The United Arab Emirates is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. It believes in incorporating technological advancements to facilitate its residents and also stay ahead of the curve. The government of the UAE is committed to elevating the living standards of residents and offering seamless access to modern facilities through its transparent and efficient governance. The UAE is taking smart government initiatives to support sustainable development, improve government functionality and also boost economic growth.
This is the modern era and residents, nowadays, look for efficient and quick public services. National governments also take measures to not only simplify the daily life of their citizens but also meet their long-term visions related to public services. The UAE government also understands these requirements of today. Given this, it integrates advanced technologies to ensure faster service delivery and personalized services.
The UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025
The purpose of The UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025 is to make government services more efficient, smarter and easier, adding an element of comfort and convenience into the lives of citizens. This strategy, basically, aims to integrate technology to deliver digital solutions in every government service.
This strategy is also aimed at fostering innovation across government sectors by utilizing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, etc. Citizens will observe a seamless and unified digital experience that will allow them to benefit from smart services.
The Digital UAE Government Strategy 2025 Is Mainly based On 8 Key Ideas:
Inclusive by default: It means everyone will be able to get public services. There is no exception when it comes to accessing government services because no one is left out.
Resilient: Tech-based systems will be able to manage unseen challenges, facilitating residents of the UAE.
Fit for the digital age: Government will incorporate advanced technologies to meet today’s needs and requirements.
User-Driver: Government will strive to deliver people-centric services to deliver what people actually seek.
Digital by Design: All services will be digital from the beginning. It means digital platforms will be developed to meet respective ends.
Data-Driven: Data and facts will be used to make a decision. It means all decisions must be based on real data.
Open by Default: The required information will be shared openly.
Proactive: The government is bound to take proactive measures. It will act in advance before any problem appears.
Prime Minister’s Smart Government Initiatives
The Smart Government initiative was launched on May 22 2023 by H.E. Rashid Al Maktoum. The purpose of this development is to make all services 24/7 available for residents. The vision behind this initiative was that the government never sleeps and works every time to facilitate its people and improve their quality of life. The basic concept of Smart Government is to be fast in service delivery, strong in its systems and operations and prioritize improvement in the living standards of its citizens and also make their lives happier.
This strategy was developed to improve the systems and operations of governments. The government was made responsible for offering services faster, being more responsive and developing people-centric policies. Fast services and operations are not only necessary to make citizens’ lives easier and support economic growth but also to increase the competitiveness of the country.
Digital Dubai Initiatives
Digital Dubai is basically a smart government initiative. It was launched to transform Dubai into a fully digital city. It is aimed at making technology part of everyone’s life in the emirate. Smart solutions will be delivered across all areas of life under this initiative. The focus of this program is to develop a strong technology infrastructure to produce and offer shared digital services. In simple terms, it is an initiative that will not only make life faster, easier and more efficient but also enhance customer satisfaction.
Over 130 projects have been launched through partnerships with government and private companies. Dubai Data Initiative, the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, the Happiness Agenda, the Dubai Al Roadmap and the Dubai Paperless Strategy are considered some of the most popular initiatives taken under this program.
Major Initiatives:
Dubai Data Initiative: This initiative is taken to improve data compliance with Dubai Data Law. Data sharing has been made seamless, secure and safe to solve real-world problems, fostering the concept of the smart city.
Dubai Blockchain Strategy: This plan is developed to make Dubai the world’s first fully blockchain technology-powered city. The emirate of Dubai intends to adopt blockchain in its full essence to reduce costs and enhance secure transactions. Government efficiency, industry creation and international leadership are deemed three pillars of this strategy.
Happiness Agenda: This agenda is developed to make Dubai the world’s happiest city. Under this program, scientific and systematic approaches will be employed to enhance and maintain the level of happiness of residents. The purpose of this initiative is to extend a positive and seamless experience.
Dubai Paperless Strategy: This initiative aims to build a future without paper. A fully digital system has been developed to eliminate the use of paper in all government operations making Dubai a smart city.
Dubai Ai Roadmap: This is a plan to integrate artificial intelligence across all sectors. Initiatives like Ai Lab have been introduced to foster the city’s journey toward becoming the smartest city in the world. The use of advanced technology will accelerate innovation and improve decision-making.
Notable Smart Government Initiatives
UAE PASS:
It is considered the country’s first national identity for citizens, residents and visitors. UAE Pass allows people to seamlessly access a wide range of services. It also allows people to verify documents digitally and also request official documents to access different services, making government services faster, safer and convenient.
DubaiNow App:
The DubaiNow app is a digital platform that allows users to access over 280 services from 44 government and private entities in Dubai. A range of services can be seamlessly accessed such as paying utility bills, dealing with residency visas, scheduling medical appointments, renewing vehicle registration, etc. This application eliminates the need to visit physical centers and use multiple apps because it gives easy access to over 280 services.
Happiness Meter:
This is a smart tool that was developed to measure how satisfied residents and tourists are with the services of the government. Users are allowed to rate their experiences with a service in real time after interacting with a department or using a service. It also enables government departments to find space for further improvement.
Dubai Pulse:
It is a platform that is used to gather and share city data in order to improve decision-making. Government departments and private sectors can access real-time data about several aspects of city life. This data further can be used to address challenges and develop infrastructure and strategies to enhance the quality of life.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates is committed to becoming one of the most advanced, efficient and innovative countries in the world. It has embraced digital transformation and incorporated modern technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to improve public departments’ performances and services and elevate the living standards of residents. Over the years it has come up with a range of innovative strategies to improve quality of life and support sustainable growth and its global competitiveness.
FAQs
What are Smart Government initiatives in the UAE?
These are government projects or efforts that are aimed at offering tech-enabled public services to residents. The use of advanced technology allows people to access services in a fast and seamless way.
What is the AI Roadmap for Dubai?
It aims to use artificial intelligence to improve government services and foster decision-making processes. This strategy intends to make Dubai one of the smartest cities in the world.
What services can I access through the DubaiNow app?
This application provides seamless access to over 288 services from around 44 government departments and private entities. Users can access a range of services such as residency visa application and utility bill payments by using this digital platform.
Can visitors also use Smart Government services?
Yes. A range of smart government services are accessible to visitors. Tourists and visitors can also capitalize on smart services offered by the UAE government.
