Issue 139 - May 2015

Distinguished services from The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs App

Dubai Police launches new app for

secure communities

Dubai Smart Government wins top information

security award

Dubai Smart Government: achievements that enable the

eTransformation of Dubai Government

Issue 139May 2015 1

4Dubai Smart Government:

achievements that enable the eTransformation of Dubai Government

7Dubai Police launches new app for

secure communities

10Distinguished services from The

Government of Dubai Legal Affairs

13The smart transformation in Dubai’s

Civil Defence services...60 services to protect users and

meet their needs

VisionTo become a world class smart government.

Mission To formulate and implement policies and initiatives for innovative and smart ICT usage contributing to economic welfare, social progress and global competitiveness of Dubai.

Issue 139 - May 2015

General supervisionMedia and Content

Management SectionCommunication & Business Development Department

Contact the Magazine Dubai Smart Government

Tel: 04-4056274Fax: 04-3532988P.O. Box: 90300

Email: media@dsg.gov.ae

An electronic version can be viewed on www.dubai.ae

The articles in this publication reflect only the author’s opinions and not necessarily those of the Smart Government or its staff. Republishing of material in this publication is not permitted without attribution of this publication as the source.

Editorial Team

Issue 139May 2015

“More than ever, the UAE needs to build and develop UAE cadres and leaders who specialize in innovation, in order to ensure the sustainability of UAE’s successes. Innovation is the secret of human progress, and we are betting on innovation for the UAE’s continued development and progress.”

With these words, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launching of a new diploma in “Government Innovation”, by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation in cooperation Cambridge University.

This pioneering step comes in the context of the vision and direction of the leadership to build a new generation including 50 chief executives representing 36 federal and local authorities, embracing innovation as an approach to develop government performance after completing a one year academic endeavour that includes intensive training courses, field visits and hosting international experts in the field.

***The innovation diploma aims to work on

spreading the concepts of government innovation in ministries, federal and local authorities and building a generation of national expertise specialized in concepts of government innovation and establishing a new government culture that practices government innovation on a daily basis in government authorities in a practical manner. This is what His Highness focused on when addressing the first batch of the diploma saying “I don’t want you to spend an entire year with papers and theories… we want a practical government innovation project from each one of you… I will review them along with my brother Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed, god’s willing, in 6 months’ time in preparation for their implementation. The goal is to develop the government, establish innovation, and the development of its projects and services and we don’t have much time to wait”.

This is how His Highness views it, and everyone has to take it seriously. What is needed are real innovative projects that are open for immediate implementation to develop performance reaching the future government in order to increase the happiness and satisfaction of government users

***

All conditions are in place for “innovation” to be the name of the next phase. No excuses are allowed with such unlimited government support, with the directions from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President. The cabinet has announced that 2015 will be the year of innovation in the UAE. It has issued its instructions to all federal authorities to intensify efforts, strengthen coordination and start the review of general governmental policies in order to create a stimulating environment for innovation that places the UAE at the top global ranks in the field.

In this context, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched the “National Strategy for Innovation” which includes 30 national initiatives for implementation in 3 years, and His Highness delegated the responsibility of implementing this strategy to the “national committee for innovation” which is based on 7 national sectors: energy, transportation, health, education, technology, water, and space’ that will place the UAE among the most innovative countries in the world in the next 7 years.

Here in Dubai, HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai adopted the “national strategy for innovation” in line with the launch of the “national committee for innovation”, which includes 20 national initiatives to be implemented in 3 years; in order to make Dubai the most innovative city in the world. The country’s investments in the field of innovation have reached AED 14 Billion annually, half of which go to research and development.

***After the landmarks of our way to build the future

have become crystal clear, there is nothing left but, to prove to our leadership that we are able to rise up to the challenge and responsibility and that their trust and faith in us will bear the fruits of attaining glory and a prestigious global status. God bless the UAE, its leadership and its people.

Editorial Team

2

Editorial

Government innovation: the title of the future government

Issue 139May 2015 3

News

Wi-Fi in public places through smart palm

trees from Dubai Municipality

Dubai Smart Government wins top information

security award

As part of its efforts to transform Dubai into the smartest city, Dubai Municipality (DM) in collaboration with Du and D Idea Media, launched the first smart palm tree in Zabeel Park, the first of 52 smart palm trees, which will provide Wi-Fi in prominent parks in Dubai. The palm tree design is closely linked to the Emirati heritage, which has used the palm as a prominent symbol for many modern projects.

Innovative features The smart palm tree can provide

free Wi-Fi for about 50 users at a time. Other than browsing the Internet or for social media, users can also charge their phones, tablets or laptops, with DM providing benches and tables for the best possible browsing experience. Camera sensors and speakers can guide visitors to lesser crowded tree, while video presentations can be viewed on the display screens.

Customer satisfaction DSG magazine’s team visited Zabeel

Park and found that most visitors were satisfied with the smart transformation of the emirate, while some said it would be a huge relief o have charging stations and high speed internet at a relaxed place like the park.

Dubai Smart Government Department (DSG) has achieved a further milestone by winning the information security award in the category of “Best Information Security Program Implementation” in the field of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for online and smartphone payment services (ePay and mPay). The award was given by the Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC 2015) in its 3rd edition, and received by Mira Sultan, Director of Information Security Department at DSG.

The award followed DSG’s success in meeting all the requirements and compliance with applicable practices and standards for payment card data protection under the scope of the electronic payment services. This includes operational procedures, HR and technological resources with the aim of ensuring the highest levels of confidentiality for ePayment card operations and enhancing the protection of card owners through a fully equipped and secure infrastructure. Compliance with the standard is checked regularly.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Humaidan, DSG Director General, said: “As part of its strategy, DSG is keen on abiding by the highest information security standards, this being one of the most important factors that we always take into account in all our services in line with the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to shift to smart government and ensure the provision smart services of high reliability that bring happiness to customers and meet their satisfaction.”

Bin Humaidan added: “Winning the information security award shows our keenness on promoting the optimum implementation of our information technology projects and electronic security applications. It also reflects how far we are committed to applying international information security standards to improve the performance of services in general. The award is endorses the quality of the services provided to customers and hence enhances the confidence of our customers in our smart services”.

Issue 139May 2015

Smart Government Society We spoke to Mr. Fadi Hindi, Consultant

in the Strategy Management Office at

DSG. He mentioned that

the Dubai Government

portal (Dubai.

ae) was the first

communication

channel between the

government and the

public. It was

considered

a virtual

government

complex

which

gradually

built up

more than 1500

government services,

around specific topics and

life events. Right now the DSG

strategy aims to take

specific services

and bundle them

together in specific

apps for various

professions.

mDubai app DSG realized the need to reorient its eServices around

smartphones and apps; considering the high usage of the

smartphone in the region. Along with other government

apps, the mDubai app was created to bundle together

most used services in an easy to use app.

ePay – More than just payments

The ePay

service is

extensively

used in

Dubai

to pay

common

bills and fees.

Examples include

DEWA bills, RTA

recharge of Salik and Nol,

violation tickets from Dubai

Police, Dubai Customs fees, and

donations to Dubai Cares or certificates

from Dubai Health Authority. You

can also pay while you are

on the road or away from

your computer by using

the mPay app from Apple

or Android smartphones.

4

Dubai Smart Government:

achievements that enable the eTransformation of Dubai Government

Cover story

When His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai launched the smart government initiative on the federal level, it was then that His Highness also changed the name of Dubai eGovernment to Dubai Smart Government. This first of its kind in the Arab world has given DSG a leading status twice in the same field of eTransformation and the challenge of leading a transition towards excellence and government innovation. We take you

behind the scenes of DSG to see how this is being accomplished:

Issue 139May 2015 5

MyID – Single sign-on for most government services

The MyID service from Dubai Smart Government and Emirates Identity Authority provides a single-sign on for most of Dubai Government services. This is very useful especially for smartphone users, who do not have log on to multiple government websites or have many government user accounts. You can register for this service if you have an Emirates ID card that you use at the MyID kiosk for your initial registration. Registration can be done through: http://myid.dubai.gov.ae. The service can also enable whoever hold “Card Reader” to complete the registration anywhere without using “MyID kiosk”.

Number of entities using the service 11

Number of services 250+Number of registered users 44,000Number of MyID kiosks 24

Smart employee app for government employees

The Smart Employee app has been used so far by 20,000 employees. It is available in both Apple and Android stores with English and Arabic versions. A menu of self-services are available including leaves, return, vacations, attendance and permissions, payroll, searching for an employee and actionable items for managers to approve while on the move.

Number of entities using the service 40Number of employees using the service 20,000

Government Resource Planning Systems

The Government Resource Planning Systems (GRPS) are centralized shared systems, provided by Dubai Smart Government to all government authorities in Dubai to run basic internal government operations, in financial and logistical areas, human resources, salaries, hiring, asset management, suppliers, self-services for employees in accordance with financial policies and systems, human resource management laws approved by Dubai Government.

Number of entities using (GRPS) 50

Number of (GRPS) 25

Number of registered users in (GRPS) 45,000

Number of basic entities systems integrated with (GRPS) 60

Number of employees using (GRPS) 65,000Number of basic users of (GRPS) 4000

SMS Portal (4488)DSG has not neglected those who cannot use or do

not have access to smartphones. It continues to use the SMS gateway for basic government services through its 4488 SMS gateway. Messages can be sent or received from government entities and these are useful for receiving notifications, confirmations or appointments. This service is also used by government authorities to announce their new services and activities to the public.

Number of entities using the service 60Number of SMS successfully sent during 2014 176 M

eJob - opportunities for all The eJob app is a centralized mobile portal and app,

for all to apply for government jobs in Dubai. HR departments in government can post their vacancies and needs online, filter applications, schedule interviews and offer jobs to the selected candidates.

Number of entities registered in the portal 16

Ask Dubai for your smart answersAsk Dubai is the dedicated call centre for most Dubai

government entities. Operating around the clock in both English and Arabic, the operators provide patient answers to most queries and take in comments and suggestions. That can be done through 600560000 or Website: help@dsg.gov.ae. We spoke to Rayah Al-Dmour, Customer Service Centre Specialist at DSG. ‘There is a positive and constantly evolving interaction seen with the public, who are encouraged to make use of our services and apps.” She mentioned how the operators guide users to solve issues even for the government apps. The call centre works around the clock.

Number of registered entities 18Number of received calls from 1st of January 2015 till now 20,264

Number of received emails from 1st of January 2015 till now 8031

Issue 139May 20156

Information security: the pillar of eTransformation

We spoke to Eman Taher, Information Security Officer in the Information Security Management at DSG. She said, “The department was able to achieve several accomplishments since its establishment within Dubai Smart Government where it managed to prepare and disseminate the information security system in Dubai Smart Government; and it includes governance of information security management, accidents’ management, management of operations, systems and departments.”

She also added that the department had also released a guide for users and developers to enjoy the benefits of security and privacy which provides an integrated safety net for users and introduces them to all issues that make their app usage a fun, easy and safe experience”.

Government Information Network: The cornerstone of infrastructure

The Government Information Network links department systems for the transfer of government information and paperwork and the exchange of it with a high degree of protection, ensuring the reliability of such information and its security, without undue error or external interference.

The network includes the latest network exchanges, firewalls and a dedicated team that determines the interdependence policies between departments and the network. It also oversees network functions and its follow-up to ensure the sustainability of its performance or intervene immediately in case of emergency.

Number of points of contacts connected by the network 58

Smart Disaster Recovery CentreThe unified government data centre for disaster recovery

aims towards the management of a safe environment for government information security, ensuring work continuity, and contributing to the sustainable development of Dubai in the context of the transformation to the smart government and seeking to make it the smartest city in the world.

Number of entities connected with the Centre 28

Smart Government Correspondence Dubai Smart Government provides an integrated smart

system of communication and electronic correspondence for all government departments, represented by the establishment of an email account for each employees in the government, with a high level of protection and security. It also enables users to access their emails through their

mobile phones.

eSuggest to express your opinion in a smart manner

eSuggest is the portal for suggestions from the public and employees directed to government authorities in Dubai effectively and efficiently. It includes mechanisms for receiving suggestions, studying it, and processing it. This contributes to the development of government performance and achieve users’ satisfaction and expectations. This system has been created in coordination between the Executive Council for Dubai Government and Dubai Smart Government.

Number of entities using the service 30

eComplaints System The electronic complaints system is a unified electronic

management system to deal with the public’s complaints directed to government authorities in Dubai, and the first of its kind in the region to be the lever of performance in the public sector in Dubai. The system provides a real platform for users to provide their comments and complaints about services provided to them by government authorities participating in the system. The system includes mechanisms for receiving, studying, and processing complaints, measuring their impact and taking advantage of it in improving performance while ensuring the privacy of the users and the confidentiality of their information.

Number of entities using the service 33

Transparency that guarantees development

Dubai Smart Government provides the eSurvey to get feedback on electronic and smart services provided by government authorities in Dubai to the public. This strengthens transparency in bilateral relations between the government and the public; and provides the public with the opportunity to express their opinion on the current electronic and smart transformation policy in Dubai and services provided to them in general.

Number of entities using the service 39

Towards a smart cityHis Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

launched the project of transforming Dubai into a smart city in October 2013. This project aims to make all government authorities communicate electronically, with each other and with their residents through smart, connected electronic systems. The project also aims to provide high speed internet in public places in the city leading to creating a new lifestyle for city residents; where smart interaction between the public and government authorities becomes easier than ever to improve the quality of life for the people.

Issue 139May 2015

Can you tell us more about this app?

First, I would like to tell you more about the “Securing Activities Committee”, which was established in 2008 and on board has members representing most government departments in Dubai. This committee oversees the security of official events in Dubai such as New Year’s Celebrations, international horse racing events, Global Village and other official events such as conferences, official exhibitions, competitions, and sports tournaments.

The committee coordinates with participating government and private authorities for the successful implementation of these various events. As for the app, it deals with major activities in Dubai throughout the year, and making information available to the public. This includes the dates and special venues reserved for these activities, in addition to making users aware of all instructions and guidelines to improve the quality of these events to maintain their safety and security while enjoying the experience.

Where did the idea for this app come from?

Dubai represents the first touristic destination in the region, and different recreational and promotional activities are one of the most important attractions for visitors coming

from abroad. It also represents an entertainment opportunity for residents in Dubai in particular and the UAE in general. Due to the scarcity of information that reaches the public about such events, we thought of launching this app to serve as a smart guide for these events to be made available in every hand.

What are the services offered by this app?

This app features a range of functions and services, the most

important of which is the search for events and activities through simple key words. When choosing the activity or event, the user can start 3D navigation from his/her location to the location and venue of the activity with voice enabled instructions. The app also allows the user to save the location of his/her parking slot and reprogram it in case of change. We added this function specifically because of repeated submissions of reports for cars believed to be stolen while the visitor might have just forgotten the parking slot in a crowded parking lot. The app also provides internal navigation services, which can direct visitors to the location of the mosque, restrooms, restaurants and other facilities at the venue.

What is the rate of downloads of the app by the public?

The development of this product is still going one. It has been downloaded by about 650 iPhone users and 722 Android users so far, but, we are planning on launching an awareness campaign for the app in malls and venues of activities to reach more segments of society and in the future we will work on promoting the app on television and radio stations.

7

Interview

Dubai Policelaunches new app for secure communities

Colonel Abdallah Khalifa Al-Marri,

Deputy Director of the General Administration of

Security Bodies, Enterprises and Emergency in Dubai Police

Dubai Police has launched a new app on smartphones for secure communities. Called ‘Event’s Security Committee’, the app provides users with information on the big events in Dubai that are authorized by the Secure Committee. We conducted this interview with Colonel Abdallah Khalifa Al-Marri, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Security Bodies, Enterprises and Emergency in Dubai Police, to get a comprehensive overview

of the app and vision of Dubai Police to achieve e-transformation in the security sector.

Issue 139May 20158

Number of participating

entities in the service

Number of participating banks

in the service

1.67mn transaction

2.1mn transaction

Statistics shows the total number of transactions and amounts collected from ePay starting from 1st of January 2015 till 30th of April 2015. It

also shows the percentage in comparison to the same period in 2014.

Payment of Government Services’ fees around the clock:

Payment Methods: Electronic payments via smartphones-credit cards- E-Dirham - direct debit

from users’ accounts in collaboration with selected banks.

Examples of Services: Payment of DEWA bills, payment of Dubai Police’s violation tickets

-donations to “Dubai Cares” -Medical fitness examination.

Infographic

30 authorities

7 banks

Number of transactions in 2014

Number of transactions in 2015

2.0bnDirhams

Amounts collected in 2014

2.6bnDirhams

Amounts collected in 2015

27%

Rate of increase in transactions between 2014

and 2015

Rate of increase in service proceeds

between 2014 and 2015

32%

Issue 139May 2015

Issue 139May 2015 9

Statistics shows the total number of transactions and received money from mPay starting from 1st of January 2015 till 30th of April 2015. It also shows the percentage in comparison to the same period in 2014.

76,859

174,742

Payment of government and semi-government service fees:Download the app under the name “mPay” available on both

Apple’s App Store and Android’s Play Store

Examples of services: Recharge (Salik)-Recharge (Nol)-Payment of bills (Du)-Subscribe to 5 services from (Etisalat).

Number of transactions

in 2014

Number of transactions in 2015

30.4mnAmounts collected

in 2014

79mnAmounts collected

in 2015

127%

Rate of increase in transactions between 2014

and 2015

Rate of increase in service proceeds

between 2014 and 2015

160%

9 authorities

Number of participating authorities

Number of offered services

10 Services

34,822 Download

Number of downloads on

Android

69,200 Download

Number of downloads on

App Store

Issue 139May 2015

Issue 139May 2015

The department’s services to the public aims at guaranteeing all their rights. They are consisting of two parts; one of them deal with complains against government entities and the other deals with complains against legal professionals. The application also provides the user with an application form.

The department’s services to legal professionals are divided into two parts: the first one is for the advocacy profession which shows all what lawyers need for licensing and registration. The second one is for legal consultancy profession and all its requirements.

التجارة اإللكترونية

10

Mobile Apps

Distinguished services from The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs App

What is the Legal Affairs Department?

What are the functions of this app?

This department is concerned with the legal affairs of Dubai’s government in all matters relating to claims, disputes, the preparation and review of contracts and agreements in which the government or a government authority constitutes a part of in the Emirate of Dubai. This department is specialized in the development and professional training of those working in the legal and government entities in the Emirate; and the development of the regulatory framework for continuous professional development of lawyers and legal consultants as the authority responsible for regulating legal professions in the Emirate.

This app may not be the best when it comes to design but, it features many of the specialized services for lawyers, consultants and paralegals such as renewing the law firm’s license, requesting licensing for opening a branch for a legal consulting office; in addition to services designed for the public such as filing complaints against government authorities, complaints against legal practitioners and others. The services provided by the app includes: services for the public and services for lawyers and legal advisers.

Issue 139May 2015

The government aims through these smart services to reduce time spent on completing paperwork through encouraging people to use a single website (Gov.uk). In a study conducted by the “Information Technology Management Association” in 2012, which included 120 local councils in the UK showed that “the cost of digital paperwork is 20 times less than the cost of a paperwork completed over the phone; and 50 times less than the cost of paperwork completed face to face”.

It’s worthy to mention that the UK which is classified the fourth internationally in delivering digital government services according to United Nations statistics in 2012; is seeking to provide a safe and reliable environment for users while completing their government paperwork. The government is also seeking to provide Internet for about 9 million people living in remote areas and have no access to internet services in order to integrate all the UK’s population in the smart services community.

The British government is considered one of the world’s most experienced governments in smart government services, and it has been able through many of its electronic services to achieve a higher degree of maturity on the interactive level and on the level of completing paperwork.

The performance of government services has been characterized by consistency across all different pillars, and communication services has recorded distinctive success through the use of social networking tools. The UK has been ranked seventh on the digital government performance index; nonetheless, the British government has made strides in the journey of improving its electronic services, where it provided its population with the “tell us

one time” app that has been implemented in all government services. The central government has adopted an integrated approach to improve services provided through or associated with this app, 96% of local authorities have opted for this app, which is expected to save the government about 302 million US dollars on an annual basis.

The direction of the British government in adopting a “digitization” strategy stems from a recognition of the role of digital services in achieving greater economic reform and more positive outcomes leading to users’ satisfaction and engagement, economic competitiveness and desired government productivity. The British government is facing a range of operational challenges such as privacy and data security where government authorities have to trust their departments and to avoid demanding the population to provide personal information more than once. In this context, the government is pursuing to focus on long-term planning and to provide more cost-effective services where the population desires that the government continues its efforts in focusing on cost-effectiveness and productivity when offering a new electronic service.

It’s no secret for users that challenges facing smart governments require constant monitoring of performance output, in addition to focusing on the methodology of continuous interactive integration among those who draft policies and put strategies on the one hand, and those who paint a practical picture of those policies to be the subject of an application that provides an easy to use service that is able to interact with the public on the other hand. •

11

Global Smart Governments

The United Kingdom is adopting a digital strategy that aims to establish integrated services that ultimately align with the interests of citizens; and in order to reach its objectives, the government established what it called “Digital Government Service”, which reports directly to the Prime Minister’s Office. The British government provided key services through smart applications and it is seeking to make communication channels more convenient and easy to

use for users through constant and consecutive updates.

Digital Government in UK:Services to delight citizens

Issue 139May 201512

Smart Strategy

The first strategic theme in SG21 focuses on three key points:• delivering government services via mobile phones and

smart technologies• providing connected services• packaging services for specific customer groups

Mobile phone and smart technologies The first theme in the SG21 strategy is not only about

smartphone applications but also includes using technology in the delivery of services through smart sensors distributed all around the Emirate. These will collect information from the city to serve the city’s population in a better way and improve the quality of life for everyone. For example, garbage collection from containers will have sensors which will sense when the bin is full, enabling cleaners to do their job without wasting time and effort.

In addition to that, the strategy is working on establishing the smart meters initiatives, which are digital communication systems that record electricity consumption every 30 minutes. This data then is automatically sent to electricity suppliers, putting an end to quarterly estimated bills and manual readings of electricity meters.

Smart technology will be used in vital areas such as transportation, health care, tourism, service facilities and energy; in addition to, other areas that can improve the

experience of the smart city.It should be noted that mobile phone services will gradually be linked to the MyID service which facilitates unified access to Dubai’s services, checking the user’s identity and his/her routine and regular needs.

Providing connected servicesConnected services facilitates the life of the user, as he/

she does not have to go to a government department to on a regular basis. These include routine business services like commercial licensing, import and export etc and individual most frequently used services. These will all be connected end to end, to reduce the time spent between different government departments.

Packaging services for specific customer groups

Some services which are related to specific trades or professions will be packaged or bundled together to suit a particular segment need. Investors, business people, contractors or healthcare providers will find it easier to operate when they have a package of services exclusively for their usage. Based on this need, DSG will tailor-make apps for specific customer groups.

Such strategies will create more adoption of smart services and transform Dubai into a smart city that embraces happiness with open arms. •

“The government of the future is connected. Citizens should be able to complete any government transaction at any government centre.” HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. With these words, the first strategic theme was introduced in

the Dubai Smart Government Strategy 2014-2017, called SG21.

Dubai Smart Government Strategy (2014-2017)

Smart services are more than just apps (Part 2)

Issue 139May 2015

Effective smart systemsThe law requires owners of private and public

establishments, even those under construction to install the required hardware that works on monitoring signals coming from fire safety systems around the clock thus, providing accurate reports and helps strengthen early response systems in cases of emergency. Smart systems provide an opportunity for fire brigades, police and medical services to coordinate among themselves; in addition to providing DCD with a prior database on the fastest route to get to the target building. This data also helps rescue teams know the number of floors in the building, and entrances and emergency exits which will allow DCD teams to select the needed equipment for each accident to rapidly control it.

A smart protection system Alarm signals sent to DCD through this smart system

include fire signals, elevators, failures of safety equipment, power outages, low water level in tanks in addition to other failures such as water pump failures and gas leakages. These smart systems are installed in buildings and linked to the main DCD control centre in Dubai through satellites using GPRS technology which enables these smart systems to monitor the building around the clock as well as exchange data and information on the safety of the building. These smart systems automatically send an alert signal to the control room where the monitoring screen shows the location of the damaged building and the nature of the

emergency in addition to a suggested evacuation plan and the different routes that can be used to get to the building.

Smart safety with just one click The DCD app in Dubai provides the user with several

services including business accreditation services, hazardous materials, financial services, investigation and follow-up services, inspection and licensing services, in addition to training and outreach services. Services provided by this app have been divided into two main categories: Smart systems for houses, and Smart systems for private and public establishments. The app also offers information on the locations and addresses of various DCD centers in Dubai making its services easily and conveniently. The app doesn’t lose sight of providing public safety guidelines to the public as part of the community message that DCD is keen on consistently spreading among citizens and residents.

Multiple smart services Smart services provided to the public through DCD are

not limited to preventive or rescue services but include other services such as licensing and inspection services through the smart inspection program, accreditation procedures for companies, and technicians’ exams. The variety of smart services in DCD comes from an initiative aiming to serve the population and meet their needs in times of emergency, in addition to providing commercial services for owners of new buildings.

Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) now provides 60 different services divided into 9 main pillars all of which meet users’ needs relating to procedures, regulatory procedures or regulations. The DCD implements smart systems in order to enhance the safety of citizens and residents through linking control systems in cases of emergency in commercial establishments, to smart systems capable of monitoring and follow-up in the occurrence of an accident. These smart systems have led to a reduction in the number of fire accidents in the city by 61%, since houses have also been equipped with such systems where residents are directly linked to the centre of command in DCD. These smart systems offer a better opportunity in dealing with cases of emergency which significantly prevents an increase in damages, human and material losses. Through pressing a single button the homeowner can inform DCD of emergency cases through the use of wireless

communication technology to connect with the control room, which is known as M2M.

The smart transformation in Dubai’s Civil Defence services60 services to protect users and meet their needs

13

Smart Transformation

Issue 139May 201514

Information Security

Issue 139May 2015 15

Smart society

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid’s initiatives that go beyond his tweets

Snapshots from the biography of Dubai on Instagram

We reviewed an important report about progress made in national agenda’s deliverables, we have 70 goals to achieve before 2021

I was pleased to award several entities like Al Azhar, Google and UNESCO for their valuable role to establish and support the usage of Arabic language

Today we unveiled the plans, designs and scientific goals for the #EmiratesMarsMission

#MyDubai

Issue 139May 2015

“Smart Salik” is available in both languages English and Arabic

Use and download“Smart Salik” App

Additional services will appear upon setting up new account

2

3

4

1

For more information call:

800 9090

this screen shows the locations and directions for each of the Salik Toll Gates and the Salik Customer Service Centres

16

The main screen shows icons for the app’s basic functions

The application is available for download on both App Store and GooglePlay

Apps wizard