On March 1st, 2023, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Keolis MHI, the company responsible for operating and maintaining the Dubai Metro and operating the Dubai Tram. The agreement is part of RTA's Strategic Plan 2023-2030 which calls for enhancing tolerance, collaboration, and corporate reputation. It highlights the dedication of both parties to promoting cooperation and integrated efforts towards sharing experiences in serving the community.
RTA signs MoU with Keolis MHI Rail Management and Operation
Yousef Al Redha, CEO, Corporate Administration Support Services Sector, RTA, and Wallace Weatherill, Managing Director, Keolis MHI Rail Management and Operation, signed the MoU on behalf of the respective parties.
Sustainability Initiatives
“The MoU signifies a joint commitment to shared goals between the two parties, including the exchange of essential information relating to supporting community initiatives and exploring novel ideas,” said Al Redha.
“The agreement also entails supporting projects and community initiatives undertaken by RTA and Keolis MHI to promote RTA’s volunteering efforts in line with the objectives set in the MoU. Both RTA and Keolis MHI will lend their support to this drive under the applicable regulations and leverage the scope of their services.
“The MoU outlines the responsibilities of RTA in developing a strategy for regional and international community initiatives. This includes identifying beneficiaries, allocating a budget for each initiative, assessing the satisfaction rating, measuring the deliverables, and exploring the potential for their long-term sustainability,” added Al Redha.
Volunteering and Social Solidarity
“RTA has pledged to promote volunteering within the community by encouraging individuals to engage in charitable and humanitarian activities during the holy month of Ramadan. This includes the distribution and preparation of Iftar meals and Ramadan Rations, as well as volunteering in events and activities organised by RTA across Dubai, such as the MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition, Dubai International Project Management Forum, and Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport,” explained Al Redha.
RTA has established the RTA foundation as a means of providing charitable social services and promoting social security initiatives as part of its social responsibility towards various segments of society. The RTA foundation functions through MoUs in cooperation with government, private and charitable entities.
Launched in 2017, the RTA foundation has introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting financially unstable RTA employees. It contributed to referring humanitarian cases to competent charitable organisations.
By contributing AED5 million, the RTA foundation extended its support to the 100 million meals campaign, an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. The RTA foundation also made overseas contributions by supporting the UAE Water Aid initiative for providing safe drinking water. RTA donated funds to drill ten wells in ten countries, which benefited 10,000 individuals.
Solutions for Development
The MoU sets forth the duties and responsibilities of Keolis MHI, which include collaborating with RTA to implement the community initiatives plan. Keolis MHI is also responsible for liaising with the relevant authorities and proposing developmental solutions for the success of such initiatives.
Wallace Weatherill, Managing Director, Keolis MHI, said: “The MoU signed between Keolis MHI and RTA represents a significant step towards promoting the company's fundamental principles of endorsing charitable work and volunteerism. At Keolis MHI, we highly commend the practices of social responsibility that cater to diverse segments of society, such as students, people of determination, and senior citizens.”
Previously, RTA partnered with Keolis MHI to implement a range of community initiatives that targeted school and university students. These initiatives included providing laptops to students who frequently use the Dubai Metro and Tram, as well as supplying school furniture to underprivileged families to support their children's education. RTA also cooperated with Keolis MHI during Ramadan to distribute Iftar meals.
RTA is committed to enhancing its community engagement by executing initiatives in line with its strategic objectives, aimed at bolstering its corporate reputation, leadership, and teamwork. These initiatives cover a variety of areas, including volunteering, charitable work, education, promoting children's happiness, people of determination, and orphans.
RTA extended its charitable contributions overseas through various initiatives, including “the Well of Hope” campaign, the donation of school buses, and the "100 million meals” campaign. In 2021, about five million people benefited from 43 different initiatives implemented by RTA both in the UAE and abroad.