Al Tayer briefs the Swiss Consul in Dubai on road projects & transport system undertaken by RTA

The meeting was attended by the CEO of RTA Rail Agency Abdul Majeed Al-Khajah, and the CEO of RTA Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector Abdul Mohsen Al-Dossari.

The meeting discussed ways & means of boosting cooperation and exchanging expertise between the RTA and Swiss companies operating in the field of rail, roads, transportation and marketing. The two parties also reviewed future road and infrastructure projects in Dubai.

Al Tayer briefed the Swiss Consul on the key projects currently undertaken by the RTA such as upgrading of road networks and constructing new bridges across Dubai Creek such that the total number of lanes crossing the creek jumped from 19 at the time of establishing the RTA to 48 crossings up to now. He also reviewed Dubai Metro Project, the longest driverless metro project undertaken as one project worldwide, at a total cost (Red and Green Lines) of 15 billion dirham. He stated that work is progressing according to plan and the Red Line is slated for completion in September 2009.

The Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the RTA also commented on projects underway to upgrade bus transit system entailing the purchase of double-deck and articulated buses such that the total number of operating buses will hit 2500 buses by the end of 2009. He also briefed the Swiss delegation on the project of renovating marine mass transit system including abras, Water Bus and Water Taxi.

"RTA is committed to apply the best practices at each and every stage in order to realize the overall objectives of providing safe & smooth transport for all, and showcase the profile of Dubai across the globe. The UAE in general and Dubai in particular is witnessing huge development leading to influx of peoples and businesses. Therefore it became imperative to prepare the infrastructure - such as road networks and various types of transport modes including metro, marine transit modes, buses, taxis and others - to accommodate the increasing growth in population, projects and urban expansion"

added Al Tayer.

H.E. Gerhard Brügger, Consul General of Switzerland for Dubai & the Northern Emirates, hailed the sweeping development made by Dubai in a record time such that it became a point of attraction to investors, businessmen and tourists, thanks to the wise leadership & shrewd judgment of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He commended the Metro Project; which is bound to make a quality shift in mobility in the region, enhance the aesthetic view of the glamorous collection of projects witnessed by the emirate of Dubai, let alone its contribution to ease transportation of residents and traffic congestion.