DoT unveils Abu Dhabi multi-modal Freight Master Plan

The Department of Transport, DoT, in Abu Dhabi, today unveiled its Multi-modal Freight Master Plan, an integrated framework which will regulate and set standards to bolster the role of the freight sector in business and trade. The move is part of DoT's commitment to providing integrated, safe, and sustainable world-class transportation services in line with the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) and the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision. Developed in close coordination and cooperation with many stakeholders from both the government and private sectors directly involved in planning and providing freight transportation services for the Emirate, nationwide and beyond, the Freight Master Plan is geared towards supporting the anticipated socio-economic development drive of Abu Dhabi. It aims to do so helping to integrate high quality infrastructure such as the new Khalifa Port and Etihad Rail, and provide regulations and supporting guidelines. To this end, the Multi-modal Freight Master Plan seeks to create safe, fair and efficient regulations that both support the economic efficiency of the freight sector and improve safe standards for truck operations. With road users' safety as a top priority, the Master Plan promises to improve road freight traffic to minimize truck accidents by ensuring goods trucks are well maintained and managed and by advocating measures to prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. Mohamed Nasser Al Otaiba, Director of Freight Division at the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi, said, "With the Emirate's economy forecast to go up by 250% between now and 2030, freight is an integral part of the economic diversification plans for Abu Dhabi in which moving goods and commodities is poised to be the catalyst for development and prosperity. The DoT is therefore keen to ensure that Multi-modal Freight Master Plan is meticulously designed to cater to the current and future needs of freight sector by providing governance framework." "In developing the Master Plan, we have worked closely with all concerned parties from the public and private sector to ensure it addresses all concerns and issues whilst delivering positive changes in the freight sector, especially against the background of the persistent and uncompromising challenges of road safety," he added. The DoT is hosting the Abu Dhabi Multi-modal Freight Master Plan Launch event, at Park Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi, on February 4th.