Dubai's RTA Partners With UmbraCity To Offer Free Smart Umbrella Service

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in a pioneering move, has teamed up with the Canadian firm UmbraCity to introduce a novel 'free of cost' smart umbrella sharing service. This service, which is currently being piloted at Al Ghubaiba Bus and Metro station, is aimed at enhancing the city's walkability by offering residents and visitors an innovative solution to protect themselves from the sun and rain. This initiative is a part of the broader Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, showcasing the city's dedication to promoting a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive urban landscape.

The smart umbrella service operates on a simple yet effective mechanism. Commuters can borrow umbrellas at no charge using their nol card, facilitating easy mobility while underscoring environmental sustainability. This initiative supports Dubai's ambition to evolve into a '20-minute city', where essential services and needs are within a 20-minute walk or bike ride, thereby nurturing community well-being and connectivity.

Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, emphasized the role of this service in fostering vibrant communities. "By offering smart umbrellas for free when leased with a nol card, we are contributing to the creation of inclusive communities across Dubai," he stated. The service is initially available at Al Ghubaiba metro station for a three-month trial period, after which its expansion will be considered based on its success.

Amir Entezari, CEO of UmbraCity, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. "We are honoured to partner with RTA and bring our innovative umbrella-sharing service to Dubai," he remarked. "This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing sustainable urban mobility and improving city livability." He further highlighted that this partnership sets a global benchmark for smart, sustainable urban living.

This strategic alliance between RTA and UmbraCity not only marks a significant step towards realizing Dubai's vision of becoming the best city for living but also reinforces the city's leadership in fostering a sustainable, connected, and resilient urban future. Through such innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, Dubai continues to lead by example in enhancing the quality of life for its residents and setting new standards for urban living worldwide.

With inputs from WAM