Marine Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is proceeding with field visits and meetings with property developers operating in Dubai to explore means of boosting relations between RTA, property developers and strategic partners.
The Acting CEO of RTA Marine Agency Khalid al Zahid said that these visits were in the context of the initiative of Marine Agency to boost relations & enhance cooperation with strategic partners, as well as promote the team spirit to serve the community with a view to providing the best marine mass transit services in the emirate of Dubai.
“The Agency recently conferred with Culture and Arts Authority to identify the cooperative framework between the two parties as regards the newly launched Dubai Creek Cultural Project, and the importance of preserving the traditional & heritage design of abras & marine mass transit modes in the emirate of Dubai.
“We have also held meetings with Dubai Customs (Dubai World) to discuss extending marine mass transit services to the new Fisheries Ports Development project. Visits also included Deira Investment Co. to discuss matters related to Deira Waterfront project, and the meeting explored the possibility of extending marine mass transit services to the waterfront projects. Visits programme also included Burj Dubai Lakes project developed by Emaar Properties.
“The underlying objective of these meetings and visits made by the Agency is to coordinate & establish the general framework of boosting partnerships and promote the current and future communication links with these property developers. The overall objective is to establish marine mass transit services, enrich marine projects, and enhance the navigational lines in keeping with the vision of the Agency to provide safe and smooth marine transport to all. This is bound to facilitate the mobility of inhabitants and visitors to multiple destinations such as Palm Deira, Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, The World …etc and other water front projects. Such network will minimize road traffic congestions and contribute to realizing RTA strategic objective of expanding the geographical coverage of public transport in Dubai, and delivering such services at rates affordable to all.
“Meetings with developers and strategic partners are set to ensure provision of an advanced marine transport network such as abras, water bus, water taxi and Ferry Dubai. discussions also covered integrating marine transport with the rest of mass transit modes to realize the vision of the RTA to provide safe and smooth transport for all. Marine transit modes will ferry commuters between those projects and various marine destinations in downtown area, coastal hotels, aqua clubs, commercial centers, tourist places and historical spots along the shores of internal & coastal waterways in the emirate of Dubai in the first phase. They will be linked with other coastal cities of the UAE in the second phase.
“It has been agreed with these property developers to hold workshops and conduct regular visits to enhance this interaction and raise the profile of Dubai in keeping with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a global destination not only in a specific field but also in all fields.
“The Agency is always keen to provide top class marine transport services as they have considerable impact on minimizing traffic congestions. Due consideration has been given, at the time of designing various marine mass transit modes, to adopt the latest security & safety specifications worldwide. This is demonstrated in the provision of air-conditioned compartments, comfortable seats, designated areas for ladies & children, and all safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and life jackets.
“We will also be working on minimizing the negative impact on the environment through adopting green alternatives such as solar energy and natural gas. The Agency is also planning to introduce sophisticated navigational systems linked with satellites for use in positioning and managing marine transport systems through purpose-built control rooms. Marine agency is in direct coordination with Coast Guard, Unified Ambulance, Rescue Police, and Civil Defence authorities to remain alerted to meet all eventualities.
