RTA obtains BSI Certification in Building Information Modelling

28th March, 2018

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has obtained the certification of the British Standards Institute (BSI) in Building Information Modelling (BIM) – Maintenance and Operation Phase. In the process, the RTA has become the first government body worldwide to obtain (BIM Kitemark Certificate PAS 1192-3:2014, BS 1192:2007 and BS 1192-4:2014).


HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA received the certificate from HE Phillip Parham, British Ambassador to the UAE, and Theuns Kotzé, Managing Director – BSI Middle East and Africa.


 Al Tayer expressed his delight for the RTA to obtain this certificate, as it reflected the efforts made to play a leading role in the use of digital data in asset management. “Obtaining this certificate contributes to the automation and digital management of designs & assets and opens effective communication between the RTA and relevant parties. It will help achieve the objectives set in a shorter time in line with the Smart Government drive aimed at ranking Dubai as the smartest city worldwide through applying sophisticated techniques in achieving excellent government performance.”


“Being the first government entity in the world to obtain this coveted international certificate is a testament to RTA’s commitment to the highest practices of the BIM. It also signals RTA’s keenness to adopt innovation and excellence, and cementing its leading role in implementing this system in the UAE and beyond,” said Al Tayer.


Attendees at the event included Nasir Hamad Bu Shehab, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector; and Abdul Rida Abu Al Hassan, Executive Director of Rail Projects Planning and Development, Saeed Al Ramsi, Director of Assets, also attended the event together with a host of officials of Assets Department and representatives of the BSI. 


Theuns Kotzé, Managing Director – BSI Middle East and Africa commented:
“BSI are pleased to have supported the RTA in co-hosting the industry event: “BIM Adoption in the UAE.” This event marks an important step in engaging the industry and demonstrating the value of BIM and its role in the digitalisation of the built environment. It is encouraging that RTA recognises the value that BIM offers the industry and we look forward to continuing working in collaboration to support the adoption of BIM in the region.” 


“We are delighted to have presented Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) with their BIM Kitemark for Asset Management against PAS 1192-3. RTA were the first organisation globally to successfully achieve BIM Kitemark certification for “Design, Construction and Asset Management,” said Kotzé


Gary Pattison, BIM and Digital Construction Technical Expert at BSI said:
“We were extremely impressed with the RTA’s collaborative approach to BIM, ensuring that they work as partners with their supply chain to ensure maximum value. The RTA have demonstrated that they are leaders in the field. This includes having a real understanding of what BIM is trying to achieve; investing in the equipment, people and processes to realise the benefits of BIM, and applying this to their most high profile projects using innovative approaches to bring new value.”


Workshop 


The RTA, represented by Asset Department at the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, held a workshop in RTA Head Office to familiarise contractors and consultants with the implementation of the BIM system in collaboration with the BSI under the headline: Adopting BIM in the UAE. The workshop attracted more than 150 representatives of consultancy firms, contractors and representatives of several public entities in Dubai. 


The workshop aimed to present a full view of the strategic plan and roadmap charted by the RTA for the implementation of the System as well as the achievements and certificates obtained in this regard. The BSI presented a comprehensive vision of the advancement made in the International Standards and solutions for awarding certificates in this field. The BSI supports RTA’s implementation of the BIM system and its experience in this regard. Over 150 representatives of consultancy and contracting firms, as well as representatives of government entities in Dubai, attended the workshop. 

View a video of the days events here