Sheikh Hamdan to make Dubai Bicycle Friendly City by 2025
‘Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid firmly believes that the development of human capital is a crucial factor in advancing Dubai’s sustainable development journey’
Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved a series of decisions and strategic initiatives to nurture local talent at a meeting of The Executive Council.
Chaired by Sheikh Hamdan, the meeting was held at Dubai Municipality in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and First Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The Executive Council approved the formation of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council established to enhance Dubai’s efforts to qualify, train, employ and retain local human resources. The new Council is tasked with enhancing collaboration between the government and private sectors to develop policies and guidelines for enhancing the employment of Emiratis in the private sector.
Sheikh Hamdan said Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has always placed the highest priority on investing in Emirati human capital and empowering national talent. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of developing a clear strategic plan and providing all the resources necessary to empower and equip local human capital in contributing actively to the development of a competitive knowledge-based economy in Dubai. Achieving these objectives cannot be atained without closer collaboration with the private sector, he noted.
“Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid firmly believes that the development of human capital is a crucial factor in advancing Dubai’s sustainable development journey and shaping a bright future for the emirate. Empowering and nurturing local talent will provide further impetus to the leadership’s efforts to advance Dubai’s role as a key player in shaping the world’s future. These new initiatives will open new opportunities for the youth to participate in national development while also making the private sector more atractive for Emiratis,” Hamdan said.
“Increasing opportunities for Emiratis to assume strategic roles in key sectors will catalyse the development of their skills and leadership abilities. The Dubai Government is streamlining diverse initiatives to develop Emirati capabilities. These include new educational approaches to equip Emirati youth with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment,” Hamdan noted.
To support the Council’s efforts, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will develop a database of Emiratis students and liaise with Dubai Government Human Resources Department and other government entities to develop globally benchmarked education opportunities that will help Emiratis develop the competencies needed to succeed in the job market of the future.
The Council also approved the Dubai BicycleFriendly City Strategy 2025 and created a taskforce including RTA, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Sports Council, Supreme Legislation Commitee and Dubai Public Prosecution to develop the rules and regulations needed to implement the Strategy. Dubai has laid bicycle tracks stretching a total of 463 km so far as part of achieving the target of 13.6 km of bicycle tracks for every 100,000 inhabitants.
The Dubai Bicycle-friendly City Strategy 2025 includes 18 main initiatives that will be implemented at an investment of Dhs400 million. The new Strategy also aims to create a bicycle track network in the emirate extending 668 km and develop the legislations needed to make Dubai the most bicycle-friendly city in the world.
A comprehensive infrastructure development plan will see some roads being redesigned to include bicycle tracks. In addition, bicycle-related services will be made available to the public. The Strategy also seeks to encourage new bicycle operators and will create dedicated parking areas for bicycles.
Earlier, Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, recommended to form a working team from the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, the Dubai Police, the Dubai Sports Council, and the Supreme Commitee for Legislation to create a general climate to make Dubai bicycle friendly by completing the infrastructure and strengthening the legislative system and community culture.