Preventive measures taken by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to combat the outbreak of the Covid-19 have gained international recognition from the Norwegian DNV.GL; a reputed international entity in the infection prevention and the management of associated risks. The award follows a field survey and a comprehensive assessment undertaken by the company to examine RTA’s health and preventive measures taken to protect public transport riders and service beneficiaries as well as employees.

Such an acknowledgement culminates the Dubai Government efforts to combat the pandemic and start the gradual return of trade and tourism in the Emirate. It cements the standing of Dubai as a safe global destination compliant with the advanced preventive measures of coping with the virus.

His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, received the DNV.GL’s Maturity Statement from the team of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector. The event took place in the presence of His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).

Best Practices

Al Tayer expressed his delight with the obtaining of the certificate from a reputed international specialist entity; which reflected the effectiveness of RTA’s preventive measures since the outbreak of Covid-19 in various transit means and affiliated facilities.

“In implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, Chairman of the Executive Council, RTA adopted top global practices in coping with the virus. Our ultimate aim was to nurture a safe and healthy environment for all,” said Al Tayer.

“RTA measures were focused on three elements: protecting the health of all employees through the provision of a safe working environment, ensuring the safety of all facilities and transit means to ensure the continuity of services, and supporting the Dubai Government efforts in tackling the outbreak of Covid-19. For instance, during the National Disinfection Programme, RTA sanitised each metro train at the terminal station and sanitised the entire fleet of trains (79 trains) by the end of the working day. The 47 stations witnessed daily sanitisation as well,” he noted.

“RTA managed to keep all services on the go, thanks to the migration to smart services provided through four digital channels and a website 24/7. Meanwhile, construction works continued in strategic projects as planned thanks to the implementation of a project management policy responsive to risks and challenges,” added Al Tayer.

Beating the Virus

“Dubai has successfully survived the challenges of Covid-19 thanks to the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, Chairman of the Executive Council. The achievement is also credited to the cooperation of various entities of the Dubai Government. Dubai has now reopened tourist and trading activities under a specific preventive measure and is moving ahead towards the full recovery,” said Al Marri.

“Various public and private entities were keen to implement preventive measures against the Covid-19. This compliance boosted the confidence of travellers and the public in Dubai as a safe and favourite city for visiting. Things are moving steadily towards a normal life and full recovery,” he continued.

Al Marri commended RTA’s preventive measures during the lockdown period; which merited RTA to obtain Covid-19 Preventive Measures Verification Certificate. “The achievement couldn’t have come at a better time as it coincides with World Tourism Day. It enhances the readiness of Dubai to receive tourists from all destinations to explore a memorable experience in a safe environment,” he further added.

Logo Posters

“RTA will fix posters bearing the logo of the Infection Prevention of Covid-19 certificate on all mass transit means (metro, tram, buses, marine transport means) and their stations in addition to customers happiness centres. RTA has fulfilled the Infection Risk Management Maturity Assessment along with other health and preventive measures needed for obtaining this certificate by the end of last August,” said. Nada Jasim, Director of Safety, Risk, Regulation and Planning at Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector

“This certificate will raise the security and satisfaction level of public transport riders. It will also enhance Dubai rallying to attract more visitors and tourists from all over the world shortly,” she further noted.

It is noteworthy that the logo posters bear the confidence brand (My Care-Infection Prevention Trust Mark). It also has a QR Code enabling any person to download information about RTA’s health and prevention measures taken to protect against Covid-19.