Meeting report

Problem: traffic congestion in Abu Dhabi


Date of meeting: 7th March 2011
Time of meeting: 16:10
Venue: W007
Group members:
Chair: Abdul-Aziz.
Secretary: Jaber.
Participant: Hedley.
Venue preparation:

Grouping of chairs round tables



Agenda:
Underground parking.
Paid parking/short term – long term.
Congestion charge / taxes / restrictions.
Public transport.
Increase age of driver (i.e. licences only at a later age than the present system allows).




The chairman Abdul Aziz opened the meeting at 16:32
1. Underground parking.
Jaber said it is a good idea
Hedley worried about the price.
Abdul Aziz said the cost of underground parking should be limited. Hedley asked if new buildings were required to have sufficient parking space. Were the regulations enforced? Jaber said no.
2. Paid parking ( short term & long term )
This is now quite common in Abu Dhabi and it has reduced congestion.
Hedley pointed out that some residents who have bought 1 or 2 permits still can’t find space to park. Abdul Aziz suggested designated areas for short-term parking. People who buy permits should have designated spaces. Hedley suggested and Jaber and Abdul Aziz agreed.
3. Congestion charge /taxes/restrictions.
Hedley asked if a Salik-type system as in Dubai would work in Abu Dhabi. Jaber pointed out it would be more difficult as there is no metro for people to use instead of their cars. The extra workload on the police of enforcing extra restrictions, and the cost + delay of implementing such schemes was mentioned by Jaber + Abdul Aziz.
4. Public transport
Abdul Aziz suggested a new metro. Hedley asked if there was enough space in the town for a metro. Jaber said there is room if construction is carefully planned. He also suggested free parking 08:00-15:00 so all workers could leave their cars at home. Abdul Aziz highlighted the need for a number of stations in all areas.
5. Increased age of driver?
Jaber thought this is a bad idea- many younger drivers are needed in families where older members have died or cannot drive. Abdul Aziz pointed out that 18 year olds need to get to college. If you live in Shahama a car is the only way.
In conclusion we thought that:

1. Underground parking is a good idea. Rules about new buildings having adequate parking must be strictly enforced.
2. Paid parking has made the situation better but more thought is needed, e.g. on permits and designating special time +space.
3. We were in favor of more restrictions like the Salik card.
4. We liked the idea of building public transport, especially a metro.

Interview report

Date: Monday 24^th September 2012

Venue: F11

Time: 1515

Interviewee: Manea Mohamed Al Mehairi

Interviewers:   Hedley Butterfield

Post: Internal Audit Officer

Hedley welcomed Manea, introduced the other two interviewers and invited the interviewee to introduce himself. Mana greeted the interview panel and talked readily about himself. There was good eye contact and his body language and general demeanour suggested a high degree of self-confidence.

When answering questions as to his experience, ability to handle pressure, personal goals and so on, Manea spoke loudly and clearly, with very good vocabulary and a high level of articulacy. He used  strongly effective language, with only minor grammatical infelicities. His discourse was at all times relevant and easily comprehensible.

There were no nervous habits and visual cues suggested high confidence. It was obvious that there was a great deal of preparation.

When asked if he had any questions for the interviewers, he had several pertinent queries, including whether he would have any opportunity in his new position to offer ongoing input into his job and its development.

Manea was perhaps at his best when asked to talk about his outside interests. He revealed his passion for food and is clearly something of a gastronome. His tastes in food are very wide-ranging: he mentioned his liking for sushi ( he visited Japan briefly for a seminar), Chinese and Vietnamese food. He is quite widely travelled and when asked about his favourite travel destination. He chose Italy, despite what he described as crazy Italian drivers. He highlighted  Venice, a unique experience as he called it, Bologna, for a book fair, and Florence. Part of the attraction, he said, was the wonderful food but he praised also the warm, friendly people.

Overall, Manea was communicatively  excellent, with fluent delivery. He was relaxed, forthcoming, chatty and a pleasure to interview.

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