon to launch, packs power and productivity into a chic lightweight design. The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus runs Google Android 3.2 Honeycomb, enabling an easy and intuitive user experience.

The newest tablet also offers voice and video calls for better communication.

The Galaxy Tab 7.7, with the latest 3.2 Honeycomb OS, comes with a 1.4GHz dual core processor and measures just 7.89 millimetres thin. Weighing only 335 grams, the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is one of the most portable devices in the market. It features a brighter display with its Super AMOLED Plus technology, combined with a thinner and lighter design that easily fits in your jacket pocket or purse. The elegant, linear design features a stylish metal casing and rounded edges for a sleek look that’s comfortable to hold.

Galaxy Tab 7.7 lets you enjoy video clips without limitation, featuring 1080p full HD playback, DivX included multi codec and Micro SD. The device also includes Universal Remote Control functionality, allowing control of the entire home entertainment system – TV, Set top box, DVD, Blu-ray player, AV audio system – from one device.

The tab also comes with Samsung’s Hub Services, with availability depending on the market, offering easy access to content including games, eBooks, music and more.  The Galaxy Tab 7.7 is the first mobile tablet to include a pre-loaded Game Hub, complete with easy social games, all delivered with lightning fast graphics. The Galaxy Tab 7.7 also features access to Samsung’s Music Hub service, which offers 15 million songs for preview, download and play.  The Readers Hub service features a robust library filled with more than 2.3 million books, 2,000 newspapers and 3,000 magazines in up to 49 languages, and Samsung’s Social Hub service aggregates email, contacts, calendar and social network connections into a single interface.

The Galaxy Tab 7.7 is pre-loaded with the full suite of Google Mobile Services including access to more than 250,000 applications on Android Market, Gmail, Google Search, Google Maps 5.7 with 3D maps, and Google Talk with video and voice chat.

The Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 is available at electronic stores across the UAE, with prices beginning from Dhs2,699. More info and photos

DUBAI – His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received a memento plaque as a gift from the staff of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of his accession as the Ruler of the emirate.

* Shaikh Mohammad enters a station with Mattar Al Tayer. * Image Credit: WAM

The event was attended by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; and Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The gift was delivered to Shaikh Mohammed by Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the RTA, who expressed his happiness and pride on the behalf of the employees on the anniversary occasion.

Al Tayer said the gift dedicated to Shaikh Mohammed includes a thumbnail image of the tourism and service projects carried out and accomplished by the RTA upon the orders and directives by the Vice-President.

He reiterated that the commemorative plaque embodies the vision of Shaikh Mohammed and reflects the sentiments of pride and gratitude by all staff of the RTA in return for the care and attention of Shaikh Mohammed to the RTA projects.

Over a dozen government entities are joining Dubai Municipality in this year’s Car-free Day that will be observed on January 18.

Dubai Metro

Announcing this at a press conference on Wednesday, Director General of DM Hussain Nasser Lootah said 13 government offices and ministries, mostly located along the Dubai Metro line are joining the civic body in its annual initiative on its third anniversary.

‘We are expecting at least 3,000 people to leave their cars at home and use mass transport like the Metro and buses to work,’ he said.

Director of Environment Department Hamdan Khalifa Al Shaer said this year’s Car-Free Day is expected to cut carbon emissions by 10.5 tonne in Dubai.

More than 1 million vehicles are registered in Dubai and the carbondioxide emission from the transportation sector contributed to 47 percent of the air pollutants in the emirate in 2010. Last year’s initiative saved the environment from 4.2 tonnes of CO2 emission.

The Municipality will close its parking lots and senior officials and employees of participating entities will board the Metro and buses on Wednesday, leaving their cars back home. More info

DUBAI – Shoppers never had so good. Leading shopping malls in Dubai have extended their shopping hours to midnight in line with a joint initiative announced by the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), an agency of the Department of Economic Development and the organisers of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), and Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) in the wake of a huge influx of visitors to the malls in the first week of festival.

Deira City Centre

The joint initiative is aimed at giving extra shopping hours to DSF visitors in the malls and also help boost sales at retail outlets. It also reflects the close cooperation that exists between the DEPE, which is a key agency under the Department of Economic Development (DED), and the DSMG, an umbrella organisation of shopping malls in Dubai. More than 70 malls in Dubai are participating in the 32-day DSF.

Leading malls have now extended by two more hours their shopping hours during the weekends, a temporary departure from their regular mall timings of 10am to 10pm. Some of these malls will stay open till midnight everyday for the duration of the DSF, which ends on February 5, while some malls will keep their food courts open till 1am.

Commenting on the new mall timings, Laila Suhail, CEO of the DEPE, said: “We are pleased at the response of malls in Dubai to the initiative from DEPE and DSMG to extend their shopping hours. The DSF plays a pivotal role in influencing tourists to visit Dubai, and at the same time serves as a platform for retailers to showcase their offerings to a diverse audience. There are also numerous DSF events and activities that are being hosted by the malls, in addition to those taking place at main DSF destinations like Emaar Boulevard, Festival Promenade in Dubai Festival City and Global Village. Based on the fact that visitors from all over the world have been flocking to the malls in thousands right from the start of the DSF, it was crucial for the DEPE and our long-standing partner in the private sector, the DSMG, to take measures aimed at meeting the needs of both shoppers and retailers at these malls.

“These measures also fall in line with a key mandate of the DEPE, which is to ensure that the vibrant retail sector continues to be the engine of growth in Dubai. More mall hours would help increase sales at retail outlets located in the malls, generate more competition amongst the outlets, and make them offer superior quality products and the best deals. Excitement is running high among shoppers, and by keeping their doors open for a few more hours beyond their normal closing times, these malls will also help visitors enjoy their DSF in a relaxed ambience.”

Majid Al Ghurair, chairman of DSMG, said: “Dubai Shopping Malls Group is delighted to be a part of the DSF and play a role at bringing this shopping carnival to the people of Dubai. Leading malls across Dubai have extended shopping hours to the late hours of the night to ensure that customers have ample time to enjoy the sales, discounts and promotions brought to them by the various stores.

Weekend shopping hours have been extended to midnight in many malls including Al Ghurair Centre, Arabian Mall, Deira City Centre, BurJuman Centre, Reef Mall, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Marina Mall, and Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Wafi, Mercato and Lamcy Plaza. Many of these malls will also remain open until midnight for the entire duration of DSF 2012. We salute the DEPE in this venture to position Dubai as the shopping capital of the world.”

news@khaleejtimes.com

DUBAI — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently won The Big Project & BGreen Award in the category of the Best Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Project of the Year for the excellent Dubai Metro Green Line project; which was launched by the RTA on 09/09/2011 after two years from the launch of the Dubai Metro Red Line on 09/09/2009.

Dubai metro

The announcement was made during a glittering award distribution ceremony held by the organiser, billed as ‘The Big Project’ at Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, this month in the presence of top business leaders and heads of government and semi-government entities as well as private businesses in the UAE and the region.

Adnan Al Hammadi, CEO of RTA Rail Agency, expressed his delight for scooping this prestigious award by the Agency, which culminates the expeditious efforts made by the RTA in broadening the scope of public transport sector and promoting environment-friendly sustainable transport in Dubai Emirate, he said.

Al Hammadi dedicated the Award to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, for his continued directives to develop and preserve the environment as per the corporate policy set for the RTA in the field of Health, Safety and Environment.

“The RTA is committed to the introduction of green, sustainable and environment-friendly solutions to keep pace with the global drive, particularly among the advanced countries, as regards protecting the environment in all respects including mobility and transport sector; a key pillar and ingredient of the development and construction drive aimed at providing decent living for all segments of the community.

“The leading agencies in today’s world are confronted by several challenges which include adapting to a world packed with hectic and successive developments that warrant taking appropriate measures on the right time.  This is particularly relevant to an urban city like Dubai which is shaping as a melting pot of all nationalities and bustling with year-long activities running at a fast pace coherent with the diverse cast of events representing different economic, trading, service and financial sectors among others,” added the CEO of RTA 
Rail Agency.

The Award trophy was accepted by Ali Abdul Qadir, Director of Rail Maintenance at the Agency on behalf of the CEO of Rail Agency.  — news@khaleejtimes.com