Source: www.rta.ae
H.E. Mattar al-Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), recently received H.E. Datuk Yahaya Abdul Jabar, the Malaysian Ambassador to the UAE, in the presence of H.E. Mohammed Hasrin Aidid. The visit comes in the context of RTA efforts to build and boost the ongoing cooperative relations at the local, regional and international levels.
During the meeting the two parties explored the means of cooperation and exchange of expertise between the RTA and its Malaysian counterpart, as well as the cooperation with the Malaysian organizations and companies operating in the field of roads and transportation sector. They also reviewed the forthcoming projects in the field of roads, transportation systems, and infrastructure in Dubai.
Al Tayer briefed the Malaysian Consul on the key projects currently undertaken by the RTA such as the renovation of roads network, and construction of new crossings on Dubai Creek, which raised the number of lanes crossing over the creek from 19 to 48. Al Tayer also reviewed Dubai Metro project, the first stage of which had been operated in September 2009, stating that the Red line would be completed on April 25, 2010 and the stations would be operated in phases; where seven stations would be operated in April and the rest during the following months of 2010. The Green line would be up and running in August 2011. Al Tayer also briefed the Malaysian diplomat on the projects of upgrading mass transportation systems through increasing the numbers of public buses, including double-deckers and articulated buses, and renovation of marine mass transportation systems; including improving abra ferry service and the introduction of the water bus.
“RTA is committed to live up to the best-in-class practices throughout its drive to realize its prime objective of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All, as part of the efforts to showcase the global profile of Dubai. The UAE in general and Dubai in particular is experiencing massive developments that led to the influx of peoples and businesses; which warranted providing a suitable infrastructure, such as roads and various types of transportation means like the metro, marine transport modes, buses, and taxis among others, in order to cope with the rising levels of population, projects and urbanization. Thanks to these efforts, Dubai managed to rank 35 among the top 50 cosmopolitan cities in terms of infrastructure” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer stated that he would be looking forward for Malaysian companies to undertake RTA road construction projects and pointed to the mega roads, bridges and interchanges to be constructed at various parts of the Emirate, in addition to the mass transportation systems which are needed to keep pace with the sweeping development witnessed by Dubai city.
For his part the Malaysian Ambassador to the UAE hailed the giant projects undertaken by the RTA; which are felt by all road users. “The UAE has made tremendous strides down the track of development & growth, setting an example to be emulated and a destination for many officials who are interested in capitalizing from such expertise in handling massive projects and applying hi tech across-the-board. Malaysia is looking forward to boost the bilateral cooperative relations, increase mutual trading & investment, and benefit from the excellent developmental model witnessed by the UAE in all fields,” added the Malaysian Ambassador.
