International Road Federation (IRF Global)

Distracted driving is a leading cause of road fatalities in the UAE, responsible for 25% of all deaths and contributing to 732 accidents in 2024 alone. In Abu Dhabi in 2024, distracted driving was involved in 36% of crashes and 45% of fatalities. One in three UAE drivers admits to using mobile phones while driving, prompting authorities to impose strict penalties, including fines and black points. Across the GCC, regional initiatives such as GCC Traffic Week and public awareness campaigns are actively addressing this issue under themes like "Driving Without a Phone" to promote safer driving habits. During the 40th GCC Traffic Week, Abu Dhabi Mobility and the International Road Federation (IRF Global) organized a regional seminar titled “Driving Without a Phone – No Distracted Driving Seminar.” The seminar was coordinated by the Traffic Safety Sector under the leadership of Eng. SUMAYA ALNEYADI, as an initiative led by the IRF Global Road Safety Committee Taskforce on Distracted Driving, where Eng. Al Neyadi serves as Committee Co-Chair and Head of the Taskforce. With delegates from the UAE, KSA, Oman, Qatar, and the USA in attendance, the seminar opened with welcoming remarks by Abu Dhabi Mobility Director General Dr. Eng. Abdulla Alghfeli, followed by an address from the Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, Brigadier Eng. Hussein Ahmed Al Harthi. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Georges Aoude of Derq, an active IRF Global member, who discussed how modern technologies such as AI-driven traffic systems and C-V2X can monitor and prevent distracted driving and near-miss incidents. IRF MENA Chairman and Co-Chair of the IRF Global ITS Committee, Shafik Nasser, joined a panel discussion on distracted driving across the GCC, together with prominent experts from regional authorities and research institutions. Dr. Hamad Al Jassmi, Director of the Emirates Center for Mobility Research at United Arab Emirates University, focused on the growing risks of distracted driving among younger drivers. During the seminar, a new initiative was launched in partnership with a ride-hailing company to further combat distracted driving in the #UAE. The event concluded with recognition of strategic partners and a musical performance by the Abu Dhabi Police Music Band. #IRFGlobal #NotoDistraction #RoadSafety #EyesOnTheRoad

Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), in collaboration with the International Road Federation (IRF Global) , hosted the "No to Distracted Driving" seminar during Gulf Traffic Week 2025. The event brought together road safety experts, government officials, and private sector representatives to address the dangers of distracted driving. Discussions highlighted technological solutions like AI-powered driver monitoring systems and legislative measures to reduce crashes, aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision for safer roads. The seminar featured a GCC-focused panel on distracted driving trends and launched an awareness campaign with ride-hailing platform (Yango to display safety messages in taxis. An interactive youth session proposed innovative ideas, including VR simulations for driver education and digital awareness campaigns. This initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi's commitment to road safety through global partnerships and community engagement. #AbuDhabi #GCCTRAFFICWEEK #SAFESYSTEM #VisionZero #UAE.

📢 Submit your abstract by May 12 for the IRF Global Roads to Tomorrow (R2T) Conference & Exhibition in Los Angeles! Join us for a transformative gathering where innovation and action converge. At this prestigious event, experts from government, academia, and industry will come together to explore cutting-edge ideas that are shaping the future of transportation. If you're at the forefront of groundbreaking research, leading impactful projects, or shaping policy and solutions, this is your opportunity to contribute your insights and engage with a global network of leaders from over 80 countries. 📝 Submit your abstract now 👉 www.IRF.global/r2t #IRFR2T25 #CallForPapers #FutureofTransport #SmartMobility #SustainableInfrastructure #RoadSafety

🚦During GCC Traffic Week in Abu Dhabi, the International Road Federation (IRF Global), in collaboration with the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, was proud to deliver the specialized course on “AI and Big Data Applications for Future Traffic and Incident Management.” Hosted by Abu Dhabi Mobility / ITC, this dynamic program was designed for engineers and researchers in the ITS sector led by Abdulla Alhashmi. The course explored the implementation of machine learning for traffic prediction, improving incident detection and response through AI, and included hands-on sessions for practical insights. We express sincere gratitude to Dr. Kamil Elias Kaloush for facilitating the engagement with Arizona State University faculty and to Dr. Mohammad Farhadi, Dr. 'YZ' Yezhou Yang, Dr. Hua Wei and Dr. Bharatesh Chakravarthi for their contributions to the preparation and delivery of the course. Special thanks as well to Dr. Eng. Abdulla Alghfeli, SUMAYA ALNEYADI, Abdulkader Ahmed and Shafik Nasser and Aliaksandr Smirnou for their support. #IRFGlobal #TrafficWeek #GCC #SmartMobility #AI #BigData #ITS #Innovation #AbuDhabi

The International Road Federation (IRF Global) is proud to support the PIARC - World Road Association International Seminar: "Roads as a Catalyst for Sustainable and Inclusive Development" taking place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on April 28–30, 2025. We are excited to announce that IRF Members receive an exclusive 20% discount on registration—just use the code PIARCMEMBER at checkout to secure your spot. This high-level event will convene global experts to explore how road infrastructure can drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. From keynote sessions and panel discussions to a technical visit to the Guadalajara Bypass, it's an opportunity not to be missed! 🔗 Seminar website: https://t.ly/ORZYY 📝 Register now: https://t.ly/GC5YG #IRFGlobal #PIARC #SustainableInfrastructure #RoadDevelopment #GlobalMobility

📢 Call for Papers Extended! In response to high demand, the International Road Federation (IRF Global) is pleased to announce that the submission deadline for the IRF Global Roads to Tomorrow (R2T) Conference & Exhibition has been extended to May 12, 2025. As the industry’s premier gathering, the IRF Global R2T Conference convenes over 80 countries annually, offering an unparalleled platform to exchange knowledge, explore forward-thinking solutions, and foster global collaboration. This landmark event brings together senior representatives from government agencies, academia, and the private sector for engaging discussions on the most pressing challenges and innovations shaping the future of transport infrastructure. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, policymaker, or innovator, we invite you to share your expertise and contribute to the advancement of smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility. 📅 Join us in Los Angeles | December 9–12, 2025 📨 Submit your abstract today 👉 www.IRF.global/r2t #IRFR2T25 #CallForPapers #RoadSafety #SmartMobility #SustainableTransport #InfrastructureInnovation #GlobalMobility

The International Road Federation (IRF Global), in collaboration with TIMCON Associates and The World Bank’s Global Road Safety Facility (GRSF), has successfully completed a significant capacity-building program aimed at strengthening Kenya’s institutional capabilities in #roadsafety management. Read the news: https://lnkd.in/gqhaPshx #IRFTrainings

📣 Showcase Your Brand: Exhibition & Sponsorship Opportunities Available at the IRF Global R2T Conference & Exhibition on Dec 9-12, 2025 in Los Angeles! Join us at this remarkable event and put your company's brand, products, and services in the spotlight. With an exhibit or #sponsorship package, you can build greater awareness by increasing your exposure in front of top decision-makers, government officials, and buyers who are directly involved with road and transport infrastructure industry programs. 👉 Learn more and reserve your booth: www.IRF.global/r2t 📧 For inquiries: info@irf.global We look forward to welcoming you to Los Angeles on December 9-12, 2025! #IRFR2T25 #Innovation #Technology #Mobility #Sustainability #Networking #TransportExhibition

Day 2 of our Road Safety Audit training focused on the economic rationale for road safety, data, and safer designs. Participants engaged in: - Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of safety interventions - Collecting and analyzing road safety data - Designing for safe speeds and work zones - Exploring forgiving roadsides and safer infrastructure We also hosted Advanced Modules for experienced participants, deep diving into strategy, roundtables, and group work road safety data Thanks again to our partners GRSF - Global Road Safety Facility, International Road Federation (IRF Global), John Griffith, and to all agencies represented. #RoadSafetyAudit #Kenya #GRSF #KeNHA #NTSA #KURA #KeRRA #SDOT #SDOR #EBK #KRB #TIMCON #IRF

Last week, we kicked off the Road Safety Audit Management Training Program in Nairobi, at Emara, Ole Sereni Hotel, in collaboration with International Road Federation (IRF Global). The day began with warm welcomes and insightful remarks from key stakeholders including Kenya National Highways Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), @Ministry of Roads and Transport, @Kenya Roads Board, Engineers Board of Kenya and Consultant representatives. Special thanks to GRSF - Global Road Safety Facility (GRSF) for reinforcing the global perspective on road safety audits and to @Dr. Timothy Oketch, P. Eng. and John Griffith for conducting the road safety audit training. Our sessions explored: 🔸 The status of road safety in Kenya and the region 🔸 The Safe Systems Approach 🔸 Road safety culture & impacts 🔸 Safety for vulnerable road users #TIMCON #GRSF #WorldBank #VisionZero #IRF #KeNHA #NTSA #KURA #KeRRA #SDOT #SDOR #EBK #KRB #TIMCON #IRF