Tag: government

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Political declaration signed in Sudan after month-long crisis

On November 11, Al-Burhan issued a constitutional decree ordering the formation of a transitional Sovereign Council, and named himself as Chairman of the Council…reports Asian Lite News

Nearly a month after a political crisis erupted in Sudan, General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and removed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok have signed a political declaration, which included reappointing Hamdok as Prime Minister.

Sudan has been suffering from a political crisis after Al-Burhan declared a state of emergency on October 25 and dissolved the Sovereign Council and cabinet. On November 11, Al-Burhan issued a constitutional decree ordering the formation of a transitional Sovereign Council, and named himself as Chairman of the Council.

Political declaration signed in Sudan after month-long crisis

Since then, the capital Khartoum and other cities have witnessed mass demonstrations rejecting the measures by the Army Commander, Xinhua news agency reported.

The declaration stipulated that the constitutional document would be the main reference for the transitional period. It also ensured broad political participation, except for the dissolved National Congress Party of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

The declaration reiterated that the partnership between the civilian and military components is the guarantor of Sudan’s stability and security, assigning the Sovereign Council to the task of supervising the transitional period without interfering in the executive work of the government.

It also promised to investigate the killing and injuring of civilians and military personnel during the recent demonstrations and to complete the transitional institutions, including the legislative council and the judicial bodies.

According to the declaration, the committee for dismantling al-Bashir’s government since 1989 will be brought back to work and its performance in the previous period will be reviewed. It also promised to release all political detainees and work to build a unified national army.

At the signing ceremony of the declaration aired live by Sudan’s official TV, Hamdok said the signing of the declaration opens the door wide on all issues of the transition.

“There are great challenges facing the political reality, but we have the ability to work together,” he added.

The deal offers the opportunity to maintain the gains achieved in the past two years, and fortifies the civilian democratic transition through expanding the transition base, the Prime Minister said.

Al-Burhan, for his part, said the declaration “lays the correct foundations for the transitional period in a consensual manner.”

ALSO READ: S.Sudan could miss Covid vax target amid insecurity, flooding

The Army has no intention to exclude any party in Sudan, he added, vowing to work to complete the course of transition and reach free and fair elections.

A civilian-military transitional authority was established in Sudan following the ouster of the government of al-Bashir on April 11, 2019.

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-Top News India News World

India Invites World to Join Its Energy Transition Journey

India Invites World to Join Its Energy Transition Journey

96% of the country’s population and 86% of its geographic area would be covered under CGD network after the 11th round, says Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri invited global companies to invest in India’s energy transition and work with the government to achieve its vision to expand the green footprint by more than doubling the share of natural gas in the country’s energy basket.

Hardeep Singh Puri

Addressing investors virtually during a roadshow on Saturday ahead of the 11th round of bidding for city gas distribution (CGD), the minister said: “The demand for natural gas within the country has seen an upward tick from the past. The growth of the CGD industry showcases natural gas as a responsible alternative to its more polluting fossil fuel counterparts.

“When the NDA government took office in 2014, only 34 geographical areas covering 9% population and 2.7% of India’s geographical area were covered by CGD networks and on the completion of the 11th round, 96% of the country’s population and 86% of its geographic area would be covered under CGD network. The expected investment because of the concluded CGD bidding rounds is nearing a total of rupees 1.2 lakh crore”, he told investors gathered at the Indian pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai.

Shri Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, during his keynote address, invited the private sector to invest in the oil and gas sector as there are huge business opportunities.

“We want the private sector to come in a big way to join the Indian oil and gas sector. So far, public sector is leading, playing probably the very major role, but now, we want more and more companies from the private sector to join them.”

Kapoor added: “While some of the companies have already invested in city gas distribution, we want some new companies also to come in, as the business opportunity is huge. And we want the distribution networks to come up very fast in India.”

Talking about the upstream industry, the secretary said, “India has not yet fully explored its oil and gas reserves, and as we move along and we start exploring more and more area, we will certainly have more discoveries.”

The latest bidding round will offer 65 geographical areas spread over 19 states and one Union Territory, which would cover around 25% of India’s population.

“Natural gas is the future, and it will be the most important component of India’s energy bouquet to realize our vision of net-zero by 2070”, said Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).

Sh. Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) said “ GAIL has been a pioneer in CGD in India, and we are currently operating in 62 geographical areas. We are committed to covering the entire India with gas pipelines, including J&K, soon.”

ALSO READ: Indian Roots, Ivy Admits: Guide for Abroad Aspirants

Shri S. C. L. Das, Director General, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons; Shri Gajendra Singh, Member, PNGRB; Shri Suresh Manglani, CEO, Adani Gas Ltd, along with various CGD players from the public and private sector, also attended the bidding.

India is currently the third-largest primary energy consumer after China, and USA and it is one of the fastest-growing energy consumers across the world. The country aims to enhance the share of natural gas in its energy basket from 7.6% to 15% by 2030.

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-Top News Arab News COVID-19

Despite pandemic M-E defence spending stayed consistent: Lockheed Martin

Countries in the Middle East have remained consistent in their defence spending despite the COVID-19 pandemic, as the regional threat landscape continues to evolve in unpredictable ways, said Robert Harward, Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin in the Middle East…writes Lina Ibrahim

“Over the past few decades, our proposition has evolved from supplying defence systems to supporting regional governments with a diverse range of products, services, and technical support,” Harward told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2021, but he did not provide any figures.

“Our industry is being constantly tested to address new, complex challenges that require innovation and concerted efforts.”

Robert Harward,

The company’s net sales in 2020 stood at US$65.4 billion, which is a growth of 9.4 percent compared to the previous year when sales stood at $59.8 billion. Some 25 percent of net sales in 2020 came from international customers, according to the company.

To address the challenges of today’s complex battlespace and counter emerging threats, Lockheed Martin aims to help its regional allies leverage cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, edge computing and 5G.MILTM connectivity.

“5G.MILTM is one of our priorities, as it enables prompt and decisive action,” said Harward, explaining that this technology offers greater resilience, higher throughput, and the ultra-low latency needed for edge devices to operate in the joint battlespace.

“It also allows us to fully harness the power of artificial intelligence to make battlefield decisions with unrivaled speed,” he added.

At the Dubai Airshow, the company is showcasing its advanced network-based capabilities to counter evolving security threats across all domains – land, air, sea, cyber, and space.

The so-called Multi-Domain Operations or Joint All-Domain Operations (MDO/JADO) can synchronise major systems such as aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, satellites, and missile defence systems to improve situational awareness and accelerate decision-making in the field.

“We are witnessing strong demand for our next-generation systems and services. As an enduring security partner in the Middle East, we are continuing to focus on expanding our relationships with governments in the GCC, not just in defence but in space, cybersecurity, and training too,” Harward said.

He also hailed the UAE’s aerospace and defence industry, saying that his company is “a firm supporter” of it and “proud to have witnessed the entire sector going from strength to strength in the country’s relatively short history.”

ALSO READ: UAE, Israel begin FTA talks

The UAE has been a regular client for Lockheed Martin in the past four decades. The company’s solutions and platforms include next-generation fighter jets, advanced air and missile defense technologies, command and control systems, and simulation and training support.

“We expect to see the UAE’s defense sector continue to grow in the coming years and are looking forward to supporting its growth and development.”

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Over 3,000 inmates yet to be recaptured after Nigeria jailbreaks

Nigeria govt: 3,000 inmates yet to be recaptured following recent jailbreaks

The Nigerian government said that over 3,000 inmates are yet to be recaptured following recent jailbreaks in the most populous African country…reports Asian Lite News

A total of 4,860 inmates had escaped during attacks on the country’s custodial centres since last year, and only 984 of them have been rearrested so far, with 3,876 inmates still at large, Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola told reporters here.

Nigeria govt: 3,000 inmates yet to be recaptured following recent jailbreaks

To aid the active tracking of the fleeing inmates, the Minister said the government had taken the biometrics of all inmates in the country, hoping this will be useful for their recapture, reports Xinhua news agency.

In recent months, there have been a series of gunmen attacks across Nigeria, including attacks on security facilities like police stations and custodial centres.

ALSO READ: 163 illegal migrants deported to Nigeria from Libya

On October 22, 837 inmates awaiting trial escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Center in the Abolongo area of the southwestern state of Oyo following an attack on the centre, according to a statement by the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Aregbesola said that Nigeria currently has a total of 69,680 inmates, with 50,223 still awaiting trials.

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Africa News News World

UN appeals Ethiopian govt for quick release of staffers and contract truckers

UN appeals Ethiopian govt for quick release of staffers and contract truckers

The UN is appealing to the Ethiopian government for the immediate release of an unprecedented number of detained staffers and contract aid truckers….reports Asian Lite News

“We continue to actively engage with the government to try to undo this situation,” added Stephane Dujarric, the Chief Spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

“We want to see our colleagues released as quickly as possible. We want to see those contractors who have been hired by the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also freed as quickly as possible.”

UN appeals Ethiopian govt for quick release of staffers and contract truckers

As of Thursday, at least nine UN staff members and more than 70 truck drivers remained in detention, he said.

Asked at a regular press briefing about the number of detainees in comparison with previous detentions of UN staffers, anywhere in the world, Dujarric replied, “In my recent memory it is unprecedented in terms of numbers that we are seeing.”

The United Nations and NGOs hired the truck drivers to deliver humanitarian aid into the northernmost Tigray region of Ethiopia, the site of a year-long rebellion that has since spilled into the neighbouring areas of Afar and Amhara, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier in the week, published reports said the government was rounding up people identified as Tigrayans.

“From our standpoint, they are Ethiopians, our colleagues, they are staff members, regardless of what ethnicity might be listed on their national identity cards and they need to be released,” Dujarric added.

“Our humanitarian colleagues say that people in Amhara need shelter, food, and water, as well as medicines and protection, as fighting in Amhara has led to many people being newly displaced from Dessie, Kombolcha, Baati, Kamissie and other areas in Amhara,” he said.

“Tens of thousands of internally displaced people have reportedly registered in the city of Debre Berhan, with many people taking shelter in two schools there.”

Thousands of people are also reportedly displaced from Chifra and Ada’ar in Afar, he added. The majority of these people are women and children.

The Spokesman said security concerns hamper the delivery of humanitarian aid. Electricity and telecommunications were cut in Dessie and Kombolcha in Amhara on October 30. Some 915,000 people have received food assistance, and nearly 160,000 have received shelter and other items since August.

However, he added that no UN-organized humanitarian supplies could take the Semera-Abala-Mekelle route into Tigray since October 18. In Semera, Afar region, 364 trucks are being held.

ALSO READ: Ethiopia in Nationwide Emergency

Dujarric said fuel and cash shortages significantly affect the ability of the United Nations and its partners to transport supplies, including food. The lack of essential medical equipment, supplies, and vaccines across the whole of Tigray is also seriously impacting the availability of health care.

Still, humanitarian partners remain in Tigray, aiming to deliver assistance with available resources, he added.

Between October 28 and November 3, about 112,000 people received food in Tigray, well below the average of 870,000 targeted for assistance each week, he said.

Throughout the country, humanitarian operations face a funding gap of 1.3$ billion, including $350 million for the response in Tigray alone, he added.

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Arab News News World

Yemeni forces conduct partial withdrawal from Hodeidah

Yemeni forces conduct partial withdrawal from Hodeidah

Yemeni forces conducted a partial withdrawal from the outskirts of the country’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah…reports Asian Lite News

“The joint forces that include several anti-Houthi military units began withdrawing from their positions in the southern and eastern areas of the turbulent city of Hodeidah,” the official told Xinhua news agency.

He said that the joint forces withdrew from Al-Saleh and Kilo16 residential neighborhoods in Hodeidah to other new locations in the strategic coastal city.

Yemeni forces conduct partial withdrawal from Hodeidah

The partial withdrawal was implemented within the framework of a UN-sponsored agreement to establish a “green” zone in the conflict areas in Hodeidah, he added.

Meanwhile, another military official confirmed to Xinhua that the Commander of Yemeni National Resistance Forces Brigadier General Tariq Saleh, who is the nephew of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, began withdrawing in accordance with a new phase of cooperation and coordination with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) based in Aden.

He added that “leaders of the STC and Tariq’s elite national troops unified their efforts following mutual understandings aimed at carrying out a new military campaign against the rebel militias in Hodeidah’s coastal areas and elsewhere in Yemen”.

Elite military units of Tariq’s forces, known as the Guardians of the Republic, are currently controlling key strategic areas on the western coast of Yemen and sporadically engage in fighting with the Houthi rebels there

ALSO READ: Houthi militia launched ballistic missile against Yemen

Hodeidah, a vital lifeline for millions facing starvation, has seen a shaky ceasefire between the government and the Houthi group since they reached a UN-sponsored truce in Stockholm in December 2018.

The truce was seen as the first phase toward a nationwide cease-fire to end Yemen’s years-long military conflict, but fighting continued across the impoverished Arab country.

Hodeidah is under the control of the Houthis, while the government forces have advanced to the southern and eastern districts.

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-Top News Dubai UAE News

Great Narrative Meeting: 5 vital sectors to shape future

Great Narrative Meeting: 5 vital sectors to shape future

The workshops were attended by thought leaders, futurists and experts in the fields of future sciences, genetics, health, space, economy and business, environment, climate change and society…reports Asian Lite News

The Great Narrative Meeting, jointly organised by the UAE government and the World Economic Forum (WEF), kicked off Thursday, in Dubai, and hosted a series of interactive sessions and intensive workshops with the participation of thought leaders, scientists, experts, and UAE ministers to shape the way forward for vital sectors.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, delivered keynote speeches on the first day of the Meeting, which also hosted a panel discussion to explore the UAE’s vision for the next 50 years and the major future trends in the fields of government work, science, space, youth, advanced technology and AI solutions.

The first day’s workshops discussed the key future trends in five vital sectors, including society, technology, environment, politics, and future economy, with the aim of creating a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for all.

The workshops were attended by thought leaders, futurists and experts in the fields of future sciences, genetics, health, space, economy and business, environment, climate change and society.

The participants discussed the major future trends in the technology sector and the means to employ advanced technology and its applications.

Great Narrative Meeting: 5 vital sectors to shape future

The workshops also tackled the key shifts and future trends in economy and the future narrative of this vital sector, in addition to promoting entrepreneurship and R&D to create opportunities and develop new business models based on knowledge and innovation.

Great Narrative Meeting: 5 vital sectors to shape future

The participants addressed the future trends of global politics and the importance of promoting international cooperation and comprehensive global dialogue to achieve people’s aspirations for a better future.

In addition, the participants discussed the future trends related to the environment and exchanged views on promoting collaboration between governments, international organisations and individuals, to preserve the environment and ensure sustainability of natural resources. They addressed the key future trends of social sectors and highlighted the need to create new models and opportunities through analysing the future social trends and understanding their impact on government policies.

ALSO READ:UAE, WEF call for global action to secure better future

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Arab News News World

Post-budget Woes Threaten Israeli Coalition

Post-budget Woes Threaten Israeli Coalition

When Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett triumphantly secured an annual budget last week, he tweeted “now we begin!”…reports Asian Lite News

After three years’ political instability in Israel, the passing of the budget is thought to guarantee the longevity of the government. However, for the government led by Bennett, a very heterogeneous coalition, there is indeed more major work ahead.

Bennett leads a razor-thin majority in the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. From right-wing nationalists to the first Arab party to join a government, disagreement rather than consensus is more likely to dominate possible issues, Xinhua news agency reported.

Post-budget Woes Threaten Israeli Coalition

“The budget was used as an excuse to delay discussions on all other matters,” said Gayle Tal Shir from the department of Political Science at the Hebrew University. “The government will now have a very difficult time. There will not be quiet from any direction.”

Underlying tensions are ever-present in the current coalition and an array of issues could bring them to the surface. However, with many of the partners being wary of their political future, it is hard to see any of them leave the coalition.

Settlement Construction

The construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank could test the delicate coalition. The majority of the international community considers Jewish settlements in those areas illegal and does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem, not to mention that the Palestinians see these areas as part of their future independent state.

Since its swearing-in in June, the Israeli government has quietly advanced building projects in contentious areas in Jerusalem. Plans for building hundreds of housing units in the West Bank have also been laid. The plans were submitted by the housing minister, a member of the New Hope right-wing party.

“We have reached the limit of our ability to stay silent,” tweeted Mossi Raz, a Meretz Parliament member, in response to the minister’s plans.

While Bennett himself is a vocal opponent of the two-state solution, his coalition partners from the left are champions of it.

“We will oppose any step that prevents a political settlement in the future,” said the head of the Labor party and Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli, at the Knesset earlier this week.

“There will be an ideological fight. We will see feistiness from the left, and there is potential to rock the boat,” Tal Shir noted.

US Consulate in Jerusalem

The reopening of a US consulate for Palestinians in East Jerusalem is also a cause for strain within the coalition. While both Bennett and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid have voiced their opposition to the US intention, the more dovish members of the government are not as keen to butt heads with the White House.

Up until 2018, the United States had two consulates in Jerusalem, one for Palestinians and one for Israelis. After former U.S. President Donald Trump recognized the city as the capital of Israel, the two consulates were merged and housed in the new embassy.

“The sovereignty in Jerusalem is held by one country alone — the state of Israel,” said Lapid at a press conference over the weekend after the passing of the budget.

The US is looking to improve relations with the Palestinians that deteriorated under the Trump administration. Israeli media have reported that Lapid told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the US insistence on re-opening the consulate could risk the government’s stability.

“The Americans wanted to see a stable government, and they understand this will put the government in a bind,” said Eran Vigoda-Gadot, a professor of political science and governance at the University of Haifa.

Benjamin-Netanyahu

Anti-Netanyahu Legislation

Having coined “The Change government,” Bennett formed the coalition together with Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party. The unlikely agreement was based on the common desire to oust Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from his seat.

The passing of the budget is a major dent in Netanyahu’s plans to make a political comeback. In addition, there are also attempts to prevent him from even taking part in any future campaign.

Netanyahu is currently on trial for various corruption charges. Led by Justice Minister Gideon Saar, members of the coalition are promoting a law to bar lawmakers faced with serious charges from becoming a prime minister. Should the law pass, it would take effect in the next election, essentially barring Netanyahu from running.

The main opponents of the legislation come from within Bennett’s party, with Bennett himself ambiguous on the proposal. They oppose the law which they say gives too much power to the attorney general, who will de-facto be able to determine who runs for premiership and who does not. Members of the Arab party have also not promised their support.

ALSO READ: India, Israel join for develop dual use tech for defence

Legislation to limit the tenure of a prime minister and supreme court judge appointments could also lead to similar disagreements within the coalition.

Despite the many outstanding issues and mixed opinions within the government, the alternative is not appealing to any of its members.

“The government will be likely to survive, as none of the partners have any interest in heading to elections at this point,” Tal Shir concluded.

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Arab News News World

Kuwait govt submits resignation to Emir

Kuwait govt submits resignation to Emir

The Kuwaiti government has submitted its resignation to Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah…reports Asian Lite News

The Emir on Monday received Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah who tendered the resignation of the government, Xinhua news agency quoted the state media report as saying.

Kuwait govt submits resignation to Emir

This resignation comes on the eve of a parliamentary session, the agenda of which includes interpellation against the Prime Minister and a number of members of his government.

On January 24, the Emir appointed Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Prime Minister and assigned him to form a government.

On March 2, the Emir issued a decree forming the new government under the Prime Minister.

ASLO READ: Kuwait Int’l Airport ready to operate at full capacity

Kuwait experiences frequent cabinet reshuffles.

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-Top News Dubai UAE News

Dubai’s Infra Projects Saved Dh220 Bn: RTA

Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer

The total investment in the improvement of roads and transport during the same period was AED140 billion…reports Asian Lite News

Massive investments of the Dubai Government in improving the infrastructure of roads and transport saved nearly AED220 billion (about US$60 billion) in time and fuel wasted through traffic congestions from 2006 to 2020, according to Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

In contrast, the total investment in the improvement of roads and transport during the same period was AED140 billion (about $40 billion).

Dubai

Al Tayer made these statements in his keynote speech to the 18th IRF (International Road Federation) World Meeting and Exhibition, titled “Roads to Tomorrow: Dubai’s Pathway to Sustainable Mobility”. Attendees at the session included several high-ranking officials as well as representatives of concerned entities.

MATTAR MOHAMMED AL TAYER, DIRECTOR GENERAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF THE ROADS AND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY: “Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the RTA has achieved mega projects in a record time highlighted by the Dubai Metro project, which had been delivered in just four years, and the Dubai Water Canal project that had been completed in less than three years.”

“We have more than doubled our road network from 8,715 in 2006 to 18,255 lane km in 2020 and increased the number of vehicle bridges and tunnels 5 folds from 129 in 2006 to 844 in 2020. Similarly, we have increased the number of pedestrian bridges and tunnels by four times from 26 to 125 around the same time and extended our cycling track network from nine km in 2006 to 463 km in 2020, and is expected to reach 668 km by 2025.

“The RTA’s projects have cemented the competitiveness of the UAE, which had consequently been ranked No. 1 in Road Quality Worldwide for 5 years in a row. RTA’s joint efforts with the General HQ of Dubai Police have reduced road accident fatalities from almost 22 cases to 1.8 cases per 100,000 between 2006 and 2020, and reduced pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 population from 9.5 to 0.5 between 2007 and 2020,” noted Al Tayer.

“Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of the agenda of the UAE Government, which is the first government in the region committing to the climate neutrality strategy 2050. Some 22 percent of global carbon emissions directly result from the transport sector. To support the UAE’s efforts to conserve the environment, the RTA has revamped its vision to fit with the future directions of Dubai to become ‘The world leader in seamless and sustainable mobility,’” he commented.

“Sustainability is an integral part of the RTA’s strategies and initiatives launched to conserve the environment and reduce the carbon footprint of the transport sector. RTA developed a roadmap towards zero-emissions public transport by 2050 and its initiatives contributed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 400k tons by 2020,” Al Tayer added.

In his speech, Al Tayer touched on the efforts of the Dubai Government to achieve sustainable urban development in the context of the human-centric Dubai Urban Plan 2040 aimed to improve the wellbeing of people and make Dubai the best city for living in the world. According to the plan, 55 percent of the expected population will live within 800 metres of metro stations. It adopts a “20-minute city” concept to allow residents to access 80 percent of daily services within 20 minutes by walking and cycling. 60 percent of the Emirate’s total area will be nature reserves and rural areas.

Al Tayer reviewed the RTA’s role in adopting innovation to cope with the challenges of designing and constructing mega projects to ensure their timely delivery. Such projects are highlighted by the Dubai Metro project, which has been accomplished in four years, and the Dubai Water Canal, which has been completed despite the complex challenges such as the that the route of the channel crosses over three busy roads comprised of 28 lanes in an area with completed infrastructure and a massive network of utility lines. It required moving 2.2 million cubic metres of the excavated material which was used to create a man-made island at the end of the canal near the beach. The RTA adopted an advanced technique in digging the canal and reinstalled the utility network underneath the canal. The canal contributed to improving the quality of Dubai Creek water by 33 percent.

Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer

“The RTA is a key partner in the smart city initiative aimed to transform Dubai into the smartest and happiest city in the world. It leads the smart mobility drive and undertook a portfolio of projects in support of digitisation. It adopted an artificial intelligence strategy, as manifested in the Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre at Al Barsha, one of the most sophisticated traffic control centres in the world in terms of using smart technologies. The centre raised the percentage of road network coverage with smart traffic systems from 11 percent to 60 percent, which is expected to increase to 100 percent by 2023. It also reduced fatal accidents by 42 percent, and the delay time at intersections by 25 percent.”

“The RTA manages 190,000 paid parking slots using an integrated centre for parking management. It deployed vehicles equipped with digital cameras supported by artificial intelligence and machine-learning technologies capable of scanning more than 10,000 parking spaces per hour, with 99% accuracy, and issuing tickets for violations automatically,” Al Tayer explained.

ALSO READ: Dubai’s DoF, Visa ink deal to drive digitisation

In his speech, Al Tayer reviewed RTA’s efforts to implement the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to convert 25 percent of total mobility journeys in Dubai to smart journeys on driverless means by 2030. “In this regard, RTA signed a partnership agreement with General Motors–Cruise to operate GM’s autonomous vehicles to deliver taxi and shared mobility services by 2023, which would make Dubai the first city in the world, outside America, to operate these vehicles,” he said.

“RTA expanded the scope of partnership with the private sector to provide innovative services and new opportunities in the mobility and finance sectors. For example, RTA established Hala, a joint venture with Careem considered the first of its kind e-hailing between a government transport authority and the private sector. It contributed to reducing customer waiting time for taxis from 11.4 minutes to 3.7 minutes.”

Al Tayer concluded by emphasising that Dubai’s journey of excellence in the field of roads and transport is underpinned by key success factors, the most important of which are effective leadership, clear vision, making the right and timely decisions, to build a sustainable model to boost the wellbeing of Dubai’s residents and visitors, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “We are building a new reality for our people, a new future for our children, and a new model of development.”