Taxi drivers are learning how to keep a check on their mental health behind the wheel and spot warning signs of depression.
Medics from the Ministry of Health and Prevention tested 100 drivers from the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority to assess their understanding of mental health disorders and how they can be treated.
Drivers were handed information leaflets showing where they can go for a diagnosis and receive treatment.
The initiative is recognition of a growing understanding of the importance of mental health in the workplace, particularly in an environment where passenger safety is critical.
“Our aim is to enhance prevention programmes and early detection of mental disorders ,” said Dr Mona Al Kuwari, director of specialized care at the MoHP.
“We can do this by promoting awareness programmes and highlighting the ways of dealing with anxiety and depression.”
A mental health check on Sharjah taxi drivers has become an annual event, and is now in its third year.
The Department of Transport has also announced a cap on working hours for taxi drivers working in Abu Dhabi, limiting their working days to 12 hours.
An automated GPS system has been fitted to taxis in the emirate, notifying drivers when they are approaching the end of their 12-hour shift.
Doctors said the Sharjah initiative is an ongoing programme to monitor taxi drivers at work and keep them mentally well.
“This initiative targeted taxi drivers because their mental health forms a key factor in maintaining the safety of passengers,” said Dr Al Kuwari.
“Global statistics show the clear impact of mental disorders on the increase of road accidents.”
Specs
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Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
Stage results
1. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceuninck-QuickStep 4:39:05
2. Michael Matthews (AUS) Team BikeExchange 0:00:08
3. Primoz Roglic (SLV) Jumbo-Visma same time
4. Jack Haig (AUS) Bahrain Victorious s.t
5. Wilco Kelderman (NED) Bora-Hansgrohe s.t
6. Tadej Pogacar (SLV) UAE Team Emirates s.t
7. David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ s.t
8. Sergio Higuita Garcia (COL) EF Education-Nippo s.t
9. Bauke Mollema (NED) Trek-Segafredo s.t
10. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers s.t
The specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 849Nm
Range: 456km
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Day 1 results:
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
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End of free parking
- paid-for parking will be rolled across Abu Dhabi island on August 18
- drivers will have three working weeks leeway before fines are issued
- areas that are currently free to park - around Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Maqta Bridge, Mussaffah Bridge and the Corniche - will now require a ticket
- villa residents will need a permit to park outside their home. One vehicle is Dh800 and a second is Dh1,200.
- The penalty for failing to pay for a ticket after 10 minutes will be Dh200
- Parking on a patch of sand will incur a fine of Dh300
