The UAE has been witnessing a substantial growth of population very rapidly. The unprecedented growth has put pressure on the development of an advance transportation system and today we are seeing a strong interest in promoting more sustainable transportation patterns in the UAE. Some of the successfully implemented policies in the UAE are-Road Tolling, parking control, dedicated bus lanes, car registration schemes, Car Pooling services. The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) of the Emirate of Dubai have put in place comprehensive plans and policies to achieve its vision to make Dubai an environment friendly city. The Emirate of Dubai has pioneered the concept of public transport in the region by realizing a high need for sustainable development. Public transport is vital for sustainable development so RTA has put in place a range of environment-friendly services and products. Main pillar of RTA’s strategic transportation plan is the development of an integrated public transportation system by:

Enhancement of the road network

Development and enhancement of public transportation system

Enhancement of pedestrian and cyclist networks and facilities

Development of policies and legislations to overcome congestion and to promote sustainable transportation

Development of intelligent transportation technologies

Enhancement of traffic and safety awareness.

RTA has successfully started the operation of its Metro Red and Green lines

RTA aims to create more multi-mode stations, for ease in transfer between metro, buses, taxis, and water transport

Its efforts on the delivery of the tram system are commendable.

RTA’s strategy is to introduce policies that will firstly reduce the need to travel by car and secondly make best use of the existing infrastructure. The results are as follows:

1. The electric-powered driverless Dubai Metro is generating zero carbon waste.

2. Public buses that use a specific type of fuel that only contains 50 ppm of sulfur whereas the commercial fuel in use has a 500 ppm sulfur content.

3. Car park machines are operating with solar energy technologies.

4. Number of hybrid vehicles in the Dubai Taxi fleet is deployed.

5. Starting of a bio-fuel powered buses. 

6. Attractive public transport facilities and awareness which contributed to reducing the use of private vehicles by encouraging individuals to use public transport means.

7. An environment-friendly and clean alternative automotive fuel EMGAS undertook promoting the use of CNG as green alternate transportation fuel in Dubai.

8.To reduce emissions from the diesel fleet and provide alternative use of used cooking oil through using biodiesel B5.

9.The Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST) every year motivates the business community to present effective solutions that reduce the negative impacts of transportation issues in the UAE.  DAST awards governmental or private companies that have enhanced sustainability through innovative transportation solutions that increase mobility for all and improve safety as well as reducing greenhouse and air pollution emissions.

10.Car sharing is one of the policies that can make a small but cost-effective contribution in reducing traffic levels and pollution. 

It is evident from the above points that lots of efforts have been put in place to enable the country to have an environmentally sustainable transportation. RTA has comprehensive plans and policies to achieve its vision to make Dubai an accessible and environment friendly city.  Sustainable transportation and mobility play an important role in the advancement of the sustainable development agenda of countries. It has an impact on the public’s health and safety and to some extent play a role in the economic growth of the country for better and sustainable life for us and the coming generations. The UAE has strongly encouraged, supported and invested in the development of sustainable transport systems.

www.rta.ae

www.carboun.com

sustainablesquare.com

www.bsr.org

www.wam.ae

www.go-green.ae