Majalla 136 english

Innovation

Prosperity

Persistence

Issue 136 - February 2015

The Government Summit: Government services through smartphones,

smart machines and smart drones

DSG in numbers

during 2014

Dubai launches $1m award to find best AI,

robotics use

DOF and MRHE join DSG’s eJob portal

Issue 136February 2015 1

4Government services through smartphones, smart machines and smart drones

6Dubai launches $1m award to find best AI, robotics use

10Smart government is the main pillar for a knowledge-based economy in the country

14Torch Building fire put out by smart systems and personnel

VisionTo become a world class smart government.

Mission To formulate and implement policies and initiatives for innovative and smart ICT usage contributing to economic welfare, social progress and global competitiveness of Dubai.

Issue 136 - February 2015

General supervisionMedia and Content

Management SectionCommunication & Business Development Department

Contact the Magazine Dubai Smart Government

Tel: 04-4056274Fax: 04-3532988P.O. Box: 90300

Email: [email protected]

An electronic version can be viewed on www.dubai.ae

T he articles in this publication reflect only the author’s opinions and not necessarily those of the Smart Government or its staff. R epublishing of material in this p ublication is not permitted w ithout attribution of this publication as the source.

Editorial Team

Issue 136February 2015

Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, God bless him; the UAE Council of Ministers approved the declaration of 2015 as the year for innovation in the UAE. The Cabinet issued instructions to all federal authorities to intensify efforts, promote coordination and start reviewing the general governmental policies in order to create an environment conducive for innovation that will surely help the UAE be the top in the field.

In this context, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, God bless him launched the “National Strategy for Innovation” which includes 30 national initiatives for implementation in 3 years. His Highness delegated the responsibility of implementing these strategies to the “National Committee for Innovation” which includes the 7 major national sectors of: energy, transportation, health, education, technology, water and space and it strives to place the UAE at the forefront of the most innovative countries in the world in the next seven years.

This trend is not unusual for our wise conscious leadership that puts in mind the realization of human happiness on this good earth; and for this reason the UAE’s investments in innovation reached 14 billion dirhams annually, 7 billion of which go into research and development, and it is planned to increase this budget dramatically over the coming years.

* * *The UAE today is marching into a new and

unprecedented stage in improving the quality of life for all of its residents thanks to a range of initiatives launched by the UAE leadership from time to time, some of which focus on innovation. In launching these initiatives, the leadership is relying on its faith in the people of the UAE, and on the expertise and infrastructure of the government’s institutions to develop and deliver creative services that take into account today’s needs and it is employed in the best way possible for the service of nationals and residents alike.

Dubai Smart Government Department believes in living in a city that aspires to be the smartest city in the world, so it is only natural that innovation becomes the way to not only maintain its status but, to occupy a leading position globally. This is why the department and its staff are keen on making innovation its title in the upcoming period, and it is working on providing services and applications that are tailored towards its users and other joint government authorities in a smart innovative way in accordance with the adoption of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, for “Dubai’s Innovation Strategy” in line with the launch of the “National Innovation Strategy” which includes about 20 initiatives to be implemented within 3 years for the

purpose of making Dubai the most innovative city in the world.

The department is working on achieving the vision of the inspiring leadership of Dubai on the levels of supporting innovation incubators, building capacities, international research partnerships and directing government systems towards more innovation. In this context, it recently collaborated with Gartner, a specialized research company in organizing a workshop under the title of “Innovation and Digital Business” in order to support the training and qualification of government staff in Dubai.

The department also employs innovation in the design of its services and smartphone applications, and its methodology is based on creating new ways to deliver its services and through innovative channels as well such as providing a single integrated application for payment via smartphones involving a number of government authorities by giving the user access to many government services at one place, around the clock and from anywhere.

This is also the case with the unified login service to the Dubai government services (MyID) which allows the user to access more than 250 electronic and smart services provided by 11 government authorities taking part in the service so far; and to interact with them through smartphones or through the web along with the “Smart Employee” application which serves 20,000 employees working in 40 different government authorities.

On the other hand, specialized teams in Dubai Smart Government are developing and providing a smart interactive tool linked to a central electronic network, to measure the “Happiness Index” of users and their satisfaction with the government services provided to them on a daily basis by and this is in coordination and collaboration with the Executive Office.

* * *Such smart services and apps provided by

government authorities in Dubai help in raising operational efficiency, saving the time and effort of users, and the utilization of available resources in a way that makes government transactions an easy and fun experience for users and increases their happiness. On a final note, these innovative applications lead to the development of the national economy and it strengthens the UAE’s competitiveness and entrepreneurial ability.

Because innovation starts with ideas and suggestions, nothing is left but hard work and perseverance to be creators of great projects that are based on innovation as an approach.

Editorial Team

2

Smart visions

Innovation: an approach to happiness


eJob

The Dubai Smart Government completed all required procedures to include the Department of Finance and Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MRHE) in the eJob portal. By joining eJob, DoF & MRHE and will be able to publish their job vacancies electronically, automate all recruitment procedures, as well as utilize a wide range of features that meet its recruitment needs.

The eJob featuresThe eJob (www.ejob.ae)

provides job seekers with many options, including the possibility to review all available jobs, search within the categories of vacancies (administration, customer care, engineering, finance, HR, ICT and operations) or search via the name of the government entity or the date the ad was posted. It also enables them to apply to multiple openings at once through the job basket.

The eJob portal provides a fully electronic mechanism for dealing with job applications starting with the department’s vacancies, to submission of applications, posting of resumes, management of interviews, sending job offers, tracking applications, receiving correspondence, fixing dates for personal interviews and finally selecting the eligible candidates. The portal enables its users to share opportunities with others.

Smart HRH.E. Ahmad Bin Humaidan,

Director General of Dubai Smart Government, said: “Our eJob portal is of a strategic significance as a

fundamental mainstay for embodying the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, towards accelerating the implementation of the Smart Government module, through enhancing all aspects of government services in line with “Dubai Government towards 2021”. We are fully committed to encouraging the optimal investment in human resources, by creating an electronic and smart unified system that supports government integration and improves corporate performance, which in turn will push the digital and smart transformation and put the UAE in the front row among the most leading countries in the world.”

“The online recruitment is witnessing steady growth in the regional job markets. The UAE has succeeded in to placing itself among the top e-Recruitment markets in the region. Thus, we continue to create shared innovative channels to facilitate access to a range of options and vacancies for a wide spectrum of fresh graduates and job seekers, enabling them to make valuable contributions that push the accelerating wheel of development in Dubai. This comes in line with the DSG’s vision to be the first and leading Smart Government in the world, through an ambitious strategy aiming at reducing cost and saving time,” Bin Humaidan added.

Humaidan concluded: “DSG is fully committed to update the eJob portal on a regular basis to meet the requirements of both the job seekers and Dubai’s Government Departments. We focus on facilitating the procedures to enable the applicants for vacancies to find the right jobs, and bringing all government authorities under the eJob umbrella over the coming years. This falls in line with our drive towards enhancing government integration and achieving the government’s future aspirations.”

Emaratization toolArif Abdulrahman Ahli, Executive

Director of Budget and Planning, Department of Finance, said: “Joining DSG’s eJob portal comes in line with our strategy to attract well-qualified UAE nationals and the best talent to join our workface. We completed the implementation of the online recruitment system which is an effective solution to manage the recruitment process through an advanced self-service interface. The eJob portal will enable us to open a new communication channels with job seekers and provide them with a wide range of vacancies. DOF offers various job vacancies for the UAE nationals who are experienced in professional disciplines.”

According to official statistics revealed by Dubai Smart Government Department (DSG), job applications submitted via the Dubai Government job portal (eJob) have reached 40,527 applications in 2014. •

The Dubai Smart Government (DSG) department has announced that the Department of Finance (DOF) in Dubai and Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MRHE) have joined the Dubai Government job portal (eJob) that enables citizens, residents and fresh graduates and experienced professionals living in or

outside the UAE to access the available job vacancies at 16 government departments in Dubai.

DOF and MRHE join Dubai Smart Government’s eJob portal


The Government Summit has become the premier government event in Dubai and the UAE. The Summit was started by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the leader who is in constant touch with his people, providing them a vision of happiness and a promising future. The Third Government Summit was held from 9th to 11th February 2015 with the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’. Here we focus on analyzing the profound implications of this year’s Summit.

The Government Summit: Government services through smartphones,

smart machines and smart drones

Cover story


Innovation

Prosperity

Persistence


The shift in government work and services

We notice the accelerating curve to improve the performance of government work every year the Summit is held. This change started with the First Government Summit and we continue to see a qualitative leap leading to the current smart government stage. Last year’s Summit paved the way for out-of-the-box thinking for delivery of services through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drone technologies. This year sees further refinements through smart machines and robots.

Lining up in a physical queue was partially eliminated in the late 1990s with the first wave of electronic transformation, with many services available on websites. Last year’s Summit saw a significant shift towards smartphone applications. Now we are literally walking into science fiction with planned services through drones, robots and other artificial intelligence.

Global recognition The Government Summit has truly

become a globally recognized event, with renowned global figures attending. This year’s event was notable for the visit and keynote address by the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon. The expert speakers are world renowned in their fields having developed services for technology companies or governments and come to Dubai to share their knowledge with the region. In just three years, the Summit has become one of the leading events of the world, comparable to the Davos Economic Forum and other global conferences.

The shift in defining the Emirati national character

What we mean by the national character is the mental image that

citizens form about themselves. Earlier, there were many stereotypes when it came to innovation and efficiency. For example the Japanese were renowned for premium quality products and the Germans for manufacturing excellence. Now the UAE leadership has challenged the UAE youth to innovate and even look at a mission to Mars. This practice carried out by the UAE leadership team and the accompanying promotional campaign dedicated to make the Emirati national believe in his/her individuality and global entrepreneurialism represents a complete redefinition of the Emirati national character, towards a character full of ambition, innovation and self-confidence. This promising character will start the race by developing government work, a knowledge-based economy and defining international excellence and everything the UAE aspires to be in the future.

Dubai Smart Government and its role

There is no doubt that Dubai’s Smart Government Department finds itself facing a new level of responsibility before all the unlimited possibilities for government work introduced by the Summit. It is expected to be a key player in the upcoming shift in the nature and method of delivering government services, for a number of reasons including:- Having the longest experience in

the field of smart and electronic shifts, methods of changing user habits, and the introduction of new systems to automate the internal government operations.

- The stability of electronic and smart systems owned by the department which were developed over many years of hard work and perseverance in overcoming problems.

- The availability of expertise and professional cadres representing an integrated government expertise powerhouse in the development of government work at the level of procedures and technologies alike.

- Having experience in launching standards to measure the electronic transformation and the development of eGovernment services.

- Building a great deal of partnerships with governmental and private institutions allowing the implementation of electronic and smart services that link many of the relevant institutions and government entities.

- The development of many joint services which represents a possibility for government authorities interested in transforming their traditional services to smart services.

- Building an information database on government services which allows for the analysis, development and integration among these services.

- Having a sophisticated infrastructure for service centres through the unified call centre for Dubai Government.

- Responsibility for the implementation of the happiness index in coordination with the Executive Office which monitors the index to measure the level of user satisfaction.

New Requirements There are new requirements that

should be met as soon as possible in order to keep up with the rapidly developing government work in today’s world. These requirements are:- The need to increase the number

of specialized staff and strengthen it with national caliber and professional competencies through partnerships between government authorities and higher education institutions through which graduates can be trained academically by courses especially geared towards successfully leading jobs that are needed for the next stage.

- The need to foresee the future and prepare standards in a way that enables the smart government to anticipate initiatives introduced in future Government Summits. •

5

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed: “We should plan for the after oil era”


HH Sheikh Hamdan said the competition was part of the UAE’s plans to make 2015 the Year of Innovation.

“The UAE’s journey in innovation is gaining a national momentum every day. We are confident of our abilities and the vision of our leaders to achieving a leading position in the world in the field of innovation. Our goal is to harness science and technology to promote a better life for the people and enhance happiness in the communities,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Sheikh Hamdan announced the award to generate the best ideas for the invention of robots that can serve humanity. The competition for the award is open to companies, universities and innovative individuals and professionals working in the field of this technology.

About the awardMohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi,

Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and chairperson of the Organising Committee, added: “The award aims

to honour the best application of robotics and artificial intelligence in the service of humanity with a focus on three key areas: Education, Health and Social Services.”

Al Gergawi said the competition will be managed by a committee comprising specialists in robotics and artificial intelligence technology to assess the ideas and projects.

Terms for participation“The competing robots must be

compliant with safety standards,

incorporate latest technologies, and characterized by high reliability while assuring value-added services.

“The participants will propose the type of services that these technologies will provide, for instance in helping people with disabilities, treatment of patients, encouraging children in education, as well as complex tasks such as fire-fighting, construction work and social care.”

Registration can be completed at www.roboticsforgood.ae. •

The Crown Prince of Dubai recently launched a new international competition to find the best use for artificial intelligence and robots. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, said the UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good will offer a top prize of AED1 million ($272,257) at the national level and $1 million at the international

level.

Dubai launches $1m award to find best AI, robotics use

Future government


DSG in numbers during 2014

GIN Government

Entities

MyIDservices

eJob

ePaySmart

EmployeeApp

25058

20,000

40527

Total amounts collected in Dirhams

25% increase in amounts collected

in 2013

The number of employees who use the application

Total number of CVs

40 governmental entities can use this

app for their employees

Smart KPIs

Smart and eService

7,000,000,000



User-interfaceFirstly, we notice the app’s simplicity, despite its

function-rich interface. An exquisite design in the form of a hexagonal shape and amazingly beautiful graphics that simulates the attractive infographic designs to establish the idea that the user has the right to see a beautiful and a visually impressive application is what the app’s interface design has achieved with high efficiency.

Less is moreThe app’s development team made sure to simplify

the options for the user so as not to exceed two options which are: 1) Employee services in the form of complaints on salary and contracts and 2) Employer services which include inspection services, work permits, initial approvals and to promote the participation of nationals in the private sector, and pending transactions. The rest is introduced in a less obtrusive manner and it includes information and laws without having to clutter the already crowded small screen of the mobile phone.

Pop-up menu at the bottom of the screenPerhaps this component is the best thing we have ever

seen in this app, as it simulates the iPhone and Android systems in pulling the alerts and options list from the top of the screen. However, the Ministry used the space available at the bottom of the screen to place the alerts and information services as well simplifying access.

Integration with the Emirates ID cardThe registration form in the app makes use of the

Emirates ID and passport number, so there is excellent integration, making it easy to register and use government services.

Reporting violationsThrough geographical location integration and cameras

in smartphones, it becomes easy to report labour violations and worker abuse. •

8

While all government agencies have excelled in the provision of services through smartphone applications to their users, the Ministry of Labour’s smartphone app won first place in the second round of the Best Mobile Government Service Award 2015 in the Economy and Commerce sector at the national, Arab, international and university levels. We analyze the key features of the app, to see how it won, despite the fierce competition from

other apps.

MOL’s smartphone application receives “Best m-Government Service Award”

Smart Apps


Winners of the “Best m-Government Service Award” at the national level

Awards

MOHUAEMinistry of Labour - UAE

Darb Abu Dhabi

البوابة الوطنيةللمبتعثين

DEWA Dubai Police

Dubai Cultureمتجر األسر المنتجة

HealthTrade & Economy

EducationTransportation

EnvironmentSafety & Security

Social AffairsTourism

MOHESR

Abu Dhabi Transport

Department

DEWA DubaiPolice

General Women’sUnion

Dubai Culture and

Arts Authority

Ministryof Health

Ministry of Labour


التجارة اإللكترونية

UAE’s position in smart tradeThe concept of traditional trading is changing and the

future is now for electronic trading (E-trade), in which the UAE already has a significant presence. It holds upto 60% of trade in the region, with 1st place in the MENA and 25th worldwide according to A.T. Kearney’s global retail e-commerce index.

The UAE’s strategic location allows it to benefit from E-trade which strengthens the country’s position and provides the chance to reach a wider segment of consumers around the world, especially in the same region.

The concept of smart trade ties in with the strategy of transforming Dubai into a smart city as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; because the future is for smart trade.Benefits for members

The benefits enjoyed by Dubai Chamber members will now be extended to the participating UAE Chambers’ members including access to the knowledge centre and e-commerce MENA region club, training and awareness sessions on e-commerce organised by Dubai Chamber and Alibaba.com

They will be entitled to free customer service and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) services through the e-commerce MENA region club and will also be allotted Certificate of Verified Membership, and 50% subsidy on the fees for joining the Trusted Membership.

Trust and credibility The UAE accounts for about 60% of the share of

e-commerce in the region and occupies first position in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and is ranked 25th globally according to A.T. Kearney’s global retail e-commerce index.

This data clearly shows that our prime location gives us an edge in the area of e-commerce and enhances the status of the country as a promising future destination for e-commerce, while also leading to a new way of reaching out to a wider segment of consumers around the world, especially in the regional markets.

The Alibaba platform is a global leader in e-commerce, and is used by 30 million users, and 2.8 million supplier storefronts from around the world. Dubai Chamber has established a partnership with the platform: www.dubaichamber.com/alibaba, to help businesses from the UAE and the MENA region to embrace the exciting journey into the world of eCommerce. •

10

eCommerce

One of the most important aspects for trading to grow and thrive is providing the appropriate climate for trading based on trust, and here lies the importance of regulatory government agencies which help to create this perfect climate. Without the existence of these agencies, the market would be susceptible to the forces of trading competition which follow the rules of ‘survival of the fittest’. On the contrary, opening new markets and enhancing the chances of trade spreading and reaching new dealers represents an important mission of the agencies. It is complementary to the procedure of building the perfect inner climate for the market based on trust and reliability. Dubai Chamber has partnered with the globally famous e-commerce

platform called Alibaba to provide international trade.

Alibaba for eCommerce used by 30 million users and 2.8 million suppliers

His Excellency Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber and Michael Lee, Director of Global Marketing for Alibaba.com


HE Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al S aleh, Undersecretary ofM oE - Foreign Trade and

Industry sectors

Concerning the status of the smart shift in the government sector to achieve economic security for UAE nationals and to maintain the level of prosperity enjoyed by the UAE, we had this dialogue with His Excellency Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy - Foreign Trade and Industry sectors.

How do you evaluate the smart shift in the UAE in general?

The United Arab Emirates is always looking forward to facilitate business operations through the effective use of modern and advanced technology. Smart and electronic services not only contribute to easily facilitating business operations for companies; they are also considered an opportunity to reach out to a bigger share of users and customers thus, increasing the size and proportion of profit.

I would like to emphasize that electronic and smart services are considered one of the basic tools that are indispensable for business growth for companies operating in the UAE, and these services became one of the main pillars for the national economy of the UAE.

What are the components of building a knowledge-based economy from your perspective?

A knowledge-based economy can be seen in the following components:- launching smart applications- adopting the best technical and logistical solutions and

systems that contribute to the consolidation of Dubai’s position as a pivotal and effective meeting point among global traders.

- the provision of various support elements necessary for diverse business sectors

- creating the right environment that ensures the availability of all the components of success and prosperity for local, regional and global companies and institutions.

What are the most important smart initiatives for the ministry of economy?

The Ministry of Economy works on its strategy in accordance with the directions of the leadership which calls for the government to reach the user through launching electronic and smart services that allow everyone the possibility of following procedures and doing paperwork in the simplest, most convenient ways. This can be seen in the ministry’s recent launch of the “Electronic Wallet” or (E-Wallet) which facilitates the process of paying service fees by all the ministry’s customers; to be the first among UAE’s ministries in launching a service that provides the possibility of using the wallet for all electronic services, and this initiative is definitely within the orientations of the federal government which aims towards implementing the methodology of easily conducted, and efficient business operations.

How do you assess the role of Dubai’s Smart Government Department?

Dubai Smart Government (DSG) has succeeded in implementing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in providing a smart government with global standards in Dubai; DSG helps rapidly in shifting Dubai to a smart city in order to facilitate the lives of various sectors of society and increase their satisfaction. I think through innovative initiatives launched by DSG, we are on the right track towards making Dubai the most innovative city in the world. •

11

Knowledge-economy

These words of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, confirm unequivocally that the leadership of the UAE is largely occupied with what will take place 50 years from now. The economy represents a major dimension in the leadership’s thinking; especially what the UAE will look like in the post oil and gas era. The Ministry of Economy is considered to be the executive body responsible for realizing

the vision of the UAE and its economic plans in order to prepare for this stage.

Smart government is the main pillar for a knowledge-based economy in the country


eServices

Exchange of smart expertise Engineer Mahmood Al Bastaki confirmed that the ESEA

Award has helped Dubai Trade in improving the adoption rate of the eServices offered to its customers. This adoption is a real indicator of the success of investments by the government to build an infrastructure for eServices and going smart. He pointed out that Dubai Trade is ready to transfer its experience as can be seen from the success of the ESEA Award which had just completed its seventh edition. Such an experience can be a success story for the comprehensive dissemination of eServices among users.

User needs come firstAl Bastaki explained that the process of developing

Dubai Trade’s services involves a great deal of participation on the part of users in the process of planning and analysis of the eService before its launch. This process helps in creating services that solve real problems faced by users in their business transactions and daily lives, and it significantly facilitates dealing with the government; which makes the service an opportunity to make more profit and increase returns through the facilitation of trade operations and their related transactions. In this way, the government becomes a partner in the success of traders and a major part in the sustainability of their businesses.

Al Bastaki pointed out the steady growth of the movement of trade in Dubai following the global recession, can be seen from the high number of registered businesses with Dubai Trade to 105,000 with 15,000 of them being new companies joining the Dubai Trade smart platform to take advantage of the services in a fast, and cheaper expensive manner.

Al Bastaki confirmed that through the ESEA annual event, Dubai Trade was able to mobilize the trade and logistics community to celebrate together their success and

effective role and contributions in elevating and developing Dubai up to Expo 2020 in line with the “Dubai Strategic Plan 2021” stressing the commitment to working tirelessly to facilitate all business activities in order to realize the vision of Dubai as a smart city, with satisfaction, innovation and excellence.

The theme behind the awardThe year’s ESEA focused on the theme of “business

growth” which is measured according to the number of completed transactions in the year of 2014. This award is considered the first of its kind in the region awarded based on the real adoption rate for electronic services and it continues to grow annually in new and innovative categories.

A comprehensive platform for eService adoption

Al Bastaki pointed out that the secret behind Dubai Trade’s success lies in promoting the adoption of its eServices by users by implementing a comprehensive platform for electronic services. The “Trade Shield” platform represents a practical model for this service, through which Dubai Trade strives to group all business shipping operations partners in one platform to include insurance services from the privet sector and multiple options for insurance plans across a large number of providers. The platform is currently used in the shipping and clearance of a large number of goods that are being used in the construction of several Dubai World projects worth millions of dirhams.

This is the real success in launching eServices that open the way for Dubai to own international platforms for smart trade. •

In the context of the Third Government Summit which coincided with the E-Service Excellence Awards (ESEA) by Dubai Trade, DSG Magazine met with Engineer Mahmood Al Bastaki, CEO at Dubai Trade. In this interview, he reviewed the prospects of building a strong economy in the UAE through a system of electronic services geared towards

the corporate sector and creating smart platforms for international trade.

The role of smart governments in building international platforms for smart trade


In line with its efforts to consolidate its relations with public and private sector entities, Dubai Smart Government (DSG) recently honoured its key partners for their roles in achieving its Strategic Vision 2014-2017 of transforming Dubai into the world’s smartest city. The Department firmly believes in the importance of such cooperation in providing their support and expertise in the emirate’s shift towards a ‘smart’ government. The ceremony was held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, where 34 government agencies, three federal ministries, and more than 30 private sector companies were recognized in the presence of senior officials of the honoured public and private sector organizations.

The awarding ceremony was attended by DSG’s senior management, including H.E. Ahmed Bin Humaidan, and Marwan Bin Haider, Executive Director of the Planning and Development Department. In his speech, H.E. Bin Humaidan welcomed the attendees and praised the efforts of all stakeholders from the public and private sectors in implementing the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai of a ‘smart’ government and the emirate’s transformation into the city of the future. He also commended their endeavors in realizing the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, to accelerate the ‘Dubai Government Towards 2021’ initiative to achieve the government’s ultimate goal of facilitating the lives of its citizens and residents by providing them with easy access to government services through smart devices.

Dubai Smart Government’s Strategic Plan (2014-2017) includes a vital objective that emphasizes the Department’s close cooperation with its key partners from the public and private sectors. The collaboration is aimed towards achieving an interdependent and cooperative government, enhanced by key performance indicators to measure its success in achieving this goal by creating innovative ways to provide government services to its citizens, residents and visitors within the framework of a ‘smart’ government.

Dubai Police had won the Award for the Best Government Service via Mobile for the security and safety category at the national level.

The main features of the application is providing the ability to report violating vehicles “We are all police” the smart police station services, reporting minor traffic accidents within minutes. In addition to the customer service, and service (myID) from the Smart Dubai Department Government, users can evaluate the services through a stars rating points.

Under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Trade is organising the seventh cycle of its annual award “E-Services Excellence Award - ESEA”.

It was initiated in 2008 to honour Dubai Trade’s distinguished clients who have been the most active online performers throughout the year. It is targeted at promoting the adoption of e-Services, and encouraging customers’ migration to online platform, which in turn will contribute in establishing Dubai as the leading trade and logistics hub of the world.

The objectives of the award is to encourage e-Services adoption & build customer loyalty. Recognise achievements in e-Services usage by customers. Reward companies who attained highest online adoption. Celebrate the success of digital transformation in trade & logistics activities. Spread awareness of Dubai Trade Portal as the single window for Trade facilitation.

The nine categories of the ESEA Award include the highest adopters of various key e-Services in the following categories:- Importer of the Year- Exporter of the Year- Re-Exporter of the Year- Shipping Agent of the Year –

Containerized Cargo- Shipping Agent of the Year –

General Cargo- Freight Forwarder of the Year- Clearing Agent of the Year- Haulier of the Year- Free Zone Company of the Year.

Dubai Police wins award for best government service via mobile

DSG honours key partners for commendable role in emirate’s transition to ‘smart’ governmentThe 7th eServices

Excellence Award

News


Smart services

This achievement needs to be contemplated and the exceptional performance of qualified DCD personnel needs to be analyzed; in order to understand how the smart Civil Defence system managed to organize this complex logistical reaction ensuring no loss of life.

Smart building systems The cornerstone of the success of putting out the

Torch fire, lies in implementing the highest smart buildings specifications in Dubai for all modern buildings. This system consists of an integrated network of sensors and control systems in many of the vital functions of the building, all of which are connected to a central server known as the building management system which in turn is connected directly to the operations centre at the Dubai Police General Headquarters.

Consequently, the immediate and direct reporting of the fire represents the most important element in intervening and taking necessary action in situations where seconds can represent the difference between life and death.

Blueprints of buildings kept in database This database includes 3D models of buildings includes

the blueprints for all buildings including: all electricity and plumbing details, firefighting extensions, and alarm sensors. These 3D models are directly linked to fire sensors which show the visibility of areas damaged by the fire, entrances, damaged utilities and other safe places that can be used for evacuation or to be accessed by rescue and assistance teams. These models are used in directing field teams when dealing with a huge building to help them become fully aware and familiar, as well as in coordination with DCD experts in operations centres to draw up the best possible scenario for mobilization inside the affected building.

Information exchange systemThis system represents the most important component

in building a crisis management team. It includes all the names and detailed information on the building’s security teams along with their contact numbers where they can be directed and dealt with as a first line of defence in the rescue process and this is what happened indeed in the case of the Torch building fire. Here the tower’s security guards helped to fully evacuate the tower during a time when the majority of residents were most likely asleep. The exchange of information and updating it with the operations centre and then the field rescue team represents the most crucial element in collective mobilization to control fires.

DCD smart vehiclesThese vehicles are equipped with the latest computer

systems and information that is directly connected with the operations centre which is also one of the components of the smart DCD system; as well as having a sophisticated system for identifying geographical location and directing other vehicles to the location of the fire by calculating the fastest routes that are free of traffic jams and obstacles to ensure direct access to the fire as fast as possible. These vehicles include smart screens that show an auto feed of necessary information and drawings provided by DCD team to be reviewed before entering the building including contact information of the building’s security team, entrances, exits, facilities and the fire-control system.

Smart personnelFinally, all of the above mentioned smart systems would

not have been able to put out the massive Torch building fire, if it were not for the availability of a trained and qualified team at both DCD and Dubai Police. Here we once again appreciate and honour the cadres from these forces, who take upon themselves the responsibility for the safety and security of Dubai, making it a safe and secure city. •

The Torch building (In Arabic ‘Al Shoula’), one of the tallest residential buildings in the world caught fire at about 2 am on February 21, 2015. The fire started from one of the balconies on the top floors and the stormy wind that night intensified the fire, causing the flames to flare up and create fiery debris, leading to massive traffic jams and panic in Dubai. News of the fire quickly swept social media making it international. According to Dubai Police, it is believed that the fire broke out at 1:47 AM on Saturday and it rapidly swept up to 20 floors before it was extinguished and controlled by Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) personnel at about 4 am. This means that DCD put out the fires on every floor in about 6 minutes and 40 seconds, with no loss to life or any serious injuries.

Torch Building fire put out by smart systems and personnel


MRHE’s smart application for maintenance services


Smart society

Snapshots from the biography of Dubai on Instagram

instagram.com/govsummit

Ban Ki-moon - Secretary-General of the United Nations: #thegovernmentsummit pays tribute to the importance of the proclamation of the State #Emirates 2015 years of innovation.

Mohammed bin Rashid Hamdan bin Mohammed inspecting innovation platform” within #thegovernmentsummit

HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed: mental development of the main school building #thegovernmentsummit


From the main screen the user can access the DEWA Account section for bill enquiry

DEWA appfrom Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

From Support section the user can initiate a voice call or a video live call

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For more information call:

+971 4 601 9999

In case of video live call DEWA agent will use the sign language to communicate with the hearing impaired or visually handicapped customers

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In the Consumption section the user can calculate the Tariff and know about the Tariff information

You can get the application from the app stores of Google & Apple

Apps wizard

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