Enjoy free rides in Dubai this week

dubai — Happiness is also arriving on wheels, thanks to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Free taxi rides will be rolled out on Tuesday, in celebration of International Day of Happiness, to at least 100 lucky visitors landing at the Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 to 3).

Both residents and visitors can enjoy free tours aboard the Happiness Bus as well, to popular tourist spots like the Global Village, La Mer and Dubai Parks & Resorts.

But if you’re busy at work and can’t take off, you can still enjoy the benefits at various Dubai Metro and Tram stations, where gifts — including limited edition of NOL cards and other freebies — will be distributed from 10am until 8pm.

On the weekend, hop on to Happiness Bus for a free ride to Hatta Dam on Friday, where you can enjoy kayaking with other Dubai residents for free.

There is no need for prior registration — just arrive at the designated pick up points at the exact time and hop on the Happiness Bus for a free ride.

“Come with your friends and family and don’t forget to bring your cameras to take selfies and groupies and tag the RTA, when you post them on your social media,” the RTA spokesperson told Khaleej Times.

Public transport workers and RTA employees will also be treated to gifts on the occasion of Happiness Day. At least 2,500 Hello Cards will be given to bus drivers on March 21 at RTA’s office in Al Aweer and there will be distribution of gift cards to parking inspectors on March 26 at the RTA’s Umm Ramool Happiness Centre.

At least 1,600 chocolate cans with positive messages will also be distributed to RTA employees, meals to public bus drivers, and other events will be held focusing on happiness and positivity.

Moreover, 14 categories of employees and clients will be rewarded in a ceremony (Testahel) in recognition of their efforts to improve RTA’s service offering,” according to Yousef Al Rida, CEO of RTA’s corporate administrative support services sector.

Mattar Al Tayer, RTA directorgeneral and chairman of the board of executive directors, underlined the “keenness of the UAE leadership to bring happiness, stability, and decent living to citizens and residents of the state.”

“The RTA has set People Happiness as part of its strategic goals in line with Dubai Strategic Plan 2021, and in so doing, it has become the first government entity in Dubai to launch the Happiness Strategy.”