The Chairman and Members of the Higher Committee for Organizing the Hosting of MENA Transport Congress & Exhibition has recently met the President and Members of the International Public Transport Association (UITP) at its Head Office in Brussels, Belgium. The conference targeted at collaborating joint efforts and briefing the UITP on the most recent developments of RTA's preparations for holding the MENA Transport Congress & Exhibition in April 2016.

Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, Member of RTA Board of Executive Directors & Chairman of the Higher Committee for Organizing & Hosting the MENA Transport Congress & Exhibition stated that RTA always seeks to make this event a success, thanks to the unlimited assistance accorded by the Government of Dubai, and the relentless efforts the RTA make to raise the profile of the UAE in general and Dubai in particular in the field of public transportation and the hosting of worldwide conventions & exhibitions.

"We are constantly keen on visiting the UITP with a view to keeping abreast of the latest advancements of public transportation market, sharing expertise, stepping up cooperation, and going over documents to be presented in the Congress about innovation & excellence to equal the global patterns in this field. The visit also familiarized us with the very best practices of joint committees such as marketing, transport, protocol, sponsorship & hospitality plans, and the accompanying leisure events," added Al Mulla.

"The UITP Congress and Exhibition also offer a chance to acquaint individuals and visitors descending on Dubai from the world over with the advanced innovations & sophisticated transport indicates along with the intelligent systems offered by the RTA to public transportation users, which boosts the emirate's efforts to end up being the smartest city worldwide. In this sense, the MENA Transport Congress & Exhibition 2016 will focus on imagination, development & quality and highlight the role played by these factors in promoting smart cities.

"The conferences and exhibitions industry plays an essential function in producing revenues and enhancing the national earnings thanks to financial investments and business deals in the field of mass transit systems & infrastructure to be concluded on the sideline of the event between makers, authorities and decision-makers hailing from different countries around the world, particularly the MENA countries which have a variety of strategic plans & programs. In addition, such occasions have the potential of cementing the UAE's leadership in this regard," included Al Mulla.

"In April 2011, Dubai has made a remarkable success in arranging the 59th UITP Transport Congress and Exhibit, which was participated in by more than 2,000 delegates and 9,000 visitors from over 80 countries with an exhibition area spanning more than 30,000 square meters. The 59th edition had been flagged as a landmark event in the history of the UITP thanks to the record figures that went beyond expectations, given the financial crisis and political developments engulfing Arab and MENA region, be it in terms of quality service, variety of participants, or company prospects generated. It proves that Dubai has not only delivered on its promises, but has also exceeded expectations thanks to its extensive experience in this regard. The UAE, represented by Dubai emirate, had managed to make back-to-back successes in this submitted despite the extraordinary financial conditions presently experienced by a number of local countries that illustrates the knowledge and shrewd vision of the UAE in steering the state of affairs during crises.".

"This successful hosting of the UITP Transport Congress in 2011 came up with two major benefits for Dubai. The UITP signed a 10-year strategic partnership contract with RTA to host the UITP MENA Transport Congresses & Exhibitions biennially in Dubai until 2024.