Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract for the development of three integrated truck rest areas in partnership with the private sector. The facilities span a total area of over 210,000 sq m, with a combined capacity for 490 trucks and heavy vehicles.

Strategically located along key corridors and within major logistics hubs that attract high volumes of truck traffic daily, the sites will adhere to international standards in the design of entry and exit points to ensure the highest levels of safety.

The locations for the integrated truck and heavy vehicle rest areas were identified based on technical studies and defined criteria aimed at maximising utilisation and supporting the land transport sector, said RTA in a statement.

Site selection also considered proximity to strategic roads, key areas, and logistics cities to serve the largest possible number of trucks on a daily basis.

The three integrated facilities are set to deliver a range of services designed to enhance driver safety and well-being, it stated.

Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: "Awarding the contract for the development of three integrated truck rest areas in partnership with the private sector marks a key strategic step in advancing Dubai’s transport and logistics ecosystem that enhances the efficiency of the land transport sector and reinforces the emirate’s position as a global hub for trade and logistics services."

"Dubai is witnessing sustained growth in the logistics sector, with more than 500,000 truck trips recorded daily on roads. Internal truck movement within the emirate accounts for approximately 83% of total truck traffic, while the number of registered trucks in Dubai has reached 85,000, which reflects the growing demand for specialised infrastructure to support this vital sector," stated Al Tayer.

"The development of truck rest areas responds to this rapid growth and seeks to enhance operational efficiency and road safety by providing an integrated and secure environment for drivers. It helps in reducing random stopping and improving traffic flow across the road network, thereby supporting the sustainability of supply chains," noted Al Tayer.

Of the three, the facility planned near Jebel Ali 3 spans 100,000 sq m, with capacity for up to 250 trucks and heavy vehicles. It comprises a comprehensive range of services and facilities, including a heavy vehicle testing centre, a driver training centre focused on safety requirements, a light vehicle maintenance centre, a periodic maintenance facility, retail outlets, and logistics warehouses. 

It also includes accommodation, recreational lounges, electric vehicle charging points, and diesel refuelling stations.

The second facility is to be located in Saih Shuaib, near the entrance to Dubai Industrial City (DIC). It spans 51,000 sq m and accommodates up to 120 trucks and heavy vehicles. It comprises accommodation, a periodic maintenance centre, retail outlets, logistics warehouses, recreational lounges, and electric vehicle charging points.

The third facility is to be located in Madinat  Hind 2 along Emirates Road, adjacent to Al Tayy Racetrack. It spans over 59,000 sq m and accommodates approximately 120 trucks and heavy vehicles. 

It comprises a heavy vehicle testing centre, a driver training centre focused on safety requirements, a periodic maintenance facility, retail outlets, and logistics warehouses. It also includes accommodation, recreational lounges, and electric vehicle charging points.

Al Tayer said: "The partnership with the private sector in the development and operation of these facilities reflects RTA’s direction towards adopting modern models for infrastructure delivery, enhancing economic sustainability and improving operational efficiency."

"The three facilities have been designed as integrated service complexes offering accommodation, maintenance, training, and commercial services, thereby enhancing the quality of life for truck drivers and elevating the working environment in this vital sector," he added.-TradeArabia News Service