This ambitious plan aims to transform the entire government into a digital institution. The goal is to provide citizens, residents, and visitors with smart services that are delivered in a simple and efficient manner.
To achieve this, the UAE is taking a customer-centric approach that focuses on creating a digital experience that is based on user needs and expectations.
The UAE has established itself as a digital pioneer in the Gulf region and worldwide. Adopting technology has allowed it to deliver efficient and streamlined government services to all parts of society: from citizens to business owners, from students to patients.
Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The strategy aims to establish a digital government that is capable of transforming the country into a global reference for digital transformation.
It will leverage advanced technologies – such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analysis, blockchain technology, and cloud computing – to deliver services through various channels, including smart devices, apps, websites and social media platforms.
To further promote these efforts, the UAE has developed a wide range of initiatives to accelerate innovation, enhance the quality of life, promote happiness, and empower young people.
The strategy targets three objectives:
1. Establishing the foundations required to build a digital government that can meet the rapidly changing needs of society and citizens.
2. Transformational leadership in adopting and developing advanced technologies, as well as empowering all employees with the skills they need to deliver high-quality services efficiently and effectively.
3. Boosting the role of both public and private sector entities in supporting innovation and creativity by providing an ideal environment for continuously improving services offered to citizens, residents and visitors.
The Six pillars of the strategy
The National Digital Strategy has been developed using broad-based feedback from many stakeholders, including government leaders, employees, and citizens.
The United Arab Emirates Digital Government Strategy Roadmap comprises six-pillar Digital and encompassing 64 national digital enablers.
Unified digital platform:
A unified digital platform to support the various government entities in delivering services to customers
Shared digital enablers:
Shared digital tools and enabling technology across all government entities to reduce cost and improve quality
Digital infrastructure and services:
The UAE wants a nationwide communications network that allows citizens to access services anywhere and anytime.
The UAE aims to provide world-class ICT services for businesses in order to encourage them to expand into, and conduct business from within the country’s borders.
Digital engagement:
This pillar is focused on building awareness of digital participation in government and involving citizens more deeply in efforts to improve governance. Many UAE citizens have not yet used government services online or found other ways to participate digitally.
This presents a huge opportunity for civic engagement, as well as a challenge for public agencies that are working hard to reach new audiences in innovative ways.
At its core, digital inclusion means making sure that all government services, information, programs and activities are accessible by anyone—citizens, private-sector participants, people with determination, and those who have language or other challenges.
Digital capacity:
Develop national capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and smart applications through partnerships with leading institutions around the world.
The UAE has an integrated digital government strategy for all its ministries.
This provides the necessary structure to build capacities across all government organizations to become more effective, efficient and transparent in their governance, offering better quality services to citizens at a lower cost.
Conclusion
The UAE is a country used to living in the future, a vision that was no doubt inspired by the country’s aspirations to set global benchmarks. It seems natural to continue this quest as the transition from a mainly oil-based economy to a digital knowledge based economy.
In order to attract the best and brightest young minds, the UAE should focus on leveraging its unique strengths—its location, stability, and the optimism of its young people.
