DUBAI // A bus fuelled by bio diesel is currently being tested by the Roads and Transport Authority.
Known as the Green Bus, the authority's latest environmental initiative will be used as a feeder bus for the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro for the next six months.
In addition to running on bio diesel, the Green Bus is also fitted with solar powered LED lights. Recycled materials are used in different parts of the bus interior, including the floor and seats cover.
"This joint venture of experimenting with the use of bio fuels in our public buses is a vital national project, which will not only benefit the two parties of the agreement, but will benefit the environment," said Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, chief executive of the RTA's Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector. "This, in turn, will enhance public health and bring about dividends to future generations as well,"
Bio diesel produces 10 times fewer harmful green house emissions than regular diesel. "The waste left by the diesel used in the Public Transport Agency buses is almost negligible compared to the diesel used by other buses and trucks operating in the UAE."
The RTA is testing the bus in cooperation with SS Lootah International Group, one of the leading advocates of bio fuel technology in the UAE.
"This trend is now widely perceived as a necessary measure to reduce global warming, conserve natural resources, and recycle waste by transforming it into environment-friendly bio fuels," said Yousef Saeed Lootah chief executive of the group.
Mr Younes said the Green Bus initiative also fell in line with the Dubai Government Strategy 2015 for sustainable development, and was part of the strategic objectives of the RTA to achieve environmental and financial sustainability.
malkhan@thenational.ae
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Fixtures:
Thursday:
Hatta v Al Jazira, 4.55pm
Al Wasl v Dibba, 7.45pm
Friday:
Al Dhafra v Al Nasr, 5.05pm
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Al Wahda, 7.45pm
Saturday:
Ajman v Emirates, 4.55pm
Al Ain v Sharjah, 7.45pm
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
