RTA, Dubai Municipality discuss Dubai Water Canal, Jumeirah Corniche projects

RTA, Dubai Municipality discuss Dubai Water Canal, Jumeirah Corniche projects

Three marine transport stations to be constructed, expanded

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has recently held a meeting with H.E. Hussain Nasir Lootah, Director General of the Dubai Municipality, during which the two parties discussed the water flow in Dubai Creek after the completion of construction works in the Dubai Water Canal, Jumeirah Corniche Project, and the construction & widening of marine transport stations.

At the start of the meeting, Al Tayer thanked the Dubai Municipality, headed by its Director General H.E. Hussain Lootah, for the great cooperation and coordination with the RTA in various fields relating to the business of the two civic bodies. Al Tayer indicated that such coordination resulted in streamlining several procedures as regards the processing of customers transactions in a smooth environment.

For his part, Lootah commended the ongoing coordination and communication between the Dubai Municipality and the RTA which, he says, has contributed to boosting the sharing of knowledge, expertise and practices between the two parties. Such interaction has become a defining business approach adopted by all authorities and departments of the Dubai Government, considering it the only viable means for delivering best-in-class services to customers, noted Lootah.

The meeting reviewed studies related to the flow & quality of the water stream in the Dubai Water Canal; which links the Business Bay with the Arabian Gulf, passing through the Dubai downtown in a course stretching 3 km. Discussions also touched on measures to be taken to ensure and improve the quality of water in the Dubai Creek as per stipulations of the Municipality applicable in the Emirate.

The Municipality’s delegation was acquainted with the work progress in the Jumeirah Corniche extending 14 km from the beach overlooking six residential communities starting from the backyard of the Dubai Marine Beach Resort up to Burj Al Arab Hotel. Last February the RTA started construction works of the project which is set to be accomplished in November this year.

The two parties also discussed various cooperation and coordination aspects and addressed the requisites of making this vital project a success, compatible with the highest international practices, and completing it within the specified timeline.

The meeting reviewed the deliverables of the Marine Transport Master Plan which included the expansion of the marine transport stations in 2014 to serve highly populous tourist & urban destinations in order to ease the movement of residents & tourists and keep pace with the huge growth in the ridership of marine transit means comprising abras, water bus, water taxi and Dubai ferry; which combined have lifted about 13.223 million passengers last year. The marine transport plan also envisages the expansion of Al Mamzar, and the Jumeirah Open Beach to accommodate both the Dubai Ferry and the Water Taxi, and the construction of a new marine transport station at Al Jaddaf with a view to boosting the integration of multi-modal mass transit systems at Al Jaddaf; which houses a metro station, marine transport station, and public bus station.

The meeting was attended from the RTA by Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of Traffic & Roads Agency as well as Mohammed Al Ali, Acting CEO of Public Transport Agency. From the Dubai Municipality attended engineer Salim Musmaar, Assistant Director General for Environment & Health Control; and Engineer Dawood Al Hajri, Director of Planning, in addition to a host of Directors from both sides.

Caption:

Al Tayer and Lootah during the meeting

RTA inks agreement with Dubai Municipality for drilling wells, excavating Creek bed permits

RTA inks agreement with Dubai Municipality for drilling wells, excavating Creek bed permits

The Roads & Transport Authority – Manal Khalid:
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has recently signed a service-delivery agreement with the Dubai Municipality governing the streamlining of issuing work permits for any engineering works relating to excavating the bottom of the Creek, or drilling wells to extract subterranean waters in order to clearly identify the tasks of the respective parties particularly those within the right-of-way of the rail track tunnels stretching underneath the Dubai Creek.
The Agreement was signed by the CEO of RTA Rail Agency Adnan Al Hammadi, and the Assistant General Manager for Health, Safety & Environment Sector at the Dubai Municipality.

Al Hammadi, praised the cooperation of the two public entities in the public interest adding: “This Agreement provides for the Rail Agency, represented by the Rail Right-Of-Way, to issue permits & NOCs to carry out works that fall within the right-of-way of the Dubai Creek, be it drilling of subterranean wells or any engineering works concerned with excavations in the bed of the Creek. The Environment Department at the Dubai Municipality will accordingly issue the required permits to applicants before the commencement of works.”

He explained the importance of maintaining joint cooperation between the two entities in carrying out intensive monitoring tasks of the engineering activities that fall within the rail right-of-way in their respective fields through exchanging information, instant receipt of complaints, and coordination in reporting any contraventions; which will in turn contribute to the enhancement of security, and establishing of streamlined processes aligned with the required quality standards.

“Through this Agreement, the Agency is endeavouring to achieve the intended objectives of promoting joint initiatives between public & private entities, engaging in joint ventures related to the protection of the rail right-of-way installations, ensuring the speedy processing & implementation of the provisions of the Agreement, and working with the Dubai Municipality to develop future initiatives for the improvement of services.

Dubai Central Laboratory conducts consultative meeting with 200 government clients to strengthen green building program

Dubai Central Laboratory conducts consultative meeting with 200 government clients to strengthen green building program

MAPEI sponsors high-profile gathering and outlines company's contributions to sustainable development of Dubai

May 11, 2010
The Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) department of Dubai Municipality has recently concluded a consultative meeting wherein more than 200 current and potential clients of DCL joined key government officials in discussing challenges and opportunities in promoting Dubai's sustainable development. MAPEI, global leader in the production of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, participated as sponsor of the event and provided a presentation of the significant contributions of its premium range of products to Dubai's green building initiative as well as the special properties that make MAPEI the ideal solution for the region's climatic conditions.

DCL announced during the event that it is deploying new testing equipment to ensure strict compliance of contractors to Dubai Government's green building regulations. Moreover, the test facilities will be further expanded to include advanced tests for detecting heavy metals in paint and coating by using ICP, Volatile Organic Compound through Gas Chromatography, Light Reflective Values of external surface and coatings, and solar reflective index for external coating.

Speaking at the event, Eng. Hawa Abdulla Bastaki, Director of DCL, discussed the expanding range of DCL's services: "The Engineering Material Laboratory section of DCL received accreditation for 25 more tests from Dubai Accreditation Centre as per ISO 17025, and this makes a total accreditation of 51 tests. This accreditation covers tests related to materials such as thermal insulations, asphalt, soil aggregate, concrete, steel etc. We are also in the process of implementing new services, including testing of car tyres, timber and timber products, ceramic tiles, paints and coatings."

"As per the directions and vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Municipality and other departments in Dubai are implementing green building regulations to address the emirate's long-term environmental challenges," added Eng. Bastaki.

Laith Haboubi, Business Development Director, IBS-MAPEI, said: "MAPEI's participation at the meeting was in line with the company's commitment to support Dubai Government in its efforts to protect and conserve the environment and ensure a clean and healthy living community. MAPEI is fully prepared to address all environmental requirements of the emirate as we have more than 150 products that are recognised to contribute to LEED certification and comply with most environmental and green building certification systems. Moreover, as Dubai moves ahead with its green building program, MAPEI will continue to focus on a parallel initiative to develop environmentally conscious products that complement the government's environmental advocacy."

The meeting was also attended by Eng. Salem Mohammed Bin Mesmar, Assistant Director General for Environment, Health and Safety Affairs; Eng. Khalid Abdelrahim Abdalla, Director of Customer Relations; Eng. Ali Ahmed Elian, Head of Engineering Material Section of Dubai Central Laboratory; and representatives from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). An open forum was also held during the event wherein DCL received suggestions and ideas from customers, contractors and consultants.

Selected consultants and contractors were also honoured during the event for their contributions to Dubai's green building program. Certificates were distributed to all recipients by Eng. Bastaki.

About Mapei

Founded in Milan in 1937, Mapei is today the world leader in the production of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. The company is also specialized in other chemical products for building: from water-proofing to special mortars, from admixtures for concrete to products for the restoration of ancient buildings.

Mapei Group’s production may be summarized as follows: previewed sales in 2009 are 1.7 billion euros and the total number of Mapei Group employees is 6100.

The Group now counts 63 subsidiaries with 56 production facilities in operation in the 5 continents in 25 countries.

Mapei’s UAE subsidiary is Innovative Building Solutions LLC (IBS-Mapei). As part of its long-term commitment to the Middle East, the company commenced production in February 2009, at its 40,000 square metre facility at Dubai Investments Park.

Dubai Municipality completes work of first park with solar power

Dhs7 million project covers 1.55 hectares

Dubai Municipality completes work of first park with solar power

Dubai Municipality General Project Department has completed the first neighbourhood park to use Solar-powered lighting system. The park, built on an area of 1.55 hectares at a cost of about Dhs7 million in Al Sufouh, will be the first park to be opened using this technology.

This was stated by Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, who added that the General Project Department has set the designs and elements of the park according to a study conducted on the requirements of the residents of the region.

"The Department aimed to create an inspiring green environment that enriches the imagination and creativity that goes in harmony with the urban boom witnessed by the Emirate of Dubai. It is not only the face of urban development that embodied in gardening and beautification of the city, but there is another side reflected in the constant search and effective application of all that in harmony with environmental resources and alternative energy that will make Dubai Emirate lead those of the global cities that enter the third millennium with their green adornment to harmonise as a oasis green and take its existing place among the cities as a leader and a friend of the environment on the shores of the Arabian Gulf," he said.
He stated that the park has been designed with quality standards in addition to taking into account the safety factor as well as the people with special needs in terms of selection of games appropriate and with ease of movement.

"Special lighting elements were used which took into account the exploitation of solar energy for lighting the park overnight in order to take advantage of alternative energy and become environmentally friendly as part of a comprehensive vision of Dubai Municipality, which has started implementing methods to reduce consumption of electric power through the exploitation of natural resources available in the United Arab Emirates while maintaining the night view of the park to look like a milestone in the region," said Lootah.
He explained that the park was enriched with plant components of different seasonal flowers, trees and green spaces, trees. There are two games areas intended for different age groups of children.

"The Sufooh neighbourhood park includes an open plaza, children's play area and full landscaped and shaded seating areas. The sports court area contains a lawn tennis court, basketball court, and a beach volleyball court, in addition to a mini cycling track and a rubberized jogging track with fitness equipments for training and stretching," said Lootah.

"The 500 metre jogging track can be used by the residents anytime as it is located on the outside perimeter of the park. The project also include Entrance Blocks an administration office, a guard room, toilets for men and women as well as for people with special needs, a cafeteria and other amenities," he said.
Lootah said the Municipality is seeking under a plan to achieve its strategic goals in the establishment of public parks in accordance with the best practices and standards and as per the population growth and achieve the aspirations of the residents of the Emirate of Dubai.

"The Sufouh Park is classified in the group of theme parks built in the Emirate of Dubai, which provides recreational and entertainment services for residents of the region with green spaces and facilities," he said.
It should be noted that the Strategic Plan of Dubai Municipality aims to raise the per capita green area to 23.4 square meters by the end of 2011 and raise the proportion of cultivated land in urban public areas in Dubai to 3.15% by the end of the same period.

Dubai Municipality adopts Property Manager System in collaboration with Dubai eGovernment

Dubai Municipality adopts Property Manager System in collaboration with Dubai eGovernment

System to automate management of 4,237 real estate units

March 24, 2010

Dubai eGovernment has announced that it has integrated the Property Manager System within the Government Resource Planning (GRP) system used by Dubai Municipality’s Asset Management Department-Investment section. The department oversees the development of assets, properties and related resources within the municipality.
The GRP system is offering the Property Manager System in its capacity as the department responsible for providing shared solutions and applications for managing government-related financial, logistic, administrative, and human resource operations within the local departments of the Dubai Government. GRP provides a framework of overall integration with all planning units and systems in areas such as payroll, payments, inventory and asset management.

Property Manager System’s benefits include the automation of property leasing transactions such as application or renewal of lease contracts, transferring of applications to a third party, and the migration of rental, property and client data to a new and highly accurate system. The migrated data covered 2,542 clients, 3,395 lease contracts, and 4,237 real estate units.

“Our deployment of the Property Manager System at the Dubai Municipality reflects our full cooperation with government bodies. It also affirms the important role of Dubai eGovernment’s shared systems in maximizing government resources and sustaining the success of the GRP system. This cooperative effort supports the enhancement of eServices and transactions covering property management and service integration in a manner that complements the goals set by the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015. Such initiatives promote excellence within government and enable public sector employees to efficiently perform their tasks, thus advancing government services that meet the highest international standards,” said Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment.

“We would like to emphasize our commitment to coordinating with Dubai’s government bodies and departments in order to further centralize eServices in accordance with the aims of the eGovernment initiative. We intend to raise the level of internal efficiency to ensure high-quality services that ease the lives of citizens, residents, visitors and tourists and reinforce Dubai's position as a leading regional and international economic hub,” he added.

Bin Humaidan noted that Dubai eGovernment relied on the expertise of local government personnel and the cooperation of the Dubai Municipality IT department to implement the system in a manner that further promotes electronic integration, optimizes the use of human and financial resources, and saves time, effort and money.

Meanwhile, Hussain Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality said: “Our adoption of Dubai eGovernment’s Property Manager System is a vital step towards our mutual goal of upgrading services and infrastructure in order to reinforce Dubai’s standing as modern city and a leading regional and global economic, cultural and social destination. We have total confidence in the capability of the new system to efficiently facilitate leasing transactions. This partnership has motivated us to exert extra effort to collaborate with Dubai eGovernment in developing solutions and high-quality services in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of establishing an integrated, knowledge-based community.”

The GRP system provides the electronic infrastructure needed to achieve integration among Dubai’s government departments and bodies under the emirate’s vision of electronic transformation. The system covers the following areas: financial systems, HR administration systems, payroll systems, supply chains, asset administration and shared services system for staff management, in addition to the added-value systems such as eJob portal eLearning administration. These systems accommodate numerous eServices for the Dubai Government’s around 68,000 employees, such as presenting administrative applications, monitoring leaves, communicating with superiors, and facilitating collaborative work. These services also enhance the practical knowledge of employees, thus raising their professional experience and expertise.

Dubai Municipality reveals causes of Mizhar incident

Contractor flouted engineering work norms

Dubai Municipality reveals causes of Mizhar incident

Dubai Municipality on Monday revealed the causes for the Al Mizhar accident which resulted in the death of three people and injury of a fourth one by the collapse of the wall of a building on them, following an initial investigation into the incident by a specialized team.

Marwan Abdullah Mohammed, Head of Engineering Supervision Section of Dubai Municipality said that on receiving a report through the Municipality Call Centre that a brick wall collapsed at a site under construction in Al Mizhar-1, the investigation team from the Buildings Department rushed to the spot and began its work by cordoning of the site and starting its investigation with the official contractor and the consultant in charge of the construction work.

He pointed out that the investigations are continuing, but initial indications suggest the incident happened due to some very basic mistakes by the contractor and the consultant while executing their job.

“After analyzing the incident it becomes clear that the wall collapsed when bricks were used as a base for the concrete wall throughout the 3 metre deep pit dug for the wall, which was erected 3 metre high for a span 40 metres,” said Mohammed.

He added that the basic reason for the incident is that the contractor built a wall of bricks in contravention of the engineering work norms.

“After providing the foundations of the wall no construction strengthening points were given and there was also lack of alternative support throughout the length of the collapsed wall. In addition to that no concrete columns were provided on the sides of the wall, which caused the occurrence of collapse,” said Mohammed.

“The contractor put sand behind the wall, which resulted in the pressure from that side. The wall could not take the pressure from the side. There was also lack of adequate supervision by the contractor and the consultant to ensure the safety of work and labourers,” he said.

Mohammed called upon all contractors and consultants working in the field of building and construction to follow the engineering norms in their work and not to cross beyond the technical specifications and requirements contained in the standard list of conditions and specifications of building and the safety manual issued by Dubai Municipality in order to protect life and property and to avoid legally punishable offences.

Dhahi Khalfan: DM parks enhance emirate's security infrastructure

7 parks opened during Plantation Week

Dhahi Khalfan: DM parks enhance emirate's security infrastructure

Lt. Col. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police on Wednesday opened the newly built Al Nahda Pond Park in the presence of Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality and a number of officials from the Municipality and the Police.

He said that the creation of parks in residential neighbourhoods and managing them well become good aspects of social development of special nature due to its direct association with the service and the development of family life and the development of environment and residential communities.

"In this sense, projects like this undertaken by Dubai Municipality strengthen the security infrastructure of the Emirate of Dubai in all respects. Creation of public parks of this advanced level of design and implementation is one of the complementary and necessary elements to achieve the strategic objectives of Dubai Police," said Tamim.

He praised the approach taken by Dubai Municipality in the establishment of such extensive parks with all amenities, ponds, green spaces, walkways, pools and flowers of every colour.

Brigadier Mohammad Saeed Al Marri, Deputy Director of Community Services Department, Dubai Police said his department has long been maintaining a close relationship with the Municipality parks in different areas of the emirate for its role in the implementation of police programmes to connect with the community and the dissemination of awareness and security programmes or community service.

Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality said that Dubai is a modern city that races against time in development and growth with an accelerated pace, which is reverberated around the world, thanks to the good governance and wise visions for the future to make Dubai the city of business and tourism.

"Dubai Municipality has been enjoying the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the continuous follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality," he said.

"The Municipality by virtue of its mandated responsibilities offers many services related to the environment and the community and establishes integrated infrastructure facilities at par with the finest cities in the world through its vision to build a modern city which offers the ingredients for success. The concerted efforts of various government departments and public and private establishments have contributed in the making of a closely coordinated innovative and cooperative system," Lootah said, adding that the Municipality is keen on planning and monitoring of construction, including adding an element of architectural luxury and aesthetic appearance to this developed city.

"The greening of the city and plantation is one of the elements of the Emirate of Dubai and the beautiful appearance does not remain so without the attention with horticultural maintenance programmes and integrated care for the city's green spaces to ensure its continued greenery and glory and long life. That is what Dubai Municipality has taken up, to give the maximum attention and monitoring to ensure the success of financial budgets, and balance with population and urban growth," he said.

"Dubai Municipality strives to maintain and promote the spreading of green areas in Dubai and the provision of resorts, public parks and recreational facilities with the best design specifications and operate them according to the best international practices to the needs and expectations of the society and in all areas of the Emirate of Dubai," Lootah said.

He recalled that in the production of saplings the Municipality has been able to develop the productivity of its nursery in recent years by adopting the best scientific methods in the field of plant augmentation through its nurseries at Garhoud, Nad Al Shiba, Mushrif, Al Safa, Al Mamzar, Sih Al Silm and Warsan with production of more than 33.8 million saplings in 2009.

Lootah added that in the establishment of public parks and recreational facilities the Municipality has taken huge strides as there are now 42 parks that include big parks, neighbourhood parks and the parks in the middle of the city, 49 popular squares in addition to recreational beaches.

"Dubai Municipality is keen to hold many events and recreational and entertainment activities throughout the year and in 2009 the six major parks in Dubai (Mushrif, Safa, Mamzar, Creek, Jumeirah Beach, Zabeel) managed to attract about 5.7 million visitors while the number of zoo visitors stood at 327,000. The parks and recreation sector witnessed considerable development over the past three years in terms of developing existing parks and upgrading their facilities and adding new facilities," he said.

Lootah stressed that as far as greening projects and tree planting and beautifying the streets, the city is taking huge steps consistent with the aspirations of the Municipality in this area.

He said 25 to 35 such projects are implemented annually and landscaping designs that are used are compatible with the nature of these streets, as the streets in the markets differ in designs for residential streets the external roads that link the city to other cities.

Al Nahda Pond Park is one of the most important theme parks built in the Emirate of Dubai in the recent period. The park is the first entertainment facility in Al Nahda area, which is the newest urban residential areas in the Emirate of Dubai located near the border of the Emirate of Sharjah. It was built at a cost of about Dhs22 million at a total area of about 14.6 hectares. The park is characterized with a large water area as the total area of the pond stretches to 80,000 square metres, which represents 54.4% of the total area of the park.

The new Garhoud Park was inaugurated on Thursday by Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for International Affairs and Partnerships.

Eng. Essa Al Maidour, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Engineering and Planning Sector on Wednesday opened the Al Qusais-2 Residential Park in the presence of Ahmed AbdulKarim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department, engineers and heads of sections from the department as well as from the Drainage and Irrigation Department and the Sewage Network Department.

The 10,884 square metres Al Qusais-2 Residential Park was constructed at a cost of Dhs7.845 million to provide recreational services to residents and families of Al Qusais-2 area. The project involves many leisure facilities such as children's play areas for different age groups, jogging track at a length of 322 metres, various courts at an area of 1,150 square metres, cafeteria and restrooms.

The Plantation Week activities of Dubai Municipality, which was inaugurated on Sunday by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, who opened the Pond Park at Al Barsha, saw the opening of seven public parks. On Monday Eng. Mohammed AbdulKarim Julfar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Corporate Support Services inaugurated Al Quoz Pond Park. The Al Sufooh Residential Park and Al Qusais-3 Pond Park were opened by Eng. Abdullah Raffia, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for General Support Services Sector on Tuesday.

Photos: Lt. Col. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim after inaugurating Al Nahda Pond Park.

Dubai Municipality opens two more pond parks at Al Nahda and Al Quoz

30th Plantation Week activities continue

Dubai Municipality opens two more pond parks at Al Nahda and Al Quoz

Two new parks were opened in Dubai on Monday as part of Dubai Municipality's activities to mark the occasion of the 30th Plantation Week, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council by opening the newly built Pond Park at Al Barsha on Sunday.

Two more pond parks, Al Nahda and Al Quoz were inaugurated on Monday by Lt. Col. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police and Eng. Mohammed AbdulKarim Julfar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Corporate Support Services respectively.

The Plantation Week, which will last until 11th March, will see opening of eight public parks by Dubai Municipality.

On Tuesday, two other parks, Al Qusais-3 Pond Park and New Garhoud Park will be inaugurated by Eng. Abdullah Raffia, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for General Support Services Sector and Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for International Affairs and Partnerships respectively.

Wednesday will see the inauguration of two more parks. Qusais Residential Park will be inaugurated by Eng. Essa Al Maidour, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Engineering and Planning Sector and Al Wuheida School Park will be opened by Eng. Salem Bin Mesmar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Health, Safety and Environment Monitoring Sector.

Ahmed AbdulKarim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department said Al Nahda Pond Park is one of the most important theme parks built in the Emirate of Dubai in the recent period.

"The park is the first entertainment facility in Al Nahda area, which is the newest urban residential areas in the Emirate of Dubai located near the border of the Emirate of Sharjah. It was built at a cost of about Dhs22 million at a total area of about 14.6 hectares," he said.

"The park is characterized with a large water area as the total area of the pond stretches to 80,000 square metres, which represents 54.4% of the total area of the park," said AbdulKarim.

He said the Al Quoz Pond Park is characterized by a beautiful pond at an area of 45,000 square meters covering 35.4% of the park, which has a total area of 127,000 square metres.

AbdulKarim said the project, built at a total cost of about Dhs16 million, has been designed according to the best park systems and modern landscaping methods.


Photos: 1) Al Nahda Pond Park 2) The pond at Al Quoz Pond Park

Civil Defense Building photos,Dubai Municipality,Dubai Marina, 12/February/2010

Dubai Municipality to implement Green Parking Areas project

Dubai Municipality to implement Green Parking Areas project

Dubai Municipality has taken up a new initiative to introduce green parking areas in the Emirate of Dubai as part of the new criterion in green building specifications.

Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the green parking project aims to transform all parking areas in Dubai to cultivated areas.

"We will start the project with the Municipality parking areas and the parking lots of the projects, and the commercial and residential complexes. We will also seek the cooperation of the Roads and Transport Authority on the possibility of its application in all areas in the Emirate of Dubai, as per technical regulations," he said.

Lootah said that Dubai Municipality will implement the project in cooperation with the concerned authorities as part of spreading green areas along with the need to take into account environmental standards to achieve sustainable development and strengthen the culture of green environment and organic and visual harmony between the population and the urban fabric of the city.

"This is in line with our vision to create an excellent city that provides the essence of success and comfort of living through the development of laws and regulations to keep pace with international standards in the field of sustainable development, by cultivating parking lots in the Emirate of Dubai," he said.

Lootah said that the project will be implemented gradually and in line with the green buildings and green roofs projects. "Dubai is witnessing tremendous growth in urbanization and as a result temperature in the region is rising. Green parking area is one of the environment friendly solutions adopted by the Dubai Municipality to meet the expected urban expansion," he said.

Lootah said the green parking area project is also significant in improving the environment and air, thereby improving the health of the community and the preservation of the ecosystem.


Photos: 1) Green Parking Area 2) Hussain Nasser Lootah

Dubai Municipality approves Dhs406 million sewage and storm water system project for Nad Al Sheba-4 area

Dubai Municipality approves Dhs406 million sewage and storm water system project for Nad Al Sheba-4 area

The Drainage and Irrigation Department of Dubai Municipality has approved the design for a sewage and storm water system project for Nad Al Sheba-4 area at a cost of Dhs406 million, to be completed within 915 days, said Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

The project, in realization with the policy of the Municipality in preserving the environment and disposing of the sewage of the city, comes within the Drainage and Irrigation Department's project plans for 2009 adhering to the latest international specifications and conditions and based on the designs approved by the Municipality.

The project is located in Nad Al Sheba-4 and specifically along the Emirates Road and Al Ain Road and the regions of the Nad Al Sheba-2 and 3. The project, covering about 594 hectare area, will provide sewage services for a population of 347,053 people, as well as storm water drainage service for the region.

The project aims to extend the sewage and storm water drainage network to all residential, commercial, recreational and service areas located in Nad Al Sheba-4, and to receive the disposal of drainage and storm water from Dubai Academic City and Dubai Silicon Oasis on the main lines of the project, in addition to receive the future sewage and rain water of Nad Al Sheba-3 on the main lines.

Pointing out on the components of the project, Lootah said the wastewater collection pipes are 55,154 meters long, and the rainwater pipes are 63,202 meters long, and the tubes for reducing the groundwater level are 11,520 meters long. In addition, there are 737 rooms for wastewater collection, 786 rooms for rainwater collection, 9,900 meters long pipes for house connections, 414 manholes for home inspections, 3,060 meters long pipes rainwater connections.

A sewage pumping station with a capacity of 900 litres per second already exists at the location, while a new sewage pumping will be set up with the same capacity, in addition to the establishment of 3,000 meters long pump of 700 mm, the development of the existing rain water pumping station and the establishment of a new storm water pumping station with a capacity of 9,000 litre per second.

The Drainage and Irrigation Department has appealed its customers to contribute their suggestions or send their complaints to the Dubai Municipality by visiting its website www.dm.gov.ae or calling the toll-free number 800900 or through Fax No. 04-2214835.

Photos: 1) Hussain Nasser Lootah 2) The project area

Dhs86m sewage system for Al Quoz labour camps area

Dhs86m sewage system for Al Quoz labour camps area

The Drainage and Irrigation Department at Dubai Municipality is setting up new sewage and storm water system for Al Quoz Industrial Area I, II, III and IV at a cost of about Dhs86 million.

Eng. Talib Julfar, Director of Drainage and Irrigation Department said the project, to be accomplished in 540 days, aims to extend sewerage and storm water drainage services to labour camp areas located in the Al Quoz Industrial Area I, II, III and IV.

"The project, in realization with the policy of the Municipality in preserving the environment and disposing of the sewage of the city, is located along side Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Road. It will cover a total area of 159 hectares out of the 1,897 hectares in the Al Quoz Industrial Area. The project will provide sewage as well as storm water drainage services to 145,000 people in the region," he said.

Julfar pointed out that the project, in realization with the policy of the Municipality in preserving the environment and disposing of the sewage of the city, comes within the Drainage and Irrigation Department's project plans for 2009 adhering to the latest international specifications and conditions and based on the designs approved by the Municipality.

He said the project components include wastewater collection and rainwater pipes, the groundwater level reducing pipes, wastewater and rainwater collection chambers, house connection pipes, manholes and domestic connection inspection rooms, rainwater connection rooms, and the establishment of a sewage pumping station as well as a pumping line.

The Drainage and Irrigation Department has appealed its customers to contribute their suggestions or send their complaints to the Dubai Municipality by visiting its website www.dm.gov.ae or calling the toll-free number 800900 or through Fax No. 04-2214835.

Photos: - 1) Talib Julfar 2) Image of the project area.

Dubai Municipality wins two architecture awards

Dubai Municipality wins two architecture awards

Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality congratulated the Architectural Heritage Department at the Municipality on winning the Middle East Architecture Award for the Best Restoration Project and the Cityscape Cultural Heritage Award.
He encouraged them to continue their efforts and their quest for more international awards in this area that reflect the efforts and creativity in the field of architectural heritage.
Eng. Rashad Bukhash, Director of Architectural Heritage Department at Dubai Municipality handed over the awards to the Director-General in the presence of a number of other officials.
On winning the awards, Bukhash said the Municipality won the Middle East Architecture Award for the Best Restoration Project through the renovation project of the Syed Mohammed Sharif Sultan Al Ulema House in Bastakiya.
He said the Middle East Architecture Award is considered to be a global forum of architects in the Middle East; and its main task is to provide opportunity to gather the elite of architects and engineering offices; encourage local practices and honour the outstanding leadership efforts in all areas of professional practices.
Bukhash said that the renovation project of the Syed Mohammed Sharif Sultan Al Ulema House by the Architectural Heritage Department is a model locally and regionally for quality in dealing with the specialty of the building and its historic value, and it reflects the department's constant efforts to deal with the cultural legacy with a long-term perspective to enable sustainability and be a determining factor of national identity.
He said that the Middle East Architecture Award by the ITP Foundation for Commerce and Publishing given annually, is attended by several international jury members, including Dr. Eileen Orbesly of Oxford University of Britain, specialist in the field of architectural conservation, Mr. Jeff Willis, from ERP Group, Mr. Lee Morris from Atkins and others who are highly experienced in the field of architecture.
Nominations for the award include projects of different categories, including Best Architect and the Best Engineering Office, Best Infrastructure Project, Best Multifunctional Project and others. The project of Syed Mohammed Sharif Sultan Al Ulema House in Bastakiya is a unique model in restoration and conservation of historic buildings at the UAE level, which reflects the high sensitivity in dealing with such buildings at rehabilitation. It is one of the best examples, in addition to the existence of the remaining houses in Bastakiya area with distinctive interiors, rich ornamental gypsum work and wind towers, which have become the most important symbols of the local architecture in the UAE. The Architectural Heritage Department undertook the restoration of the house in 1997 to make its headquarters.
The second award the Department received was the Cultural Heritage Award during the Cityscape awards this year, which are considered corporate awards that celebrate the excellence in the development sector and real estate investment. The event was held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai as part of the major events of Cityscape Dubai 2009.
Bukhash was awarded the Cultural Heritage Award for his distinguished and tireless efforts in preserving the architectural heritage in the Emirate of Dubai.
Commenting on his winning architectural heritage award, Mr. Suha Ozkan, the founder of the World Architecture Association and the former Chairman of the Aga Khan Award for Islamic Architecture, who is also a member of the judging committee for the Cityscape Awards, said that Rashad has not only marked his accomplishments in the field of renovation and restoration of old buildings, but also in the innovative way in the integration of public spaces in historical areas with cultural practices and activities that focused on the local community.
The number of nominations for the Cityscape Awards this year reached a record 300 nominations and the winners were selected by a judging committee composed of five members with expertise and specialization in real estate and engineering based on the level of excellence, innovation and meeting the requirements of environmental protection and contribution to the development of architectural culture in societies.
The Cityscape Real Estate Awards include several categories of projects covering commerce, multiple use, residential areas, public facilities, leisure, hospitality, buildings for entertainment, residential buildings, tourist facilities and transport networks. There are three other awards given to outstanding contributions in protecting the environment, the art of Islamic architecture and planning of real estate projects.

Photo: The architecture awards won by DM is being handed over to Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality

Dubai Municipality wins global architecture award

Dubai Municipality wins global architecture award

Dubai Municipality won the World Architecture Award at its fourth cycle of 2009 in recognition for the restoration project on the House of Scholar Mohammad Sharif in the Bastakiya. The Municipality won the award in the category of the Best Project that won the appreciation of the Honorary Committee.
Eng Rashad Bukhash, Director of Architectural Heritage Department said the restoration project of the House of Scholar Mohammad Sharif in the Bastakiya was a unique example in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings at the UAE level, which reflects the high sensitivity in dealing with such buildings while renovating.
"This was one of the best examples of the few remaining houses in Bastakiya and surrounding areas with rich traditional architecture and engineering, which has become one of the most important symbols of local architecture in the UAE.
The Architectural Heritage Department had restored the house in 1997 to make the building its office.

It is considered one of the groups of architectural buildings in the world with electronic data for the reference of architects from all countries of the world. The main task was to give opportunity for promotion of local practices recognized internationally and to provide a directory of contemporary architectural practices in all countries, as well as the opportunity to get acquainted with the latest theories in architecture.

Dubai Municipality meets engineering and construction firms

Dubai Municipality meets engineering and construction firms

Buildings Department of Dubai Municipality organized its fifth meeting with the engineering offices and construction companies, developers and government property firms in Dubai. The meeting, which comes within the framework of the municipality's commitment to the continued development to provide services for customers, was held at its training centre.

The meeting introduced the World Bank's concept of building licensing process and the necessary steps for the establishment of a comprehensive building, starting from the land map to getting an NOC, submitting plans, obtaining building permits, requirements of the work site, supervision, obtaining the completion certificates, application procedures for final delivery of the services.

Eng. Khalid Mohammed Saleh, Director of the Buildings Department pointed out that the purpose of this meeting was to reduce building permits procedures and to hear the complaints of owners of companies, consultants and contractors regarding the issuance of permits and approvals by the municipality.

He noted that Dubai Municipality has done a study of the building permit process, to develop and improve the licensing and construction process within Dubai to raise the level of international competitiveness, and has an inventory of all the steps required (compulsory and optional) of the construction of buildings in all stages in addition to holding a number of workshops within and outside the Municipality with the clients.

Saleh said the licensing process is divided into three stages, pre-construction phase from the land map request to obtaining the building permit, implementation phase through getting the building permit to the certificate of completion, and finally, the post-implementation phase of the completion of the building to deliver services to it.

Meanwhile, Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of the Corporate Excellence Department said that the Municipality will examine all complaints and suggestions made by the consultants, noting that the intention of the Municipality is to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of completion of transactions and the best customer service possible.

Eng. Salah Amiri, Assistant Director General for General Support Services, Hamdan Al Shaer, Director of Environment Department, Khalid AbdulRahim, Director of Customer Relations Department and representatives of other government bodies in Dubai were also present on the occasion.


Photo: Khalid Mohammed Saleh speaks in the meeting

Dubai Municipality organizes symposium on using mortar in green buildings

Dubai Municipality organizes symposium on using mortar in green buildings

Dubai Municipality- Dubai Central Lab Department has recently organized a scientific symposium on using mortar in green buildings. Many officials from the Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, other municipalities of the country, trainees from General Secretariat of Municipalities and representatives of manufacturers and suppliers attended the symposium.

Eng. Hawa Abdullah Bastaki Director of Dubai Laboratory Department said that the Dubai Government endeavors to implement all environmental methods and standards in the light of the directive of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to implement the green building specifications as of January 2008. The civic authority has also established a modern lab to conduct necessary related tests in line with the approved international standard specifications.

According to Bastaki, some significant tests on green materials and materials from recycling the old concretes were exhibited in the symposium. These materials were intentionally manufactured to mitigate power consumption, protect natural materials, reduce the operational costs, strengthen the building performance and create a healthy environment for work and residence. "A quality mark system will be applied on the green building products" she pointed out.

The advanced technical facilities in the lab will qualify it to perform as the first lab for green materials in the civic body and Dubai city. The laboratory will also conduct tests in the sites in addition to a lot of other tests such as physical, mechanical and thermal tests.

Environment Minister inaugurates region’s largest medical waste incinerator

Environment Minister inaugurates region’s largest medical waste incinerator

DM and Zenath Group team up to set up world’s second-of-its-kind plant



Dubai, June 10, 2009: Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment & Water on Wednesday inaugurated the Middle East’s largest medical waste treatment plant in Dubai.

Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Mr. Kenji Saito, Japanese Consul General in Dubai, Mr. Essa Al Ghurair, Director, ETA Star Group and Mr. Syed M. Salahuddin, Managing Director, ETA Star Group and senior officials of the Municipality were present on the occasion.

The UAE’s first and largest vertical medical incinerator is also the world’s second-of-its-kind. The project was implemented by Dubai Municipality and Zenath Group, the recycling and waste management arm of ETA Star Group. Located at Dubai Municipality’s waste treatment complex at Jebel Ali, the AED 24 million-incinerator has a total treatment capacity of 19.2 tones of medical waste per day on a 24 hour continuous run.

Congratulating Dubai Municipality and ETA Zenath Group for the prestigious endeavour, the Environment Minister said the cooperation between the public and private sectors in varied areas of sustainable development will go a long way in protecting the environment of the country.


Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lootah, said: “The new incinerator represents the use of intelligent technology to minimize impact of waste on the environment. As its design allows for high energy efficiency and environment friendly emissions, the initiative aligns well with the overall vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, of a green city.”

“The UAE healthcare sector is among the most dynamic areas of the economy. There has never been a better time to introduce this treatment facility, given the steady increase in the number of healthcare facilities in Dubai,” he added.

Lootah said that the existing small plant could not cope with the increase in toxic waste generated from factories and healthcare facilities in the emirate. "We had to set up a highly advanced new facility to treat this hazardous waste as waste generated from hospitals should be handled in the right way," he said.
He said that private companies as well as individuals can bring hazardous medical waste to this facility.

Elaborating on the initiative, Mr. Al Ghurair, said: “We are proud to partner Dubai Municipality for its landmark initiative, which cuts carbon footprint while eliminating medical waste. The treatment of medical waste necessitates the most rigorous processes. Given the enormous quantity of waste generated, it is essential to deploy energy efficient systems. The new incinerator consumes energy for initial start up as compared to the other incinerator where they require continuous fuel supply for burning.”

Reinforcing the group’s commitment to environmental safety and public health, Mr. Salahuddin, said: “The new incinerator reflects Dubai’s significant stride in environmental sustainability. The ETA Star Group has always been at the forefront of projects related to environment protection in Dubai. Emissions captured from the new built medical waste incinerator with double bag filter have been put through extensive tests. Results revealed that the quality of emissions were far better than expected - making it the second incinerator in the world that meets the highest control of emission norms and purity standards.”

Mr. J.S.A. Bukhari, Executive Director, Zenath Group, pointed out that the contract was awarded after the Group successfully met all the stringent quality specifications laid down by the Dubai Municipality. “The total medical waste generated in Dubai is approximately six tones per day, but is expected to double with the upcoming facilities in Healthcare City. The current spare capacity could therefore be utilized to treat hazardous, non hazardous industrial waste and municipal solid waste including sewage sludge.”

The ETA Star group has tied up with Mitsubishi Corporation and Plantec Corporation of Japan to obtain the vertical incineration technology, known for effective treatment of infectious waste. The new incinerator, which has met the standards set by EIA and Dubai Municipality Environment Department, will run for 330 days in a year, with 30 days set aside for maintenance work and operational shutdown.

Unlike other waste, treatment of medical waste has always been a very daunting task as it contains infectious microbes that vary in calorific value. Plantec Corporation has devised the technology for treating such material through the use of vertical incinerators, which remained the best method of treatment for medical waste. This technology was first incorporated in Japan and has been successfully used over the last 15 years.
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Photo: Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment & Water, Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Mr. Kenji Saito, Japanese Consul General in Dubai, Mr. Essa Al Ghurair, Director, ETA Star Group and Mr. Syed M. Salahuddin, Managing Director, ETA Star Group and senior officials of the Municipality pose for photo in front of the newly inaugurated medical waste treatment plant.