Dubai’s RTA Sets New Benchmark with Elite BS EN 12973 Certification
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reached a remarkable milestone. The organization became the first in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) to earn the prestigious BS EN 12973:2020 Value Management System certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI). This achievement shows RTA’s steadfast dedication to operational excellence and innovative project management.
The certification journey included three vital phases. RTA completed a gap analysis, implemented an action plan, and underwent an external BSI audit. The organization’s Value Management Program now creates the perfect balance between performance, quality, and customer needs. It improves asset cost management, performance, and risk throughout the asset lifecycle. This certification helps boost organizational efficiency in project execution and asset management. RTA has established new benchmarks for transport authorities in the MENA region.
RTA Achieves Historic First with BS EN 12973:2020 Certification
RTA’s operational framework has made major progress with this certification after a thorough evaluation across departments. The organization leads value management implementation in the region, according to Nabil Mohammed Saleh, Director of Assets Management at RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector.
BSI released the BS EN 12973:2020 standard on January 31, 2020. This standard offers a detailed guide to improve project value, processes, and organizational outcomes. The certification provides clear guidelines for value-based decisions and drives breakthroughs in organizational operations.
RTA’s Value Management Program shows remarkable strengths in key areas. The program optimizes asset performance and maximizes investment returns throughout the lifecycle. The program also matches international standards for resource optimization and streamlined operations.
RTA successfully implemented value management principles through three distinct phases. A gap analysis revealed areas needing improvement first. The organization then executed a detailed action plan. BSI’s external audit confirmed RTA’s compliance with international standards finally.
BS EN 12973:2020 certification targets value management at the managerial level and helps organizations build a stronger value culture. RTA has used this framework to boost performance, efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
The certification highlights RTA’s steadfast dedication to sustainability goals. Their Value Management Program strikes the right balance between economic, social and environmental responsibilities. This approach will give financial sustainability through smart resource allocation while driving technological breakthroughs for lasting environmental and social benefits.
RTA has cemented its position as a game-changer with this achievement, creating new benchmarks for transport authorities across the MENA region. The certification proves RTA’s operational excellence and shows its commitment to constant improvement and green practices.
Value Management System Transforms RTA Operations
RTA has implemented 82 projects to strengthen its digital infrastructure and operational capabilities under its detailed digital strategy valued at AED 1.6 billion. Digital channels generated AED 3.7 billion in revenue in 2023, showing a substantial 16.8% growth from the previous year.
Digital transactions reached 821 million in 2023. Smart app transactions grew by 29% to 15.299 million. This is a big deal as it means that the real-time happiness indicator across RTA’s apps reached over 95%, which was 2% better than the previous year.
RTA’s technological advancements continue to evolve rapidly. The authority launched an upgraded Mahboob Chatbot with ChatGPT technology that offers better user data protection and smarter responses. RTA also redesigned 42 services and added a monitoring system with proactive notifications.
New infrastructure improvements have made services more accessible. The authority installed 30 new kiosks across 21 customer happiness centers that generated over AED 309 million in 2023. RTA Dubai app users now benefit from an AI-powered parking prediction system that covers 190,000 locations.
RTA’s Sustainability Framework 2030 takes an integrated approach based on three core pillars: environment, economy, and society. This framework lines up with Dubai’s 2030 vision and reinforces its global leadership in eco-friendly development.
Advanced technologies power RTA’s fleet management systems effectively. GPS tracking, telematics, and automated reporting systems help optimize fleet performance and reduce downtime. Predictive maintenance tools identify and fix mechanical issues early, which ensures continuous service delivery.
Artificial intelligence integration remains central to RTA’s digital transformation strategy. AI helps optimize traffic management, predict maintenance needs, and improve user experience. These technological advances support RTA’s task to provide smooth, eco-friendly mobility solutions for Dubai’s residents and visitors.
RTA Sets New Benchmarks for MENA Transport Sector
RTA has set new standards in multiple operational areas while managing its resources effectively. The commercial transport sector grew remarkably as registered companies jumped from 9,000 in 2023 to 12,100 in 2024 – a 34% increase. The number of registered vehicles in the Commercial and Logistics Transport Sector rose to 400,000, which is a big deal as it means that previous year’s figures went up by 31%.
RTA built 40 air-conditioned rest areas for delivery riders at key locations across Dubai to support green practices. This move shows RTA’s dedication to make roads safer and improve service quality for delivery staff.
The authority’s innovative projects have improved traffic flow significantly. RTA upgraded the Dubai-Al Ain Road near Al-Faqa area as part of its 2025 Traffic Solutions Plan. The authority also made three major improvements on Sheik Zayed Road to boost traffic capacity.
Dubai Taxi Corporation’s service excellence shines through its fleet of 3,854 vehicles that run 24/7 throughout the year. The Public Transport Agency runs 1,518 busses on 119 internal routes.
RTA’s work has earned global recognition. The authority won the Clean Energy Ministerial Global Leadership Award in Energy Management for 2024. It also received the 2024 Middle East Technology Excellence Award for using AI to manage traffic flow through the iTraffic system.
RTA’s detailed sustainability framework has made history. It became the first transport authority in the Middle East and Africa to get ISO 50001 certification. The authority saved about 12.2 million USD by implementing 71 energy conservation initiatives between 2013 and 2016.
These achievements have helped Dubai emerge as a global leader in sustainable transport infrastructure and innovative mobility solutions. RTA’s initiatives naturally support Dubai’s vision for urban development and environmental protection.
RTA’s BS EN 12973:2020 certification marks a defining moment for transport authorities in the Middle East and Africa. The authority’s detailed digital transformation efforts showed remarkable results with AED 3.7 billion in revenue and 821 million digital transactions in 2023. Commercial transport operations grew substantially while eco-friendly initiatives made RTA a leader in modern urban mobility solutions.
RTA’s excellence goes beyond operations. The authority launched innovative projects that include AI-powered traffic management systems and improved rider facilities. Several global awards, including the Clean Energy Ministerial Global Leadership Award, confirm RTA’s position as a world leader in sustainable transport solutions. These achievements boost Dubai’s reputation as a city that values resilient infrastructure and environmental protection, setting new standards for transport authorities worldwide.
