• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates the Smart Centre for Traffic Management. All photos: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates the Smart Centre for Traffic Management. All photos: Dubai Media Office
  • The Intelligent Traffic System cost Dh590 million ($160.6m) and centralises a network of smart cameras linked to databases.
    The Intelligent Traffic System cost Dh590 million ($160.6m) and centralises a network of smart cameras linked to databases.
  • The traffic centre is one of the biggest and most sophisticated in the world.
    The traffic centre is one of the biggest and most sophisticated in the world.
  • It was developed to meet the needs of Dubai's rapid urban growth, the infrastructure expansion required for Expo 2020 Dubai, and also to support current and future transport systems.
    It was developed to meet the needs of Dubai's rapid urban growth, the infrastructure expansion required for Expo 2020 Dubai, and also to support current and future transport systems.
  • The centre expands the coverage of intelligent traffic systems from 11 per cent to 60 per cent of the road network in the emirate and improves detection times for accidents.
    The centre expands the coverage of intelligent traffic systems from 11 per cent to 60 per cent of the road network in the emirate and improves detection times for accidents.
  • More than 110 cameras were installed to measure the average speed of cars, while 17 weather-sensing stations were also established. All data is put into a system monitored by officers who can also issue important messages to the public from the centre.
    More than 110 cameras were installed to measure the average speed of cars, while 17 weather-sensing stations were also established. All data is put into a system monitored by officers who can also issue important messages to the public from the centre.

Transport

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid opens Dh590m smart traffic centre in Dubai

Dubai Ruler also reviews Dh4.6bn transport projects

The National

November 10, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

A traffic management centre that will reduce accident response times and help manage congestion was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Tuesday.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai visited the Dubai Centre for Intelligent Traffic Systems, where he was briefed on its operations.

It cost Dh590 million and centralises a network of smart cameras that are linked to databases.

The facility is considered one of the biggest and most sophisticated centres of its kind in the world. It was developed to meet the needs of Dubai's rapid urban growth, the infrastructure expansion required for Expo 2020, and also support current and future transport systems.

The centre expands the coverage of intelligent traffic systems from 11 per cent to 60 per cent of the road network in the emirate and improves detection times for accidents.

"We will manage our traffic using optical fibres and specialised devices to monitor accidents," Sheikh Mohammed said.

He said sensors and other devices would be used to monitor journey times between the regions of the emirate.

More than 110 cameras to measure the average speed of a car were installed along with 17 weather sensing stations. All the data is put into a system that is monitored by officers, who can also display important messages to the public from the centre.

Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the results of the trial operation of the RTA-Dubai Police joint traffic incident management project implemented in 2018. A trial for the project took place on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Expo Road over a 72-kilometre sector. It featured the rapid deployment of 17 vehicles to clear roads and contributed to reducing traffic fatalities by 42 per cent.

Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed some other transport projects at a cost of Dh4.6bn. These include plans for 119 kilometres of roads and bridges that will serve the new Al Maktoum Airport, the Expo 2020 Dubai site, Jebel Ali and International Media Production City.

He said the projects were in line with the emirate's plans that 25 per cent of all journeys in Dubai will be driverless by 2030.

"Dubai is a pioneer and will remain so," Sheikh Mohammed said.

THE SPECS

      

 

Engine: 1.5-litre

 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 

Power: 110 horsepower 

 

Torque: 147Nm 

 

Price: From Dh59,700 

 

On sale: now  

 
Short-term let permits explained

Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.

Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.

There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.

Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The five pillars of Islam

Padmaavat

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh

3.5/5

Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

While you're here
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

LIVERPOOL%20TOP%20SCORERS
%3Cp%3E(Premier%20League%20only)%3Cbr%3EMohamed%20Salah%20129%3Cbr%3ERobbie%20Fowler%20128%3Cbr%3ESteven%20Gerrard%20120%3Cbr%3EMichael%20Owen%20118%3Cbr%3ESadio%20Mane%2090%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAETransportDubaiSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid