Al Tayer receives Malaysian Consul

The meeting discussed ways and means of boosting mutual cooperation and exchanging expertise between the RTA & its Malaysian counterpart. It also reviewed cooperation links with various Malaysian companies operating in roads & transport sector, and also discussed the forthcoming road & infrastructure projects in Dubai.

Al Tayer and the Malaysian Consul also reviewed projects currently undertaken by the RTA including renovating of roads network, constructing new crossings at Dubai Creek; where the number of lanes crossing the Creek jumped from 19 to 48 lanes, and the Dhs15bn Dubai Metro project.

Projects portfolio discussed also included the public bus transport system, where the number of public buses is poised to touch 2500 buses by the end of 2009, including double-decker & articulated buses. Marine transport network projects will also reviewed and discussions covered upgrading abra transport, and introduction of the water bus and the water taxi services.

"RTA is committed to apply highest standards at all phases of project construction in order to achieve our objectives of providing safe & smooth transport, and further showcase the profile of Dubai worldwide. The UAE in general and Dubai in particular are witnessing massive development leading to a huge influx of peoples and businesses. This warrants building a reliable infrastructure of roads, rail & marine transport networks as well as public buses, taxis and other transit modes to cater for the increasing growth in population, projects and urban development" said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer further added that he would be looking forward for Malaysian companies to take part in constructing road projects offered by the RTA.

"There are tremendous projects including construction of wide-ranging road networks, bridges and interchanges in various parts of the emirate up to 2020, at cost of around Dhs44bn".

He also mentioned Dubai Metro & A' Safouh Tram; currently being constructed to keep pace with the sweeping development witnessed by the city of Dubai.

The Malaysian Consul General hailed the giant projects undertaken by the RTA; which he described as being felt by all road users.

"The UAE has made considerable strides down the path of growth & development, and set an example for a technologically-oriented development model in all spheres, such that other countries & officials could benefit from".

He said that the number of Malaysian nationals resident in the UAE is around 5000 persons, but the volume of commercial exchange between the two countries reached Dhs14bn last year. He further revealed that currently there are 65 Malaysian companies engaged in various activities in the UAE.