Railway certification & regulation approach for the Emirate of Dubai

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of the Emirate of Dubai is responsible under law to regulate all surface transport (Road, Rail, Marine and Public Transport) within the Emirate of Dubai. In 2008 / 2009, the RTA was faced with a new challenge in that it had to regulate the first railway lines to be established in the Emirate of Dubai, namely the Palm Jumeirah Transit System (PJTS or Monorail) and the Dubai Metro Red Line. To respond to this issue, the RTA conducted an extensive consultation exercise including, amongst others, the UK´s Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), former Chief Inspector of Her Majesty´s Railway Inspectorate (HMRI), Independent Safety Organisations / Consultants, Legal Consultants, etc. This consultation process reached a conclusion that a Dubai Safety Regulatory Authority (SRA) should be established. This paper provides a summary and insight into the development of the SRA. This includes the development of legislation, roles and responsibilities within the SRA and powers. The paper will also demonstrate the application of the developed legislation in respect to the certification cycle of the PJTS and Dubai Metro Red Line Project. The paper provides insight in the pioneering approach to railway certification within the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).