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RTA retrofits facilities, services for people of determination

Dubai - The project is part of Dubai's 'My community: A city for everyone' initiative that aims to make it a disabled-friendly city by the end of this year.

The initial phase of bringing its premises and facilities in conformity with the Dubai Universal Design Code for People of Determination has been accomplished by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

"The first phase of the project, which started in October 2019, had just been completed. It covered RTA's head office and customers happiness centres at Umm Ramool, Deira, Barsha and Al Awir. It also included bus stations at Hatta, Jebel Ali, Al Qusais, Karama, Deira City Centre, and Mall of the Emirates. This is in addition to multi-level parking terminals at Al Ghubaiba, Naif, Rigga, Old Sabkha, and New Sabkha," said Abdul Redha Abu Al Hasan, head of people of determination-friendly committee, RTA.

The step is in line with #My Community... A City for Everyone initiative launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, calling for transforming Dubai into a people of determination-friendly city by 2020.

"The RTA provided Braille signage in addition to toilets and counters adapted for people with mobility challenges. It also provided audio enhancements involving microphones at reception desks to communicate with hearing-impaired people and docking stations for charging electric wheelchairs at bus stations of Jebel Ali, Deira, Hatta and Al Qusais.

"RTA is determined to make all facilities and premises compatible with Dubai Code to meet the various needs of people of determination. According to statistics from the Ministry of Community Development, there are 4,996 people of determination in Dubai comprising 3,344 men and 1,652 women," noted Abu Al Hasan."The project will also foster a friendly environment to 28 people of determination employed by the RTA. Moreover, it will boost tourism by providing services that ease the mobility of tourists who fall in this category.

"When Phase 2 is complete by the end of 2020, the RTA will play an active and positive role in nurturing an environment compatible with the needs of people of determination and making them happier with our services. The RTA is also providing virtual assistants through its website and smart apps to make Dubai a friendly city for people of determination," added Abu Al Hasan.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com