More than 600 members from various societies of engineering across the Gulf convened at a key forum in Dubai to discuss the major transportation issues in the region.

The 'Gulf Engineering Forum,' a three-day biennial event, is being organised by the Gulf Engineering Union, an umbrella body for Society of Engineers in GCC, at Intercontinental in Dubai Festival City.

The 14th edition of the forum was opened by Hussein Lootah, director general, Dubai Municipality, on Sunday.

Over the next couple of days, keynote addresses and case studies will be centred on challenges, strategies, and policies for achieving Intelligent Transportation Systems in the region.

The major issues to be discussed include the role of intelligent transport systems in developing infrastructure; creating awareness in reducing traffic congestion; different transport policies aimed at raising the capacity level of the road and transport network and different methods of managing transportation projects.

The first keynote address for the opening ceremony was delivered by Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zaffin, director-general, Dubai Traffic Police.

Dr Yaser E. Hawas, Professor of Traffic and Transportation Engineering in the UAE University, spoke on 'ITS Technology for Safety and Congestion Management: Practices, Challenges and opportunities'; while Mark Henaway, senior ITS engineer Parsons International, delivered a speech on 'Intelligent Transportation Systems for a Sustainable transport system'.

Essa Al Maidoor, chairman, UAE Society of Engineers, and assistant director for Engineering and Planning at Dubai Municipality, said: 'No economy can sustain growth without the right infrastructure and policies to enable effective transportation systems.'

'Therefore, we look forward to emerging from this forum better enriched with insights to improve our transportation systems. We are most grateful for the patronage and continued support of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,' he noted.

During the forum, the Dubai Road Transport Authority (RTA) will demonstrate its remarkable achievements and expertise in using modern technologies, ensuring environmentally friendly practices, as well as saving time and effort through full connected transportation networks.

“Traffic congestion is a challenge for the region today because our trips are increasing at a much higher rate than the capacity we’re adding to the transportation system,” said Dr Khalid Al Zahed, chairman of Media & Marketing Committee, Society of Engineers, and director of Maritime Transport in the RTA.

“The rising population across the GCC is fuelling an increase in traffic congestions as well as road accidents, and the critical solution lies in efficient and sustainable transportation systems,' the RTA official said.

'Through this forum we will exploit various possibilities and solutions on how we can reduce traffic congestion and upgrade the capacity of roads and transportation network,” Al Zahed added.

Concurrent with the three-day conference, an exhibition will be organised to showcase various engineering developments in transportation across government and private sectors in GCC.

Technical visits will also be made to various transport departments in Dubai including the Dubai Metro, its control units and public transportation. In addition, there will be an awards program to recognize and celebrate innovation among professionals and students in engineering.-TradeArabia News Service