zeynep yurttas
Dubai to host the 18th IRF World Meeting & Exhibition in 2021
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, November 19, 2020 –Dubai, one of the world’s iconic cities, has been designated to host the International Road Federation’s World Meeting & Exhibition in November, 2021.
Held every four years since the launch edition in Washington D.C. in 1952, IRF World Meetings have constituted a focal point for transportation leaders, as well as a one of a kind opportunity to set strategic orientations across the entire sector.
The 18th IRF World Meeting aspires to be a global summit & technology showcase that is both uniquely relevant to a wide cross-section of road mobility stakeholders, and focused on delivering solutions to the world’s pressing mobility questions.
Particular attention will be paid to emerging challenges such readying road infrastructure to autonomous vehicles, advanced travel demand management, safety of vulnerable road users, and energy-efficient infrastructure, to name a few.
A large-scale exhibition running alongside the World Meeting will offer delegates an opportunity to further their understanding of advanced road construction & mobility concepts in an immersive environment.
“We are thrilled to announce Dubai as the host of IRF’s flagship event”, noted C. Patrick Sankey, IRF President & CEO. “Dubai’s world-class transport system is a vivid illustration that long term investment strategies improve the daily lives of citizens”.
“It is a source of great pride that IRF is planning the premier event for transportation professionals in 2021 alongside our local host, the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority” added H.E. Abdullah Al-Mogbel, Chairman of the IRF. “The presence of policy makers and road professionals, from different regions of the world and at different stages in their careers, is an essential component of this event, and I call upon the global transport community to fully engage with the IRF throughout this process”.
H.E Mattar Al Tayer, Director General. Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said “Dubai Roads and Transport Authority is excited to host the International Road Federation’s World Meeting & Exhibition in November 2021. Such events provide the opportunity to showcase the latest in world-class transport infrastructure in the Middle East and helps establish Dubai’s position as a city that is smart, safe and dynamic. The World Economic Forum has ranked the UAE as number 1 internationally from 2013 till 2017 for the quality of roads with major contributions from Dubai while the Dubai Metro is the longest driverless metro system in the world. We are glad to report significant savings in value of time and fuel since 2006 due to the infrastructural investments made. Factors like these make the city an ideal platform to host the Conference, where global experts can exchange ideas on developing sustainable road infrastructure that plays a key role in the development of any city”
“Over 190 nationalities make Dubai their home giving it a unique identity and a cradle for ideas. With Dubai’s goal of achieving 25 percent of all transport autonomous by 2030, the IRF World Meeting and Exhibition will be conducive in bringing new learnings to the region as well as open avenues for partnerships and cooperation.” added Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA.
“Dubai is the undisputed ‘City of the Future’ in the Middle East. At the heart of this story lies RTA’s efforts to foster a culture of excellence, quality, and innovation” stated Eng. Maitha Bin Adai, CEO, Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA. “In 2017, RTA signed a knowledge partnership with the International Road Federation aimed at advancing world-class practices in Dubai’s road mobility system. The 18th IRF World Meeting adds a new chapter to this partnership, and represents a valuable opportunity for road actors everywhere to collaborate and innovate”.
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