To ease traffic throughout the city, new flow patterns are being established ahead of the Dubai 2003 International Monetary Fund and World Bank meeting to be held later in the month.
Roads in key areas of Dubai will be closed for normal traffic and one of the parking lots at the Dubai International Airport has already been closed, to ensure trouble-free movement of the delegates.
According to a Department of Civil Aviation statement, Car Park A has been temporarily closed since the beginning of this month and only special card holders will be allowed to go in.
It will reopen on September 30. The department has requested commuters to use Car Park B during this period. The public has also been advised to arrive well in advance for arrival and departure flights.
Dubai Police have also announced that some lanes on major roads that lead to the conferences locations will be closed during the event. The plan will be implemented between the 17th to the 25th of this month.
Speaking to Al Bayan, Col Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, Deputy Director of the Traffic Police, said the slow lane on Sheikh Zayed Road from the first bridge to the Trade Centre will be closed to the public during that period.
He advised motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to use the Emirates Ring Road instead to avoid causing any additional snarls.
However, inner roads are expected to face snarls. He added only special pass holders will be allowed access to these roads. All service roads and parking lots in front of the hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road will be closed.
The road and parking lots in front of Fairmont Hotel to Shangrila Hotel will be closed but those behind this area will remain open.
Col Al Zafeen urged motorists to avoid using the Maktoum Bridge which will be frequently used to transport Dubai 2003 delegates. The slow lane leading to Al Garhoud bridge will also be closed between 4pm and 8pm from September 21 to 23.
Col Al Zafeen said the Traffic Police are soon going to signs installed in all the areas informing the public about alternative routes. Heavy police contingents will be present around vital areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. He urged all motorists to abide by the rules and avoid using routes leading to the conference areas.
The UAE has undertaken all necessary preparations and is ready to welcome the world this month to participate in the biggest annual gathering of the global financial community.
The event is a historic one for the region as the UAE will be the first Arab nation to host it since the Annual Meetings commenced in 1946.
Gulf News
