Intelligent roads and pre-emptive traffic warning systems could help reduce pollution and cut congestion in choked-up cities such as Dubai in the near future.
At a conference in Dubai, experts described how a digital model of the emirate using traffic data at peak times can predict congestion hotspots and help drivers steer clear of a gridlock.
That information can then be used to improve vehicle flow through speed restrictions, alternative routes and providing route information ahead of potential jams.
Specialists from the PTV Group, an international software company that has helped reduce traffic in 18 countries, presented their latest technology to decrease tailbacks and fumes during rush hour.
Named among in the top 50 global pollution hotspots by Greenpeace, Dubai is a modern city that would benefit from a reduction in congestion and carbon-dioxide emissions.
“In Dubai there is one big vehicle pipeline from Sharjah that gets congested at specific times of the day,” said Andrea Petti, regional managing director for PTV Group.
“It is about understanding where congestion is so it can be better managed.”
PTV builds digital models of a city to gather data and make projections, so authorities can understand where will be a traffic build-up and when.
“This helps them address traffic congestion and encourages people to use more efficient public transport systems like the Metro,” said Mr Petti.
“Changing human behaviour and better utilising existing infrastructure will help reduce emissions in cities like Dubai.”
While the dream of self-driving electric cars may be a decade away, dramatic change is forecast in the way residents will navigate Dubai in the near future.
Along with an integrated traffic management system, changing human behaviour in a city where the car is king could be the greatest challenge to reduce harmful vehicle emissions.
Ride sharing and improved "last mile" transport via electric scooters to and from a wider public transport network are important factors to take cars off the road.
“One option is to use autonomous shuttles, where there is a mix of both electric mobility and a high-capacity transport system that can offload passengers on their routes,” said Mr Petti.
“Convenience is a must for travellers, so first and last mile options like e-scooters will ease Metro accessibility.
“There will always be hardcore populations that will not move to public transport, so it has to be made an attractive proposition.”
Cities around the world are already using various methods to reduce congestion and pollution.
The Moia ride-sharing service trialled by Volkswagen in Hamburg and Hannover in Germany was launched two years ago.
More than 300 luxury mini-vans are run, carrying up to six passengers at a time in comfort, allowing them to relax or work during their journey.
Moia aims to take a million cars off the roads and estimates it can reduce congestion by 90 per cent in the cities where it operates.
Abu Dhabi is leading efforts to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads by launching a carpooling initiative.
The Department of Transport launched an online system last week that encourages motorists to sign up and offer lifts to strangers, friends and work colleagues.
Those signing up to the new Uber and Careem-like platform can either look for rides or offer them, with the system relying on Good Samaritans who are keen to help cut carbon emissions.
As well as the mental toll of being stuck in traffic, gridlock can have an ill effect on health. Airborne nitrogen dioxide particles emitted by vehicles can cause respiratory damage, leading to lung infections and asthma.
According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution kills half a million people every year.
Taking vehicles off the road is a proven solution to also reducing killer smog.
Researchers have found success with similar traffic reducing methods used in Turin, Italy.
Since 2013, traffic management software developed by PTV has eased congestion, transforming Turin into one of the most free-flowing cities In Europe.
“With just a few sensors in the right places and the correct model you can develop short-term forecasts on traffic flow so it can be managed correctly,” said Dr Dario Menichetti regional project manager for PTV Group.
“Previously the approach has been more reactive, now it can be pre-emptive to reduce the impact of traffic scenarios.”
By machine learning and algorithms, the system spots where problems may arise and then develops a solution with traffic controllers and signals.
“In Turin, we have been able to manage accuracy of the system over time to see how it can be used elsewhere,” said Dr Menichetti.
“The city is now considered one of the most advanced for transportation. There are less stops at intersections, so there is less pollution.”
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic
Power: 169bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh54,500
On sale: now
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
Company Profile
Company name: Fine Diner
Started: March, 2020
Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and food delivery
Initial investment: Dh75,000
Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp
Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000
Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.
Eliminated after second session
11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.
Eliminated after first session
15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
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Manchester United v Everton
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
When: Sunday, kick-off 7pm (UAE)
How to watch: Live on BeIN Sports 11HD
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Listen to Extra Time
Florence and the Machine – High as Hope
Three stars
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
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Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Nick's journey in numbers
Countries so far: 85
Flights: 149
Steps: 3.78 million
Calories: 220,000
Floors climbed: 2,000
Donations: GPB37,300
Prostate checks: 5
Blisters: 15
Bumps on the head: 2
Dog bites: 1
