DUBAI // Uber, the private car hire app, said it is in talks over plans to implement a training programme that will give drivers the knowledge to better assist wheelchair-using customers.
Shaden Abdellatif, spokeswoman for Uber in Middle East and Africa, said the company was aware that those with disabilities faced problems accessing on-demand transportation and often needed extra help when using a taxi.
“At the moment, there is a limited availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in the UAE so we are exploring a training programme for drivers on how to treat people with disabilities coming into their cars,” she said. “It is still at the discussion stage but we are very much interested in taking this forward to make our technology as available to as many people as possible.”
Talks between Uber and Wings of Angelz woke the car hire app firm to the demand for better access to specially-outfitted cars and more training for operators of public transport.
Wings of Angelz was founded by Shobhika Kalra and her sister Ruchika Kalra, who aimed to create awareness about wheelchair accessibility and get places that are not disabled-friendly to build ramps or alternate access.
“We have managed to build 370 ramps with the help of organisations like Emaar, Sumo Sushi and RTA and got a disabled-friendly branch of Emirates NBD with their keen interest regarding the issue,” Shobhika said.
Dubai has a vision of becoming one of the world’s most disabled-friendly cities by 2020.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Abu Dhabi GP weekend schedule
Friday
First practice, 1pm
Second practice, 5pm
Saturday
Final practice, 2pm
Qualifying, 5pm
Sunday
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps), 5.10pm
Donating your hair
• Your hair should be least 30 cms long, as some of the hair is lost during manufacturing of the wigs.
• Clean, dry hair in good condition (no split ends) from any gender, and of any natural colour, is required.
• Straight, wavy, curly, permed or chemically straightened is permitted.
• Dyed hair must be of a natural colour
