RTA training session for non-Arabic speakers

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently held a training session for non-Arabic speakers under the initiative of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, to enhance the national identity in government authorities and agencies.

"The two courses targeted specialists, technicians, directors and managers in an effort to enhance their knowledge of the Arabic language and to encourage them to use it," Kawthar Kazim, Director of Human Resources and Development Department at RTA Corporate Support Services Sector, said.

She added: "The two courses were intended for beginners among non-Arabic speakers; each course ran for six weeks and comprised 30 training sessions, attracting participation of 32 employees hailing from various RTA agencies and departments. RTA intends to hold a third training course this month which might attract 16 employees.

"The underlying aim of the non-Arabic speakers course is to bolster the national identity of RTA employees. There are other steps in place to boost the national identity such as giving Arabic names to initiatives and national projects, using Arabic language as a first and official language of communication in government departments and linking mementos and gift items with national identity.

"The drive also intends to further the knowledge of Arabic language among employees and promote the culture of national identity across government bodies.

"RTA took the initiative to enhance national identity by issuing an internal circular asking for all RTA correspondence to be in Arabic, and urging employees to appreciate the importance of inter-employee human relations. RTA has given Arabic names to projects and campaigns such as Fikraty, Awselni, Sharekni, and Haseb. It urges employees to take part in the national events such as the UAE National Day and stresses the importance of publishing the booklets in Arabic. Additionally, it urged employees to conserve the heritage through organising exhibitions at the customer service centre."