Dubai Municipality will only process online transactions at its head quarters

The project aims to increase the quality and effectiveness of customer services, providing swift solutions for any arising problem and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Dubai Municipality displayed to visitors and media representatives attending the show its innovative Technology Week project, which will start operating from September 23, 2007. The display included the services that will be provided online for all the residents of Dubai, steps to be followed and the benefits of the project.

Commenting on this initiative Engineer Abdulla Al Shebani Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for technical services said "the municipality would set aside for each of its various divisions one week during which all transactions at that division would be completed online to enable clients complete their transactions with that division from anywhere without the need to go to the DM premises, adding that the municipality had also provided electronic platforms at its premises for those who come to its office to transact business".

Engineer Al Shebani confirmed that "Starting from 23 September, and for a period of three months Dubai Municipality will only process online transactions. Such decision will encourage customers to explore and use online services and get custom to the electronic environment. Dubai Municipality will provide highly trained staff to assist all customers".

"This program is a translation into action of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision on transforming all government administration services into electronic format. Dubai Municipality is committed to further improving its services to its clients. We take into serious consideration quick and easy access to information as part of the municipality's 24 hours e-Gate programme," he said, adding that the municipality pays serious attention to suggestions and complaints posted through its website and is working to make its procedures easier to clients by providing its services online.

Engineer Al Shebani noted that the Dubai Municipality had processed millions of transactions since the launch of the e-Government in October 2001. He expressed the hope that the municipality would achieve about 90% of its transactions when the electronic system became totally complete and linked with all other government departments in Dubai. "This would certainly improve the quality of services, avert mistakes and bring significant relief to our clients," he added.

Mr. Abdul Hakeem Malik, Director of Information Technology at Dubai Municipality pointed out that the municipality had taken a giant stride in its e-Government services programme and is currently doubling its efforts to provide more comprehensive electronic services. He said the municipality currently has about 150 electronic information services and around 40 electronic transaction services, including engineering services for contractors, central lab services and a collection of services related to trading in and handling of food items, in addition to other general services like payment of car parking violation penalty.

He said about 9,000 registered clients currently use the municipality's website, adding that so far more than 1.3 transactions had been completed through the municipality's website and this had fetched for the municipality about AED12 million.

The Technology Week campaign programme will start with the Environment Division of the municipality on September 23, the Public Health Division follows from October 7, the Sewerage Division will have its turn on October 21, the Planning and Area Division's turn begins on November 4, while the Building Division - Rehabilitation Section and the Building Division - Building Permit Section will have their turn on November 18 and December 9 respectively.