Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) took part in the AccessAbilities Expo 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 7 to 9, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. 

The event featured 300 international exhibitors and a dedicated rehabilitation centre, along with the participation of local and private entities. It showcased the latest global practices aimed at maximizing the happiness of people with disabilities and making Dubai a more friendly city for them.

Rashed Al Mulla, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at RTA, said: “AccessAbilities Expo serves as a global platform for entities dedicated to empowering people of determination to interact, employ services and technologies and showcase solutions that enhance the lifestyle of this community segment. The exhibition seeks to forge joint ventures between participating companies from various countries.”

“RTA’s participation in this exhibition, which began in 2016, underscores its corporate values of promoting reputation, teamwork, leadership and collaboration. At the sixth edition of the AccessAbilities Expo, RTA focuses on showcasing its latest buses customised for people of determination. A feature film was also screened to highlight the exceptional services available for people of determination at metro and tram stations, all in compliance with the "Dubai Building Code." This code mandates features such as indoor and outdoor passages for the visually impaired, automatic entrance doors, sloping ramps, informational signboards, designated waiting areas, and spacious elevators to accommodate their needs. Furthermore, RTA presented the ‘Customer Happiness Centre On Wheels’, which offers a range of services for people of determination, senior citizens, and senior residents, including vehicle registration, renewal, transfer and export transactions,” added Al Mulla.

Visitors to the exhibition were introduced to the Smart Pedestrian Signals project, which operates by a system reliant on sensors connected to a ground optical system. This project enhanced traffic safety by allowing pedestrians who need more time to cross safely. Moreover, RTA is committed to continuously updating its website services to ensure smooth access to digital content for people of determination. These features include a page reader, sign language support, link recognition, and additional tools designed to assist individuals with motor difficulties, poor vision, or dyslexia.

RTA completed the third phase of a project to retrofit its buildings and facilities, making them accessible to people of determination and compliant with the standards of the "Dubai Building Code." A total of 26 buildings and facilities have been upgraded, including the Head Office, 15 bus stations, 4 multi-level parking terminals, 2 customer happiness centres, 5 administrative buildings, and Al Jaddaf Marine Transport Station. The third phase marks the final stage of the project, though the development process remains ongoing to accommodate subsequent updates to the "Dubai Building Code."

At the humanitarian and sports level, RTA collaborated with the Dubai Club for People of Determination by signing a memorandum of cooperation to share expertise, combine efforts, and boost partnerships to support people of determination in sports. This cooperation provides athletes with the resources and facilities needed to compete in both local and international championships. Among the notable sports champions who have received support and achieved international success are Aisha Al-Mutaiwe in powerlifting, Ahmad Al Bedwawi in cycling, and Ayman Al Muqbali, who has won gold and silver medals in bowling.