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Transport reforms in GCC amber sign for rampant car culture

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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.

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Dubai’s traffic woes: Motorists lose 460 hours annually to road jams

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Dubai’s vehicle growth rate has soared beyond 8 per cent, far exceeding the global average of 2 per cent, according to Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. Calling this surge “abnormal,” the minister stressed the urgent need for new policies and regulations to manage vehicle ownership and traffic congestion.

Every day, about one million people from other emirates travel to Dubai for work, causing heavy traffic on major highways, including the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road. Studies show that four out of five employees drive alone, adding to the congestion.

With so many cars on the road, traffic jams have become a daily struggle, making road travel longer and more stressful for everyone. Authorities are looking for solutions to improve public transport and reduce the number of solo drivers to help ease the burden on roads.

To tackle the issue, the Ministry has requested that it be included in the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings for better coordination with local authorities. A special task force, including representatives from the Ministry of Interior and local governments, is already studying the problem, with several proposals submitted to the Cabinet.

Traffic Crisis Worsening Day by Day

Al Hammadi highlighted alarming statistics

  • The total vehicle increase across Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain is 23%
  • 1.2 million cars enter Dubai daily, up from 850,000 just 18 months ago
  • Dubai issues 4,000 new driver’s licenses daily
  • Employees commuting between Dubai and Sharjah spend about 460 hours a year in traffic, equivalent to 60 working days

Proposed Solutions to Ease Traffic Congestion

The Ministry has outlined key measures to address the rising traffic crisis:

  • Expanding road corridors between Dubai and other emirates
  • Developing new highways to improve connectivity
  • Enhancing public transportation with new and improved transit options
  • Integrating mass transit systems to encourage more people to use public transport

Concerns Over Delayed Implementation

During a Federal National Council (FNC) session, Adnan Al Hammadi, an FNC member, raised concerns about increasing congestion between Dubai and Sharjah. He pointed out that over a year ago, the minister had assured him that traffic studies were complete and solutions would be implemented in 2024. However, with congestion worsening, Al Hammadi pressed for a clear update on the progress.

In response, Al Mazrouei confirmed that development work on key federal roads started in 2024 and is ongoing. However, Al Hammadi expressed frustration, stating that the same update was given over a year ago. “When will we see these solutions in real life?” he asked.

(Source: KT, independent.co)

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Dubai’s RTA conducts major inspection drive to weed out unauthorised operators

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has turned up the heat on car dealerships across the emirate, launching a major inspection campaign to ensure strict compliance with transaction regulations and archiving standards.

The crackdown, which targeted 14 dealerships, aimed to weed out unauthorised operators, review service quality, and monitor potential violations. Inspectors left no stone unturned — checking everything from new vehicle registrations and ownership transfers to number plate changes and traffic file procedures.

RTA officials emphasised that strong governance and oversight are key to maintaining public trust and service efficiency. “This initiative ensures that all dealerships operate within Dubai’s legal framework, providing customers with a seamless and transparent experience,” said an RTA spokesperson.

With Dubai’s ever-growing car market, authorities are making it clear: Dealerships must follow the rule or face the consequences.

(Source: rta.ae)

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New RTA permit makes it easier to rent a luxury car with chauffeur in Dubai 

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the ‘Takamul Permit’ — a groundbreaking new initiative that is aimed at integrating luxury car services with the car rental industry. Whether you’re a resident, tourist, or businessman, Dubai is making it easier than ever to experience its luxurious lifestyle.

What’s the Big Deal?
With this permit, limousine transport companies and car rental firms can team up like never before, offering customers the chance to rent high-end rides with chauffeurs for up to one month. That means effortless access to elite, chauffeur-driven experiences—all under RTA’s top-tier regulations.

The Rules of the Road
Jamal Al Sadah, Director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA, revealed that the initiative ensures smooth operations and compliance. Companies must follow strict regulations, including registering rental contracts and listing drivers on the Transport Activities Rental System (TARS).

Why It Matters?
Dubai is already known for its luxury offerings, and this move solidifies its position in premium transport solutions. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting, a five-star hotel, or a VIP event, Takamul Permit has got you covered.

(Source: Wam)

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