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29 March 2024

Quran lessons help taxi drivers

Published
By Sneha May Francis

Dubai taxi drivers are sent for Quran classes, in an initiative aimed at disciplining them, improving customer service and reducing accidents.

The Dubai Taxi Corportation (DTC) has claimed that the Islamic lessons has reduced the number of complaints filed over misbehaviour. “The religious lectures has helped improved the behaviour and performance of the drivers, with a reduction in the complaints of misbehaviour,” stressed Mansoor R Al Falasi, Acting CEO of DTC.

DTC insisted that they take complaints of misbehaviour very seriously and strong disciplinary action is taken against the driver, after he “undergoes psychometric tests and the case is investigated thoroughly”.

“There are times when the driver is even terminated from working in the UAE.”

“The Holy Quran has a significant impact on the soul and restrains and raises good morals and ethical conduct. This initiative has a positive turnout on the drivers,” he said, adding, “DTC has staffed over 7,900 drivers from over 35 different nationalities.”

Conducted as part of the driver training program, the Quran classes are organised by the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), in cooperation with the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai. The initiative is titled “Read and Rise” and imparts Islamic teachings to the drivers.

Upon completion of the classes, the drivers are given certificates of participation. The classes, which are held at the DTC mosques, are slotted keeping in the drivers work schedule in mind, “with the first episode held after the dawn prayer and the second after the Maghreb prayer”.

The hour-long religious lectures and cultural classes “help in spreading awareness about Islamic culture and instil care for the Quran. Also, the drivers get to understand, learn and recite the Arabic language”.

Apart from Islamic lessons, DTC also organises various sporting events, like football and cricket matches between DTC and franchise companies, and recreational trips for drivers.

“This helps strengthen the relationship between staff and drivers. And, we also honour drivers who have achieved their goals by giving them incentive awards for their moral conduct and certificates of appreciation.”

Many Emirates247 readers had reported incidents of unfair treatment by discourteous drivers, with many suggesting that they need to be trained to behave well. “Taxi drivers should be trained and given lessons in good behaviour. They are rude and do not follow any traffic discipline. Only when a cop is around, they obey the rules,” added a passenger, Dinesh Kumar.

There were some who even stepped up for the drivers, explaining how their long working hours could explain their rash behaviour. “Taxi drivers are the worst paid, and they have to work long hours. They work for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week with no break. Their conditions must be improved and this will surely impact their behaviour,” wrote a reader.

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