The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has upgraded 48 traffic lights across the city with artificial intelligence.
Operational for about a month, the system employs a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to gather and analyse real-time traffic data.
It detects the number of vehicles at intersections, their types, and their travel speeds. The data collected is then processed using sophisticated algorithms capable of swiftly identifying patterns and trends in traffic flow, such as peak congestion times.
In high-traffic scenarios, it can prolong the green light duration for the busier direction
Dr Engineer Yousif Alathmani,
Chairman of the SRTA
Based on this analysis, the AI system dynamically adjusts the traffic light timings to accommodate the varying traffic volumes.
"For example, in high-traffic scenarios, it can prolong the green light duration for the busier direction, while in low-traffic conditions, it can shorten it to facilitate smoother flow in other directions," said Dr Engineer Yousif Alathmani, Chairman of the SRTA.
"A key aspect of this technology is its ability to continuously learn and adapt and, as it accumulates more data over time, it becomes increasingly efficient in predicting traffic patterns and making corresponding adjustments to the signal timings."
He said the system ensures that traffic light timings are more responsive to real-time road conditions, potentially improving traffic flow by up to 30 per cent.
The SRTA's extensive plan to revamp the city's transport infrastructure includes constructing additional pedestrian bridges in high footfall areas.
Going electric
Expanding its shift towards sustainable transportation, which includes the introduction of more than 760 electric vehicles, the SRTA has also added to its fleet of electric buses.
Following the success of a pilot programme with two electric buses, the authority has acquired 10 more, which are expected to be operational within the next six months.
A fleet of Tesla Model S and Model 3 electric vehicles has been launched, too.
"We currently have eight Teslas, and there are plans to increase this number in the future. Additionally, we have struck an agreement with Beeah Group to boost the number of charging stations from 50 to 200 within the next three to four years," said Dr Alathmani.
The SRTA is also collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to enhance the efficiency of key roads, including Al Ittihad Road, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, and the Emirates Bypass.
These efforts aim to streamline traffic flow and improve road safety.
The SRTA has also initiated projects to pave internal roads in 20 residential areas across Sharjah and the central region.
Another significant development is the inauguration of the official bus line between Sharjah (Al Jubail) and Oman (Muscat), set for February 22.
This was revealed during a meeting with journalists from various UAE media outlets as part of the Tawasul initiative of the Sharjah Press Club.
The scheme aims to boost communication between Sharjah authorities and the media.
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
The biog
Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
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Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
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Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
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Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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The five pillars of Islam
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
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Rating: 4.5/5
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Always use only regulated platforms
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Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Sinopharm vaccine explained
The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades.
“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.
"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."
This is then injected into the body.
"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.
"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."
The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.
Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.
“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
