Press Releases
Apr 24 2015
Middle East Center for Transport Excellence holds 2nd Forum for Qualifying Leaders of Urban Transport Planning
The event was sponsored by a host of prominent international entities including The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), and the Korean Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF) for Green Growth and Consultancy Facilities for Infrastructure in Public and Private Sectors. The event saw a large participation of entities concerned with urban transport planning not only from MENA region but also from all corners of the globe.
The Forum aimed at uplifting the abilities & aptitudes of leaders in the field of urban transport planning in view of the importance of leadership in this field which plays a vital role in achieving the objectives of establishing a sophisticated, broad-based and solid public transport network to cope with the requirements of urban, demographic and economic growth. The Forum also sought to build the awareness about ingredients of planning an integrated public transport network and how to put them in proper perspectives.
The Forum presented a practical educational model for participants offering them full exposure to case studies applied in planning for constructing an urban transport network, mass training & self-learning sessions, and technical visits to several locations of RTA’s public transport. The objective of reviewing these key drivers was to examine the perfect link between various contents of the urban transport system.
The self-learning sessions covered a variety of topics including: figuring out core challenges faced by cosmopolitan cities, methodology governing planning of urban transport networks, management of roads & lanes, planning of mass transport & assessing options, and the roles of governments, finance and public-private partnership.
The event attracted key international speakers including Obey Acroal, Ajay Kumar, Sam Zimmerman, and Terry Diseklos in addition to Abdul Aziz Malik, Chairman of the Higher Committee of MENA Center for Transport Excellence.
Malek delivered an elaborate paper dubbed: Evolution of Dubai Transportation System, comprising a number of key aspects such as the history of transportation in Dubai, current & future profile of Dubai transport network, management & operation of transport systems, environmental sustainability, and RTA’s achievements.
Malek set off his paper by giving a brief account about the past of Dubai Emirate and challenges faced by entities responsible for constructing infrastructure and public transport networks. He also touched on population numbers in the UAE, especially in Dubai, and reflected on the importance of this aspect to the sound urban planning of a solid public transport network in Dubai; a vital economic hub for the UAE.
“Holding and participating in this Forum for the second year running has generated a positive impact as the MENA Center for Transport Excellence is always keen on keeping abreast of the latest developments of public transport and modern strategies adopted in setting up & streamlining entities responsible for sound urban transport planning, and operating mass transit systems in modern cities worldwide.
“Upon the completion of the first edition of Nurturing Leaders of Urban Transport Planning Forum last year, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of results achieved and lessons learnt in order to explore staging the event annually in future. Franking the importance of the event, the Forum succeeded in capturing the attention and support of two reputed international organizations,” added Malek.
