Birth certificates on WhatsApp? UAE government departments keep delivering everyday needs with tech

TECH: What does tech mean to you – as a resident of the UAE? Depending on where you stand on the degree of tech geekiness within you, the answer could vary from complex entries in Blockchain ledgers or getting a different feel of reality, whether augmented or virtual.

DELIVERING VALUE: But tech is also about fulfilling a need, and that’s when tech delivers true lasting value. Try the newly launched Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoAHP) smart service, which delivers the simple act of a birth certificate over WhatsApp. That is as direct as it gets with a real need.

DIGITAL SERVICES: In the last 19 months, government agencies in the UAE have, likewise, launched - or added new elements – to digital services. Some of these rollouts were, of course, accelerated by the need to go contactless at the first opportunity. Instead of a resident turning up at any department, the UAE found ways to get it done the digital way.

AMBITIOUS TARGETS: At Gitex Global 2021, many of these services went on display, while concepts of what’s next got placed on the agenda. The UAE has set ambitious targets on pushing more government services online and transitioning into a paperless society.

WORK TRENDS: On the first day, the talks on the stands also revolved around creating the talent pool that can take on future roles. This is where Cisco, the US network equipment company, put out its first ‘Global Hybrid Work Index’, which tracks trends and developments related to work ways.

AI IN EVERYDAY WORK: According to the report, AI features are being embedded into everyday work – without anyone taking too much notice. That’s the point when AI goes mainstream and not some high-sounding tech advance that’s meant for tomorrow. Definitely not the case.

INNOVATION: Samsung Electronics will have a role in making AI as integrated with everyday life as possible. And creating a version of its future too – The South Korean tech giant’s ‘Innovation Campus’ in the UAE with a new AI-focussed course.

DIGITAL CAREER: “As aspirational young people prepare to pursue full-time careers amidst an evolving digital era and Fourth Industry Revolution (4IR), fostering this approach has become even more important,” is how Jerric Wong, Head of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Gulf Electronics, put it.

UPSKILLING: Wong’s words will strike an echo far and wide in the region – because this is how and where careers get set or reset. Where upskilling becomes as important as picking up new skills. This is what drives ambitious government led initiatives such as one million Arab coders become a reality.

SHAPING THE PRESENT & FUTURE: GITEX Global 2021 is thus as much about technology shaping the present as it will the future. In the UAE, residents can now obtain a birth certificate for their new-borns through WhatsApp, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced on Sunday at GITEX Technology Week 2021 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

PUTTING CUSTOMERS FIRST: The new WhatsApp service meet customers’ needs effectively, and at a faster pace, taking advantage of the increasing usage of social media apps, said Samir Al Khoury, Director, IT Department, MoHAP.