Dubai eGovernment to launch strategic programme to enhance eServices usage competency among the community

Presenting the highlights of this programme at a recent conference in Dubai, Hesham Amiri, New Ventures Manager, Dubai eGovernment, said the broad objectives of the new initiative were to increase PC and Internet awareness, accelerate usage of government eServices and ultimately transform individuals and businesses into eCitizens and eBusinesses.

'The ambitious goal of Dubai eGovernment to transform Dubai into a hub of Digital Economy could be achieved only through a systematic exercise that guides the citizens and businesses into embracing all the aspects of online services,' said Amiri. 'We call this the eCitizens Track which involves the following four steps - adoption of PC usage, adoption of Internet usage, basic training and eServices training.'

Amiri stressed that IT literacy and basic training had become essential for people to make full use of the multiple eServices offered by Dubai eGovernment, and the innovative programme was designed to ensure that citizens and businesses had the opportunity to receive educational sessions under professional supervision.

'The eCitizens Track involves raising levels of IT knowledge and skills as well as improving productivity at home and at work through enhanced training,' said Amiri. 'We have developed a system in which we will provide progressive training for the basic computer packages, Internet usage and the diversified eServices, with the objective of producing eCitizens who would spearhead the new revolution of totally integrated online services.'

The eCitizens concept forms a key component of Dubai eGovernment's Community Outreach programme as it has been designed to provide people and businesses alike with a valuable tool to gain expert access to the varied online offerings.

'The programme will be implemented in collaboration with organizations from the private sector through value added packages that will serve as incentives to join the eServices programme,' said Amiri. 'Enabling Dubai citizens to migrate to advanced systems and tools is the key responsibility of Dubai eGovernment particularly as the project involves leading edge solutions for integrated services. The new initiative has been carefully designed in order to equip people and businesses in Dubai with basic and advanced training. This exercise will make a significant contribution to the success of online government services channeled through the Dubai eGovernment portal (http://www.dubai.ae).'