First women-only driving school opens

Dubai: The first ladies-only driving institute is now open at the Emirates Driving Institute.

"The ladies-only driving institute will cater to the needs of women of different cultural backgrounds and encourage them to learn how to drive in a more friendly way," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at the opening of the Ladies Driving Institute.

The scheme is believed to be the first of its kind in the region.

He said that the RTA would appoint female inspectors to conduct tests of female driving students.

Amer Ahmad Belhasa, Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Driving Institute, briefed Al Tayer about the wide range of facilities his institute offers.

The women's school has a training yard, garage, halls fitted with equipment and visual aids for conducting driving courses and lectures, in addition to simulators that give trainees an idea of what it is like to drive in difficult weather conditions.

Belhasa said that trained female instructors would conduct the training.

"The institute also has babysitting facilities and play areas for kids accompanying their mothers to driving school during training."

Safety

Al Tayer also toured a specially equipped hall used to teach the principles of safe driving.

"It includes facilities designed to teach trainees the latest methods and practices in road safety and security," Belhasa said.

He said that institute's training includes cars, buses and light machinery, as well as offroad driving in the desert.

Al Tayer also hailed a demonstration of what happens when a car overturns and the passengers are not wearing seatbelts.

Since its inception in 1991, the institute has trained more than 170,000 drivers.

Hong Kong: RTA visits railways

A delegation from Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) led by its Executive Director Mattar Al Tayer yesterday visited Kowloon Station and Mass Transit Rail (MTR) in Hong Kong to inspect baggage handling equipment and study the city's successful Rail Plus Property business model.

The delegation was briefed on the operation of the airport express line, noting that the RTA is constructing a similar line to link airports in Dubai.

They were also briefed on Rail Plus Property, used in Hong Kong to finance railway projects and build residential communities.

- Staff Report