Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the 4th MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2022 will be kicked off on Sunday (6 February 2022). The event, which is organised by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) from 6th to 8th Feb 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, features the participation of 73 public transport experts and academicians from 19 countries. The event is accompanied by an exhibition which will host 40 exhibitors from 19 countries.

The agenda will be discussed in 13 panels that focus on a host of key and current topics highlighted by the latest smart and sustainable public transport solutions and their role in tackling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include electric buses, post-pandemic transport conditions, artificial intelligence, big data, smart mobility management, safety and security, future cities and the future of transport in the MENA region.

“Hosting the MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2022 raises the prominent global standing of Dubai in smart and sustainable mobility. It also showcases the modern infrastructure built to keep pace with the sustained demographic and fast growth rates seen by the emirate in a variety of fields,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.

“The importance of the event is underlined by its role as an interactive global platform that brings together officials, industry leaders, policymakers, legislators, developers, consultants, operators, manufacturers and all public transport stakeholders from all over the world. Attendees will exchange expertise and check the best successful experiments as well as the latest smart and sustainable solutions. They will also review the latest developments in the industry.

“The recommendations of the congress will focus on delivering the best services to public transport riders to facilitate their mobility and maximise their happiness. Through this event, we are looking forward to finding sustainable solutions and launching innovative projects that serve public transport commuters and offer them smooth mobility while sticking to high standards of health and safety. This is particularly important under the exceptional circumstances forced by the COVID-19 pandemic on various sectors including public transport,” added Al Tayer.

On the side-lines of the congress, RTA, in cooperation with Cisco, will organise the 4th Public Transport Hackathon, with the participation of 60 students from 21 universities across the UAE.

Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, RTA Board Member, said, “Organising the 4th Public Transport Hackathon follows the remarkable success of the 3rd edition, where university students presented practical and innovative ideas and solutions. The students participating in this year’s Hackathon will be divided into several teams consisting of different disciplines. They will work intensively over three days to find solutions and propose projects to tackle the challenges facing public transport. Sessions will be overseen by specialists and digital technology experts who will engage closely with the students to hone their skills and help them develop their proposed projects. The winning teams will be honoured during the opening ceremony of the congress.”