E-Government in the United Arab Emirates

Last updated

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is investing heavily in adopting and implementing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in its government and private sectors. The Global Information Technology Report 2010-2011 indicates that the UAE leads the MENA region in leveraging ICT for increased economic diversification and competitiveness. [1] The contribution of telecommunications sector in the UAE’s economy rose from 4.1 per cent in 2007 to 5.3 per cent in 2010 according to ‘UAE Telecommunications Sector Developments & Indicators (2007-2010)’, issued in May 2011 by Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), UAE. [2] Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development estimates that investments in IT and Telecom sectors are likely to reach AED18.4 billion (USD5 billion) in 2011, as against AED16.1 billion in 2010. [3]

Contents

The eGovernment program in the UAE is a key initiative of the UAE Government Strategy 2011-2013 that lays the foundation to achieve UAE Vision 2021. [4]

Inception and timeline

The UAE started some of its eServices such as eDirham in as early as the year 2001. The service initiated by the Ministry of Finance replaced the traditional way of paying and collecting fees for government services. The government gradually made more services available online.

#YearServiceSummaryInitiated by
1February 2001 eDirham The first online service launched by the Ministry of Finance in the federal government to replace the traditional means of fees collection for government services. Ministry of Finance
2November 2002eGovernment ProgramThe Coordinating Committee for the Federal eGovernment Programme was formed and led by the Ministry of Finance and Industry Ministry of Finance
3March 2003eGovernment strategyIBM was assigned to conduct an assessment study for the federal agencies and to develop an implementation plan Ministry of Finance
4June 2004The eGovernment Implementation PlanA memorandum of understanding was signed with the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) to provide the infrastructure for the eGovernment. The plan was divided into three phases ending in 2007 Ministry of Finance
5March 2005eGovernment PortalThe launch of the first eGovernment portal in cooperation with Etisalat, which was exclusively assigned to implement the plan Ministry of Finance
6March & July 2006Assigning the Ministry of Government Sector Development to oversee the eGovernment ProgrammeA ministerial decree was issued to move the eGovernment programme from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Government Sector Development

Ministry of Governmental Sector Development

7June 2008Development of the Information Systems Strategy of the Federal GovernmentA ministerial decree was issued to assign the TRA to lead the efforts to develop a strategy for the information systems in the State. TRA, in cooperation with Booz Allen Company, developed the Information Systems Strategy of the Federal GovernmentTelecommunications Regulatory Authority
82010Development of the Government Service Development StrategyThe Office of the Prime Minister developed a Government Service Development Strategy, which was the third foundational element of the eGovernment StrategyPrime Minister's Office

The official portal of the UAE Government

The official portal of the UAE Government is https://u.ae/ (old URL: www.government.ae). It is part of the federal eGovernment program and a major milestone in the process of eTransformation in the UAE.

This portal brings all eServices provided by the UAE federal and local government bodies under one umbrella. It also provides information regarding accessing the government services through mobile phones and other similar electronic devices, and other means such as ATMs and public payment machines.

The aim of the portal is to provide more and better online services to the people of the UAE and involve them in the government's policies, laws, and public interest initiatives with the ultimate goal of achieving transparency. [5]

Functions

The function of the official portal is to act as a single window or a single entry-point for users to access the different federal and local government eServices. The portal also facilitates to boost communication between the customers and the government representatives and eParticipation through forums, blogs, surveys, polls and social media. Government.ae is the parent portal for the sub-portals on eParticipation, eServices, mServices and UAE Open Data. [5]

eServices

The UAE Government provides a range of services through its official portal www.government.ae. The eServices are classified into services for individuals, businesses and visitors. Through the eServices, it is now very easy for the people of the UAE to avail a variety of services without leaving their home or office spaces. The portal has an advanced search facility to help people look for the services they want to access. The portal also contains a section on alternate means for accessing government services. [5]

mServices

The portal also provides adequate information on the various services that are available through mobile devices and how to avail them with the help of specially developed short codes and mobile applications. The portal has links to download smart phone applications for Blackberry, iPhone and Android. [5]

Innovative and facilitating option for the business was launched in 2013 when a smart phone app for business registration and licensing was unveiled in Dubai.

eParticipation

One of the major features of the enhanced portal is the inclusion of eParticipation channels. The federal portal has engaged multiple platforms like forums, blogs, chats, surveys, polls and social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube to reach out to the general public and engage them in active communication with the government with regard to their opinions and experiences on government services, policies etc. [5]

Open Data

Under Open Data, government data and information is made available to the public. People can now have access to economic data, population statistics, etc. Open Data could benefit students, economists and researchers in particular and the public in general. [5]

ICT infrastructure and penetration

According to Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s (TRA) May 2011 figures, the UAE has 196.3 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants and with 1,417,519 internet subscribers, the UAE has 62.4 internet users per 100 inhabitants. [6]

eReadiness ranking

eReadiness or Networked Readiness Index (NRI) measures the level of preparedness of a country's government to deliver services and information online and the overall value it delivers to the public. eReadiness or the Readiness Index involves the government’s ability to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to boost their socio-economic conditions and overall public welfare.

Global Information Technology Report (GITR)

According to The GITR 2010-2011, UAE was ranked first amongst Arab countries and stood 24th amongst 138 countries reviewed in the Networked Readiness Index (NRI), indicating the importance the country gives to Information and Communication Technology as a crucial instrument for economic diversification, enhanced efficiency and modernization. The same report showed Qatar’s position at 25, Bahrain’s position at 30, Saudi Arabia at 33 and Oman at 41. [1]

The UAE is one of the few countries in the region that has maintained its steady climb in the eReadiness ranking chart. The UAE shot up six positions in NRI; from 29th position amongst 127 countries reviewed in 2007–2008 to 23rd amongst 133 countries reviewed in 2009–2010. [7]

UN eGovernment Survey

United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN) also conducts a similar survey and publishes its report on eGovernment ranking. The report called UN eGovernment Survey was published annually until 2005 but later became a biennial publication.

The UAE’s overall ranking as per the UN eGovernment Survey has gone through many ups and downs. UAE’s rank rose for two consecutive surveys; it leapt from 60th rank in 2004 by 18 ranks to be at 42nd position in the year 2005 and then rose by 10 ranks to be at 32nd position in the year 2008. However, its rank took a steep dip in 2010 attaining 49th position. However, overall, UAE was ranked fourth in the region in 2010 report. [8] [9] [10] [11]

Emirates eGovernment

Emirates eGovernment is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the eGovernment program at the federal level in the UAE. This involves renovating and upgrading the conventional methods of delivering the government services and having the services delivered electronically through the deployment of modern Information and communication technologies (ICT). [12]

Services

Emirates eGovernment has set up the UAE’s official portal www.government.ae, which is a major milestone in the process of eTransformation in the UAE. This portal brings all eServices and information provided by the UAE federal and local government bodies under one umbrella. [13]

Emirates eGovernment provides services on G2G, G2B and G2C levels. The UAE’s official portal www.government.ae falls under the G2B and G2C level. Under G2G services, the entity provides cloud and Government Website Evaluation Index (GWEI) services. [14] [15]

Initiatives and awards

Emirates eGovernment pioneers various initiatives that aid the development of the eGovernment program in the UAE. It is actively involved in projects that promote the usage of eServices and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools by the federal government entities and the public in a safe and effective way to achieve better delivery of services and good governance.

Emirates eGovernment regularly holds workshops for internal staff and federal government employees on topics relating to eGovernment, cloud services such as Morasalate and Malafate, IT trends, effective use of ICT to achieve the entity’s goals etc. [16]

Policies and Guidelines

Emirates eGovernment drafted a number of guidelines for federal government entities in the UAE. These guidelines deal with websites, social media usage, web content. Emirates eGovernment also issued draft documents related to eParticipation and open data. These guidelines comprise recommendations on the content style, design, layout, accessibility features etc. to make the federal government websites in accordance with the international standards of web content and design as laid down by World Wide Web Consortium.

The Guidelines for Social Media Usage won Emirates eGovernment the 2011 ‘Social Media Initiative of the Year’ award. The guidelines document was prepared in partnership with and extensive support from Dubai School of Government's Governance and Innovation Program and in collaboration with the UAE Government entities. Senior Advisors at Information Technology research firm Gartner Inc. and United Nations eGovernment Programme also offered their assistance and recommendations in preparing this document. [16]

Local eGovernment Programs

eGovernment in the UAE has been launched and is successfully operating at local levels as well. The governments of six out of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Fujairah have launched their official portals.

The portals offer many interactive and transactional services such as bill payments, license renewals etc. In addition, Abu Dhabi and Dubai government portals offer information and advice to residents, businesses and visitors on related matters such as how to apply for health card, how to obtain drivers’ license, or how to apply for visa.

The UAE Government is aiming for the electronic transformation or eTransformation of many of its services at the federal level. The UAE government is taking many steps to achieve this. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai stressed, while launching the federal portal of the UAE that "eTransformation in the UAE and the provision of federal and local services through one portal contributes to enhance the state’s competitiveness and opens up broader prospects for direct communication with community groups and works to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of governmental work in the country." [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of the United Arab Emirates</span>

The United Arab Emirates is a high-income developing market economy. The UAE's economy is the 4th largest in the Middle East, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$415 billion in 2021-2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Arab Emirates</span> Country in West Asia

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, in the Middle East, at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a federal, elective monarchy composed of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital. It shares land borders with Oman to the east and northwest, and with Saudi Arabia to the southwest; as well as maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran, and with Oman in the Gulf of Oman. As of 2024, the UAE has an estimated population of over 10 million, of which 11% are Emiratis; Dubai, is the most populous city, and is an international hub. Islam is the official religion and Arabic is the official language, while English is the most spoken language and the language of business.

E-government is the use of technological communications devices, such as computers and the Internet, to provide public services to citizens and other persons in a country or region. E-government offers new opportunities for more direct and convenient citizen access to government and for government provision of services directly to citizens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dubai</span> Most populous city in the United Arab Emirates

Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the most populated of the country's seven emirates. The city has a population of around 3.6 million, more than 90% of which are expatriates.

du (company) Dubai-based domestic telecom provider

Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company P.J.S.C., commercially rebranded as du (دو) in February 2007, is one of the two main telecom operators in the United Arab Emirates. du offers fixed line, mobile telephony, internet and digital television services across the UAE. It also provides carrier services, a data hub, internet exchange facilities and satellite service for broadcasters. It expanded its services in support of economic and social transformation of UAE and operates subsidiaries such as EITC Investment Holdings Limited, Edara, Smart Dubai Platform Project Company LLC and EITC Singapore PTE. LTD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates</span> Central bank of UAE

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates is the state institution responsible for managing the currency, monetary policy, banking and insurance regulation in the United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai</span> Offshore campus of New Yorks Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai is a satellite campus of Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, USA, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The college is located in the Dubai Silicon Oasis and started offering part-time graduate courses in Fall 2008. In 2009, the university began its full-time graduate program. RIT Dubai's first graduating class was in 2010, with the graduation ceremony taking place in Rochester, NY. In 2010, a full-time undergraduate program was started as part of the university's planned expansion. In the fall of 2011, RIT Dubai moved its campus to a new premises to accommodate the growing student body. By 2019, RIT plans to expand the campus to 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 m2) to provide facilities for 4,000 students.

According to Human Rights Watch, there is substantial discrimination against women in the United Arab Emirates. The status of women has improved over the years. UAE performs better on metrics of gender equality than many other states in the Gulf region, and it has been making reforms to protect women's rights and empower women in different sectors. Critics describe some of these reforms as window dressing.

Provision of education in the UAE began shortly after the establishment of the federation with the inception of the first university, the United Arab Emirates University, located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. Since then, the country has progressed with efforts of ensuring high literacy rates, modern programs and women's share in education. It works on improving its youth's education which is why the agenda 2021 has been set. The UAE currently devotes approximately 16 percent of total federal government spending to education. In 2019, the overall literacy rate was 96%, and in the year 2022, the literacy rate increased to 98.29.

Mass media in the United Arab Emirates is subject to government control and censorship. Media freedom is severely curtailed in the UAE. Most UAE media is owned by the government or by groups that have ties to the government. UAE law permits the government to censor content critical of the government. Journalists and writers who criticize the government are subject to repression.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is the independent regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya with responsibilities in telecommunications, e-commerce, broadcasting,cyber security, and postal/courier services. The CA is also responsible for managing the country's numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administering the Universal Service Fund (USF) as well as safeguarding the interests of users of ICT services.

This article covers the best practices and movement for reform in entrepreneurship policies in the United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Higher Colleges of Technology</span>

The Higher Colleges of Technology(HCT) (Arabic: كليّات التقنيّة العليا) is a public institute of technology with 16 campuses and facilities throughout the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1988 by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan, it is the largest applied higher educational institution in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority</span>

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority is the federal telecommunications regulatory agency of the United Arab Emirates since 2003.

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven Emirates, with autonomous federal and local governments. The UAE has historically been a low-tax jurisdiction. The federal government and local governments are entitled to levy taxes on citizens and companies. The federal government currently levies a value added tax, corporate income tax, and excise taxes. Some emirates levy property, transfer, excise and tourism taxes. Some emirates also charge corporate taxes on oil companies and foreign banks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dubai Airport Freezone</span>

Dubai Airport Freezone is a designated free economic zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, providing company formation and business setup services in Dubai. DAFZ is home to more than 2,000 registered businesses from over 20+ sectors and various industries, with 20,000+ professionals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government of Dubai</span> Government of the Emirate of Dubai

The Government of Dubai is the subnational authority that governs the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven constituent monarchies which make up the United Arab Emirates. The executive authority and head of the government is the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Ruler of Dubai appoints the Dubai Executive Council, which is led by the crown prince of Dubai and is responsible for the day-to-day management of Dubai Government agencies such as the Dubai Municipality and numerous other governing entities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saeed Al Nazari</span> Emirati government official

Saeed Al Nazari is a United Arab Emirates (UAE) government official. He is the Secretary General of Great Arab Minds, and served as the director general of the Federal Youth Authority, executive director of the youth at the UAE Prime Minister's Office, and chief strategy officer of the Arab Youth Center. During his career, he has overseen more than fifty national projects, including the development of the National Youth Agenda and the Emirati Youth Empowerment Model in the UAE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World Government Summit</span> Event for government leaders

The World Governments Summit is a global, neutral, non-profit organization based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It convenes annually, bringing together leaders from government, academia, and the private sector to engage in discussions on futurism, technology innovation, and other pressing issues. Since its inception in 2013, the Summit has served as a premier knowledge exchange hub, fostering conversations on future trends, challenges, and opportunities among government officials, policymakers, thought leaders, and industry experts. Featuring over 790 speakers from 150 countries and attracting more than 4,000 attendees, the Summit is organized by the World Governments Summit Organization, which is dedicated to shaping the future of governance through innovation and collaborative efforts.

The federal government of the United Arab Emirates is the national government of the United Arab Emirates, a unitary federation of seven self-governing emirates. The federal government is divided into a legislative, executive, and judicial branch. The executive branch namely, the Cabinet led by the prime minister, and the judicial branch, both report to the president. The Federal Supreme Council is the highest legislative body and is responsible for appointing the president.

References

  1. 1 2 "The Global Information Technology Report 2010-2011" (PDF). World Economic Forum.
  2. ↑ "Second Annual Market Review". TRA. Archived from Annual review -Final English - 11 May 2011(NZ).pdf the original (PDF) on 6 April 2012.{{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  3. ↑ "IT investment in UAE 'to grow 15% in 2011'". ITP.net.
  4. ↑ "UAE Government Strategy 2011-2013". UAEcabinet.ae.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "help". Government.ae.
  6. ↑ "Latest statistics". TRA.gov.ae. Archived from the original on 2014-11-09.
  7. ↑ "The Global Information Technology Report 2009-2010" (PDF). World Economic Forum.
  8. ↑ "2010 Global E-Government Survey". United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN).
  9. ↑ "2008 Global E-Government Survey" (PDF). United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-28.
  10. ↑ "Global eGovernment Readiness Report 2005" (PDF). United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN).
  11. ↑ "Global eGovernment Readiness Report 2004" (PDF). United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN).
  12. ↑ "About us". Emiratesegov.ae. Archived from the original on 2011-06-04.
  13. ↑ "UAE official portal". Emiratesegov.ae. Archived from the original on 2012-01-21.
  14. ↑ "Website Evaluation Index". Emiratesegov.ae. Archived from the original on 2011-12-11.
  15. ↑ "Cloud services". Emiratesegov.ae. Archived from the original on 2011-11-02.
  16. 1 2 "Initiatives & achievements". Emiratesegov.ae. Archived from the original on 2011-12-11.
  17. ↑ "Mohammed launches UAE's e-portal, approves budgets". Emirates24/7.com.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.