All construction work will come to a standstill, and all heavy trucks and pick-ups will be banned from the roads for two weeks in September 2003 when Dubai hosts sensitive international finance meetings, reported the Gulf News on Wednesday.
Thousands of VIPs and "internationally protected people" (IPPs) will attend the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, said the paper, adding that approximately 20,000 people will arrive for the two-week meetings, including 12,000 to 14,000 foreign dignitaries.
General coordinator Ibrahim Belselah said to ensure safety and the smooth flow of traffic during the meetings, Dubai has decided to stop all construction and movement of heavy vehicles.
He said officials may also consider closing schools to keep the streets clear during rush hours. "Schools were shut for a week in Prague and Hong Kong during the meetings in 2000 and 1997 to ensure smooth traffic flow," he said.
Traffic Police have already started planning. "They will make special arrangements and set timings for public transport and other vehicles on certain roads."
Dubai will also stage the region's first giant security exercise involving deployment of thousands of personnel including special task forces and personal bodyguards for guests, the paper said.
Belselah said the safety of VIPs and IPPs must be ensured.
"Of course, Dubai Police are already working very hard to make sure that the security arrangements will be in place."
Referring to accommodation and movement of delegates, Belselah said committees have been formed to handle arrangements for guests who will include ministers of finance, bank governors, officials and 45 IPPs – Albawaba.com
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© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
