Dubai, Aug 18th, 2009: Matar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently received at his office Paolo Dionisi, the Italian Ambassador to the UAE. The visit comes in the context of RTA drive to foster good cooperative links with a wide spectrum of local, regional and global organizations.

During the meeting, the two parties explored the means of boosting mutual cooperation and exchange of expertise between the RTA and its Italian counterpart. They also discussed the advancement of cooperation with the Italian companies operating in the field of roads ‘&’ transport, and the forthcoming road and infrastructure projects in Dubai.

Al Tayer praised the existing cooperation between the UAE and Italy and said: ‘The UAE attracts numerous Italian investors and tourists and the Italian companies undertaking several RTA projects have a good record, particularly in the field of road construction projects’.

Al Tayer added that he would be looking forward to see more specialized Italian companies take part in road and rail projects as well as operating transport systems such as buses, metro, tram and others.

‘From inception, RTA remained committed to the highest practices in every phase to realize the intended objectives of providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All; a drive that will showcase Dubai in the international stage. The UAE in general and Dubai in particular witnessed high proportions of development and growth that led to the influx of investments and tourists; which in turn warranted preparation of roads and transport infrastructure (such as the metro, marine transport modes, buses, and taxis among others) to accommodate the expansion in population, projects and urbanization’ added Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director briefed the Italian Ambassador on the key projects currently undertaken by the RTA, such as the renovation of roads network, and construction of new crossings over Dubai Creek, where the number of lanes jumped from 19 at the time of establishing the RTA to 48 lanes in 2008.

Al Tayer also reviewed Dubai Metro Project, which extends 75 km in both the Red and Green Lines, and several marine projects such as the water bus, the water taxi and ferry Dubai in addition to the procurement of more buses and construction of passenger stations.

For his part, the Italian diplomat congratulated RTA Chairman on the achievements made by the RTA and hailed the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Commenting on RTA road projects and upgrading of mass transit modes he said: ‘There is a great possibility for Italian businesses to take part in RTA projects, as the Italian companies boast a long experience in implementing road and various transport systems projects’.