Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Dubai government's internet portal at a glittering ceremony held Sunday at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
After 18 months of non-stop work, the portal went online to alter the way the public finalizes transactions with the government, and to keep all services of 24 local government departments available around the clock.
From today and onwards, transactions can be completed from anywhere in the world, anytime the client wants, by visiting the website of the e-government, http://www.dubai.ae.
Sheikh Mohammad was quoted by the Gulf News as saying that the e-government office "is now a government expertise house," and will become a department.
The sheikh noted that he would directly supervise the e-government project.
Sheihk Mohammad addressed the gathering at the launch ceremony, saying that “the success achieved tonight is good. But I want to see e-life imbued in all that the government does. Not only should government departments provide services through the internet to the public, but should use it themselves and among themselves.”
"All this requires the founding of a central e-government office, which will liaise between various departments, help and support them change to an e-lifestyle, provide training and monitor their progress.
"Today, I announce that this e-government office will be located at Dubai Internet City, and will be directly supervised by the ruler's court."
He pointed out that the Dubai Internet City had the e-infrastructure to provide the venture with the best work environment.
Sheikh Mohammed added: "Today, with the touch of a button, we are changing the future of Dubai. We are planning and developing ourselves for the new era. We are establishing the foundations for tomorrow.
"When I announced the e-government initiative 18 months back, I knew that we were getting into a very challenging and a very new field for this region. This initiative was enough to raise questions and doubts about the concept.
"I was sure that it would succeed and surpass what we had dreamed of those months ago. And, this was because of God's will and our own genuine efforts" – Albawaba.com
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