Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the 11^th edition of the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST) featuring two new categories to enhance sustainability. The first is Sustainability Ambassador, and the second is the Best Academic Institution Supporting Sustainability. Submissions from all government, semi-government entities as well as private companies, schools, university, and public associations will be received as early as tomorrow (Wednesday) 1 August and continue up to 1 November 2018.

“DAST Organising Committee will start receiving submissions as of 1 August to 1 November this year,” announced Nasir Hamad Bu Shehab, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector cum Chairman of RTA’ DAST Higher Organising Committee.

“The Committee is fully prepared to receive submissions for the 11^th edition of the Award, which is highlighted by the addition of two new categories. The first category is the Sustainability Ambassador that is dedicated to students show significant attention to environmental aspects and organizing awareness campaigns about sustainability issues associated with public transport. The second category is the Best Academic Institution Supporting Sustainability, which is focused on environmental initiatives run by students in connection with sustainable transport.

“Registration in various categories of DAST can be made in simple steps through the Award’s website (http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/links/dast/index.html). The online registration saves much time & effort and consolidates the Smart Government practices of Dubai Government to facilitate transactions for corporate & individual customers with the aim of making them happier,” added Bu Shehab.

“From inception, DAST Higher Organizing Committee has been endeavouring to raise the bar for business processes to keep pace with the massive upswing generated by RTA’s projects & initiatives. It also seeks to broaden the participation in the Award to entice the largest possible number of public & semi-public entities as well as private businesses to contribute to leveraging the sustainable development drive in the UAE.

“DAST has main and special categories. Main categories comprise four awards; the first is Mobility Management, which focuses on applied practices & initiatives that contribute to raising the efficiency of using various types of mass transit systems. The second is Mobility Safety, which is concerned with practices & initiatives that contribute to raising the security & safety levels of commuters. The third is Environmental Conservation, which is devoted to practices & initiatives capable of reducing the negative impact of transit systems on the environment. The fourth is Disabled-Related Initiatives aimed to empower People of Determination and engage them in the community development efforts.

“The special categories comprise six awards as well; the first is the Best Academic Research for researchers as well as all community members compiling the best research on sustainable transport, provided that the scientific research criteria are complied with. The second is the Best Student Project, which relates to a project developed by students in various educational institutions across the UAE in the field of sustainable transport. The third is the Best Media Member, which relates to members of the media who made the best coverage of sustainable transport nation-wide. The fourth is the Best Media Team, which aims at identifying the best media coverage of sustainable transport across the nation. In addition to newly introduced categories Sustainability Ambassador and the Best Academic Institution Supporting Sustainability,” he concluded.