RTA inks agreement with Shell to enhance research, innovation drive

Dubai, September 27, 2015 (WAM): The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with Shell Company aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in the fields of innovation, creativity and conducting researches on the green economy. The Agreement was signed in RTA’s Head Office by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and Mounir Bouaziz, President of Shell in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Vice President Upstream International Commercial MENA, in the presence of several officials from both parties. Al Tayer expressed RTA’s keenness on improving sustainability & green economy, and contributing to the Dubai Energy Strategy 2030 through adopting the highest global standards in optimising the consumption of energy & water, and protecting the environment & public health in various RTA projects. "Such endeavours are aligned with the drive of the Dubai Government in nurturing a green and sustainable environment at the highest international standards," he noted. The Agreement provides for sharing knowhow to ensure knowledge sustainability, holding workshops & seminars for showcasing the best practices, conducting applied researches in the field of green economy, and carrying out researches about sustainability & energy in order to figure out innovative solutions for improving transportation systems & sustainability, besides optimising the use of fuel and power. "From inception, the RTA has been attaching special attention to innovation and is keen to make innovation part & parcel of its projects. It has assigned paramount attention to knowledge, considering it an integral part of innovation. Knowledge is the gateway to innovation which in turn is the backbone of sustaining organisations. Three years ago the RTA launched the ‘Innovation & Knowledge Week’ as an annual event through which a number of events & activities are held such as the ‘Knowledge Cup’ and ‘Innovation Race’. It has recently endorsed the Overall Structure of Corporate Researches, and the Corporate Researches Plan 2015-2021. Lately, it has considerably improved its innovation management practices rendering them a key part of its corporate business structure. In this regard it had established Researches, Development and Innovation Section in 2014, launched an annual award for scientific research, and developed an innovation strategy; which is currently being revamped by an international consultant to realign it with the government policies," elaborated Al Tayer. Mounir Bouaziz, President of Shell in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Vice President Upstream International Commercial MENA, said: "It is our pleasure to sign this cooperation agreement with the RTA as we are always looking forward to work with various community organisations in achieving a sustainable economic development in the UAE and the region. Shell attaches top priority to innovation, researches and development considering them key elements for figuring out future energy solutions; which is considered a brilliant step in leveraging the knowledge & innovation drive." Al Tayer decorated the winners of the 3rd RTA Scientific Research Award; which aims at identifying talented and experienced personnel in order to capitalise on their potentials in leveraging RTA’s business and knowledge management. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395285987122.html