Dubai: The vision of Smart Government Dubai (SDG) is invested in a simple truth but one with immeasurable worth — the need to harness technology in order to create a happy, dynamic, highly productive society.
As Dubai strives to demonstrate with commendable efficicency, technology is not the end; in fact, it is the means to achieve objectives that centred on making individuals, the society and the country achieve their maximum potential.
Dubai, with its emphasis on smart government services, has exemplified this principle which is yielding spectacular results.
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Across the spectrum of its government departments, technology is being put to use in a myriad ways to make the lives of people more easy with services that are geared to increasing their comfort levels and helping them better utilise their time and energy.
The pace and passion of Dubai’s smart government’s continual transformation is a ‘lead by example’ endeavour for countries aspiring for similar goals. To further galvanise the synergy between residents and smart government services, October 26 will see the observance of ‘A Day without Service Centres’ to further encourage customers to use smart channels to pay fees and complete transactions.
Service transactions provided by government entities in Dubai will be available only via smart channels, whether via apps or the web. Customer service centres will dedicate their efforts on October 26 to spread awareness among customers about the importance of transformation to smart channels.
Launched and rolled out by the Dubai Department of Finance, all government entities in Dubai are coordinating with DDF to implement the initiative on October 26.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s aim to make the city one of the happiest and smartest cities in the world, as part of Dubai Vision 2021, is being systematically evidenced in the commitment of the government to set new benchmarks of societal happiness for the world to see.
Ahead of October 26, Gulf News speaks to residents on their engagement with Dubai smart government services and how it is enabling them to experience a happier, more convenient, enhanced lifestyle.
Tariq Fahd Qaqish, 47, managing director, asset management at Menacorp
“I came to the UAE 20 years ago and since then, I’ve watched its impressive development. Initially, I resisted using smart services, but now I find myself finishing everything online. So far, my experience with online services has been great. I’ve never faced issues with response time or security issues. The ‘No customer service day’ will push people resisting smart services to at least try it. I’m sure many more people will move to technology because this is the future. All countries should take the same route.”
Naveen Ranka, India, 28, working in finance
“I use smart services two to three times a month at least. I find the RTA website useful. I’m aware that Dubai Police app offers a service where you can report a minor accident or report someone who violated the law, but I haven’t tried it yet. Since these smart services began, it has eliminated the need to stand in queues. I believe everything will be moving to virtual and will allow the government to instead invest in technologies.”
Humayro Abdulova, Tajikistan, 24, web editor
“I think Dubai government smart services are great. I pay my traffic fines and water and electricity bills often through the website. I also pay my parking through RTA app. A lot of people prefer visiting customer service centres... The ‘ No Customer Services Day will encourage more people to use smart services but I don’t think we can eliminate these centers completely.”
Cliff Rozal, Philippines, 35, HR analyst
“We use apps to pay bills, send money home, or even top up Salik. I don’t recall the last time I visited a customer service centre. I enjoy using my Emirates ID at the smart gates in Dubai airport. All these smart services were introduced to save time and make things smooth for us. October 26 will make people aware that they can do everything online and give them a chance to at least try using smart services for a day.”
