Belhasa Driving Center, the UAE’s leading driving institute, highlighted the issue of road safety at Gulf Traffic 2005, the largest transport event in the Middle East and North Africa, which concluded yesterday (Wednesday, 14 December, 2005) at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
Belhasa Driving Center was one of only two driving institutes to participate in Gulf Traffic 2005, and the only one from the Middle East region. Gulf Traffic 2005 is a conference and exhibition event that focuses on traffic and transport infrastructure.
“Being the premier driving institute in the UAE, Belhasa Driving Center is committed towards excellence in all aspects of driving, driver education and the improvement of safety standards on the road, and has been providing ongoing training to driving instructors,” said Saif Ahmed Belhasa, Chairman and Managing Director, Belhasa Driving Center. “Our corporate strategy entails ensuring a strong presence in all major events relevant to the fields of driving and traffic. Besides allowing us to closely interact with policymakers and experts, such an approach helps us stay updated on the latest international trends and developments in the industry, which we could then apply locally to benefit not only our clients, but also the UAE as a whole. Belhasa’s participation in Gulf Traffic 2005 was in keeping with this strategy.”
“Gulf Traffic 2005 brought together several important personalities, including ministers and key officials involved with traffic, transport, road safety, construction, and city planning. The event provided Belhasa a unique opportunity to interact with key players shaping the future of the traffic and transport industry in the region. It also afforded us an opportunity to present our ideas on road safety, and gain valuable insights on industry best practices through our interactions with international experts at the event,” Saif Ahmed Belhasa added.
The transportation industry in the Middle East has been rapidly expanding, and with many major cities experiencing increased traffic congestion, regional governments are looking at alternative urban transport solutions. As such, several new projects are at various stages of planning and development.
David Farrell, Project Director of Gulf Traffic 2005, said, “With major cities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region expanding at a rapid pace, there is growing demand for efficient public transportation systems in order to cope with the needs of the increasing population. There is today an urgent need to address issues such as parking, road safety, and Intelligent Transport Systems. Gulf Traffic 2005 comprehensively addressed all these issues, while providing exhibitors an ideal platform to showcase products and network with fellow industry players and potential customers. The participation of the Belhasa Driving Center, which has always strived to promote safe driving practices, added a refreshing dimension to the show.”
The Belhasa Driving Center has been organizing and participating in various events to promote safe driving, besides organizing training programs on the issue. Belhasa is also the organizer of the upcoming SAFEX 2006, the world driving training conference, in association with IVV, the International Association for Driver Education.
About Belhasa Driving Center:
Belhasa Driving Center established on October 13, 2001, is the new name for Dubai Modern Driving Institute, which was set up more than a quarter century ago. The driving center, which is a member of the Saif Belhasa Group has witnessed exponential growth in the last few years and today boasts of an impressive fleet of over 600 training cars, 50 heavy duty trucks, 50 buses, 50 motorcycles, 25 light and heavy forklifts, backed by professional and well-trained team of instructors. Today BDC has set new standards in providing training courses for light motor vehicle, motorcycle, heavy vehicles, forklift safety operating, defensive driving and desert driving. In addition, BDC offers specialized courses like Incident Avoidance, Progressive Driver Development, DIAmond Advanced Motorists course, Chauffer course, UAE familiarisation course, Anti car hi-jacking, Surveillance security and pursuit driving courses. BDC has branches in Jumeirah, Al Wasl Club, Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Karama and Century Mall, all of which have extensive shuttle transportation services to ferry students from their homes or offices.
