Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) marked the International Women's Day, which is observed annually on March 8. Held under the theme: 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.', various events and activities were organised to showcase the achievements of Emirati women, highlighting their significant contributions to development, and their exceptional performance across various fields.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, recognised a select group of outstanding female staff members from different departments and areas of expertise in recognition of their efforts and excellent performance. 

Al Tayer unveiled the "Inspiring Leaders" training programme, designed to cultivate and equip women leaders held in collaboration with Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. It aims to nurture female leaders capable of achieving RTA’s vision and strategic objectives. The inaugural cohort comprises 15 female staff members from a variety of RTA agencies and sectors.

The introduction of this training programme aligns with the national strategy for the empowerment and leadership of women in the United Arab Emirates. The launch comes in the context of RTA’s commitment to encouraging women, ensuring a conducive work environment that enables them to ascend to leadership roles. This initiative is set to contribute to RTA’s achievements and propel development forward in a way befitting its needs and ambitions.

Prominent Roles

“The UAE’s leadership has devoted special attention to women, mobilising all resources to promote their contribution as dynamic partners in the advancement and building of the nation. Women have thrived under the care and backing of our leadership and the dedicated efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (Mother of the Emirates). Emirati women are now assuming high-profile roles across various fields such as ministers, parliamentarians, ambassadors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. They have made invaluable contributions to their homeland and society,” commented Al Tayer.

“From its inception, the UAE has committed to empowering women across social, educational, economic, and practical fields. It provided them with the necessary support and training for a secure and decent living. This commitment has elevated Emirati women's status in regional and international arenas, with a keen attention to achieving gender balance. This is now evident in increasing Emirati women's representation in the Federal National Council to 50% from the 2019 electoral cycle and boosting women’s involvement on the boards of federal agencies, companies, and organisations,” he added.

939 Female Employees

“In line with the vision and directives of our leadership, RTA has been keen on creating a conducive work environment for women, empowering them in specialised roles in the road and public transport industry. This was achieved by offering educational and training programmes aimed at enhancing their capabilities, enabling them to assume leadership, as well as specialised engineering, technical, and technological positions critical to the development of infrastructure for the road and transportation network. Currently, RTA boasts 939 female employees, who represent 25% of the total workforce. Among these, approximately 445 women hold leadership, supervisory, specialised, engineering, technical, and technological roles, actively contributing to various projects and programmes undertaken by RTA,” remarked Al Tayer.

Impressive Achievements

Moaza Al Marri, Executive Director of the Office of the Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, and Chairperson of Women’s Committee, Roads and Transport Authority, said, “UAE is continuing its successful cultivation of the capacities of citizens in general and women in particular. The nation has been keen on empowering women and driving their roles in various fields,” she said. 

"In line with the theme set for this year’s edition of the International Women's Day, 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress', the UAE has been at the forefront in achieving numerous accomplishments that illustrate its commitment to achieving gender balance. This drive has paved the way for Emirati girls to put in huge efforts and thoughts and make impressive achievements rendering them forerunners in various fields locally and worldwide,” added Al Marri.
Statistics released by RTA reveal that the average happiness rating among its female employees stands at 84.8%, based on a survey recently conducted by RTA. The breakdown of female employees by job category indicates that 36% are engaged in engineering, technological and technical roles.

Additionally, women hold 24% of the leadership positions and 28% of specialised roles within RTA. They also account for 54% of administrative support roles and 30% of supervisory positions.

Talent Enhancement

In celebration of International Women's Day, RTA Women's Committee organised artistic and creative workshops, including drawing and floral display. These activities aim to promote talent and social interaction among female employees. Participants expressed their joy in celebrating this annual event as a gesture of appreciation towards them in addition to training and empowerment programmes targeting competent female employees.