Visitors attending the Gitex Global 2024 conference are being urged to swap cars for public transport and explore alternative routes as thousands of delegates visit Dubai World Trade Centre this week.
Heavy traffic was reported on the opening day of the flagship technology show on Monday, which is expecting about 180,000 industry experts and more than 6,000 international companies showing the latest cutting-edge developments in everything from artificial intelligence, cyber security and the future of autonomous transport.
Authorities have drawn up a plan meet the demands of the huge influx of visitors to the city for one of the largest events of its kind.
Plot your route
Maj Gen Abdulla Al Ghaithi, assistant commander in chief for operations at Dubai Police and head of Dubai Event Security Committee, called on the public to abide by traffic regulations, exercise caution, reduce their speed and use alternatives routes to improve traffic flow.
He recommended drivers travelling to the Financial Centre area to use Al Mustaqbal Street for those approaching from Al Meydan Street, and Al Sukuk Street for those coming from Sheikh Zayed Road.
Hussain Al Banna, chief executive of the traffic and roads agency at Dubai's RTA, said preparations had been made to accommodate the spike in visitors.
“The RTA will provide thousands of parking spaces for visitors at DWTC and alternative locations including Al Wasl Club, Al Kifaf, Al Jafiliya, and Dubai Mall.
“In addition, shuttle buses will transport visitors to and from these locations. We have contingency plans in place to divert traffic if parking reaches capacity, and to manage traffic flow during peak hours.”
Flexible traffic light systems
He said traffic signals will be assessed in real-time in an effort to ease congestion.
“Traffic lights will be monitored and adjusted based on traffic density during peak hours via the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, in co-ordination with the on-site operational team,” Mr Al Banna said.
“Smart digital signage – which will be updated in real time – will direct visitors to use the metro and buses, as well as alternative parking locations when spaces around the venue are full. We will also publish advisory messages for road users.”
Metro and shuttle buses
The transport chief said Dubai Metro services will be operating as usual during Gitex, but provisions were in place to reduce waiting times if passenger numbers increase. In addition, a dedicated taxi area with capacity for 300 vehicles will be operational close to the venue.
Shuttle buses will transport passengers between DWTC Metro Station and Max Station, as well as between Gitex Global parking areas.
Thousands of parking spaces will also be available at Dubai Harbour, a second venue for Gitex this year. Shuttle buses will be laid on to transport visitors from Palm Jumeirah’s multistorey car park and Nakheel Metro Station. Marine transport services will also be available from Skydive parking to the event site.
Traffic lights will be monitored and adjusted according to traffic density on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and surrounding roads. Shuttle buses will also transport visitors between Dubai Harbour and the main Gitex Global site at Dubai World Trade Centre.
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Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
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Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
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About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Real estate tokenisation project
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Spezia v Lazio (6pm), Juventus v Torino (9pm), Inter Milan v Bologna (7.45pm)
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Monday Fiorentina v Genoa (11.45pm)
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
MO
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'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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