Emarat signs agreement with Dubai Police

The agreement was signed between Rashid Al Shamsi, General Manager, Emarat and His Excellency Major General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commandant General, Dubai Police Force at Emarat Headquarters.

Backed by a total investment of Dhs.15 million, the Shamil centres will implement the vehicle testing and registration renewal procedure for light vehicles in 20 minutes - which is faster than any other similar service currently available.

The first three Shamil centers will be commissioned in June and will be followed by two more in early 2004. All the Shamil centers will be located within existing Emarat service stations.

"At Emarat, we have an ongoing commitment to identify customer needs and expand our products and services to meet those requirements," said Rashid Al Shamsi. "The Shamil testing centres will not only provide alternative venues for motorists to test their vehicles and renew registration, but will be uniquely positioned to offer this service in the minimum time and maximum comfort possible."

The entire process at the Shamil centres will be electronic, requiring no documents from the motorist except for the registration card and insurance policy. Emarat will soon sign an agreement with a licensed agent to provide auto insurance policies representing most insurance companies in the UAE. The insurance documentation will be linked electronically to the registration and testing site, thus promoting a paperless environment.

Technology plays a very important role at the Shamil Centres. The latest IT systems and solutions will connect all Shamil centers with Emarat's main server, which in turn will transfer all data to the main server at the traffic department.

In addition, there will be kiosks where motorists can pay traffic fines either with cash or credit card.

To ensure the whole process is carried out smoothly and efficiently at the Shamil Centres, Dubai Police will provide technical and administrative training to Shamil technicians and administrative staff. The setting up of Shamil will also open up job opportunities for UAE nationals who will qualify for administrative jobs including as heads of the centers and as registration and reception officials.

Added Al Shamsi. "Equipped with the latest technology, the Shamil sites are designed to eliminate the tedium usually associated with this procedure, and guarantee the motorist an "in-and-out" system."

Final details are being fine-tuned ahead of the opening of the first Shamil center in June. Though the Shamil testing centres will be located within the Emarat service station forecourts, they will be completely separate and easily identifiable. Shamil will feature a distinct branding that will set it apart from the main services offered at the service stations. As an added convenience, the Shamil centres will also feature comfortable waiting areas equipped with plasma screens.