Al Tayer receives the French Transport Minister

The meeting discussed ways and means of boosting mutual cooperation and exchanging expertise between the RTA and the French companies engaged in the field of roads and transport.

The meeting was attended from the RTA by engineer Maitha bin Udai; CEO of Traffic & Roads Agency, Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla; CEO of Marine Agency, engineer Abdul Majeed Al Khaja; CEO of Rail Agency, engineer Eisa Al Dosari; CEO of Public Transport Agency, and a number of departmental directors. From the French side attended Michel Washenheim, Director of the Minister's Office, Ronet Ghodan, Director of Aviation Program in the Civil Aviation Directorate, and a number of officials.

At the outset of the meeting H.E. Mattar Al Tayer welcomed the French delegation and hailed the excellent relationships between the UAE and the Republic of France, particularly in the economic & tourist fields. He pointed out that there are several French companies involved in implementing a number of road & metro projects undertaken by the RTA.

H.E. Dominique Bussereau , praised the pioneer development model witnessed by Dubai in various fields. He commended the generous reception entertained by the delegation during its visit "Dubai has made giant strides in the field of development such that it has become an example for others to follow suit. The city shaped itself into a destination for several executives who are intending to make use of its experience in carrying out massive projects and applying modern techniques & technologies at all fields" he said.

During the meeting a brief presentation was made about the RTA during which Al Tayer commented that from inception the RTA faced a number of challenges such as figuring out prompt solutions to improve the traffic condition, preparing a long term strategic plan, and at the same time proceeding with the undergoing projects. He pointed out that at the time of preparing the Organization Chart; the RTA was keen to make use of the past experience of developed countries in the field of transport, particularly Germany & Singapore.

"The Chart meets several administrative principles such as reducing decision-taking levels, and enhancing integration between the functional units. He stated that the Chart includes five operational agencies, namely Traffic & Roads Agency, Public Transport Agency, Rail Agency, Marine Agency, and Dubai Taxi Agency in addition to two sectors; Corporate Support & Corporate Governance" he said.

Al Tayer then spoke about the Strategic Plan of the RTA, which is focused on five key aspects that revolve around the principle of integration between all elements. Such aspects include increasing the capacity of roads networks through expanding & upgrading the existing networks, building new networks, and uplifting the role of mass transport means to respond to transport requirements. This could be achieved through providing top quality transport modes that match the requirements of various community sectors.

"The Plan also includes developing metro and tram systems in accordance with the best international standards, developing public mass transit by buses and marine modes, and expanding the use of modern technology to ensure best possible utilization of road networks and transport systems, such as road toll gate system, dynamic navigation system (Dalili), and intelligent transport systems. The Plan also envisages introduction of various transport and planning policies capable of inducing a positive change in the attitudes of users of road networks and transport systems, in addition to adopting a comprehensive program to educate and heighten traffic awareness that is based on developing awareness methodologies to target all sectors of the community" he added.

The Chairman & Executive Director of the RTA then reviewed the key projects currently undertaken by the RTA at a cost exceeding Dh26 billion. He stated that the number and volume of road projects currently carried out by the RTA, which cost around Dh8 billion, include the Business Bay Crossing Project, the 14-lane Al Garhoud Bridge, the Widening Emirates Road from 3 to 6 lanes, the Arabian Ranches Intersection; which is one of the biggest intersections in Dubai, the First Intersection at Sheikh Zayed Road, the Widening Al Ittihad Road, the Widening Dubai Bypass Road linking the emirate of Dubai with the emirates of Abu Dhabi & Sharjah, and other projects.

During the presentation of RTA projects, Al Tayer reviewed Dubai Metro Project; which costs about Dh15 billion and is considered the longest driverless automated train worldwide. "Work progress in the project is progressing according to schedule and construction of the Red line is slated for completion in September 2009. The Red Line extends 52 km and includes 29 stations 4 of which are underground stations (Burjman, Union Square, Al Riqqa & Port Saeed) and 25 elevated stations. The Green Line extends 23 km and comprises 18 stations, 6 of which are underground and 12 are elevated stations. Average speed of the train is 40 km per hour" he added.

At the end of the meeting the French Minister stated that he was impressed by the projects carried out by the RTA.

"The Organizational Chart of the RTA is interesting as it includes departments concerned with all forms of transport capable of meeting growth & development requirements witnessed by the emirate of Dubai" he commented. The Minister expressed his absolute admiration of the giant Dubai Metro Project saying that the RTA will be able to complete and deliver the project prior to the prescribed timeline as he gathered from the accelerating momentum of construction works in the project.

"It will be my utmost pleasure to attend the launching ceremony of Dubai Metro" he concluded his remarks. H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, the Chairman and ED of the RTA responded by promising to extend an official invitation to H.E. the French Minister to attend the launch festival.