Dubai on track: 250km of rail planned

Dubai plans to extend the rail network to more than 250km from the current 75km  by including tramways and more Metro lines by the next decade were revealed agains the backdrop of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) World Congress and Exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday inaugurated the congress.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA, was quoted as saying by 'Khaleej Times' as saying that the aim of the rail network is to connect Dubai International Airport with Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali, 

However, it is not yet decided which of the two Metro lines will connect the two airports, he added.

'Gulf News', quoted Al Tayer as saying that "the Green Line will be operational at the end of the last quarter of 2011. It is under construction now".

Construction of the first phase of the UAE Federal railway is to begin in May.
 
The five-day conference will see the participation of over 2,000 delegates representing 37 countries, including the United Arab Emirates.

Following a rendition of the national anthem, Sheikh Mohammed and the assembled audience watched a documentary film on the development of Dubai's infrastructure, with highlights featuring the building of the emirate's roads, bridges and mass transit systems.

During an address delivered by UITP President Alain Flausch, he expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for his patronage of the conference, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East. The speaker said that the hosting of such an event confirms Dubai's position as one of the world's leading conference destinations, describing the city as a hub for finance, business and luxury lifestyles.

Mohammed issues decision on commercial agencies

Sheikh Mohammed issued Decision No3 of 2011 on Sunday establishing a commercial agencies committee to oversee and resolve disputes concerning commercial agencies registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy.
 
The committee shall be headed by the director general at the Ministry of Economy, with the membership of the ministry's executive manager for commercial affairs and other officials at various government departments and chambers of commerce and industry around the country.
 
The new legislation, which has been published in the latest edition of the Official Gazette, sets out the procedures and conditions for naming, electing and terminating committee members. Further provisions stipulate the system to be employed by the committee in resolving conflicts and disputes related to commercial agencies.
 
Decisions issued by the committee may be appealed under strict guidelines defined in the legislation.
 

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