HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated the very first smart air-conditioned shelter for bus riders in Jumeirah. The shelter, which is fitted with complimentary WiFi internet connection, offers numerous other services to the general public. It is the very first of 100 smart shelters to be built by the RTA in 15 districts of Dubai.

A host of RTA's CEOs, Fahad Al Hasawi Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (Du), and Nikhil Jagmohan, Executive Director of Right Angle Company, attended the inauguration occasion.

"The Smart Air-Conditioned Shelters task, carried out by RTA in cooperation with the Right Angle Co. and Du is part of RTA's efforts in support of the Dubai Government's efforts towards carrying out the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. These instructions are to transform Dubai into the smartest city worldwide, providing 24-hour services to the general public. The job satisfies one of the crucial strategic objectives of RTA i.e. making people happier, and promoting the use of public transportation modes in Dubai. This drive could be preserved through enhancing public transport facilities and transforming them into smart centers efficient in taking full advantage of the complete satisfaction of public transport riders. It likewise warrants continuous efforts to upgrading the facilities of public transport centers in an ingenious way also the metro stations," stated Al Tayer.

About 25 shelters are set for completion by the end of February, and the remaining 75 shelters are due for completion by the end of March this year. These shelters would be distributed over 15 districts in Dubai consisting of the Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Deira, Umm Al Romool, Al Quoz, Al Rashidiya, Al Qusais, Al Awir, Al Nahda, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Ras, Al Garhoud, and Al Jafiliya," he explained.

"The Smart Shelter hosts a large spectrum of services for bus riders including Free WiFi courtesy of Du, selling & top-up of NOL cards, top-up of cellphones for regional & worldwide networks, paying bills of public & private entities internally & abroad, charging smart phones, smart booth, multimedias & advertising screens, showing information about RTA's services and a tiny mart for selling drinks & treats," stated Al Tayer.