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26/02/2026

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11/06/2021

Ride-hailing platform Careem is calling back its UAE workforce - for one day a week at office

The ride-hailing company Careem is making a shift from its work remotely strategy – going forward, employees in the UAE will return to the office for one day each week.

“We've always believed that in-person interactions are an integral part of our culture and a powerful lever for collaboration,” said Mudassir Sheikha, CEO of Careem. “This is reflected in our remote-first approach, which included plans for a ‘weekly office-day’ from the start.” (It was in September last Careem launched its remote-first policy.)

The return for a day-a-week will be run as a pilot programme in the UAE operations. The company operates 36 offices across its network. The UAE was chosen for the pilot following its successful progress in its vaccination program, with over 12 million vaccine shots administered.

The pilot run will play out over two months and will end with extensive feedback to decide the next steps. “The idea is for us to test assumptions about what work is best done together in-person, and further develop our tools and approaches for successfully involving distributed colleagues in other locations in this work," he added. "We'll gather learnings from this pilot and iterate on our remote-first ways of working to drive productivity, effective collaboration and strengthen the Careem culture.”

Published by gulfnews.com

07/06/2021

Dubai RTA signs MoU with Chinese firm to develop suspended railway

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday with Chinese firm Zhong Tang Sky Railway Group to explore developing a suspended transport network in the city.

The rail system that will soar over ground will encourage more people to use public transport. “The use of this type of transport in Dubai aims to accelerate the mobility of people, provide affordable mobility solutions, encourage community members to use them, and curb traffic congestion,” Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of Rail Agency at the RTA, said on Monday. “The signing of this MoU is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to increase public transportation trips to 26 per cent by 2030. Realising this objective requires developing advanced futuristic transport systems and improving the sustainable transport network in Dubai to encourage people and visitors to use public transport,” he explained.

Smart and happy city

Younes said: “RTA is aligning its efforts with the national agenda to nurture a sustainable environment in terms of air quality and reliance on clean energy. The ultimate objective is to rank Dubai as the best place for living and business, a destination for visitors, and the smartest and happiest city in the world.

“RTA is signing MoUs with a host of specialist companies in the development of suspended transport systems to identify the technologies used in this sort of mass transit means. We will be able to screen and obtain the best technologies and select the best systems for implementation in Dubai,” he added.

Self-driving transport

RTA is seeking to convert 25 per cent of the total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving transport by 2030.

Zhong Tang Sky Railway Group is a leading company in suspended railways. Tang Tong, chairman of Zhong Tang Sky Train, signed the MoU on behalf of the Group.

Published by gulfnews.com

06/06/2021

RTA awards contract for building internal roads in three residential areas of Dubai

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has awarded a contract for constructing internal roads in three residential communities.

The 34.4 kilometres network of roads will be built in Al Quoz 2, Nad Al Sheba 2 and Al Barsha South 3.

Work is expected to be complete by the second half of 2022.

Roads, street lights and rainwater drainage will be improved in Al Quoz 2.

A 16km internal road will be constructed between Al Khail and Al Meydan roads.

A 12km internal road will be built in Nad Al Sheba 2.

There will also be new parallel parking spaces, streetlights, and a drainage system to direct storm water into the sewerage network for the area.

Two new entry-exit points from and to Al Manama and Nad Al Hamar streets will improve traffic flow.

In Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens in Al Barsha South 3, about 6.4 kilometres of internal roads will be built.

New street lighting, car parks and a bus station are also planned.

Published by thenationalnews.com

31/05/2021

Dubai plans to make public transport emission-free by 2050

Public transport in Dubai will be emission-free by 2050, under plans by the emirate's government.

All taxis, buses, ride-share cars and school vehicles will run on electricity and hydrogen in a major sustainability push, said the Dubai government media office on Monday.

"This also supports the commitment of the UAE to the Paris Agreement on climate change to reduce the emissions in the UAE by 23.5 per cent by 2030,” said Nasser BuShehab, chief executive of the Roads and Transport Authority's strategy and governance department.

The announcement follows the recent unveiling of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which set out a major expansion of the city and its population.

"The roadmap of the plan – which is benchmarked against the best practices in New York, Denmark, UK, France and Japan – is based on three strategic pillars: green mobility, infrastructure, and circular economy," Mr BuShehab said.

“The highlights include broadening the use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles and buses in the fleets of public transport, school buses, taxis and limousines to reach the targeted 100 per cent rate by 2050.

"It also calls for widening the use of clean energy, such as solar power, in the premises and facilities of RTA, rehabilitation of the existing buildings and introducing the construction of almost emission-free buildings in all new projects."

More efficient street lighting will be in place by 2035 and 100 per cent of municipal waste across RTA projects will be recycled as of 2030.

"The plan estimates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 8 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and saving about Dh3 billion by 2050," Mr BuShehab said.

The RTA already has a target to make 50 per cent of the publicly-owned Dubai fleet hybrid this year, and last year it tested electric buses that can be charged as they pass over magnetic strips on the road.

The broader urban plan includes ambitions to boost the city's population from 3.3 million to 5.8 million in the next 20 years.

Physically Dubai would grow significantly, expanding further into the desert and increasing the length of its public beach by 400 per cent.

Published by thenationalnews.com

29/05/2021

A guide to getting your UAE driving licence: from service fees to passing your test

No matter where in the world you live, gaining a driving licence is seen by many as a passage to freedom.

It is a skill that can take you almost anywhere.

This week, UAE residents welcomed news that drivers who passed their driving test in the Emirates can now exchange their licence for a British one.

It costs £43 (Dh224) to convert the licence for an automatic vehicle. Additional lessons are required if a driver wants to switch to a manual car.

The minimum age to be allowed to drive a car in the UAE is 18. Applications for a licence can be submitted six months before turning 18.

Here is The National guide on how to obtain your licence and apply for your test in Dubai.

Converting your foreign licence to a UAE one

If you have a driving licence issued by your country of citizenship, in some cases it is possible to convert it to a UAE one without having to take lessons or a test.

This applies to citizens of a large number of countries, including Australia, France, the UK, the US, Saudi Arabia and Ireland.

In Dubai, you need to visit a Roads and Transport Authority centre and submit the following documents:
Original driving licence of the exception country plus a copy
Electronic eye test results
Original valid Emirates ID
Passport
Legalised translation of the licence if it is not in English or Arabic
The licence is applied for and processed on the same day, meaning you will walk out of the centre with your shiny new UAE licence within hours of submitting your documents.

You will be required to pay:

Dh200 for opening a file
Dh600 for issuing a licence
Dh50 for a handbook
Dh20 for knowledge and innovation fees
How to get a licence from scratch

If you are not from one of the countries that allow for a simple conversion, you have a few more steps to complete. Basically, you will have to start from square one.

Under the RTA guide, a Dubai resident can apply for a driving licence provided they meet the following requirements:

They are 17 years and six months old or above
They are medically fit
They join a training and qualification programme offered by an approved driving institute
They pass the theoretical and practical tests
To apply for a licence, the driver will need a valid passport, Emirates ID, at least eight passport photographs, eye test results and a traffic file number.

You will be required to pay service fees to the RTA, including Dh200 in test fees and Dh20 of knowledge and innovation fees.

Take an eye test

To proceed with lessons, you need to undergo an eye test.

These tests can be carried out by an optician approved by the RTA.

Take the paperwork with you when applying for a licence and booking lessons and tests.

Ready, set, test

The number of lessons you take depends on your experience. Learner drivers who do not possess any licence, from any country, have to register for 20 lessons, usually 10 x two hours.

Theory test

You have to pass a few tests to obtain a driving licence in Dubai, the first being the theory test. This is taken on a computer and has to be completed before the final on-road test.

Your driving school registers you for the theory test. It examines your knowledge and understanding about traffic laws and driving risk perception, as well as your awareness of safety procedures. It usually consists of 35 multiple-choice questions and is carried out at your driving school.

Tips for the RTA theory test

Thoroughly read and understand the RTA handbook
Practise as much as you can on the RTA mobile app
Memorise what all road and traffic signs mean
Take online mock tests to assess your ability
Parking test

For any new driver, parking can often be the bane of the learning journey.

Before taking the on-road test, you must pass the parking test, which is carried out in the yard of the driving school.

You will be tested on slope/hill parking, an emergency stop, angle parking, parallel parking and garage parking.

Assessment test

This is basically a mock test of the on-road exam. Your instructor will advise you on when best to book the assessment and it will allow them to gauge when you can book your final on-road test.

Your time is limited during this phase. You usually get about 10 minutes to show your instructor your worth.

On-road driving test

This is what all the preparation has been for. This is the final leg of your learner journey, so make sure you are mentally prepared.

On your assigned date for the test, reach the RTA driving licence centre with your:

Emirates ID
Driving file
Two passport photographs
Payment for the road test fee
Wait until your name is called then follow the examiner to the car.

In some cases, you may ride in the same car as other drivers doing their test, but do not let this faze you.

The on-road test can last a few minutes or up to 30 minutes, so be prepared.

When your turn comes, drive confidently in a way that demonstrates your overall driving skills.

Thankfully, there is no waiting around once you have completed your test. You will receive your result once you return to the driving centre.

If you fail, you need to complete seven additional classes before you can arrange anothe road test.

If you pass, the examiner will give you the approval paper. Submit it at the pass counter along with ID and the driving licence fee.

Your licence will be issued then and there. Well done!

Published by thenationalnews.com

27/05/2021

Dubai Airport Show unveils latest hands-free travel systems

Travel experts and enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Dubai this week for the Airport Show.

Visitors said the global rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine offered hope for a travel industry revival, but many were braced for a slow recovery.

During the three-day event, aviation and technology companies exhibited the future of airport innovation.

From biometric-based smart gates to self-sanitising tunnels, the pandemic has changed the airport experience forever.

As the industry's recovery continues, airports have reimagined every part of how passengers travel, from check-in to how meals are served in food courts and lounges.

There will be way less human interaction and certain pandemic precautions, such as mask wearing and regular sanitising, will stay in place for the foreseeable future.

Reynaldo Jr David, a Dubai resident from the Philippines, said he would like to see countries work together to implement more seamless travel protocols.

“The biggest issue expats like us face is the co-ordination between countries,” he said.

«Vaccinations are a key element in helping the travel industry rebound, but countries that have strong travel corridors need to be better aligned to make the travel experience easier for passengers.”

Mr David said they could liaise closer with each other to reduce major disruptions to travel, especially countries with a high concentration of expats.

Suggestions included exemptions for vaccinated passengers or GPS tracking protocols on arrival.

Mischelle Cacho, a partnerships manager for a media company in Dubai, said she is optimistic about the future of travel but said passengers “have to get used to the new normal”.

“The economy is slowly picking up but, personally, I think it will be about five years until things settle down for the sector,” she said.

“The vaccine roll-out is a great start but with new Covid-19 variants popping up, it will be an uphill battle.

“The future of travel will entail a lot more safety precautions, which will change the flight and journey experience for the better.

“In-person events like this offer a glimmer of hope that companies are adapting to this new norm, so travel, at some point, will pick up again.”

Since the start of the year, more international flights have resumed to several destinations from the Emirates and airlines are adding more flights to their schedules each week.

A growing number of countries are also slowly reducing or eliminating quarantine and Covid-19 testing requirements for those who have been fully vaccinated.

Just recently, a safe travel corridor between the UAE and Greece opened for fully vaccinated travellers to move between the two countries.

Under the agreement, passengers holding vaccination certificates issued by health authorities can travel to and from Greece without having to quarantine on arrival.

It follows similar agreements with Seychelles, Serbia and Bahrain.

For Zain Abedin Shaikh, manager of Al Hamraa Tourism LLC in Sharjah, such travel corridors are a welcome relief after a tough year.

“The travel market has been affected very hard by the pandemic, as a travel agency we have been hit hard,” he said.

“Countries really need to push forward their vaccination roll-out because as that happens, governments and airlines will loosen restrictions.

“The core of our business is travel packages between the UAE and South Asia, countries like Pakistan and India, and flight suspensions result in a slow-down in business.

“Reducing the risk of spread is a priority but there has to be a balance, which is where the vaccination plays a part.”

Published by thenationalnews.com

26/05/2021

Free parking for Covid vaccination centre visitors

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced free parking near Covid-19 vaccination centres.

About 50 parking spaces will be available near each vaccination centre, the authority said.

The designated parking spaces will available near Hor Al Anz, Al Barsha and Al Qusais health centres and Grand Hyatt Hotel Tent during the working hours.

The free parking will remain in place “until all eligible Dubai residents are vaccinated”.

Sign boards have been placed at the designated parking lots.

The RTA said the move aims to encourage residents to get vaccinated as it will “accelerate the return to normal life”.

Published by khaleejtimes.com

25/05/2021

Dubai electric car owners get free Salik tag, reserved parking

Owners of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Dubai get access to free parking slots and now a free Salik (road toll) tag, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) tweeted on Sunday.

EV owners get free parking (up to four hours at a time) in parking slots reserved for EVs, which are marked and painted green, in “vital areas” of Dubai. EVs will be automatically exempted from parking fees, RTA said.

This incentive is valid for two years starting from July 1, 2020, for Dubai-licensed EVs only.

Free Salik tag

Also, EV owners can now receive a free Salik tag when they register their car. The free tag can be received at all 13 Salik customer service centres in the UAE, when the EV registration card is shown.

The tag itself is free. However, the Salik fees will be charged when crossing the toll gates.

Published by gulfnews.com

24/05/2021

Dubai to get 5 new bus routes next month

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will launch five new bus routes in Dubai as of June 1.

The step aims to enhance the internal bus network and integration with other mass transit services in the emirate. On the same date, RTA will also improve six other bus routes and cancel one route. The path of the new five routes will be as follows:

Route 14 will start from Oud Metha Bus Station and head to Al Safa Bus Stop at a frequency of 20 minutes during peak times.

Route 23 will start from Oud Metha Bus Station and head to Al Nahda 1 at a frequency of 30 minutes.

Route 26 will start from Oud Metha Bus Station and head to the Business Bay Bus Station 2 at a frequency of 20 minutes during peak time only on weekdays except for Friday.

Route F50, a metro link service, will start from the Dubai Investment Park Metro Station and head to the Dubai Investment Park Complex 2 at a frequency of 30 minutes.

Route F51, also a metro link service, will start from the Dubai Investment Park Metro Station and head to the Dubai Investment Park Complex 1 at a frequency of 20 minutes.

The last two routes will serve the central business districts of both Deira and Bur Dubai. They had been plotted to serve the rising demand as well as the urban and demographic growth in the two neighbourhoods.

Apart from this, on June 1, RTA will introduce improvements and extensions to several other bus routes. Route 20 will be extended to serve the Head Office of Fly Dubai at Warsan. Route F09 will be converted into a circular route and will not serve Al Wasl Park. Routes F14, F19A and F19B will be extended to serve the new Business Bay 2 Bus Station. Route X23 will serve the Oud Metha Station during off-peak time, which will improve the travel time during peak times.

On the same date, RTA will improve the timetables of 28 routes, namely: Routes 20, 61D, 66, 91, 91A, 95, C03, C05, C18, E303, E306, E307, E307A, F03, F09, F14, F19A, F19B, F49, F50, F51, F55, F61, F70, X23, X25, X92, and X94. It will also cancel Route C14. Passengers using this service are recommended to use the two alternative routes 14 and 23.

RTA renewed its commitment to expanding the coverage of the public bus network and improving its integration with other mass transit means, such as the metro, tram and marine transport. Improving the link between mass transit modes will render them the ideal choice for mobility across the emirate.

Published by gulfnews.com