By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter www.gulfnews.com
Dubai: As the Dubai Metro becomes popular, Emirati employees of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have started receiving training in the Metro’s operations to be able to run it independently in future.
The RTA, in coordination with Serco, a UK-based company which operates the Dubai Metro, has started what they call the ‘Knowledge Transfer Programme’ for UAE nationals working with the RTA’s Rail Agency.
The programme was officially launched recently by Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA.
Serco, which was given the contract to operate the Metro for at least the first 10 years, is also obliged to train UAE nationals as part of the deal to transfer technology and knowledge related to the Metro’s operations, maintenance and management.
“The programme aims at training administrative and technical Emirati employees at the Rail Agency with the aim of improving their competencies in operating and maintaining the Metro and ensuring the transfer of such knowledge and expertise to future generations of employees,” said Al Tayer.
Addressing the opening ceremony, he said the RTA is not only about constructing roads, bridges, means of transport and intelligent traffic systems, but also developing human resources for leadership responsibilities.
The Knowledge Transfer Programme comprises three phases. On the positions involved, Al Tayer said: “Such jobs include senior management positions as well as engineers and technicians, who are the backbone of any operation and maintenance process, and other support jobs”.
