H.E. Eng. Abdullah Al-Mogbel, Chairman of the International Road Federation
& Co-Chair of the 18th IRF World Meeting Steering Committee
IRF World Meetings have constituted important focal points for the sector ever since the first World Meeting was held in 1952 in Washington, D.C. The 17th edition, held in Riyadh in 2013 continued this proud tradition and set new standards for scale and international relevance.
IRF World Meetings are a privileged opportunity to set strategic orientations for the sector, and to establish a roadmap reflecting the mix of policies and investments needed to achieve these. As such the presence of senior policy makers, thought leaders and road professionals from different regions of the world is an essential component of these meetings.
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. Dubai’s world-class transport system is a vivid illustration that long term investment strategies improve the daily lives of citizens. 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. Eng. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Roads & Transport Authority
& Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors
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.
Eng. Maitha bin Adai, Chief Executive Office, Dubai Traffic & Roads Agency
& Co-Chair of the 18th IRF World Meeting Steering Committee
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.
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.