On May 20th United Technical Services (UTS) and 2getthere celebrated 15 years of co-operation. In May 1999 the first joint efforts between United Technical Services and 2getthere were made, marketing the innovative transit systems within the United Arab Emirates. With the UAE undergoing rapid development, the driverless systems appeared to be a good fit with the urban environment rapidly changing.
15 years later the companies are able to celebrate the co-operation on the eve of the first system realized and operated in close cooperation establishing a landmark passenger number. The cooperation has been so good that the cooperation by now services the Gulf Coast Countries and has led to a Joint Venture being established.
Ziad Al Askari, COO United Technical Services, states: ‘Over the years the companies have created a very strong relationship. The transit systems require intensive contact between the companies and with the potential customers, to ensure the application meets their requirements and is fit for purpose. UTS, as an engineering pioneer in the Middle East, contributes the local knowledge, expertise and understanding, ensuring a sound basis for the systems realized.’
Over the years the cooperation has evolved, with the partners pursuing projects in Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in addition to the United Arab Emirates. ‘Through our network in the region other opportunities are presented to us. We are currently following up on multiple opportunities. The realization of the system at Masdar has really increased the interest in these type of systems’ adds Al Askari.
2getthere CEO, Carel van Helsdingen, believe the cooperation will only become stronger over the next years due to the increased interest. ‘There are so many developments ongoing, that we currently have the work cut out for the Joint Venture. We do expect that all the hard work put forward is going to result in at least one other project in the near term.’