Pact to boost transport system

The Department of Transport and the University of the UAE sign an agreement to boost the capital's transport systems.

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ABU DHABI // An agreement to boost the capital's transportation systems by promoting research and training opportunities for graduates has been signed by the Department of Transport (DoT) and the University of the UAE in Al Ain. The two bodies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday, for an initial period of three years, aimed at supporting Abu Dhabi's Policy Agenda 2007-2008 and Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, both of which are intended to help realise the grand design for the capital envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the founder of the nation.

Under the new partnership, the DoT and the university will collaborate in a number of areas to support transport research and development programmes and help the department formulate transportation policies and regulations. Transportation planning and engineering internship projects will also be created for students and researchers. Abdullah Rashid al Otaiba, the chairman of the DoT, said research was needed to set priorities and identify problem areas. "We remain fully committed to the advancement of innovation and research into all areas of transport," he said.

"Not only will this develop a better integrated transport system for the emirate but it will also improve safety and mobility as well as promote economic growth in the country." A steering committee has also been formed to oversee the MoU. It will meet at least four times a year to review the project's progress. @Email:loatway@thenational.ae