The first-ever Public Transport Congress of Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Division of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) opened today (November 25) in Dubai.

The Congress, which is organised by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with the UITP, features leading world-class companies and establishments engaged in this field.

The opening session of this important gathering, which lasts through November 27, was attended by chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA Mattar Al Tayer, UITP president Roberto Cavalieri, UITP secretary general Hans Rat and executive director of the UAE Public Sector Development Ministry Dr Ali Bin Abood.

CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency and chairperson of the organising committee Abdul Rahman Al Dossari said that a number of leading businesses and establishments in the UAE are sponsoring the activities of this important event.

Among them is the exclusive promoter Eye of Dubai, which is a leading media establishment that provides online media services covering a number of economic activities and vital sectors such as exhibitions, conventions, finance, business, marketing & other activities.

Other leading companies and businesses supporting the Congress include Sistra, MAN, Gargash Enterprises, Salini Costruttorti, Solaris, and Faith and Right Ankle.

“This event is an ideal opportunity for decision makers and public transport executives in Middle East & North Africa to get together with their counterparts in countries which made substantial development in this vital field so as to make use of their expertise. Additionally, they can have access to researches and work papers to be presented in this Congress, and benefit from the products and services which will be exhibited by global companies,” said Al Dossari.

Dubai was awarded the privilege of organising the 59th World Public Transport Congress in 2011, following a fierce competition with Melbourne and Singapore.

The UITP opted for Dubai, thanks to the worldwide reputation enjoyed by the Emirate as a global economic and commercial hub. Moreover, it has extensive experience and an impressive record in holding international expos and conventions, representing a wide spectrum of commercial, economic and services sectors, said Al Dossari. – TradeArabia News Service