Dubai’s RTA Reveals 2014 Budget Of Dhs7bn, Plans 50 New Projects

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a budget totaling Dhs7 billion for 2014 with the bulk of funds allocated to roadwork in the emirate, state news agency WAM reported.

According to RTA chairman Matar Al Tayyar, the operational budget of the body is fixed at Dhs3 billion while the capital and projects budget is estimated at Dhs3.8 billion.

“The aggregate anticipated revenues for this year are Dhs5 billion, marking a 17 per cent increase over last year’s budget,” said Al Tayyar.

“The approved projects budget is estimated as Dhs3.62 billion which will be allocated for constructing around 99 projects; comprising 50 new projects to be undertaken in roads, marine transport and public transport sector, and 49 projects currently underway.”

Around 36 per cent of the budget will be allocated to the traffic and roads agency while 33 per will go to the rail agency, the RTA head explained.

The public transport agency will be allotted around 13 per cent of the funds, while another 17 per cent is to be shared between the licensing agency and the administrative and technical support services sector. The remaining one per cent will be distributed between other agencies in the RTA, Al Tayyar said.

He also confirmed that the RTA will complete the construction of several projects including Dubai Tram and will also undertake a number of new projects in 2014.

The agency will also award contracts for the construction of Etihad Bridge by the end of this year, it said in the statement. Etihad Bridge will replace the Floating Bridge and includes 12 lanes in total with a footpath in each direction.

“The RTA will complete the construction of internal road projects at residential areas in accordance with the Five-Year Plan (2012 – 2016) where a budget of Dhs234 million is allocated for constructing internal roads in a number of residential communities in Dubai,” said Al Tayyar.

“It will also work on the Parallel Roads project supporting the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road for which a budget of Dhs398 million is being allocated.

“The portfolio of projects funded also include the Jumeirah Corniche project at a cost of Dhs70 million, widening of Al Qudra Road project at a cost of Dhs49 million, and the construction the Union Gallery as well as the rehabilitation of the Union House at a total cost of Dhs201 million.”

Dubai’s successful bid for Expo 2020 is expected to fast track a number of infrastructure projects in the emirate including the expansion of Dubai Metro.

The RTA also recently announced that it had completed the construction of 104kms of cycling tracks across the emirate as part of its bigger Bicycle Master Plan. The initiative is aimed at providing 850kms of tracks across the city to make it more cyclist-friendly.