Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Nov 11: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday, November 10 inaugurated a Dh590-million Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre that is powered by artificial intelligence, big data and Internet of things. The centre is one of the biggest and most sophisticated traffic control centres in the world which can predict traffic congestions.
The centre uses technology to ease mobility across Dubai. With the centre, intelligent traffic systems now cover 60 per cent of the roads network in Dubai - up from 11 per cent.
"The new facility will improve the time for detection of road incidents and prediction of congestions, apart from facilitating a speedy response," the government of Dubai Media Office said.
The centre is equipped with numerous devices to monitor traffic, capture data and run other smart services. Through intelligent traffic systems, the centre can monitor and manage current and future roads network.
Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), briefed His Highness about the project.
iTraffic: The centre is fitted with advanced traffic control systems enhanced with artificial intelligence, big data analysis and decision-making support tools.
Traffic management: It facilitates the management of traffic movement and integrated it with the Enterprise Command and Control Centre.
Specialist Emiratis: A total of 60 Emiratis have been qualified and deployed to manage and operate the system after completing specialist training courses.
The RTA director-general outlined highlights of key projects-
Dynamic message signages: Revamp and installation of 112 dynamic message signs to display instant information to motorists about congestions and traffic incidents.
Surveillance cameras: Systems installed included 116 traffic monitoring cameras that raised the total number of such cameras to 245. In addition, 100 incident-monitoring and vehicle tracking devices were installed, increasing the total number of these devices to 235.
Travel time calculation: The project works also included the installation of 115 devices for computing travel time and average speed, and 17 road weather information systems.
The briefing also included the integration and linking of the RTA's traffic surveillance cameras and Dubai Police traffic cameras. This will improve the effectiveness of traffic management in Dubai, specifically during large events or emergencies.