Khaleej Times, 24 July 2023: Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 1/2017 has been amended. The amendments involve the roles and responsibilities of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. They also detail the functions of the RTA, which include planning, design and development of the public railway network in Dubai.

The RTA has been tasked with defining the requirements, procedures, controls, standards and specifications applied by its Safety Regulatory Entity, as well as the requirements, procedures and controls necessary for issuing the certificates specified in this resolution by the RTA Rail Agency and the Safety Regulatory Entity. Dubai Resolution No. 53.2023 also tasks the RTA with ensuring that certificates issued by the Rail Agency of the RTA and the Safety Regulatory Entity are free from any conflict of interest. These certificates will be issued independently of the owners, operators, contractors and any other individuals or entities covered by the provisions of this resolution.

The RTA will also be responsible for cooperating and coordinating with relevant authorities in Dubai and neighbouring emirates including on integrating of railway and other transportation systems.

The RTA will be authorised to enter into contracts and agreements involving railway systems, adopting policies, plans and programmes submitted to it by the Rail Agency and the Safety Regulatory Entity in all matters related to the provisions the resolution and associated resolutions.

Article 6 outlines the functions of the Rail Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which includes proposing policies, plans, and programmes for developing and designing the public railway network, submitting them to the Director General of the RTA for approval, and supervising implementation after approval.

The Rail Agency will also approve the Railway Protection Rules, General Guidelines, Planning and Design Standards Guide, and establish the criteria for contractor, consultant and operator qualification and accreditation, as well as issuing no-objection certificates and compliance certificates.

Dubai Resolution No. 53/2023 also amends Article 7 and 10 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 and replaces Article 15 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 on penalties and administrative measures, Article 17 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/201 on judicial seizure and Article 18 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 on complaints.

The Resolution has also replaced two tables Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 – Table 4 on fees for issuing certificates and providing services, and Table 6 on violations and fines related to the RTA Rail Agency.

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