Winners of the 12th Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST), an initiative by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, were announced at a ceremony at Dubai World Trade Centre yesterday. Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Council, presented the awards aimed at honouring individuals, the academe, and organisations who have played an active role in supporting sustainable transport and protecting the environment. Upon his arrival at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Shaikh Ahmad was received by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, as well as a host of senior executives of public and private entities. DAST was first launched by the RTA in 2008 to highlight the importance of sustainable transport and promote public awareness as well as sense of responsibility. Through the years, it has encouraged the development of successful initiatives in the field of transport, safety, and environmental protection. 'Walkable' cities Prior to the handing of the awards, Jeff Speck, an American city planner, urban designer and advocate of 'walkable' cities, during his keynote speech, talked about the need to put "less pressure on mobility" by drawing up a comprehensive transportation plan that is anchored on sustainable urban development. Speck said one of the key factors to determine what makes cities thrive is walkability. He explained that making walkability possible is the idea of a modern metropolis with bustling sidewalks, vital mass transit, and a pedestrianfriendly urban system. Speck also praised Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan that maps out a comprehensive future map for sustainable urban development in the emirate. !UST 2022 WINNERS Mobility Management Category Government of Ajman (for bus on demand service) Transport Safety Category Dubai Municipality (for mobility, security and safety sustainability project of its vehicle fleet) Environment Protection Category DP World (for transforming fuel-powered trucks to battery-powered trucks) Transport for People of Determination Category KGL Private Passenger Transport Services (for initiative to ease transport for people of determination, seniors and children under the age of10) Pioneering City and Sustainable Transport Category Greater Amman Municipality (for submitting a model document that detects various elements that make it a pioneering city in sustainable transport) Special Awards Best Student Project Research/Project in the Field of Sustainable Transport Maitha Al Meheri, Yarra M Tillawi, Sara Nouman (University of Sharjah) Best Academic Project/Research Category Khaled Hamad and Lubna Obeid (University of Sharjah) Best Sustainable Partner Category Etihad Rail Best Sustainable Contractor Category Acciona (for its role in implementing Dubai Metro Route 2020 project) Best Sustainable Consultant Parsons Systra Best Journalist Manal Ebrahim Mohammad, Dubai Police Media Centre.