Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Highlights
Affiliations
Extracurricular Activities
Timeline
Generic

SYED SHAFAAT SHAH

Dubai

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Specialist

ECCD, Dubai Roads & Transport Authority
07.2022 - Current
  • Establishment of the Enterprise Command & Control Department (ECCD) – Played a central role in creating a new RTA department, integrating the Statistics & Data Analytics, Traffic Operations, and Systems sections to enhance multimodal transport management.
  • Developed Comprehensive SOPs – Created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure robust governance, monitoring, operations, and incident management for all transportation modes, with clear reporting and escalation protocols.
  • Led Governance Framework Development – Directed a team in designing an integrated governance framework for ECCD, aligning departmental practices with RTA’s strategic goals and objectives.
  • Advanced Simulation and Predictive Modeling – Supervised the development of a real-time multimodal simulation and predictive model using PTV Optima, enhancing operational efficiency and forecasting capabilities.
  • Spearheaded Governance Policy Implementation – Currently leading the roll-out of Governance Policy and Business Process implementation across EC3/OCCs.
  • Ensured Effective Operational Level Agreements (OLAs) – Developed and maintained OLAs to support comprehensive, effective multimodal transport operations.
  • Conducted Data-Driven Studies and Reports – Produced studies and analytical reports using Big Data and advanced systems, facilitating strategic decision-making and optimizing transportation network planning and development.
  • Prepared Business Cases for Technology Initiatives – Drafted and evaluated business cases for technology projects to ensure alignment with departmental and organizational goals.
  • Managed Project Proposals and Oversight – Developed and managed Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for departmental projects, with continuous monitoring and management through OPMS and MAXIMO.

Chief Engineer

Traffic Dept., Dubai Roads & Transport Authority
04.2009 - 06.2022
  • Provided Strategic Guidance in Policy Development – Offered expert input in the formulation, review, and revision of traffic engineering policies and procedures to establish a solid regulatory framework.
  • Ensured Effective Project Management Implementation – Applied key project management principles to enable the cost-efficient development of a responsive and sustainable multimodal transportation system that meets urban growth demands.
  • Key Stakeholder in Freight Management Study – Represented the Traffic Department as a primary stakeholder in the development of the Freight Management Study, collaborating closely with the Strategic Planning Department to align freight solutions with broader transportation goals.
  • Oversaw Traffic Impact Studies and Master Plan Approvals – Conducted in-depth reviews and approvals of traffic impact studies and transportation master plans, defining study areas, conducting sub-area analyses, and managing the review of consultants' modeling assessments.
  • Collaborated with Stakeholders to Drive Project Success – Worked extensively with clients, stakeholders, and other professionals to monitor project progress, provide technical insights, and make well-informed recommendations to advance project outcomes.
  • Developed and Standardized Traffic Engineering Guidelines – Reviewed and contributed to the development of essential traffic engineering standards, including the Traffic Control Devices Manual, Access Management Manual, Speed Management Manual, and Trip Generation Manual.
  • Optimized Resource Allocation – Coordinated with support departments, subsidiaries, and other offices to mobilize resources effectively, establishing high-performing project teams dedicated to quality deliverables.
  • Liaised with RTA Agencies and External Authorities – Facilitated communication and collaboration with internal RTA divisions and external regulatory authorities to clarify and support proposed transportation network enhancements.
  • Supported Infrastructure Design Approvals – Played an instrumental role in the preparation, review, and approval of preliminary and final design drawings for comprehensive transportation infrastructure projects, covering highways, rail, metro, tram, marine, and bus networks.

Key Projects Handled:

  • Expo 2020 Event & Legacy – Engaged from the initial transportation study in 2015, successfully overseeing event operations for all transportation modes to and from the Expo site. Managed operations for the Metro, ExpoRider (a free inter-city shuttle), Parking Shuttle serving approximately 26,000 parking spaces, and People Mover for secure site workforce and visitor transportation.
  • Dubai Metro Red & Green Lines – Directed efforts on a $7.8 billion project featuring a 35-kilometer rapid transit network and 49 metro stations, enhancing urban mobility across Dubai.
  • Etihad Rail Project (Stage 2) – Served as Traffic Lead for the 605-kilometer project from Ghuweifat on the Saudi Arabian border to Fujairah on the UAE’s eastern coast, enabling GCC-wide rail connectivity. In Stage 2C within Dubai, managed all interfaces of the Etihad Rail right-of-way (ROW) with various Dubai land uses and the road network.
  • Dubai Tram Phase 1 – Contributed to the planning and execution of an 11-station, 10.6-kilometer tram network in Dubai, a $1 billion project.
  • Autonomous & Connected Vehicles Infrastructure Project – Collaborated in establishing scenarios and infrastructure guidelines for autonomous and connected vehicles, supporting RTA’s vision to transition towards "Driverless Roads" in a phased manner. Played a key role in drafting the Terms of Reference (TOR) and currently overseeing progress on Phase 1.
  • Dubai South Development – Contributed to planning efforts for a projected population of 1.1 million, anticipating approximately 430,000 vehicle trips during peak hours.
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) Expansion – Involved in expanding the world’s busiest international airport, with an annual capacity to serve 95 million passengers.
  • Al Maktoum International Airport (Phase 1) – Played a strategic role in planning the world’s largest airport upon completion, designed to accommodate 160 million passengers annually.
  • Area-Wide Studies – Conducted comprehensive studies in collaboration with various agencies and departments (including the Roads Department, Strategic Department, Rail Agency, and Public Transport Agency). Notable projects include the Dedicated Bus Lanes Project, which aimed to optimize bus transport efficiency.
  • Dubai Parks & Resorts – Planned infrastructure for a major tourism destination designed to attract 19 million visitors annually.
  • Dubai Waterfront – Supported the planning for a high-traffic area, expecting more than 100,000 vehicle trips during peak hours.

Project Manager / Reviewer for:

  • Dubai Traffic & Transport Integration Manual
  • Dubai Speed Management Guidelines
  • Dubai Access Management Manual
  • Annual Traffic KPIs Monitoring Project
  • Dubai Trip Generation & Parking Manual

City Transportation Engineer

City of Richmond
05.2006 - 04.2009
  • Key Team Member – Played a pivotal role in developing the master plan for the Richmond Celebration Site and Speed Skating Oval, collaborating closely with the Vancouver Olympics 2010 Business Office.
  • Collaborated with External Agencies – Worked extensively with agencies such as TransLink, ICBC, Vancouver Airport (YVR), and the Ministry of Transportation on various transportation initiatives, including transit and highway planning.
  • Transportation Planning and Functional Design – Conducted transportation planning and executed functional design for road infrastructure, including enhancements to traffic and parking facilities and reviews of new developments for compliance with transportation requirements.
  • Local and Area-Wide Planning Studies – Led technical analyses and design work for road and traffic elements, supporting the Five-Year Major Capital Works Program.
  • Public Consultation and Technical Analysis – Participated in the design and implementation of public consultation processes and performed technical analyses to support the development of the Major Road Network (MRN) and transit infrastructure programs.
  • Richmond Parking Bylaw Update – Contributed to the June 2008 update, which introduced reduced parking requirements for vehicles and bicycles in the City Centre, aligning with urban planning goals.
  • City Council Reports – Authored numerous staff reports submitted to the City Council, providing informed recommendations and supporting data for decision-making.

Transportation Planning Engineer

MMM Group
03.2004 - 05.2006

Conducted Comprehensive Traffic Impact Assessments – Reviewed traffic generation and its effects on adjacent street systems, providing integrated solutions for traffic, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, parking, and loading needs. Facilitated the design, approval, and implementation processes for multiple high-profile projects, including:

  • Richmond-Airport-Vancouver (RAV) Metro Line At-grade Review – Oversaw impact assessments and solution development for this $1.7 billion project.
  • Vancouver Convention Center Expansion – Delivered recommendations on traffic and loading management for this $848 million project.
  • PNE/Hastings Park – Developed solutions for traffic flow and accessibility for this $35 million project in Vancouver.
  • Lynnterm Container Terminal – Managed traffic assessments and operational planning for the $103 million project in North Vancouver, BC.
  • Collingwood Development Parking Study – Conducted a comprehensive parking analysis for urban development in Vancouver, BC.
  • Roberts Bank Rail Corridor Study – Assessed corridor impacts and developed mitigation strategies between Delta and Abbotsford, BC.
  • Central Station Development – Provided traffic and transit planning for this $59 million project in New Westminster, BC.
  • Downtown Nanaimo Traffic Analysis – Directed a detailed traffic analysis for the $105 million project in Nanaimo, BC, ensuring efficient traffic and transit integration.

Planning Engineer

University of British Columbia (UBC)
01.2003 - 03.2004
  • Handled all on-campus transportation, traffic, and transit related issues
  • Represented the Director at the Development Review Committee meetings to review the planning issues associated with new developments
  • Updated the Strategic Transportation Plan for UBC by corresponding with various municipalities and individual research, resulting in a policy document
  • Drafted Minor Capital Plan 2003 – 2007 ($2.6 million) for transportation projects.

Engineer

NESPAK
02.1998 - 08.2002
  • Transportation Planning Team Member – Contributed to the successful completion of various transportation master plans and area-wide traffic studies, with some projects delivered ahead of schedule, demonstrating efficiency and commitment to project timelines.
  • Awarded “Best Young Employee for the Year 1999” – Recognized for exemplary performance and contributions, reflecting dedication and professional excellence.
  • Executed Functional Design for Roadways and Signals – Developed comprehensive designs, including signal timing plans, equipment selection, detailed layouts, signage, and road markings, ensuring optimal roadway functionality and safety.
  • Designed Vehicular Access Plans – Conceptually designed access solutions for a range of residential and commercial developments, aligning with urban planning requirements and enhancing site accessibility.

Education

M. Eng. Transportation Planning & Traffic Engineering -

UBC
Vancouver, Canada
01.2003

B.Sc. Civil Engineering - undefined

UET
Lahore, Pakistan
01.1998

Advanced Project Management (PMI) -

01.2014

Skills

  • Proficient in key industry tools, including:
  • PTV Optima, VISSIM, VISUM,
  • AutoCAD/AutoTURN,
  • Synchro, SimTraffic,
  • HCS, SIDRA,
  • ArcGIS, PowerBI, BrytLyt, and Big Data platforms, facilitating high-quality analysis and decision-making

Professional Highlights

  • Chief Specialist – Currently serving as a Chief Specialist at the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), UAE, providing strategic leadership in transportation planning and operations.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) – Holds professional engineering licensure in British Columbia, Canada, demonstrating a recognized level of technical competence and ethical practice.
  • Master’s Degree in Transportation Planning & Traffic Engineering – Earned a master’s degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, with specialized expertise in advanced transportation planning and traffic engineering.
  • 25+ Years of Industry Experience – Possesses over twenty-five years of extensive experience in traffic engineering and transportation planning, bringing a wealth of knowledge to complex projects and initiatives.
  • Project Management for Major Global Initiatives – Directed high-impact projects on a global scale, including:
  • Dubai Expo 2020 – Led transportation planning and dynamic operations management for one of the world’s largest events.
  • Vancouver 2010 Olympics – Developed the Transportation Master Plan for the Celebration Site and Speed Skating Oval.
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Created the Transportation Master Plan for the world’s busiest international airport.
  • Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) – Oversaw the Transportation Master Plan for the world’s largest airport upon completion.
  • Exceptional Communication Skills – Demonstrates effective and tactful communication, both verbally and in writing, fostering collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Affiliations

  • Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists BC, Canada – P. Eng.
  • Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) – Member
  • Transportation Research Board (TRB) – Member

Extracurricular Activities

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL, Member

Timeline

Chief Specialist

ECCD, Dubai Roads & Transport Authority
07.2022 - Current

Chief Engineer

Traffic Dept., Dubai Roads & Transport Authority
04.2009 - 06.2022

City Transportation Engineer

City of Richmond
05.2006 - 04.2009

Transportation Planning Engineer

MMM Group
03.2004 - 05.2006

Planning Engineer

University of British Columbia (UBC)
01.2003 - 03.2004

Engineer

NESPAK
02.1998 - 08.2002

B.Sc. Civil Engineering - undefined

UET

M. Eng. Transportation Planning & Traffic Engineering -

UBC

Advanced Project Management (PMI) -

SYED SHAFAAT SHAH