DUBAI // Anticipating large crowds over the Eid break, transport officials have increased the number of controllers on each Metro train from one to four in an effort to avoid a repeat of last weekend's confusion, when some passengers caused havoc by pushing emergency buttons unnecessarily. The extra staff will work on after Eid.
Abdul Majid al Khaja, executive director of the Roads and Transport Authority's rail agency, said controllers would try to aid passengers before they panicked in the case of a delay or other disruption.
"If they see a family, they will point them to a certain point of the train," he said, speaking at a Ramadan majlis held by the Dubai Press Club on Tuesday night. "With an increase in operators and controllers, we have been able to solve the problem. Every time they see a big group, they will help and reassure people that the doors will open eventually and tell them not to push the buttons."
Emergency stop buttons are located on the platforms in all the stations, as well as next to the train doors inside the carriages.
The Red Line, which opened to the public a week ago today, is expected to attract even more passengers this weekend than last, when 114,000 were counted in the first two days.
Mr al Khaja said it could take three weeks before the service lost its appeal for "joyriders" whom he blamed for some of the disruption last weekend. "It's a Dh2,000 (US$544) fine to pull that lever," he said. "It is too crowded, and maybe some did it deliberately."
When the emergency buttons are pressed, the entire 41km of operational track is shut down and has to be reset by the central control room. Trains are moved to the nearest station before the service resumes, which can take up to an hour.
The Metro network has 300 closed-circuit cameras along its lines and on the trains. Each emergency stop button can be pinpointed by a computer and a camera and studied by officials.
Mr al Khaja said the RTA may take stronger action against people who activate the emergency stop buttons. In Europe, he said, "there are incidents like this, and they spend 24 hours in a jail cell". The system must be free of joyriders for it to function smoothly, he added.
"Right now we are in the phase of joyriders, and still many people have not seen the Metro. Over the Eid holidays, we expect visitors from GCC countries, the northern emirates and Abu Dhabi. It is a rough estimate, but joyriders will be over in another three weeks."
Transport officials also added two bus routes on Monday. One runs parallel to the Red Line and will stop at each station. If a train breaks down, buses will take the stranded passengers to the next station with a working train.
In the event of an airport train breaking down, a second bus will be deployed to take passengers directly to the airport.
"We have the priority of people getting to the airport and are confident that they will get there by a certain time," Mr al Khaja said.
A total of 323,996 passengers have used the Red Line in the week since its opening last Wednesday. On Tuesday, 44,155 passengers were counted.
eharnan@thenational.ae
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
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Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
ODI FIXTURE SCHEDULE
First ODI, October 22
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Second ODI, October 25
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Third ODI, October 29
Venue TBC
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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FIGHT%20CARD
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
RESULT
Al Hilal 4 Persepolis 0
Khribin (31', 54', 89'), Al Shahrani 40'
Red card: Otayf (Al Hilal, 49')
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 630bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh810,000
RESULTS
Cagliari 5-2 Fiorentina
Udinese 0-0 SPAL
Sampdoria 0-0 Atalanta
Lazio 4-2 Lecce
Parma 2-0 Roma
Juventus 1-0 AC Milan
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
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Specs%20
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Match info:
Burnley 0
Manchester United 2
Lukaku (22', 44')
Red card: Marcus Rashford (Man United)
Man of the match: Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)