Cameras will soon be installed on cycle tracks across Dubai to spot riders without helmets.
A trial run on the Nad Al Sheba cycle track used new artificial intelligence technology from UAE company Evoteq to detect whether cyclists were wearing safety helmets and how many people were using the track.
Dubai introduced legislation in 2010 mandating cyclists to wear helmets.
The Roads and Transport Authority's safety guidelines for cycling tracks also state that riders "must wear a protective helmet".
It is encouragement towards supporting people to cycle safely
Meera Al Shaikh,
Roads and Transport Authority
“These cameras will eventually be used across different cycling tracks in Dubai,” said Meera Al Shaikh, director of smart services at the Dubai authority.
“They will capture data for analysis at our command and control centres.
“As we capture more data, this will be rolled out to other tracks once we identify which areas need more cameras than others.”
"Cameras monitor speed, rider numbers and if cyclists are wearing helmets or not."
One camera has been installed at Nad Al Sheba under the trial, with more to follow elsewhere.
“Eventually, they will be used at all major cycle tracks in the city,” said Ms Al Shaikh.
“It is an encouragement towards supporting people to cycle safely."
The transport authority built 463 kilometres of cycling track in 2020, with plans to increase the total length of cycling tracks in the emirate to 739km by 2026, linking communities with various public transport stations to help cut emissions.
The cameras capture video, which allows an algorithm to analyse the footage.
“There are a lot of people running, walking and on scooters as well as cyclists so it can also detect those users so the track can be managed safely,” said Jihad Tayara, chief executive of Evoteq.
“It can be used at intersections for motorists, to advise them of any new warnings about approaching traffic.”
In April, Dubai announced a multimillion-dirham strategy for safer cycling in the emirate.
The Bicycle-Friendly City Strategy 2025 includes Dh400 million to be spent across 18 initiatives.
In February, a bridge linking the tracks of Al Khawaneej, Mushrif and Al Warqa areas opened connecting the residential area of International City and Dragon Mart mall.
“As a following step, we've developed an extended project road map for the complete track journey for cyclists, which aims to improve their safety and experience,” said Mr Tayara.
“In Dubai, the solution will help boost the government’s efforts to make the emirate a bicycle-friendly city, as well as promote cycling as a form of sport and fitness activity.”
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The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
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What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
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Predicted winners for final round of games before play-offs:
- Friday: Delhi v Chennai - Chennai
- Saturday: Rajasthan v Bangalore - Bangalore
- Saturday: Hyderabad v Kolkata - Hyderabad
- Sunday: Delhi v Mumbai - Mumbai
- Sunday - Chennai v Punjab - Chennai
Final top-four (who will make play-offs): Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bangalore
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