Abu Dhabi: Residents will soon be able to access around 1,100 government services under a single online portal, which will ease transactions and enhance the quality of life in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The plan to make www.abudhabi.ae the designated website for all online government services is being implemented gradually by the Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC), the entity responsible for the emirate’s information and technology agenda and road map.
Speaking on the sidelines of the sixth annual Abu Dhabi e-government Forum 2015 today (Tuesday), Mohammad Al Marar, Event Management Section Head at ADSIC, told Gulf News: “This event grants an opportunity for government and private departments to have open discussions about technological trends that will ease the transition to an electronic-based system.”
This year’s e-government forum was attended by hundreds of delegates from public and private sector entities.
During a presentation by the ADSIC, attendees were also given a chance to vote for a name for the ADSIC’s upcoming smartphone application which will offer similar services to those provided online. The official said that the current focus on disseminating smart services is the reason why it is imperative for all residents to be familiar with using technology to access online government services.
“E-citizen is an initiative available free of cost for those not adept at using laptops and other smart devices. It provides training for everybody, including senior citizens, people with special needs and anyone else who might need help using them,” Al Marar added.
The programme which has been running for two years in collaboration with the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), also aims to reach people in remote areas and is offered in both English and Arabic.
“Expats registered under FDF and Adec can also enrol for e-citizen. The aim is to make services available for people who may find it difficult to visit government offices for their transactions,” he explained.
Another common issue explored at the forum was residents’ tendency to use the currently available online platform and associated toll-free number, 800555 to simply make complaints.
“They are not aware that they can also make inquiries about schools near their houses, for example, or get help with making doctor’s appointments at hospitals. They can also provide feedback and appreciation for government professionals who have helped them,” he added.
