UAE, October 17, 2016 – The Smart Dubai Government Establishment (SDG) and the Department of Finance (DoF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the second day of GITEX Technology Week 2016 for managing electronic payment services and relevant financial settlements. The MoU was signed by H.E. Wesam Lootah, CEO of SDG, and Jamal Hamed Al Marri, Executive Director of Central Accounts at the DoF in the presence of a number of officials from both sides.
Adopting a concept based on collaboration and mutual efforts among all Dubai establishments, SDG harnesses all available potentials and employs modern technology to create more opportunities for making life in Dubai City the smartest and happiest. Smart Dubai adopts a fast and collaborative approach for smart transformation, enabling strategic partnerships among the government sector, private sector and academic circles to design and implement services that are in line with its mission aimed at achieving happiness by embracing technological innovations based on the keen vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest city in the world.
Meanwhile, SDG, the technology arm of Smart Dubai, is committed to providing the best smart services where the provision, management and operation of electronic payment portal and payment services through smart devices in Dubai is regarded as one of the most important smart transformations in the city. Several agreements have been concluded with some service providers and financial institutions to provide electronic payment of fees through direct debit, credit cards or other similar electronic methods of payments. Based on this, it has been agreed with the DoF to manage all financial and accounting affairs, conduct financial audit and prepare financial statements on behalf of Dubai Government.
H.E. Wesam Lootah, CEO of SDG, said: "This agreement with the DoF has been signed to reflect the keenness of both parties on enhancing joint co-operation among Dubai government entities, combining efforts and reaching integrated visions and goals with the aim of ensuring optimum use of government resources and making Dubai an example to follow in the region in terms of optimum use of resources and technology and enhancing smart government communication in such a manner that serves our march for a better future for our city."
He added: "Smart services generated huge revenues as a result of compressing government expenditures through the use of the technological infrastructure provided by one entity to all Dubai government departments and entities on one hand and to individual and corporate customers on the other."
Meanwhile, Al Marri expressed his pleasure at the signing of the agreement, praising the outstanding co-operation existing between SDG and DoF with respect to managing Dubai Government's ePay portal.
He said: "The DoF plays a vital role in supervising all Dubai Government's financial affairs, and signing this agreement today serves not only the service providers and financial institutions concerned with electronic payment of fees but also the customers benefiting from the expansion of the services provided to them based on the keenness of all parties on keeping pace with Dubai Government's ongoing digital transformation.
He added: "The MoU has been signed with the aim of enabling the Dof and SDG to sign tri-party agreements with electronic service providers or financial institutions and upgrading services in such a manner that make Dubai Government's customers happier."
The ePay portal is a shared service provided by SDG to government entities. The portal, currently being used by 35 government entities has been awarded a PCIDSS certificate for its compliance with the world’s highest electronic payment standards.
Smart Dubai pavilion at GITEX Technology Week 2016, which features 55 partners from the government and private sectors including the DoF, showcases a unique show about the delightful experiences under the smart living in Dubai. The show is the fruit of Smart Dubai Office’s diligent work for implementing an agenda and a roadmap targeting all sectors in Dubai City towards achieving new competitive world records on Dubai’s readiness and advancement.