The UAE is facing another bout of bad weather, and the government has issued weather alerts. But fear not, Dubai residents and tourists! The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has teamed up with UmbraCity, a Canadian smart umbrella-sharing company, to offer a free smart umbrella service during this rainy season.
No More Scramble for Cover: Free Umbrellas at Your Fingertips
Say goodbye to the stress of getting caught in a downpour without an umbrella. This innovative service allows you to borrow an smart umbrella for free at designated locations throughout the city. Simply head to the Al Ghubaiba Bus and Metro Station and use your nol card to unlock an smart umbrella.
More Than Just Convenience: Fostering Walkability and Community
This initiative goes beyond just offering a helping hand during rainy weather. The RTA aims to enhance Dubai’s walkability. By providing easy access to smart umbrellas, they encourage residents and visitors to explore the city on foot, rain or shine. This aligns perfectly with Dubai’s vision of becoming a “20-minute city”, where everyday essentials are within a 20-minute walk or bike ride.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Urban Development
The free umbrella service is just one piece of the puzzle for the RTA. They are also committed to improving traffic flow through their Quick Traffic Improvements Plan. This ambitious project aims to implement 45 traffic solutions across Dubai, significantly reducing congestion. In fact, improvements implemented last year have already slashed travel times by up to 50% in some areas.
Embrace the City, Rain or Shine
With less traffic congestion and the free umbrella program, exploring Dubai has never been easier. So, take advantage of these initiatives, lace up your walking shoes, and discover the vibrant city, even when the skies open up.
Here are some key takeaways from the RTA’s smart umbrella service:
- Free umbrella rentals available at Al Ghubaiba Bus and Metro Station.
- Use your nol card to unlock an umbrella.
- Promotes walkability and a “20-minute city” vision.
- Complements RTA’s Quick Traffic Improvements Plan.
- Reduced traffic congestion allows for better exploration of the city.
Don’t let the rain dampen your Dubai experience! Take advantage of this ingenious service and explore the city with confidence.