Tag Archives: opinion
Welfare of citizens top priority: Shaikh Mohammed
Welfare of citizens top priority: Shaikh Mohammed (Wam) / 5 September 2013 His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has affirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is making steady progress in terms of all development indices. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, arriving to watch the world premiere of the documentary, Ultimate Airport – Dubai, featuring the emirate’s aviation sector, at Meydan Imax Theatre. It was shown by the National Geographic Channel’s global network. – KT Photo by Mukesh Kamal “The UAE government is continually following up these indices issued by prestigious international corporations, because retreat is not an option in our government,” Shaikh Mohammed said while commenting on the results of the Global Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum (Davos) for 2013-2014, in which the UAE advanced five positions in the total competitiveness of its economy in one year, from 25 th last year to the rank of 19 th this year, thereby coming ahead of such countries as France, Ireland and Australia. “Thanks to the federal and local teams who are jointly working in line with a vision, the term of which extends to the year 2021, as well as with agendas and plans that are continuously being revised and assessed as per our growing ambitions in all sectors… our economy is continuously developing, and the indices for security and stability are the best globally. The welfare of our citizens is at the top of our priorities,” Shaikh Mohammed said. Overall, the UAE’s competitiveness reflects the high quality of its infrastructure, where it ranks a solid fifth, as well as its highly efficient goods markets which ranks fourth. Continue reading
Kiosks to line up on streets of Abu Dhabi
Kiosks to line up on streets of Abu Dhabi Staff Reporter / 5 September 2013 Abu Dhabi City Municipality has issued the tender of a new project for investors to install and operate street retail kiosks, vending machines and other facilities in the City’s public spaces. The project is to focus on providing Abu Dhabi’s waterfront, the city’s parks and principal thoroughfares with a range of amenities that will improve the outdoor public environment for residents and visitors. The Municipality is aiming to provide quality food, beverage and convenience services, throughout the city’s public realm to enhance visitor experiences. Kiosks will make the parks, waterfront and thoroughfares more attractive. — Supplied photo “This project will cater for the city’s increasing number of residents and visitors and will provide quality amenities in Abu Dhabi’s primary outdoor public spaces,” said Rashed bin Ali Al Omaira, Advisor Investments and Assets for the General Manager’s Office at Abu Dhabi Municipality. The scheme follows in the wake of similar successful projects implemented in other cities around the world, and will enhance the urban experience for residents and visitors. The Municipality has identified over 300 locations, both on Abu Dhabi Island and the mainland that could benefit from the installation of kiosks. These kiosks will offer services such as, food and beverage, convenience retail, ATM’s vending machines, bike racks and waste recyclables. The provision of these amenities will ensure increased numbers of pedestrian visitors to key parts of the city, particularly during the cooler winter months, and enhanced enjoyment of the facilities. The kiosk scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to private investors able to propose the latest in design and technology for the implementation of street retail kiosks. Abu Dhabi Municipality will be looking to work with two separate parties under an agreement that will be divided by geographical region. All bidders should ensure that their proposals positively contribute to beautification of the city. A 10-year exclusivity framework agreement will be offered to finance, develop and operate kiosk concessions within Abu Dhabi Municipality’s public realm and directly lease the concessions to third parties. Abu Dhabi Municipality is now inviting tender submissions. haseeb@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
17,467 tickets issued forusing phones while driving
17,467 tickets issued forusing phones while driving Staff Reporter / 4 September 2013 The Abu Dhabi Police Directorate of Traffic and Patrols issued 17,467 tickets during the first seven months of the year against motorists who were caught using their mobile phones while at the wheel. The directorate called upon motorists to avoid using mobile phones while driving, warning them of the risks of speaking on their mobiles as well as, reading and writing text messages, as it could lead to serious traffic accidents due to a motorists lack of concentration. Manager of the Serious Accidents Investigation Branch at the Directorate Major Abdullah Al Suwaidi, said committing such a violation also inhibits proper physical control of the vehicle’s steering as the motorist is preoccupied with holding his/her mobile device to identify the caller or to communicate with others. Maj Al Suwaidi urged drivers to avoid this bad habit so as to ensure their safety and to not disrupt traffic and cause traffic congestion. Moreover, he called on them to consider that their life is more precious than the time wasted by answering a phone call, particularly since traffic accidents occur in less than a second. He also stressed that the directorate has tightened traffic control on internal and external roads for drivers who are caught using mobile phones while driving. Violators will face a fine of Dh200 and four black points on their traffic record. news@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
