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37m people use RTA services during Expo 2020 Dubai

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As many as 37.3 million people used Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) services during Expo 2020 Dubai, recent statistics indicate.

This is a whopping 67 per cent of the total usage of transport services at Expo. A total of 26.3 million people travelled by public transport — Dubai Metro, public buses, taxis and e-hail rides.

RTA’s transit modes served 37 per cent of Expo visitors and about 11 million motorists used RTA’s parking slots during Expo, said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general, chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA.

“The integrated infrastructure of road and transportation networks, as well as the master mobility plan developed by RTA in cooperation with strategic partners, was instrumental in facilitating the movement of residents and visitors from Dubai and other emirates to Expo 2020,” Al Tayer pointed out.

Dubai Metro carried 8.2 million riders and covered more than 5.7 million km during the Expo from October 1, 2021 till March 31, 2022.

Public buses transported 15.5 million people, covering over 7.3 million km.

There were four types of bus services, including the Expo Rider Intercity had 1 million riders; Expo Rider Dubai had 1.4 million riders. Parking Shuttles to the three Expo 2020 Dubai gates clocked 10.2 million riders; and People Mover buses between gates had 2.8 million riders.

Taxi and e-hail ride services, like Careem and Uber, carried 2.5 million riders, said Al Tayer.

“RTA managed more than 29,000 parking slots at the site of Expo at several zones,” he added. “A total of 11 million people used RTA’s parking services.”

RTA used sophisticated technology to manage parking to ensure a safe and smooth flow of vehicles to and from the parking lots. It included the use of smart messaging signs and the management of parking through a smart system connected to the traffic movement control centre to identify the vacant parking slots at the site. The Call Centre received more than 30,000 calls, and customers’ satisfaction rating exceeded 92 per cent.

RTA has constructed integrated infrastructure to serve Expo 2020 Dubai, costing over Dh15 billion. High on the list is Route 2020, a 15-km extension of the Dubai Metro, connecting seven stations served by newly procured 50 trains.

RTA constructed a wide roads network comprising 138 lane-kilometre and nine flyovers, in addition to deploying more than 200 public buses featuring the highest international specifications. It provided 18 stations and bus stops in Dubai and key cities across the UAE, besides providing more than 15,000 taxis and limousines.

RTA managed more than 29,000 parking spaces at the site of Expo, and employed smart technologies, applications and artificial intelligence to facilitate the movement of Expo visitors via metro, buses and taxis.

Health

Stop using these insect sprays immediately, UAE authority warns

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UAE authorities have issued an urgent recall of two insecticide products marketed under the Goodbye All Insects brand after identifying multiple regulatory and safety concerns, including the presence of a prohibited substance in one of the products

The action was announced by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), which said the recall forms part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that products available in the UAE market meet approved health, safety and regulatory standards.

The products affected by the recall are Goodbye All Insects Max Kills in One Spray and Goodbye All Insects Spray, both manufactured by SCITRA.

According to the EDE, investigations uncovered regulatory and technical violations linked to the sale and distribution of products that had not been officially registered with the authority. Registration is a key requirement designed to ensure that products undergo the necessary evaluation before reaching consumers.

Product does not comply with specifications

In addition to the registration issues, the authority found discrepancies in the concentration levels of active ingredients in one of the insecticides. Officials said the product did not comply with approved specifications or relevant international standards, raising concerns about quality and consistency.

More significantly, one of the recalled products was found to contain a prohibited substance. As a result, authorities ordered its immediate removal from the market to prevent further distribution and reduce any potential risk to public health.

The Emirates Drug Establishment said it is working closely with regulatory agencies and relevant authorities across the UAE to ensure the affected products are removed from retail stores, distribution channels and online marketplaces in accordance with established regulatory procedures.

Consumers urged to stop using products

Consumers who have already purchased either product have been strongly advised to stop using them immediately. Authorities also urged the public not to buy, sell or distribute the recalled products and to follow official guidance issued by relevant government entities.

The Emirates Drug Establishment reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, proactive risk management and rapid response measures when potential safety concerns are identified. Officials added that cooperation with local regulatory partners remains a key part of efforts to safeguard public health and ensure only safe, compliant products remain available in the UAE market.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official announcements and report any concerns regarding recalled or non-compliant products to the relevant authorities.

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Abu Dhabi launches smart parking system with automatic payments

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Parking in Abu Dhabi is becoming faster and more convenient as Q Mobility introduces a new smart parking system that automatically deducts parking fees through the Darb app wallet.

The newly launched service aims to simplify the parking experience for motorists by removing the need for traditional payment methods such as SMS messages, parking machines, QR code scans or paper tickets. Instead, drivers can enter and exit participating parking areas while the system handles the entire payment process automatically.

Powered by artificial intelligence and advanced automatic license plate recognition technology, the platform identifies vehicles as they enter designated parking locations. Once a parking session begins, the system tracks the duration of the stay and calculates the applicable charges, which are then deducted directly from the user’s Darb wallet upon exit.

The initiative represents another milestone in Abu Dhabi’s broader push toward smarter and more integrated digital mobility services.

For drivers, the benefits are straightforward. There is no need to search for payment machines, send text messages or manually start and end parking sessions. Everything happens automatically in the background, creating a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Beyond convenience, the system is also expected to improve parking management efficiency by reducing reliance on cash transactions and paper-based processes. Officials say the move supports Abu Dhabi’s vision of embracing digital innovation while integrating smart infrastructure into everyday services.

Q Mobility highlighted that motorists should ensure they maintain sufficient funds in their Darb e-wallet before using the service. Having an adequate balance will help avoid interruptions to the automatic payment process and prevent potential parking fines.

The Free Flow Paid Parking System is being introduced gradually across Abu Dhabi, with activation planned in several city sectors and selected private parking facilities. The phased rollout is designed to support the emirate’s transition towards a more connected and technology-driven transportation ecosystem.

With parking payments now automated through a single digital platform, drivers can expect a smoother, faster and more efficient experience whenever they park in participating locations across the capital.

UAEInnovation SmartCity DigitalTransformation AI ParkingUpdate Mobility Technology

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Business

What Abu Dhabi’s New rent freeze means for tenants and landlords

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Thousands of tenants across Abu Dhabi are set to benefit from a major housing relief measure after the emirate announced a temporary freeze on rental increases for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, means landlords will no longer be able to increase rents when renewing existing tenancy contracts. The measure will remain in place until further notice, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

Under the new directive, all tenancy contract renewals will be processed with a zero per cent rent increase. In addition, any new lease signed for a previously rented property must be offered at the same rental value as the most recent tenancy contract, preventing landlords from raising prices between tenants.

The move marks a significant shift from existing regulations, which previously allowed annual rent increases of up to five per cent under specific conditions. The temporary freeze is expected to provide immediate relief for residents and businesses facing rising living and operating costs.

What it means for tenants

For tenants approaching lease renewal, the change offers greater financial certainty. Regardless of whether the property is residential, commercial or industrial, the rental value recorded in the previous contract will serve as the reference rate during the freeze period.

The decision is particularly notable given the strong growth seen in Abu Dhabi’s property market over recent years. Rental prices in several areas have recorded significant increases as demand for housing continued to rise alongside population growth and economic expansion.

Focus on market stability

The rent freeze comes as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen transparency and regulation within its real estate sector. In recent years, the emirate introduced its official rental index and expanded digital property services through platforms such as Tawtheeq, helping both landlords and tenants access clearer market information.

Industry observers view the latest measure as part of broader efforts to support market stability while protecting residents during a period of regional uncertainty.

While authorities have not specified an end date for the temporary measure, ADREC confirmed that the freeze will remain in effect until further notice.

For many tenants across the capital, the announcement delivers a welcome pause in rental costs and greater predictability when planning household and business budgets in the months ahead.

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