2006
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No lorries for AD school run
The Abu Dhabi Police has banned heavy good vehicles from using the city's roads, including the suburbs, while children are being taken to and from school, reported Gulf News. The ruling took effect yesterday and includes vehicles going to and from construction sites. The restrictions run from 6am-8am and from 1pm-3pm and will be applied during every school year from now on.
Pakistanis in fatal crashes
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has released statistics on the nationality of drivers involved in road traffic accidents in Dubai in H1, reported Gulf News. Pakistani drivers were involved in the highest number of fatal accidents, with 37 recorded, 23.7% of the total. Indian drivers were involved in 30 fatal crashes, with UAE nationals involved in 20; Sheikh Zayed Road was the most dangerous road with 54 deaths.
Audi offers mobile phone game
German car manufacturer Audi has created a mobile phone game for users to experience Audi cars in the virtual world. The Q7 Challenge was launched across the GCC and the Levant last month and can be sent out via WAP Push to Audi customers. The game features three race tracks: the Bahrain F1 circuit, a frozen river and a sand course.
Used cars for Saudis
The second hand car business is booming in Saudi Arabia and the sector should grow by around 32% this year, reported Arab News. Competitive prices have fanned sales and 30,000 cars are expected to be purchased in 2006. The sector is estimated to be worth around $160m and there are 1,300 showrooms in Riyadh and Jeddah alone.
Bur Dubai disruption
Motorists in the area around the BurJuman Centre have been warned to expect a new road lay out as construction work on the Dubai Metro continues, reported Gulf News. The intersection of Khalid bin Waleed Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road in front of the mall has been turned into a roundabout with signals. The new system will remain in place until 2009.
Hertz end of summer discounts
Hertz UAE has introduced reduced rates for airline travellers to mark the end of summer. The offers apply to frequent flyers with Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Gulf Air. Discounts from 10-15% are being offered on some deals.
BMW 3 Series Coupe arrives
The new BMW 3 Series Coupe will be available in the Middle East from the start of September 2006. The latest model sports an inline six cylinder with twin turbocharger, fuel injection and an all-aluminum crankcase. Options come via the 325i Coupe with a 2.5-litre, 218 bhp engine; or the 335i Coupe with twin turbo 3.0-litre, 306 bhp power plant.
Abu Dhabi moves to clean vehicles
Abu Dhabi plans to run 20% of government-owned vehicles and taxis on natural gas in six years, Gulf News reported. Air quality is expected to improve significantly, according to a report in the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi's quarterly magazine Al Dhabi. Measures include the introduction of CNG and the phased conversion of all vehicles to use ULSF.
Nissan signs for Desert Challenge
Nissan has again signed on as sponsor for the UAE Desert Challenge, the final round in the FIA Country Rally World Cup. The agreement means the Nissan Patrol is the rally's official car for the third year running. The event runs from 4-10 November.
Private crash plans delayed
A plan to bring in private firm First Security Group to inspect minor road accidents in Dubai has been put on hold until at least 2007, Emirates Today reported. Operational and funding issues are said to be holding the scheme up, which was announced in June and due to start four months later.
Nissan Altima, 24 hour record
The Nissan Altima has set a 24 hour endurance drive record, the first time an unmodified production sedan has achieved the feat in the Middle East under Federation Internationale De L'Automobile regulations. The event was held at the Dubai Autodrome, in temperatures of more than 44 degrees Celsius, where a V6 3.5-litre and a 2.5-litre Nissan Altima were driven for 24 hours without engine stops.
Dubai fire extinguisher plan
The Dubai Civil Defence and the Roads and Transport Authority are studying a proposal to make fire extinguishers mandatory in vehicles, reported Gulf News. There has been a significant increase in the number of car fires over the past five years and 77 have been recorded in the first five months of 2006. The ruling would mean that cars not carrying extinguishers would not be registered by the traffic department.
Dubai quad bike crackdown
Dubai Police is to crack down on quad bikers in the Bur Dubai area following complaints from local residents, reported Gulf News. The authorities confiscated 61 bikes in July, most of which were being ridden by youths, including some as young as ten. The police pinpointed Jumeirah Beach, Al Safa Park and Al Quoz as the main problem areas.
Nissan in Omani expansion
Nissan has recently opened a new showroom in Salalah as part of its regional expansion programme, reported the Oman Daily Observer. The 10,300 sqft showroom includes an integrated service centre and spare parts facility. Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, Nissan's official Omani distributor, also plans showrooms for Sinaw, Bidiya, Izki, Seeb and Rustaq.
BMW Z4 M Coupe at Alfardan
Alfardan Automobiles, Qatar's sole BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce importer, has launched the new BMW Z4 M Coupe sports car, reported the Gulf Times. Alfardan is offering customers a three year warranty with unlimited mileage, finance arrangements and the BMW Safety Programme.
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