Leading government officials look to grow e-services through Gitex Technology Week 2008

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, this year's event is providing one of the most comprehensive updates on major EGovernment projects and initiatives from across the GCC region, with The Ministry of Justice, The Prime Minister's Office, and the Ministry of Interior Naturalisation and Residency Administration - Dubai, all participating for the first time.

"Government departments across the GCC are contributing significantly to the expansion of e-services through Gitex Technology Week," said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the show organiser, Dubai World Trade Centre. "Governments are actively taking the lead to encourage more people to experience the technology revolution."

Situated in Hall 8 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) Government organisations are reporting increased levels of foot-fall and successful high-level business negotiations.

"Gitex Technology Week is the most important ICT exhibition in the GCC. We are getting global technology companies coming to us, and it has been easy to meet people in the same field," said His Excellency Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri from the Ministry of Interior Naturalisation and Residency Administration - Dubai. "We are here to look at ways of making our services easier to use and to launch the new Amer kiosk which will allow people to apply for a visit visa and residency."

Gitex Technology Week was opened on Sunday afternoon by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, with tens of thousands of trade visitors keen to meet clients, generate new business and interact with many leading international companies.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has also launched the 'Wareed', healthcare data system at the project's stand. 'Wareed' is a unique federal step designed to link all hospitals in the UAE through one common platform. Project 'Wareed' is based on a technological platform that will virtually link all public sector medical establishments across the country and automate all healthcare processes across radiology, pathology, pharmacy, surgery, emergency and registration departments, supported by high-end data centers and network infrastructure.

Khalil Saqer Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Dubai EGovernment said: "Gitex Technology Week allows us to share our experiences of implementing EGovernment projects with other countries across the GCC. We are also here to gain experience from international companies and look at new technology."

A delegation of 16 government bodies from Bahrain are also attending this year's Gitex Technology Week looking to exchange expertise and introduce the level and high quality of services.

"Bahrain's stand in Gitex Dubai 2008 attracted a great number of experts and officials in the field of technology and communications in the region," said Mr. Mohammad Ali AlQaed - CEO EGovernment Authority. "The Latest technology in the field of information and communication is being displayed with an aim to exchange expertise and introduce the level and high quality of services."

The Gitex Technology Week Global Conference is attracting record numbers with an impressive 35 tracks of interactive discussion, featuring some of the world's leading industry experts on new generation technology.

This year there is also an emphasis on using new Park and Ride service as well as the shuttle bus services in and out of Gitex Technology Week. There are double the amount of shuttle buses from main points such as hotels, malls, City Centre and Dubai Internet City.