Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has officially announced the completion of its preparations for the highly awaited GITEX Global 2024, the world’s largest technology and startup event. This year’s event will take place at DWTC from October 14 to 18, and at Dubai Harbour from October 13 to 16. In partnership with the Dubai Events Security Committee, Dubai Police, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DWTC has developed extensive operational and security plans to guarantee a seamless and secure experience for exhibitors and visitors throughout the event. This focus on traffic management, safety, and overall attendee experience underscores Dubai’s prominent position as a host of world-class mega events.
Logistical strategies and security measures
During recent discussions, the Dubai Event Security Committee and DWTC reviewed essential logistical strategies, traffic coordination, and enhanced security measures to effectively manage the anticipated influx of tens of thousands of local and international visitors, participants, and exhibitors. Special emphasis has been placed on parking solutions, visitor flow, and accessibility of public transport to accommodate the sizable crowd expected.
Police preparations and traffic guidelines
Abdulla Ali Al Ghaithi, major general and assistant commandant for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police and Head of the Dubai Event Security Committee, indicated that Dubai Police, in collaboration with governmental and private organizations, has completed all necessary preparations to ensure the success of GITEX Global.
Al Ghaithi emphasized the team’s commitment to showcasing Dubai’s esteemed reputation in organizing and hosting prestigious international events. He urged drivers approaching the Dubai World Trade Centre to adhere to instructions, guidelines, and traffic regulations, exercise caution, reduce speeds, and consider alternative routes to avoid congestion and facilitate smooth traffic flow during the event.
He also encouraged visitors to stay informed about traffic conditions through bulletins shared on social media and to activate notifications and driving features available in the Dubai Police app. For those traveling to the Financial Centre area, he recommended alternative routes such as Al Mustaqbal Street from Al Meydan Street and Al Sukuk Street from Sheikh Zayed Road.
Read more: Dubai’s Financial Audit Authority to reveal 3 new digital services at GITEX 2024
Commitment to a seamless experience
Abdulrahman Obaid Abu Al Shawareb, EVP of Protocol and Security at DWTC, remarked that the scale of GITEX Global, with its tens of thousands of attendees, necessitates a high level of readiness and a well-coordinated stakeholder approach to ensure the event and Dubai shine on the global stage. Additionally, he noted that collaboration with the Events Security Committee, Dubai Police, and RTA is crucial for delivering a smooth experience for both exhibitors and visitors. He encouraged attendees to utilize the various public transport options available and to plan their journeys using the GITEX mobile app.
Also, he highlighted that promoting public transportation use among visitors is a key component of DWTC’s commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability.
Traffic management at Dubai World Trade Centre area
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA, mentioned that the RTA will offer thousands of parking spaces for visitors at DWTC, as well as at alternative locations including Al Wasl Club, Al Kifaf, Al Jafiliya, and Dubai Mall. Moreover, he added that shuttle buses will be available to transport visitors to and from these locations and stated that contingency plans are ready to manage traffic flow and divert it if parking capacity is reached.
Al Banna further explained that traffic lights will be monitored and adjusted based on density during peak hours through the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, in cooperation with the on-site operational team. He noted that smart digital signage will be updated in real-time to guide visitors towards using the metro and buses, as well as alternative parking options when on-site spaces are full. He mentioned that advisory messages for road users will also be disseminated.
He assured that metro services will operate normally, with measures in place to reduce waiting times if there’s a surge in passenger numbers, ensuring an efficient service throughout the event. In addition, he confirmed that a designated taxi area capable of accommodating 300 vehicles will be situated near the venue, and shuttle buses will connect DWTC Metro Station and Max Station, as well as various GITEX Global parking areas.
Traffic management at Dubai Harbour
Dubai Harbour, the second main venue for GITEX Global 2024, is also expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors. Al Banna confirmed that ample parking spaces will be available for private vehicles at the venue, with shuttle buses facilitating transport from Palm Jumeirah’s multi-storey car park and Nakheel Metro Station. He noted that marine transport services will also be offered from Skydive parking to the event site.
He added that traffic signals will be monitored and adjusted based on the flow of traffic on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and surrounding roads. He mentioned that shuttle buses will also operate between Dubai Harbour and the main GITEX Global site at DWTC.
For more news on logistics, click here.
