RTA recognized by Belgian Government for adopting sustainable lighting solutions

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12 Apr 2015

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has been honoured by the Belgian Government for implementing sustainable solutions for key road and tunnel lighting projects in the emirate. A high level delegation of Belgium Economic Mission (BEM), led by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, met with top officials of the Authority at an exclusive ceremony held recently in Dubai.

The BEM delegation included HE Didier Reynders, Federal Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs; and HE Jean-Claude Marcourt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, SME’s, Foreign Trade and New Technologies for the Walloon Regional Government and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education of the French Community Government. HE Didier Reynders presented sustainable project recognition plaque to Mr. Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim, CEO for Strategy and Corporate Governance at the RTA, for a green makeover of the Jumeirah Corniche redevelopment project by incorporating sustainable lighting solutions in the new Jogging Track.

Belgium-based global lighting solutions provider Schreder, in association with Bahri & Mazroei Trading Company (BMTC), the regions’ leading provider of solutions for building and infra-development segments, have been providing the RTA with sustainable street lighting and tunnel solutions for various projects. The lighting system installed along the Jumeirah Jogging Track project consumes 50 per cent less power than conventional lamps. The system also ensures less carbon dioxide emissions, reduced operational cost and no use of high pressure sodium and CMH lamps.

The RTA developed the 14 kilometre-long Jumeirah Jogging Track with a host of environment friendly features. The RTA is keen on adopting the latest global best practices in terms of achieving energy efficiency and utilising green procurement for public lighting systems on the roads of the city. This helps the city reduce the eco-footprint and ensure public safety as well. The RTA implements these strategies in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Integrated Strategy 2030.

Upon receiving the honour, Mr. Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim, CEO for Strategy and Corporate Governance at the RTA, said, “We are proud and delighted for being honoured by the Belgian delegation, led by HRH Princess Astrid, for incorporating sustainable lighting solutions into the 14-kilometre long Jumeirah Jogging Track project. The RTA has undertaken several innovative street lighting and tunnel projects with sustainable solutions that boosted the global profile of Dubai. The key goals of the RTA for the 2014 – 2018 period included safety, environmental sustainability and asset sustainability which are aimed to realise the strategy of creating a smart and integrated Dubai. The Authority is currently undertaking road transportation projects necessary for hosting Expo 2020.”

“Our aim is to ensure the highest rates of efficiency and streamlined operation of lighting systems in realisation of the RTA’s vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all. The RTA, through Dubai Integrated Strategy 2030, is committed to reduce negative environmental impact, use energy efficiency practice, and utilise green procurement. The RTA has started replacing traffic lights in Dubai with halogen bulbs using LED power saving technology. It comes as part of the RTA’s safety environmental push to enhance the traffic safety level and keep abreast of the green economy,” he added.

Commenting on the RTA’s smart and sustainable drive, Mr. Dieter Poleyn, Regional Director (India, Middle East & Africa), Schréder, said, “The RTA is among the best in the world in terms of quality of roads and the overall transport infrastructure quality and integrity. The Authority is also a role model for the MENA region with its world-class street and tunnel lighting systems”.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Esam Al Mazroei, Managing Director of BMTC, said, “We have been a major associate of the RTA since its establishment in 2005. BMTC has worked with the RTA to develop street lighting and tunnel lighting solutions of global standards. The use of LED lights in the Jumeirah Jogging Track project ensured many benefits in the form of better colour rendering, less power consumption, and aesthetic appearance, while reflecting Dubai’s vision of innovation in design, creativity, smart multifunction options and enhanced visitor experience. The smart column has multiple lighting configurations and additional features suitable for different user needs in the modern urban space.”

The RTA provides an effective and integrated transport system, which is capable of achieving Dubai's vision and serving the vital interests of the emirate. In order to achieve this goal, the RTA is focusing on improving the efficiency of the public transport system with continued development of roads and transportation facilities. The Authority has developed comprehensive technological governance processes to ensure the integrity and safety of its systems and realign them with its strategy.

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