Reflection 1

Reflection 1

Reflection on meeting

On 7^th March 2011 at 16:10 pm we had our first meeting and we discussed the biggest problem in Abu Dhabi and that was parking. Everyone in the group tried to do his best : the chair Abdulaziz , minute taker Jaber and participant Mr. Hedley our 3^rd member and he is our LSEC 101 teacher because we are missing one person in the group, so he joined and completed the group. I’m taciturn and hesitant because I think the word I will say is wrong and I would thank Mr. Hedley because he can understand me.

But at the end it was a great exercise.

Meeting Assessment

Meeting Assessment

Date of meeting: 7^th March 2011

Time of meeting: 16:10

Venue: W007

Group members:

•       Chair: Abdul-Aziz.
•       Minute taker: Jaber.
•       Participants: Hedley.

Venue preparation:

Agenda:

•       Underground parking.
•       Paid parking/short term – long term.
•       Congestion charge / taxes / restrictions.
•       Public transport.
•       Increase age of driver. 

Objectives:

The chairman AbdulAziz opened the meeting at 16:32

1.     Underground parking.

Jaber said it is a good idea

Hedley worried about the price.

AbdulAziz 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.  AbdulAziz suggested designated areas for short-term parking. People who buy permits should have designated spaces. Hedley suggested + Jaber + AbdulAziz 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

AbdulAziz 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. AbdulAziz 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. AbdulAziz 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. 

Personal Intrduction

Personal Intrduction

I'd like to introduce AbdulAziz 

He was born on 14th January 1991 and so he is now 20 years old. He was born in Abu Dhabi but he lives now in Bani Yas. He has 4 brothers.  His father is an engineer. In his free time, AbdulAziz  likes car drifting and hanging out with his friends. He has visited 3 countries, Thailand, Italy and Hong Kong.

His ambition is to be a successful engineer in the UAE.

His best holiday was when he was in Thailand 2008.
He thinks the best thing about ADMC is the teachers and teaching style,  and the worst thing is the attendance.
His motto is life's greatest memories will be made up of once in a lifetime opportunities .. don't hesitate when they arrive .. just do it
Now you know a little bit about AbdulAziz, his family and leisure activities