TravTalk India Online Magazine
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has received a global certification for its COVID-19 prevention measures, boosting the confidence of public transport riders and tourists. The achievement, which coincided with World Tourism Day, culminates Dubai government’s efforts to combat the pandemic and start the gradual return of tourism in the Emirate.
Preventive measures taken by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to combat the outbreak of COVID-19 have gained international recognition from the Norwegian DNV.GL – an international entity for infection prevention and management of associated risks. The recognition 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. It also 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 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 at obtaining 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.
He said, “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.”
Al Tayer added that 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 efforts of Dubai Government in tackling the outbreak of COVID-19. “For instance,” he noted, “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 also said that RTA managed to keep all services on the go, thanks to the migration to smart services provided through four digital channels and a website. “Meanwhile, construction work 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
Handing credit for beating the virus for efficient cooperation between Dubai’s various departments and entities, Al Marri said, “The achievement is credited to the cooperation of various entities of the Dubai Government. Dubai has now reopened for tourists and trading activities under specific preventive measures, and is moving ahead towards full recovery. Various public and private entities were keen to implement preventive measures against COVID-19.This compliance boosted the confidence of global travellers and the public in Dubai as a safe, must-visit destination.”
Al Marri added that RTA’s preventive measures during the lockdown period led to RTA obtaining the COVID-19 Preventive Measures Verification Certificate, and that the achievement couldn’t have come at a better time as it coincided with World Tourism Day. “It enhances the readiness of Dubai to receive tourists from all destinations and ensures they’re able to enjoy a memorable experience in a safe environment,” he shared.
