DM receives UN award for e-government services

In a ceremony held at its premises on Friday in New York, Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality received the award on behalf of the Municipality.

Dubai has become the first Arab city to win the prestigious award, which was also conferred on eleven other enterprises around the world as well as official institutions from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, India, Holland, Rwanda, Singapore and Zambia.

Lootah said the vision espoused by the UAE leadership had led to the re-drawing of the administrative performance plan.

He congratulated Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the award, which he said would place Dubai among the best public e-service providers in the world.

Lootah said that Dubai Municipality has accomplished more than 2 million online transactions after the launch of its e-services in 2001. He said the civic body offers 382 e-services currently through its portal.

Lootah said that Dubai Municipality hopes to offer 90% of services online by the end of the year.

The award covers three major areas, including transparency, accountability and the public service's response to the basic needs of the people. The award recognizes the recipient's role in improving public services.

Eng. Abdul Hakim Malik, Director of Information Technology Department and Farhan Hassan Al Marzouqi, Head of Media Section, were also present on the occasion.