RTA to build new traditional kiosks

Engineer Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Dosari, CEO of Marine Agency at the RTA stated that traditional kiosks have impressed visitors and attracted huge public turnout. "This is attributed to two main reasons; the heritage design simulating the traditional architecture of the emirate, and the services rendered to the public via these kiosks such as selling of newspapers, magazines & tickets," said Al Dosari.

He added that the main concept of this project aims at modeling a building after the ancient design of buildings of the emirate of Dubai in a bid to revive the old legacy of ancestors. It also reflects a drive to adhere to the historic identity of this deeply-rooted emirate; which had been and is still a key trade corridor between the East and the West.

"The project originally envisaged designing & constructing seven traditional kiosks for selling snacks, fast foods, newspapers, magazines, water & juices. Those kiosks offer services to the public at 7 abra stations at the two banks of Dubai Creek, namely: Bani Yas, Al Sabkha, Deira Old Souk, Al Seef, Dubai Old Souk, Bur Dubai, and Heritage Village Stations," revealed engineer Al Dosari.

He added that the total cost of the project amounted to Dh 2.5 million at a cost of Dh 415, 000 per kiosk. These kiosks are characterized by their unique design intended to serve the operational purpose for which they have been built. They also depict the traditional architectural setting that fits well with the historical sites and identity of the area. It offers venues where people can relax & enjoy fascinating sceneries at Dubai Creek. Moreover, the design takes the shape of a boat which displays the identity & values of Marine Agency. Among the key features of such dry kiosks is that they are moveable from one place to another since they have been designed as portable types.

Al Dosari pointed out that the boat measures 11 meters in length and 7 meters in width, whereas the dimensions of the kiosk are 3X3 meters with a height of 3 meters. Each kiosk has 7 windows measuring 1X1 meters and capable of accommodating 2 sofas for seating up to 8 persons. Kiosks have been decorated with approved Arabic decorations by Historical Buildings Section at Dubai Municipality, whereas the boat is made of teakwood.

"According to the available statistics, abras operating at Dubai Creek ferry about 26 million passengers by means of 149 motorized abras. Abras make around 5000 trips per day commuting up to 100.000 passengers every day. Abras operate from 05.00 am through 12.00 am (after midnight), while 30 abras are deployed to offer services 24 hours a day," remarked Al Dosari.