Emirates Post announces DEWA bill payment service at Dubai post offices

This follows an agreement recently signed between Emirates Post and Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA). The service will be offered through the sophisticated Point of Sales (POS) system at Emirates Post's 23 post offices in Dubai, with a direct link to DEWA computerized system, providing real-time transaction information to DEWA offices.

The launch of the new service was announced at a joint press conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Dubai, attended by Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post and Mr. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, General Manager of DEWA, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

Addressing the media, Mr. Al Daboos said: "The facility of payment of DEWA bills represents an important step in Emirates Post's drive towards offering multiple non-postal services under one roof, in association with government organisations as well as private companies for the benefit and convenience of the community. The provision of upgraded and integrated services matches the Emirates Post's vision of becoming a pioneering and innovative postal corporation in the Middle East through a focus on world-class standards in all our services. We are extremely pleased to partner with DEWA to offer the service of paying water and electricity bills through our post office counters in Dubai."

"The DEWA bill payment service is part of our strategic plan to deliver multiple services to the community and businesses. Some of the services already available at selected post offices are subscriptions for E-Vision, sale of Dubai Municipality's pre-paid parking cards and banking services in association with the Union National Bank which plans to open branches in all post offices in a phased manner. We also offer Etisalat bill payment facilities through electronic machines. This is just the start of our strategic plan to provide multiple community and business services through post offices," Mr. Al Daboos added.

In his remarks, Mr. Al Tayer said the network of Emirates Post's offices would provide additional outlets for facilitating DEWA bill payments.

"We consider this as an important part of our ongoing efforts to simplify payment procedures and introduce convenient channels for payment. This tie-up with Emirates Post comes of the heels of extensive studies focused on customer satisfaction. This service will save the time and efforts of both consumers and DEWA staff," Mr. Al Tayer said.

He said this step by DEWA was part of integrated measures to simplify procedures and enhance customer satisfaction, and it also reflected the practical application of DEWA's motto "We Work for You".

Mr. Al Tayer pointed out that DEWA was always keen to provide various services using simplified procedures of e-government and Internet applications or via its branches that are spread all over Dubai and now at Emirates Post outlets as well.

"Our research shows that there is a growing demand for new and innovative channels for payment of bills," Mr. Al Tayer added. "There has been a steady increase in the number of people paying their DEWA bills through the Internet. In 2001, 5,670 consumers paid their bills using our website, with a total transaction amounting to Dhs. 1.8 million. In 2002, the number increased to 13,645, involving an amount of Dh. 5.25 million. This year, by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2003, more than 22,000 consumers used the website for electronic payments, totaling Dhs. 6.8 million."

Mr. Tayer, at the end, highlighted the importance of cooperation and coordination between the different departments and sectors to serve our aspirations for more achievements.