Department of Transport announces Strategic Plan (2008-2012)

The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi announced today its five-year strategic plan (2008-2012) covering its four sectors: aviation; maritime; public transport and highways. The plan is in realization of the forward-looking and comprehensive vision of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and under the guidance and direction of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The five-year strategic plan (2008-2012) of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport comes in accordance with the Government of Abu Dhabi "Policy Agenda 2007-2008", and the Department’s vision to deliver an effective transport system that contributes to the economic growth, quality of life and environmental sustainability of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through the integration of all modes of transport, and aligning it with the future needs of the population growth and urban expansion planned in the major initiative of the Government of Abu Dhabi through the Urban Planning Council (UPC) known as "Abu Dhabi Plan 2030".

In realization of its vision and goals, the Department of Transport is developing a comprehensive transport master plan that will meet the people’s and the economy’s mobility needs throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi over the next quarter century. In pursuit of the achievement of one of the best transport systems and infrastructures in the World, the Department of Transport ensures close cooperation with all its stakeholders and strategic partners such as the Urban Planning Council (UPC), Municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, the Western Region, the Environment Agency and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As well as engaging with developers and operators in the private sector to privatize transport services.

Commenting on the announcement of the strategic plan, H. E. Abdulla Rashid Al Otaiba, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport said: "The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is currently witnessing unprecedented growth in the economic, industrial and tourism sectors, which need to be supported by a strong and modern transport infrastructure that can sustain the growing needs of the Emirate."

Due to the central role that transport occupies in supporting and sustaining growth and advancement, the Department of Transport has set out priorities for itself as well as its four sectors. Those priorities come in full conformity with the Government of Abu Dhabi strategy following global best practice, proper allocation of responsibilities, transparency, information sharing, environmental sustainability, safety, security and career development of UAE nationals, all in pursuit of a comfortable, fast and reliable transport network in and between the cities and suburbs of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Department of Transport strategy revolves around the integration between all sectors of transport, planning in accordance with government plans, health, safety and environment (HSE) management, guaranteeing information flow through clear communication mechanisms with partners, development of operations and infrastructure of Information Technology. Also, to invest in human resources and Emaratization through the training and development of UAE nationals in all sectors.

In addition, the Department of Transport priorities are:

*The overall planning and performance management to ensure full integration between the general policies of transport and the strategic planning and goals of the transport master plan.

*The expansion of the air transport network to-and-from Abu Dhabi in support of the aviation industry’s growth through the implementation of the Open Skies policy to assist the growth of Abu Dhabi International Airport and Etihad Airways and other Abu Dhabi-based airlines. Strategic Planning to build integrated seaports following the highest global standards; manage and organize waterways in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through regulations. Khalifa Port being developed at Taweela is one of the most important pillars of the maritime sector as it will allow for the future handling of 80 million tones, in addition to the state-of-the-art industrial zone attached to it.

* The promotion of public transport through offering new public transport solutions to connect Abu Dhabi and its suburbs to other parts of the Emirate utilizing long-reaching public transport modes such as railways and public buses.

* The implementation of global best practice in the development, expansion and maintenance of highways and its infrastructure to ensure the highest standards of safety, security through Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

* The priorities of the aviation sector are overseeing the quality of passenger, cargo and airline services offered at the airport through commitment to the highest service standards and the protection of public interest. Also, the expansion of the air transport coverage and network through the implementation of the "Open Skies" policy between Abu Dhabi and international tourist and business destinations.

In addition to the support of safety and security as well as the endorsement of airport development plans to ensure integration with other transport sectors.

The priorities of the Maritime Sector are to issue economic, safety, security and environment regulations to ensure efficiency at sea ports in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and to regulate the waterways of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in environmental sustainability and integration with other sectors. In addition to the integration of the seaport master plan with other modes of transport plans.

The priorities of the Public Transport Sector covers the regulation of public transport in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to support the efficiency of this sector and the development of transport services, the connection of all cities, suburbs and regions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and ensuring customer satisfaction through aligning public transport services with urban expansion and population growth. Also, to minimize the negative environmental effects of public transport through the utilization of alternative environment-friendly and clean energy sources.

The priorities of the Highways Sector are the extension of the highways network throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to cope with current and future urban expansion and population growth. The expansion and maintenance of the highway network to ensure seamless travel and the continuity of the highways network quality and effectiveness while implementing and following global best practice in all areas of activity.

The Department of Transport was established pursuant to Law No. 4 of 2006 to cover the entire value chain and ensure fully coordinated planning in all aspects of transport policy and development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with all relevant local, regional and international stakeholders and partners.