IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

On May 22 2013, an important message came from the office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“The deadline for the e-government project is two years. We will never tolerate any failure in achieving this goal,” the ruler tweeted.

He wanted the whole of the business of Dubai government departments and authorities to be conducted electronically, with an end to the bureaucratic paperwork that he believed slowed government down and put obstacles in the way of business efficiency.

Businesses cannot ignore there are cultural aspects to bringing in a tech transformation

The UAE Cabinet has approved a strategy in which the digital economy will contribute 20 per cent to the gross non-oil national economy within the next 10 years. This is a clear recognition of the impact of digitisation on the country’s economic and societal progress.

Mubaraka Ebrahim, IT Director of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said the new online licensing system will be launched at the Gitex exhibition next month.

The Department of Finance - Abu Dhabi (DoF) has announced its upcoming participation at GITEX technology week 2015, which is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 18-22 October. DoF will be showcasing a range of the e-services it has launched to develop the Emirate's financial and customs systems, at the Abu Dhabi government stand.

During its participation at GITEX technology week 2015, DoF will reveal its new electronic customs clearance system for the first time, and showcase the latest developments of its smart phone and tablets app, 'AD DOF'. The app offers a wide range of features including supplier services and the 'Dhabi Mobile Inspection Service' for employees of the General Administration of Customs- Abu Dhabi.

DoF will immediately start publishing all its tenders electronically through its developed electronic portal applying "Oracle R12" systems, which would enable it to conduct all phases of the procurement cycle electronically starting with initiating a materials order and ending with settling its amount, through inviting offers, receiving bids, buds evaluation, and contract finalizing formalities procedures.

Dubai-based telecom operator du has unveiled a new service during this Ramadan, offering its customers free phone consultation facility with experienced and locally licensed doctors during the Holy Month.

“du is pleased to announce a special offer from Mobile Doctors during the Holy Month of Ramadan. This will allow new callers to the 24-7 Physician Helpline service to use it free of charge and obtain access to quality healthcare throughout this special time of the year,” the operator said in a media statement sent to Emirates 24/7.

The future requires construction with a strong ecosystem that can face predictable and unpredictable challenges

The phrase ‘In the city, the possibilities are endless, and the horizon boundless’ captures the essence of the endless opportunities that urban landscapes provide.

Development, a continuous process for a city’s economy, provides significant employment opportunities for its residents. However, in the context of the environmental change framework, the resilience and sustainability factors that must be followed to preserve the community’s well-being have been blatantly ignored.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will stop accepting eye tests on paper from the end of this year, the chief of licencing at the authority told Gulf News.

Eye testing centres will have to present the eye test results of new drivers, as well as motorists who wish to renew their driving licence, online to the RTA.

CEO Mansoor Alfalasi highlights how DTC is shaping the future of urban transportation across Dubai and the GCC

Established in 1994 and beginning operations in 1995, Dubai Taxi Company (PJSC), or DTC, is now the leading provider of smart, safe, and comprehensive mobility solutions in Dubai, with a mission to lead in digital and safe mobility services that meet communities’ needs for convenience, connectivity, and sustainability.

“We are more than just the largest taxi operator in the region — we are a vital part of Dubai’s transportation infrastructure and a key enabler of its smart city vision,” declares Mansoor Alfalasi, CEO of Dubai Taxi Company, which holds 45% of Dubai’s taxi market.

Dubai Smart Government Department (DSG), and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide the necessary support for the package of electronic and smart shared services.

DEWA will benefit from and also specify the levels of support and priority-based response period as necessary to fulfil the leadership's vision of combining efforts to fulfill Dubai Vision 2021 and the ultimate goal of bringing happiness to customers.

Key experts explored innovative technologies with the potential to deliver government services more efficiently, transparently and cost-effectively

du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), today hosted an exclusive C-suite roundtable titled “Powering the Government’s Future Today”. The roundtable was held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi with top executives from across UAE government organisations in attendance.

As the world rapidly advances into a new era of technology and urban development, Dubai is poised to transform into a futuristic metropolis by 2040. With its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and smart city solutions, the city is laying the groundwork for a remarkable urban landscape that promises to redefine transportation, living, and leisure. Here’s a glimpse into what Dubai may look like in 2040, focusing on the emergence of flying taxis and gigantic metro systems.

The Rise of Flying Taxis

Dubai has long been at the forefront of aviation and transportation innovations. By 2040, flying taxis, also known as eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles, are expected to be a common sight in the skies above the city. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has been actively working with various companies to test and deploy these aerial vehicles, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance mobility.

According to a press release, the facility launched today at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), will be available at six DNRD kiosks strategically placed around Dubai, including Dubai Terminal 2, The Ministry of Labour and the Twar Center, with plans for additional machines to be placed in the city's malls in the future.

Dubai’s RTA announces testing has begun for self-driving bus challenge

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that field tests have begun for participants in the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2023.

Testing will be conducted at Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The challenge offers a purse of $2.3m divided into two categories:

• Industry Leaders
• Local Academia

Dubai Executive Council gives green light to plan for 3D printing zone which will be located at the Expo 2020 Dubai venue

Dubai has announced plans to establish the first specialised 3D printing zone to further support the development of the technology in the UAE.

The plan was approved at a meeting of the Executive Council chairman by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The initiative is a huge leap from the city’s former e-Government system, launched in 2001, which provided online presence to all government departments. The e-Government system linked government departments with their clients through online portals, enabling the public to transact with government departments online. The system reduced the need to physically visit government offices.

Dubai will be equipped with sensors throughout the city, delivering information that will lead to better allocation of resources and alert city officials of infrastructure problems.

The UAE's vision for smart city is set to become reality as the telecom du successfully tested a new breed of 'sensor-friendly network' to establish the smart city ecosystem in the country.

The new cost-effective system, the first true Internet of Things (IoT) network in the Middle East, will revolutionize the modern-day cities and appropriate usage of resources by relaying data from sensors and consuming less energy to prolong sensor battery life for years.

Dubai Crown Prince announces realisation of Dubai Paperless Strategy launched in 2018

Dubai has become the world’s first paperless government after the on-time realisation of the Dubai Paperless Strategy that was launched in 2018, it was announced on Saturday.

The announcement was carried in a tweet by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

The QR Code, also known as two-dimensional code or matrix barcode, will enable officials, landlords and the public easy electronic access to rightfully authorised data and services of the municipality and other government departments.

The codes, generally consisting black modules in a square pattern on a white background, can be read using camera phones with QR Code reader applications and smartphones that support barcode scanners.

To use the service, interested donors must first register via https://mpay.dubai.ae with their personal data and credit card number. A confirmation code is then sent via email to be mentioned in the SMS to complete the payment, along with the mPay password. For already registered users, all they have to do is click on Dubai Cares from the list.