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Dubai Tram to put leisure, business districts on the map
Dubai Tram to put leisure, business districts on the map Lily B. Libo-on / 2 March 2014 Accessibility and mobility within Dubai, particularly in the new leisure and business districts of the emirate, will be improved as the Dubai Tram becomes functional by November this year. Tram facilitates zero-emission and hassle-free travel around new communities. — KT file photo The tram spanning 10.6km from Dubai Marina to Al Sufouh, is expected to transport about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in the initial phase in 2014. The technical trial run concludes on November 10, and the ridership is expected to hit 66,000 per day by 2020. The world’s first tramway that uses Platform Screen Doors in passenger stations fully synchronised with the tram’s doors opening and shutting mechanism, the Dubai Tram started testing without passengers on January 26 at Zone 1. In an interview with Khaleej Times , Abdullah Yousif Al Ali, Acting CEO, Rail Agency and Transport Authority of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said a series of 11 stations will provide a faster and more reliable way to get around the new communities in the area with zero emission and hassle. He said that the trip to Downtown Dubai and major business hubs of Dubai will be more convenient and hassle-free by the new integrated multi-modal rail system of Dubai. “The Dubai Tram will be running mainly along al Sufouh Road to link the Knowledge Village and Dubai Marina,” he added. A series of 11 stations along the way will give passengers access to and from shopping malls, hotels, offices and residential developments. Dubai Tram will run in both directions simultaneously, departing at six minute intervals, seamlessly linking the Dubai Metro to leisure and business hubs in the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Village. “The Dubai Tram project complements the Dubai Metro Red Line, serving the city’s economic nerve-centre, the premium resorts and beaches that are at the heart of the city’s tourism trade, its prime residential areas and vibrant business centres,” Al Ali said. Dubai Tram is expected to transform the life of people within its catchment areas for the better. It will offer everyone a smooth, safe and spacious ride right in the heart of where it all happens. “Apart from its convenience and amazing features, the introduction of Dubai Tram will hugely benefit the community in creating a street culture of its own. It will also play an important role in paving the way for better commuting,” said Al Ali. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Star Rating is open to local, foreign governments: Shaikh Mohammed
Star Rating is open to local, foreign governments: Shaikh Mohammed Staff Report / 2 March 2014 The Star Rating Initiative intends to bring about a quantum leap in the efficiency of government services as per global standards. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has invited UAE’s local governments and other foreign governments to join the Star Rating Initiative for Customer Service Centres, which is similar to the hotel industry’s ratings. Launched last week, the Star Rating Initiative intends to bring about a quantum leap in the efficiency of government services as per global standards. Shaikh Mohammed announced earlier that the Star Rating system is obligatory and will be applied on 400 Federal Government’s service centres. The new rating system will give a number of stars from two stars to seven stars based on world’s private sector standards to indicate the level of service to the clients with the participation of foreign evaluators. Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi said that the UAE Government has received several inquiries about the project from other governments. Accordingly, Shaikh Mohammed has issued his directives to promptly provide all the detailed manuals, guidelines, assessment handbooks and technical support to all local UAE governments and other foreign governments. Al Gergawi explained that the Star Rating Initiative project contains many technical details related to service quality assessment, customer relations management, human resources and technical applications; and all patents and copyrights are officially registered for the UAE Federal Government and approved by the Arab League as standardised specifications for customers’ services. The project aims at changing the concept of the government sector’s services in general in order to be more competitive with the private sector in addition to meeting the needs of the clients. It also establishes a new and transparent model in customer service as well as manages the expectations of the public when dealing with the centres for government services. So far, 75 Federal Government services centres had been evaluated. The classification is based on a comprehensive and integrated operational evaluation processes. By the end of each evaluation, the centre receives detailed recommendations to improve and enhance its services in eight standards: strategic alignment, customer centricity, services, service delivery channels, customer experience, service efficiency & innovation, people and technology. (With inputs from Wam) news@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Throwing light on history of Islam: The Clusters of Light
Throwing light on history of Islam: The Clusters of Light Staff Reporter / 27 February 2014 The Clusters of Light show to kick off celebration on Sharjah winning Islamic Culture Capital title Celebrating the selection of Sharjah as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab region 2014, the emirate is all set to host the world’s greatest oratorio about the story of Islam called ‘The Clusters of Light’. The show will be performed from March 26 to April 5 at the Dh120-million Open Majaz Island Theatre, marking the inauguration of the festivities on winning the title. Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Executive Committee Chairman for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations, said that five epical performances will dramatise the journey back to the times of darkness, struggle and challenges that led Muslim believers to the beginnings of Islam and tell the story of its great early accomplishments. “It will be a gift from Sharjah to the entire world that celebrates Islam and its history,” Shaikh Sultan said. “We are confident that the audience will witness a show so spectacular that it will remain in their memories forever.” He said that this ground-breaking performance is the culmination of the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to celebrate human values of Islam. ‘The Clusters of Light’ is a monumental artistic theatrical display through which the Emirate of Sharjah seeks to provide a true picture of Islam, and its human values that promote peace and love,” he added Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed announcing the programme. Termed as the largest theatrical and musical production ever to be made, the oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias. It was written by Saudi poet Dr Abdul Rahman Al Ashmawi, and composed by Bahraini artiste Khalid Al Sheikh. More than 200 performers from around the world will participate in this musical composition led by four Arab stars, Hussien Al Jasmi, Lotfi Bouchnak, Ali El Hajjar, and Mohammed Assaf. The oratorio will include a narration of the biography of Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, from his birth until his demise. A short film about the display’s production, which will include filming tours in several Arab and foreign countries, will also be shown. The Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations include more than 24 heritage, tourism, cultural, and construction projects, as well as more than 100 activities throughout the Emirate over the year. The Open Majaz Island Theatre, the first of its kind in the region, is the official venue for the celebrations. It is a semi-circular theatre, reminiscent of ancient Roman designs, covering an area of over 7,200 square metres. It can accommodate up to 4,500. A Dh13-million bridge between the man-made island and Khalid Lagoon Street serves as an easy access for visitors to the Open Majaz Island Theatre. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
