It is not an overstatement to say that smart governance will bring government organizations closer to the people. As someone who works in the media department of a government entity, I am always happy to see government departments using e-services and social media to promote and inform the public of services that concern them.
I can clearly see that smart governance creates a bridge that engages the public with government departments.
Services are now available at all hours of the day, seven days a week and timely updates ensure that the public is well informed of any changes in policies, fees and other factors that may affect them. I believe this to be part of a larger scope under the wise leadership of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Another point to add, that is rarely discussed when bringing up this topic, is global and local competition. A completely smart government increases overall global competitiveness. This is important as, smart governance facilitates the transfer to a knowledge-based economy and will allow Dubai to stay, not only one, but several steps ahead. On a local level, it is my belief that the shift to smart governance creates opportunities for innovation and creativity through healthy competition.
Government departments will have to peruse excellence in smart services with the knowledge that all the other government departments are doing the same and will have to find ways to offer the best and most efficient services.
E-services promote accountability. Complaints and suggestions cannot be ignored and must be dealt with in a timely and professional manner. This type of feedback is key in developing, implementing and improving government services as it creates a two-way communication channel.
I think this will fuel the race for government excellence. In any case, the citizens, residents and everyone involved will benefit greatly. It is a win-win situation.
The community engagement coupled with relevant content operating under the government’s strategy will most definitely ensure that we are the happiest nation or as we affectionately say in Arabic, “asaad shaab.”
