Thursday, May 23, 2013

There are more then 14 million mobile phones in use across the UAE — and most of us actually manage to carry two of the devices, with overall market penetration being one of the highest around the world.

And more and more of us are switching to smartphones, with downloadable apps telling us where the nearest restaurants are, up-to-the minute real-time news or just games that provide amusement. On a serious side, this switch to mobile technology offers an opportunity for the government to increase its presence and heighten its performance and service delivery. That is precisely why His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Rule of Dubai, earlier this week launched the Mobile Government initiative. Under the ambitious plan, the nation will create a “mobile government that operates around the clock,” according to Shaikh Mohammad’s own words.

“I want my government to be a one-stop shop where everything can be done easily,” he said. And for those who are unwilling to proceed with the UAE’s development march, he said there will be a farewell party. This Mobile Government initiative is a logical and necessary extension to the rapid advances administrators have made in eGovernment. But with mobile apps transforming the way we live, having government services do the same is a logical progression. Already, thanks to huge investment and innovative programmes, the UAE is highly connected and is blessed with a telecommunications network that is advanced and technologically superior. “Everyone should realise that time is changing and those who can’t adapt to this change will not be able to achieve their targets,” Shaikh Mohammad said,

With proper planning and execution, the mobile service sector will be worth Dh100 billion, telecommunications experts predict.

This initiative is also important in that it shows the government to be progressive and transparent — with all services needing to be up-to-date and efficient for the plan to work. Ultimately, transparent and progressive government means betterment of all citizens and residents.

Gulf News

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