News

RTA adds one year to operating life of limousines

Published

3 years ago

March 3, 2022

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The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is taking steps to support the private sector companies that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The authority has added one year to the prescribed operating life of registered limousines that will fall due for replacement in 2022-2024.
The RTA believes that the sector plays an important role in maintaining the economic activity.
Four categories of vehicles will benefit from the decision: regular limousines, luxury cars, seven-seater family cars and Long Wheelbase limousines.

“RTA places high value on the integration between the public and private sectors, and its role in driving the economic prosperity of the emirate. The step translates the vision of the government, which prioritises the support of the business community, and facilitates the conduct of business, which will also raise the profile of Dubai as a global hub for investment and trade,” said Adel Shakeri, director of planning and business development, Public Transport Agency, RTA.
The decision to increase the operational life of luxury transport vehicles shows the dynamic flexibility of RTA’s approach to challenges facing its partners in the private sector. It also reflects its keenness to come up with solutions that boost their confidence in the private business structures as well as the promising prospects for the Dubai economy.
“RTA always seeks to support its partners in different ways. Given the circumstances to which luxury transport companies were exposed, RTA opted to review the operational lifespan of vehicles, while sticking to the service and quality standards as well as the safety and security conditions in place. The step is taken in the context of RTA’s objectives to facilitate the practising and sustainability of business,” added Shakeri.

Companies

Dubai warns engineering firms over costly villa designs

Published

1 min ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Municipality has issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after finding that they exaggerated structural designs for citizens’ villas.

According to officials, these inflated designs went against the Dubai Building Code and led to unnecessary construction costs for property owners, without any real engineering need.

The move is part of the Municipality’s efforts to regulate Dubai’s construction sector and protect residents from extra financial burdens. Consultancy offices across the emirate had already been reminded through circulars to strictly follow approved engineering standards.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, said:

“Compliance with the Dubai Building Code is not only a legal requirement but also a professional and ethical responsibility. The goal is to ensure safe, high-quality construction without forcing citizens to pay more than necessary.”

She added that Dubai Municipality will continue to monitor consultancy offices and contractors to prevent excessive use of building materials, including steel, and ensure construction remains efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Repeat offenders could face disciplinary measures, including poor annual evaluations or even suspension. Earlier this year, two consultancy offices were banned from licensing new projects for six months due to violations.

By cracking down on such practices, Dubai Municipality says it aims to strengthen the emirate’s construction sector, cut waste, and support sustainable urban growth.

Education

Parents, students benefit as RTA upgrades 10 school zones across Dubai

Published

10 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed a series of traffic improvements in 10 busy school zones across the city, making life easier for parents, students, and staff.

The works, carried out over the summer break, covered areas such as Al Warqa 1, 3 and 4, Al Safa 1, Al Barsha 1, Al Garhoud, Al Mizhar 1 and 4, Al Qusais and Al Barsha South, benefiting 27 schools in total.

What changed?

Wider roads and smoother traffic flow
New entrances and exits to ease congestion
More parking for parents and staff (up to 90% more in some places)
Safer pedestrian features, including signals and traffic-calming measures

The RTA says some zones have already seen traffic flow improve by up to 40 per cent.

Work is still underway in other school areas like Umm Al Sheif, Al Warqa, and Al Barsha. The project is being carried out in coordination with Dubai Police to ensure safety for students and families.

Parents and school bus drivers are also urged to follow safety rules, use designated drop-off zones, and stay alert around schools.

Crime

UAE: Social media users referred to prosecution for breaking content rules

Published

21 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The National Media Office (NMO) has referred several social media users to the Federal Public Prosecution for posting content that violates UAE media laws.

Officials said a special monitoring team works 24/7 to detect violations, alert users about their mistakes, and give them a chance to correct them. Those who fail to comply face legal action.

The NMO explained that these steps are taken to:

Keep social media safe and respectful
Prevent the spread of harmful or misleading content
Protect community values and ethics

In March, the NMO had already reminded users to follow the UAE’s principles of respect, tolerance, and coexistence when posting online. It warned that anyone breaking these rules will be held accountable under UAE law.