RTA announces new transport initiatives for Dubai at Gulf Traffic 2007

As he opened the show, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer said, 'Since the last Gulf Traffic Exhibition in 2005, the RTA has gone a long way towards creating a 21st century state of the art transportation system for Dubai, which is essential to support Dubai's prosperous economy and to preserve the current quality of life.'

'We are presently working on road projects with a total budget of $2.5bn - to give you an example of the volume of work, we have increased the number of lanes across Dubai Creek from 19 in 2006 to 40 in 2007, and this will reach 48 in 2008 and 100 in 2020. However, experience has taught us that building more roads by itself doesn't solve the problem of congestion - transportation must be planned and operated as a complete system with integrated modes of transportation such as bus, rail, and water transport.'

'That's why we are working on the longest driverless metro system, a 75 km long network covering 47 stations to be built as one single project with a total budget of $4.5bn. We are also studying more metro and tram lines, with a combined total length of 586 km. In the public transport sector, we are enhancing the bus network, expanding this to a total length of 3,000 km - to serve this large network, we will procure more than 2,500 buses by 2020 and build over 800 air-conditioned bus shelters. Our marine transport network will also be improved through the introduction of new services such as the air-conditioned water bus inaugurated in July 2007, the water taxis currently under design plus a ferry service that is currently in the study stage.'

'We also recognise that this integrated transportation system exists within (and interacts with) a much larger infrastructure system - one that includes water supply, electric power, sanitary, telecommunication systems and other public facilities. One of the most important issues the RTA had to deal with at an early stage was the need to organise the relationship between land use and transportation planning. With tens of master plans submitted for new developments each month, we worked with the Government of Dubai to pass legislation that regulates procedures for developing project master plans and traffic impact studies. This assures smooth accessibility for new developments and supports mixed-land use developments and transit-oriented developments.'

Covering over 8,000 square metres, Gulf Traffic 2007 is expected to attract some 5,000 visitors. 'The show features over 250 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, and offers the region's transport professionals a unique opportunity to network with industry experts and source innovative solutions to traffic and transport challenges,' said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director Exhibitions, IIR Middle East - organisers of the event, which has the support of leading international bodies such as UBI France, Bayern International (Germany), ITS South Africa and The Railway Industry Association (UK).

Among the many major industry names exhibiting at the show this year are VAE GmbH, Siemens, Thales, Quixote, Serco, Econolite and Right Angle. 'With transportation now an essential component in the continued expansion and economic development of countries throughout the region, Gulf Traffic 2007 has generated unprecedented international interest,' added Woodbridge. 'Proof of this is the fact that visitor pre-registration for this year's show is 38% higher than 2005.'

Gulf Traffic 2007 takes place from the 10th to 12th December 2007 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, and is open from 10am to 6pm every day. Main event sponsors are 3M and Vossloh. The Gulf Traffic Conference, which runs alongside the show, features leading traffic and transportation experts from around the world, and is covering many of the related issues currently facing the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.