Metro project wins engineering award

Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has got the Gulf Engineering Union's Excellence and Innovation Award for the Dubai Metro project.

The award was presented during the 13th Gulf Engineering Forum held recently in Kuwait.

The UAE was also selected as the venue to host the 14th edition of the Forum (2010), which will be held in Dubai under the theme: "Intelligent Systems in transport and mobility modes".

The award was received by Abdul Majid Al Khaja, chief executive officer of RTA's Rail Agency on behalf of Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA.

The award revolves around two basic concepts — promoting GCC joint engineering work to meet the objectives of Gulf engineering forums on one side, and encouraging competitiveness, creativity and excellence in various fields of engineering activities on the other.

Al Tayer said: "It is thrilling to add another achievement to the record of the RTA which boasts an array of vital projects. The award is in fact an incentive for all of us to double our efforts and set our sights to achieving the best from our ongoing projects."

He said the Dubai Metro has been built with the aim of providing integrated public transport network in the emirate.

"More than 30,000 engineers and workers hailing from five main contractors and 150 subcontractors have worked at this enormous project. It comprises two lines; the Red and Green. The Red Line is 52km and covers 29 stations including four underground stations. The Green Line extends about 22.9km with 18 stations including six underground stations. The Red Line was opened on September 9 while the Green Line is expected to start operation by the end of 2010.

During the Metro construction, Al Tayer said the RTA managed to overcome a host of challenges. The most challenging one was delivering the project on time in about four years.