cars

Transport reforms in GCC amber sign for rampant car culture

Published

2 years ago

May 26, 2022

This article is reproduced from Al Monitor

May 25, 2022: The Gulf Arab states’ first oil exports in the mid-20th century triggered migration to cities. Neighborhoods built around individual car-based mobility were built, primarily inspired by the United States’ 1950s suburban dream.

“Cities in the Gulf were designed on low-density planning, and that does not make public transportation financially feasible because ridership is very low, just like in many American cities,” noted Karim Elgendy, an urban sustainability consultant and founder of Carboun, an initiative promoting sustainability in cities of the Middle East and North Africa.

He said population density in major Gulf urban centers is “very low.” In Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, the rate is three times lower than what UN-Habitat recommended for sustainable neighborhood planning — at least 15,000 people per square kilometer.
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Worse, density is declining. Mecca’s halved between 1983 and 2010.

Oil discoveries “undermined, with unparalleled suddenness, the roots of an ecosystem which reflected a perfect adaptation to an environment many generations old,” Mohamed Riad, then professor of geography at Qatar University, wrote in a 1981 research paper on petro-urbanism.

Related Topics:Cars Dubai metro traffic transport

Kuumar Kavita Shyam

Journalist for 25 years with leading publications in India and UAE such as The National, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Indian Express and former Sports Editor of eIndia.com. Now managing editor of Headline.ae, part of MEMc (https://www.memc.co)

Announcements

Gaming meets speed: Ferrari launches first-ever esports arena in Abu Dhabi

Published

1 week ago

September 1, 2024

Sudhashree

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-themed park, has once again redefined entertainment by launching the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to become the go-to destination for racing enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike.

The newly unveiled Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, thoughtfully designed to cater to a broad audience. Fourteen simulators are dedicated to adult racers, while six are specifically designed for younger guests, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors of all ages.

The arena also includes three specialised F1 simulators, offering participants the exhilarating experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car and racing on legendary F1 Grand Prix circuits, including the Yas Marina Circuit. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Ferrari World Esports Arena offers access to the Gran Turismo simulators as part of the theme park ticket until the end of the year. The exclusive F1 simulators are available for an additional fee, starting from Dh60 per race.

Announcements

UAE fuel prices announced for September 2024

Published

1 week ago

August 31, 2024

Sudhashree

The UAE fuel price committee on Saturday announced petrol and diesel prices for the month of September 2024.

Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.90 a litre, compared to Dh3.05 a litre in August, while Special 95 will cost Dh2.78 a litre, compared to Dh2.93 a litre the previous month. E-Plus category petrol will be available for Dh2.71 a litre, compared to Dh2.86 a litre in August, while diesel will now cost Dh2.78 a litre, compared to Dh2.95 a litre the previous month.

UAE Fuel Price Committee announces prices for September#WamNews https://t.co/Jwis5fd2Ah pic.twitter.com/qOspYYVge4
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 31, 2024

he UAE has been revising retail petrol prices on the last day of the month ever since the government deregulated oil prices in August 2015 to bring them at par with the global rates.

The approved fuel prices by the Ministry of Energy, according to the average global price of oil, whether up or down, after adding the operating costs of distribution companies.

Announcements

Dubai Metro extends timings ahead of record-breaking passenger surge

Published

2 weeks ago

August 24, 2024

Sudhashree

The operating hours of the Dubai Metro have been extended over the weekend, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said on Thursday.

#DubaiMetro at your service for extended hours!#RTA is extending the Dubai Metro operating hours between Centrepoint and GGICO stations, from 5:00 AM until 2:00 AM (next day) between August 22 and 24, and from 8:00 AM until 2:00 AM (next day) on Sunday, August 25.… pic.twitter.com/Xlve4jXjFJ
— RTA (@rta_dubai) August 23, 2024

he authority said that the operating hours will be from 5am to 2am until Saturday, August 24 and from 8am to 2am on Sunday, August 25. Dubai International (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport, on Wednesday said it will handle 3.43 million guests over the next 13 days, as residents return from their summer holidays. Dubai Airports said that it will manage more than half a million guests between August 31 and September 1. September 1 is set to be the busiest day with DXB accommodating 291,000 guests.

According to reports, DXB welcomed a record-breaking 44.9 million guests in the first half of 2024, marking an eight per cent year-on-year increase. In January 2024 alone, DXB handled close to 8 million passengers. The numbers show an 8.4 per cent increase which marks the busiest quarter in history.