Activity in the Persian Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia in the field of “e-government”
UAE –
- On May 15th 2016 it was announced that a delegation of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department visited in Dubai Smart Government (DSG) and studied the smart services field, including the development of government websites, smart phones and electronic services such as MyID, allowing direct access in the UAE for over 640 services provided by 15 different government agencies. Alongside the activities of online information sharing among the various government officials, including electronic messaging system that streamlines the work by replacing internal correspondence that allow connection and integration with various government officials.
- On December 21st 2015 it was reported that DSG has signed a new agreement to operate the smart payments for private parties and corporate, through cell phones, in cooperation with Quisk Middle East, where in the near future which will include payment to the general government. This is part of the guidelines from Dubai’s Ruler to accelerate the transformation of Dubai to the world’s smartest city.
Kuwait –
- On May 3rd 2016 it was announced that Under Secretary of the Interior on citizenship and passports announced a new system of electronic passport (e-passport) will be launched in mid-September and that it will gain the full attention of the state. It was reported that the electronic passport will include all the details of the owner and that cannot be faked.
Qatar –
- On January 19th it was reported that the Finance Ministry will launch officially on June 13th a new site for all the governmental procurement tenders linking the sites and different relevant parties, to “provide traders and suppliers one platform where they can get all the information. The idea is to provide one stage to promote small and medium businesses in Qatar”. At the time of the announcement it has not yet been decided on the site and whether there will be separate or part of the Ministry of Finance.
Oman –
- On May 16th it was posted regarding the opening of registration for the fifth annual competition for excellence in the field of e-Government, which will be held on June 1st by Oman’s Information Technology Authority with Prizes, which will be distributed to digital projects “accomplished and showing extraordinary innovation in information technology in the public sector in Oman. The purpose of the award is also to improve the quality of local services and streamline processes to create greater trust and cooperation of the public”. Participation is open to government officials, large enterprises and SMEs in Oman in 11 categories including electronic and mobile services, projects emerged in governmental organizations, business support, online participation in decision-making initiatives and other areas. Examining of the proposals will be held in 21-30 August, the judging process will begin in October and the awards ceremony will be held in December.
Saudi Arabia –
- On May 7th it was reported that Saudi Arabia is expected to be among the top five countries in the world in e-governance in 2030, due to the changes that are taking place now in this kingdom. A UN report published in 2014 placed the country in 36th place among 193 countries, after being ranked 105 in 2003, while constantly improving its position over the years.
