Arab E-government

Global E-Government Survey 2008

2008-07-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Global E-Government Survey 2008
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E–Government Readiness Index
Top 10 Countries
Country Index
Sweden 0.9157
Denmark 0.9134
Norway 0.8921
United States 0.8644
Netherlands 0.8631
Republic of Korea 0.8317
Canada 0.8172
Australia 0.8108
France 0.8038
United Kingdom 0.7872
UN Global E-government Survey 2008

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E–Participation Index
Top 10 Countries
Country Index
United States 1.0000
Republic of Korea 0.9773
Denmark 0.9318
France 0.9318
Australia 0.8864
New Zealand 0.7955
Mexico 0.7500
Estonia 0.7273
Sweden 0.6591
Singapore 0.6364

From E-Government to Connected Governance

The UN E-Government Survey 2008: From E-Government to Connected Governance assesses the e-government readiness of the 192 Member States of the UN according to a quantitative composite index of e-readiness based on website assessment, telecommunication infrastructure, and human resource endowment. ICTs can help reinvent government in such a way that existing institutional arrangements can be restructured and new innovative arrangements can flourish, paving the way for a transformed government.

The focus of the report this year, in Part II, is e-government initiatives directed at improving operational efficiency through the integration of back-office functions. Whilst such initiatives, if successful, will deliver benefits to citizens, the primary purpose is to improve the effectiveness of government and governmental agencies. Models of back-office integration, irrespective of the delivery mode, fall into three broad categories: single function integration, cross functional integration, and back-office to front-office integration. The level of complexity, expressed in terms of the number of functions within the scope and number of organizations involved, is the primary factor influencing a successful outcome - with a tendency amongst the more ambitious projects to fail to deliver the full anticipated benefits. The key variables involved in the delivery of back-office integration are the people, processes and technology required.

Whilst the technology is increasingly resilient and 'fit for purpose', the evidence indicates that success or failure is less a technological issue and more a people issue - in particular, the ability to change public service cultures and motivate public sector workers to new ways of working, address trade union concerns, and provide adequately skilled and competent management and leadership.

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Governance and Information Technology: From Electronic Government to Information Government

2008-01-10T00:49:00.000-08:00

Governance and Information Technology: From Electronic Government to Information Government

Book, The MIT Press

September 2007

Editors: Viktor Mayer-Schoenberger, Associate Professor of Public Policy, David Lazer

Ordering Information for this publication

Belfer Center Programs or Projects: Science, Technology, and Public Policy; The Dubai Initiative

OVERVIEW

Developments in information and communication technology and networked computing over the past two decades have given rise to the notion of electronic government, most commonly used to refer to the delivery of public services over the Internet. This volume argues for a shift from the narrow focus of "electronic government" on technology and transactions to the broader perspective of information government—the information flows within the public sector, between the public sector and citizens, and among citizens—as a way to understand the changing nature of governing and governance in an information society.

Contributors discuss the interplay between recent technological developments and evolving information flows, and the implications of different information flows for efficiency, political mobilization, and democratic accountability. The chapters are accompanied by short case studies from around the world, which cover such topics as electronic government efforts in Singapore and Switzerland, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s effort to solicit input on planned regulations over the Internet, and online activism "cyberprotesting" globalization.

Governance and Information Technology: From Electronic Government to Information Government is the result of a collaboration between the authors, the Dubai Initiative, and the Dubai School of Government (DSG). The original papers were presented at a DSG conference held in Dubai in May 2005.

Viktor Mayer-Schoenberger is Associate Professor of Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and chairs the Rueschlikon Conferences on Information Policy.

David Lazer is Associate Professor of Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and Director and founder of the Program on Networked Governance at Harvard University. He is the editor of DNA and the Criminal Justice System: The Technology of Justice (MIT Press, 2004).

Chapters

"The editors of Governance and Information Technology have assembled a strong juxtaposition of general overviews and concrete case studies to critically examine ways in which information and communication technologies are reconfiguring access to information both within government and between governments and citizens. This book not only challenges the idea that new technologies are democratizing access, but also presents alternatives conceptions, such as the development of an 'information class,' that will shape debate and research on the political implications of e-government"
—William H. Dutton, Director Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford

"The e-governance revolution has transformed the way that government commonly delivers basic services. But has it transformed democracy? This is a first-class study of the complex processes of information flows between citizens and government. Drawing upon well-known experts and a diverse range of cases, the study provides provocative and important insights into processes of political communications, the uses and limits of information technologies, and the transformation of modern governments."
—Pippa Norris, Director, Democratic Governance Group, Bureau for Development Policy United Nations Development Programme

"So you thought information technology in the form of 'e-government' would save taxpayer dollars, improve government performance, increase transparency and accountability, and promote democratic participation--and all in a hurry too? Some first-rate scholars of the subject show how the several truths about these matters are much more complicated, and the reasons for them sometimes paradoxical."
—Eugene Bardach, Department of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley

e-Government Resources

2007-12-19T02:36:00.000-08:00

e-Government Resources

Asia-Pacific e-Government Online
Books and Online Magazines
Case Studies
Change Management
e-Readiness
e-Strategies
e-Governance
Security
International/Regional Organizations

Case Studies

2007-12-19T02:34:00.000-08:00

Case Studies

Eine Ebene höher

Building blocks of e-government: Lessons from developing countries: Electronic government offers enormous potential for improving public sector performance. This note provides lessons on how national e-government plans can be formulated and what makes individual projects successful.
e-Government Good Practice Framework Case Studies: Good Practice case studies from the eGovernment services selected for the exhibition at the Ministerial eGovernment Conference held at Como on July 2003
Lessons from the Field: e-Government: Features stories from the field on e-Government applications
The World Public Sector Report 2003: E-government at the Crossroads: A United Nations report suggests that “online government” –- highly touted at the onset of the Internet revolution –- has slipped somewhat from public attention since the end of the “dot-com” boom and since international security concerns heightened after September 2001.
USJ E-democracy: Successes & Failures: John Postill, an anthropologist from Spain, report his findings about Malaysia's 1st E-democracy experiment in USJ: he found failures from the perspective of the authorities which justaposed with successes from the residents' perspectives
World Bank’s e-Government Case Studies: This site focuses on e-government in developing countries. Case studies are presented here as a source of ideas and learning. Each follows a common structure, assessing government strategies and experience with e-government tools.
Country Profiles of e-Governance: The fifteen country abstracts compiled in 2001 provide an initial snapshot for the selected countries chosen to represent different situations in each of UNESCO's region: in Africa (Botswana, Mauritius, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania), in the Arab States (Morocco), in Asia and in the Pacific (India, Malaysia, New Zealand and Republic of Korea), in Europe and North America (Canada, Estonia, Hungary, Malta) and in Latin America and the Caribbean (Jamaica, Mexico).
Evaluation Studies by the Centre for E-Governance at IIMA: The Centre for Electronic Governance is a research centre at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India. With the twin objectives of developing proof -of-concept software applications, and disseminating knowledge, the centre has undertaken various projects and assignments in the realm of e-governance and the use of ICT for development.
Evaluation of e-Governance Projects in India: A focus on micro-level implementation: Promotion of the e-governance concept by international agencies has resulted in little serious attempt to study factors beyond the supply of ICT infrastructure.
eGovernment for Development - eTransparency Case Study No.3: Improving Transparency of File Movement in a South Asian Planning Commission: A South Asian Planning Commission introduced a pilot information system in 2002 to make file movements more transparent.
eGovernment for Development - eTransparency Case Study No. 5: Publishing Bangladesh Government Information via the Web: To introduce e-governance, the Ministry of Communication in Bangladesh launched four Web sites of its major departments to enable citizen access to government information.
eGovernment for Development - eHealth Case Study No.6: Electronic Immunisation Registry and Tracking System in Bangladesh: In 2001, a new computerised information system to register, schedule and track immunisation of children was introduced by the Department of Public Health in Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh.
Government for Development - eTransparency Case Study No. 14: Laying Foundations for Transparency of Development Project Finances in a South Asian Ministry of Planning: A South Asian Ministry of Planning has introduced an information system to make financial information about its development projects more manageable, laying the foundations for later transparency. System design began in 2001 and the system became usable late in 2002.

The World Public Sector Report 2003: E-government at the Crossroads

2007-12-19T02:29:00.000-08:00

A United Nations report suggests that “online government” –- highly touted at the onset of the Internet revolution –- has slipped somewhat from public attention since the end of the “dot-com” boom and since international security concerns heightened after September 2001.

Breaking Barriers to eGovernment

2007-12-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

Overcoming obstacles to improving European public services

Funded by the European Commission Led by the Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford University

The European Commission is funding a three year project to investigate the legal, organisational, technological and other barriers to expanding effective eGovernment services using the Internet. The study will identify and explore key issues that can constrain eGovernment growth, drawing on real-life case studies. This rich data source will be analysed to define possible initiatives at a European level to overcome such obstacles, including best practice recommendations.

Fadi Salem, Research Associate at DSG

2007-12-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

Fadi Salem

Research Associate. Fadi Salem joined the Dubai School of Government in 2006. His research focuses on e-government and development in the Middle East and North Africa region. His research interests also include information security, new media, benchmarking, and social aspects of risk in information societies.

He received a Masters in Analysis, Design and Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a B.Eng in Informatics Engineering from the Faculty of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Aleppo University. Prior to joining the Dubai School of Government he worked for three years in The Executive Office in Dubai as an ICT Specialist in Media and Research. He has also worked as the Technology Editor and the Managing Editor of two pan-Arab ICT magazines.

Fadi is the author of several technical reports and numerous articles in print, journals, and new media, including IAW magazine, PC Magazine and the Journal of the Knowledge Economy Research Center. He publishes in Arabic and English and frequently contributes to ICT focused media programs in TV, radio and press.

You can email Fadi Salem at: Fadi.Salem@dsg.ae

Articles by Fadi

Helen Margetts

2007-12-15T06:01:00.000-08:00

Publications & Projects

Research interests:
E-government, government information systems, large-scale IT contracts. Public Management Reform. Tools of Government for Public Policy. On-line political participation. Alternative electoral systems. Survey research and webmetrics.

Key publications:

P.Dunleavy, H.Margetts, S.Bastow and J.Tinkler (2006) Digital Era Governance: IT Corporations, the State and E-government (Oxford University Press)

C.Hood and H.Margetts (2006) The Tools of Governemnt in the Digital Age (Palgrave).

H.Margetts (2006) ‘A Decade of E-government in the UK’, Political Quarterly, vol. 59 no. 2.

H.Margetts and H.Yared (2003) Incentivization of e-Government, Article to accompany NAO report Transforming the performance of HM Customs and Excise through Electronic Service Delivery (London: The Stationary Office) (see www.governmentonthweb.org).

H.Margetts (2003) ‘Electronic Government: A Revolution in Public Administration’, in G. Peters and J.Pierre (eds. 2003) Handbook of Public Administration (Sage).
H.Margetts and P.Dunleavy (2002) Cultural Barriers to e-government, academic article for the report Better Public Services Through e-government (London: National Audit Office, 2002, HC 704-III) (see www.governmentonthweb.org).

P. Dunleavy and H.Margetts (2002) Government on the Web II (London: The Stationary Office, 2002) HC764 (see www.governmentonthweb.org).

H. Margetts (1999) Information Technology in Government: Britain and America (London: Routledge);

Breaking Barriers to eGovernment

2007-10-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

تشريع جديد بالكويت يعتبر البريد الإلكتروني عنوانا رسميا للسكان

2007-09-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

يشترط رفع نسبة مستخدمي الإنترنت

تشريع جديد بالكويت يعتبر البريد الإلكتروني عنوانا رسميا للسكان

الكويت - قدس برس

يعكف مسؤولون كويتيون على صياغة تشريع جديد يهدف إلى تنفيذ نظام مشترك للبريد الإلكتروني الحكومي. ويطمح المسؤولون إلى تطوير التشريع ليصبح قانون يعتبر العنوان البريدي الإلكتروني للسكان، عنوانا رسميا وقانونيا يتم من خلاله تلقي الاخطارات والمعلومات الحكومية.

ويقوم النظام، وفق ما كشفته صحيفة "الوطن" الكويتية الاثنين 24-9-2007، على إعداد دليل للعناوين الإلكترونية للجهات الحكومية كافة، ووضع مواصفات وقواعد الأمن والسرية للبريد وتنفيذ البريد الإلكتروني مع الجهات الرسمية، إلى جانب إصدار دليل عناوين المواطنين وتنفيذ بريدهم الإلكتروني.

ويتطلب تنفيذ المشروع، رفع نسبة مستخدمي الحاسب والانترنت في الكويت، في الوقت الذي تسعى فيه عدد من الجهات الحكومية التحوّل نحو مشروع الحكومة الإلكترونية.

Latest papers

2007-07-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Japan's old-fashioned campaigning

2007-07-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

By Chris Hogg
BBC News, Tokyo

Japanese lawmaker Kan Suzuki's office in Second Life
This Japanese politician's office in Second Life is closed temporarily

Now the campaign for the upper house election in Japan has started, tough rules on how politicians can canvas for votes have come into force.

Surprisingly, in a country with some of the fastest broadband speeds and a wide internet penetration, it is now illegal for candidates to create new websites or update existing web pages between now and election day, 29 July.

So instead, the loudspeaker vans are out on the streets again. The candidates sit inside, waving regally wearing white gloves, smiling and politely asking for votes.

Prof Phil Deans, who works at Temple University in Tokyo, describes it as "almost a throwback to the 1950s".

"Cars with speakers on the roof, the use of posters, leafleting, and the almost complete absence of electronic media to communicate political messages, is one of the most startling things about the way elections are conducted here," he says.

Kan Suzuki wants to change all that. He is a lawmaker who wants to modernise the way elections are fought here.

Japanese lawmaker Kan Suzuki
In my constituency, I can only distribute enough [leaflets] for 3% of voters
Kan Suzuki

He has built an office in Second Life, the virtual world where you can work, play and interact with others.

Here, he says, he can get his message out to people who do not normally listen to politicians.

But now that the campaign has started, he has had to close the office temporarily.

"Basically, the election law was drawn up in the 1950s," he says.

He is also critical of another old-fashioned rule, limiting the number of posters and leaflets that a candidate can give out.

"In my constituency, I can only distribute enough for 3% of voters to get a leaflet from my party. So 97% of voters can't. How can I reach them?"

Little support

Usually Japan allows its politicians to use the internet to communicate with voters.

But as soon as an election campaign starts - the time when you might well think you would really want to communicate with them - the use of electronic media for campaigning is banned.

Instead it is on the traditional media where politicians hold court - for instance, on ponderous political TV discussion shows that sometimes look like they have not changed in 20 years.

YouTube is more casual... but if the government or any politicians are on the web it doesn't feel right
Kentaro Shimano, student

Prof Yasunori Sone, a political analyst from Keio University in Tokyo, says Japanese election law is very strict.

"There are many rules and prohibitions. But many parties want a strict law to contain other parties' political activities," he says.

"Some of us are trying to get the law changed. But the number of supporters for a change in the law is very small."

One group you would think would be keen to see the internet used in campaigning is young voters.

In Japan, 95% of people in their 20s surf the web, but only a third of them bother to vote.

Some, though, do not seem keen on politicians using the web to try to win their support.

"I believe that internet resources are not very official," says Kentaro Shimano, a student at Temple University in Tokyo.

"YouTube is more casual; you watch music videos or funny videos on it, but if the government or any politicians are on the web it doesn't feel right."

Haruka Konishi agrees.

"Japanese politics is something really serious," she says. "Young people shouldn't be involved, I guess because they're not serious enough or they don't have the education."

There cannot be many places in the world where students feel their views should not count. Perhaps it is really a reflection of the reality - that they do not.

Here in Japan, it is seen as important to treat politicians with respect.

But such is the deference paid to them, it is hard for anyone to challenge them to try new ways to make the political system better.

Government websites 'too complex'

2007-07-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

Government websites 'too complex'
Tony Blair launching a website
The Blair government put many services online
Many government websites are still too complicated and difficult to use, says the National Audit Office.

While services like online road tax renewal are very popular, other sites such as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), are too complex, the report said.

Nearly 25% of departments do not know who is using their sites, or how much they cost.

Government sites cost £208m a year overall but little improvement had been made to quality since 2002, it said.

In January the government announced plans to close at least 551 of 951 websites, in order to streamline services through its "super sites".

'Radical extension'

The NAO report said the growth in online government services was "perhaps the most radical extension of access to public services as a whole for several decades".

Two fifths of the population do not have internet access, many people rely on "intermediaries" to use online services but in general, people were increasingly using the sites - particularly with the spread of broadband, the report said.

Local authority websites appear to be very popular - with 180m visitors a year.

% OF PEOPLE USING GOVT SITES
Iceland - 55
Sweden - 52
Finland - 47
Luxembourg - 46
Netherlands - 46
Estonia - 31
Austria - 29
Slovakia - 27
UK - 24
Figures taken over three months in 2005

But most people only knew a few key sites and tended to use "transactional services" once or twice a year - like filing income tax returns or renewing their car tax.

The Jobcentre Plus site was among the most popular and was visited at least once a week by 78% of users.

But others were difficult to use, too "text-heavy" and filled with policy material that was irrelevant to the visitor, the report said.

The average central government site had 17,000 pages - roughly equivalent to that of a large department store - yet most of their search engines "often fail to work satisfactorily", the report said.

'Lost in documentation'

The HMRC website was criticised by some of those interviewed who said they got "lost in complex documentation" looking for tax codes.

But the Directgov and Business Link "super-sites" were popular with the NAO's focus groups, who found they were "laid out clearly".

However few knew about them beforehand, and some felt the name Directgov was difficult to remember.

Websites are still hard to navigate and citizens have to wade through masses of irrelevant information to find what they need
Edward Leigh
Committee chairman

Up to a third of government websites may not meet standards for disabled or visually impaired people while, of the 3,400 forms available to download, only one in eight could be filled in and returned online.

"The vast bulk (85%) of forms still need to be printed and filled out on paper," the report said.

The report said that government websites had "improved slightly" between 2001 and 2006 in terms of quality, and about a tenth of all government sites had made "major improvements," but one in six sites had got "significantly worse".

NAO head Sir John Bourn said progress had been made in getting more information on the internet, but "little improvement" had been made in information held on the cost and use of websites.

"Departments need to focus on understanding the cost effectiveness of their websites and who uses them and why, so that they can better meet the needs of citizens."

The Conservative chairman of the public accounts committee, Edward Leigh, said it was "disappointing that there had been so little improvement in the quality of government websites since 2002".

"Departments have poor information on costs, websites are still hard to navigate and citizens have to wade through masses of irrelevant information to find what they need," he said.

In January, the government announced plans to close at least 551 of 951 websites, in order to streamline services through its "super sites".

E-Government Fès: Achievements

2007-07-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

E-Government Fès: Achievements

* Project Preparation Workflow
* Workshop
* First Phase Workflow
* Network Infrastructure
* Technology Enablers
* Security Infrastructure:
o Authentification Workflow
o Security Infrastructure
o Phase 3 Biometrics
* Fès Portal:
o Visit Fès Portal
o GUI for illiterate users
* Fès Portal Bureau d'Etat Civil Automation:
o Existing System Workflow
o Bureau d'Etat Civil Application
* Visit to Canada
o Technical Consultant Visit
o Social Consultant Visit
* Online Services:
o Online Birth Certificate Workflow
o Online Birth Certificate Proposals
o Deployment Phase Workflow
* Social Aspects of Fez E-Government Project
o Outcome Analysis Method: Overview
o Fez e-Government Survey
o BEC Manual workflows
o Portal Content
o Project’s contribution to making BEC more citizen-Friendly

DCA's Airline Services take off online

2007-06-05T13:01:00.001-07:00

DCA's Airline Services take off online
In line with the e-Government policy of Dubai and as part of its plan to develop online services for the benefit and convenience of customers, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation has launched a self-service web solution for requests and transactions pertaining to flight operations at Dubai International Airport as a One Stop Shop Solution.

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority to use Dubai eGovernment’s payment gateway

2007-06-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority to use Dubai eGovernment’s payment gateway

Internationa Meeting on e-gov in Morocco

2007-06-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Rencontre internationale sur le e-gov au Maroc

Le Ministère de la Modernisation des Secteurs Publics et le Ministère des Affaires Economiques et Générales, en partenariat avec le ministère de l'Intérieur, le Ministère des Finances et de la Privatisation et la société Formatiscom, organisent les 13 et 14 juin la 3ème édition du Forum de l'administration numérique autour de la thématique : « Vers une administration territoriale ...

Dr. Driss Kettani and his team have won yet another award

2007-06-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Dr. Driss Kettani and his team have won the 2007 United Nations Public Service Award
in the category of “Improving the Delivery of Services,” for their Fez e-government project.

Specialized Course on

2007-05-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Specialized Course on
Local e-Governance in the Caribbean

E-government set for launch

2007-05-24T22:07:00.001-07:00

E-government set for launch

BAHRAIN's e-Government strategy is to be officially launched tomorrow.

The ceremony will be held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, who is also the chairman of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communications Technology.

It will start at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) at 9am and feature a number of presentations and an exhibition on the e-government system.

Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa will be one of the keynote speakers.

Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) IT director Mohammed Al Qaed and representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Industry and Commerce, and Municipalities and Agriculture will make presentations.

The CIO, which is responsible for the e-government strategy, has been working on the project for more than two years. The Bahrain eGovernment Solution Centre was opened at the CIO complex, Isa Town, last year.

CIO, IBM and Gulf Business Machines have worked together to build an e-government infrastructure for Bahrain - making the government the first in the Middle East to introduce such a system. The centre is linked to a network of IBM eGovernment centres world-wide.

New website to highlight economy

2007-05-24T22:03:00.001-07:00

New website to highlight economy

By Ahmed A. Elewa, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Finance and Industry is developing a new 'Made in the UAE' website in coordination with Dubai's e-Government.

The website aims to market national products domestically and internationally through the internet.

"This new project comes in the framework of the ministry's endeavours to strengthen the relationship between the federal and local governments, as well as the private sector, to achieve the ultimate target of sustainable development," said Dr Mohammad Khalfan Bin Kharbash, Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs.

He said the site had already been prepared and it was equipped to provide services, including lists of local manufacturers.

It is supported by an advanced search engine that facilitates access to any information from the national database.

"The website has been developed to serve as a database for the local industries as it includes all the local manufacturing establishments listed with the ministry," Dr Kharbash added.

The industrial sector ranks third among the various sectors in the UAE with total investments amounting to Dh70.42 billion at the end of 2006.

It has achieved a growth rate of 134.3 per cent during the past five years, according to the ministry. The number of establishments in the country grew by more than 42 per cent from 2,509 in 2002 to 3,567 in 2006.

"What we seek by this project is the establishment of a unified electronic gateway promoting the UAE among the leaders in the application of e-commerce," said Jamal Nasser Lootah, the ministry's assistant undersecretary for industrial affairs.

Bahrain to launch e-government strategy for 2007-10

2007-05-24T22:00:00.001-07:00

(MENAFN) Bahrain Tribune reported the Bahraini Deputy Prime Minister will officially launch the country's e-government strategy for 2007-10, which will include the Bahrain Electronic Gate project.

The e-government initiative, which was developed by the Bahraini Central Informatics Organization over the past two years, will be launched at a grand ceremony that will be attended by the Kingdom's President of Shura Council, members of the Parliament, ministers and governors.

During the ceremony, the attendants will receive a short presentation about the objectives of the e-government strategy and the results it is expected to generate. The presentation will also have examples of e-services offered by ministries through collaboration amongst ministries and government entities.

Bahrain goes on-line

2007-05-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

(MENAFN - Bahrain Tribune) With the launch of the e-government strategy, the Kingdom yesterday entered into new era of progress and development by elevating its status equal to top five in Asia, Europe and Americas. The Kingdom will implement nine key enablers over the period of the three year strategy to augment the skill targets and overall sustainability of the e-government programme.

The initiative called 'e-government towards a better life' was launched yesterday by Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology (SCICT) who highlighted the salient features of the three year e-government strategy.

He said: "Bahrain is keen for having pioneering and outstanding e-services that enhance its profile as an attraction spot for investments, financial dealing and human experience.

Shaikh Mohammed also launched the Kingdom of Bahrain's new national portal which is accessible at www.e.gov.bh and shed a light on the necessity of e-government by making the public sector more competitive, efficient and productive.

The Deputy Premier dwelled on advantages of provisioning electronically enabled services such as lesser turnaround time for providing services to citizens, better information sharing amongst government agencies and accrual of cost savings to the government.

He said that 28 important e-government services are already available on the national e-government portal and over the next three years about 167 most important services will be made available online. He urged all the ministries, individuals, media and businesses to work together for making the e-government strategy a success.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Atiyatallah Al Khalifa, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and a member of the SCICT conducted a presentation by touching upon all important aspects of three year e-government strategy.

He underlined the significance of the e-government programme for the development of the country and the economy while explaining how the e-government programme complements the ambitious reforms undertaken by the Kingdom in the fields of education, economy and labour market.
Shaikh Ahmed said: "The basic aim of the e-government strategy is to achieve a visible improvement in service delivery to individuals and businesses while achieving productivity and efficiency for the public sector."
The e-government strategy under the guidance of SCICT has been prepared by the renowned international management consultancy firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers. The e-government strategy details out the action plan for the electronic enablement of over 160 services from 28 government agencies, four service delivery mediums - the Internet, national contact centre, common services centres and mobile gateway over the next three years.

Ministry of Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs; General Directorate for Nationality, Passports and Residence; and Ministry of Industry and Commerce conducted presentations to address the needs of the four primary customer segments addressed in the e-government strategy - individuals, businesses, visitors and government.

Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, general director IT, appraised the audience regarding the vision, outcomes and targets for the e-government strategy. He further gave details regarding the initiatives including access through multiple channels such as the internet-enabled PCs, mobile phones, contact centre and common service centres. Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa also opened the exhibition.

Ministry of Interior, Basim Yaqoob Al Hamer, explained the eBorder system and the benefits accruing out of it to the various stakeholders including the government, tourists and businesses. The presentation revealed that over 3000 eVisas were issued during each of the past two months. List of services, available on the e-government portal, for the visitors was also presented. The presentation from Ministry of Industry and Commerce shed light on the initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom for enhancing the contribution of businesses in the economy by proper streamlining of processes and procedures. The presentation also examined the various stakeholders for the development of eCommerce in Bahrain.

Web 2.0 requires ‘Govt 2.0’ for citizen engagement

2007-05-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

Web 2.0 requires ‘Govt 2.0’ for citizen engagement
Tara Hunt was a substitute speaker for fellow blogger Kathy Sierra, who is avoiding travel after receiving death threats online
By Stephen Bell, Wellington | Wednesday, 23 May, 2007

Government needs to reflect the changes in communications that have resulted from Web 2.0 technology and help facilitate two-way communication between citizens.

This was the message Canadian web and “unmarketing” guru Tara Hunt, co-founder of the Citizen Agency consultancy, delivered at the Govis conference, held in Wellington last week.

The web used to be a presentation and marketing tool, but it has turned into an avenue for two-way communication, including the “bottom-up” expression of views, as well as for grassroots action, Hunt told Government Information Services conference.

Government should reflect these changes and facilitate both communication and the creation of new internet-based businesses — becoming a “springboard” to help people find fulfillment in their business and personal lives.

For example, Web 2.0 has revealed the great business potential embodied in the “long tail”, the collectively huge number of people who share a minority interest, says Hunt. The web has enabled whole industries to be built by putting members of this long tail in touch with one another. TradeMe is the most obvious local example.

There are significant support structures government could help build, to facilitate a “democratised distribution of information”, she says. An example here would be a secure network, and interfaces to multiple platforms, that government could help create, to support these lucrative new web-based businesses, she says.

Tara Hunt

Hunt began her marketing career working for an oil and gas company, before moving into the “slow death” of advertising agency work. After this, she launched her own consultancy, Rogue Strategies, which specialises in “unmarketing”. She also managed marketing for visual search firm Riya.com, before launching the Citizen Agency, with co-founder Chris Messina.

Hunt’s Citizen Agency is an internet consultancy that “specialises in developing community-centric strategies around product research, design, development and marketing”.

As an example of where government could offer direct help, Hunt cites history and historical material. There is a wealth of this on New Zealand sites such as Te Ara, but no indication of how ordinary people could submit their own treasured photographs and oral histories without going through a narrow curatorial “bottleneck”.

But there are practical applications too. Hunt demonstrated the power of the customer mind interacting with government with the aid of a video about a Toronto group that collectively redesigned the Toronto Transit Commission’s website, making it more useful to people travelling around the city. TCC was most enthusiastic about the project.

Hunt was a substitute speaker for fellow blogger Kathy Sierra, who is avoiding travel after receiving death threats online.

She is also a supporter of Lawrence Lessig, who founded Creative Commons, a non-profit organisation which aims to lessen intellectual property controls, so as to expand the opportunity for people to legally build upon others’ work.

As a counterpoint to the Health Ministry representative Brendan Kelly’s presentation, Hunt pointed to the huge amount of population data collected by government agencies, particularly health and education agencies, and asked why people don’t have access to their own files.

It seems that a person’s record of their health belongs not to that person but to the health provider. In some cases, this could be a life and death matter. For example, if there were concerns about a drug’s side-effects, the patient concerned would probably know and be worried he or she had taken such a drug, but it might have escaped the health authorities’ attention.

2007 Technology in Government in Africa (TIGA) Awards

2007-04-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Canadian e-Policy Resource Center (CePRC) are pleased to announce the First Technology in Government in Africa (TIGA) Awards.

The aim is to encourage the use of ICTs in the delivery of public services, which remains a major challenge for African governments, affecting millions of Africans, mostly rural citizens. As a result, the poor and disadvantaged in Africa are often dependent on the state for accessing critical services, such as the provision of drinking water, sanitation, health and education. more...

[Format: ] [Language: English, French] [Updated: 23 Ap

الإمارات تحل الأولى عربيا في توظيف تقنية المعلومات

2007-04-10T09:31:00.001-07:00

لسعودية سادسة في مؤشر حرية العمل
الإمارات تحل الأولى عربيا في توظيف تقنية المعلومات
تصدرت دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة الدول العربية من حيث الجاهزية الشبكية التي تعني الكفاءة في توظيف تقنية المعلومات والاتصالات في التنمية الاقتصادية والقدرة التنافسية.

جاء ذلك في تقييم أعده المنتدى الاقتصادي العالمي، والذي يصدر منذ عام 2001 ويهدف إلى تقييم الجاهزية التقنية لأكثر من مائة اقتصاد حول العالم.

في الوقت نفسه وضع تقرير مؤشر الحرية الاقتصادية لعام 2007 المملكة العربية السعودية في المركز السادس على مستوى العالم فيما يتعلق بمؤشر حرية العمل بحصولها على نسبة 92.9%.

وعزا التقرير الصادر عن مؤسسة هيريتغ هذا التصنيف إلى المرونة الكبيرة التي يتسم بها سوق العمل بالمملكة.

ولم تحصل سوى ثماني دول من بين 157 شملها التقرير على أكثر من 90% في مؤشر حرية العمل. وجاءت الولايات المتحدة في المركز السابع بنسبة 92.1%.

ويحدد تقرير هيريتغ الحرية الاقتصادية في دول العالم بناء على مؤشرات تتعلق بعشرة عوامل منها حرية ممارسة الأعمال وحرية التجارة والحرية المالية وحجم القطاع الحكومي والحرية النقدية وحرية الاستثمار وحرية النظام المصرفي والتمويل وحرية الملكية الفردية والفكرية.

DCA surpasses e-Government objectives ahead of deadline

2007-03-03T04:00:00.001-08:00

Dubai Department of Civil Aviation has e-enabled 93 per cent of its services surpassing an e-Government target almost a year ahead of schedule, HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of DCA and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group has announced.

Sheikh Ahmed noted that according to the e-Government schedule set by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, 90 per cent of e-Services completion and 50 per cent of services transactions (usage) are to be achieved by the end of 2007.

'Not only has the DCA completed the task of putting 93 per cent of its services online, we have also been able to achieve an unparalleled services transaction record of 98 per cent. This shows the DCA's commitment to the e-Government initiative, and is a clear indication of our drive to use the best available technology to maximise customer convenience and enhance organisational efficiency,'

Sheikh Ahmed said. He said that the main objective of DCA's efforts in this direction was to comprehensively develop Dubai International into a Smart Airport.

Earlier last month, Sheikh Ahmed met with top delegates from Dubai e-Government, including Salem Al Shaer, Director of Electronic Services, and Rehab Lootah, eServices Provisioning Manager, and DCA's IT Director, Ghanim Al Falasi. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss quality standards and criteria and a rundown on the achievements of the Department in this regard.

The Dubai International Airport portal provides around 15 types of services. Each one of the primary services has sub services, so the total number of completed e-services is 81. Some new services, including the Airlines Operations Data System, New DCA Careers Website and DCA Voice Portal, were launched during GITEX 2006.

'The number of services that has payment is around 56, out of a total 29 services are fully online, while 27 services are partially online with electronic payment. Our highly secure infrastructure for payment transactions guarantees online, real-time money settlements using various methods like Visa and eDirham,' said Ghanim Al Falasi, Director of Information Technology Department.

Al Falasi noted of the total 81 e-Services, 75 are online registered while six are offline registered. 'With a total of 24 e-Services, the Airport Pass Management System has the highest electronic services, followed by Weather which has 23, Parking with 15 and six for Airport Driving Permit. There are two services each for Ahlan and Al Majlis Reservations while one e-Service each for Flight Notification, Flight Tracking, Executive Flight and Official Group Visitors,' he said. The offline e-Services include Cargo Renting and Cargo Car Park, he added.

'By the third quarter of 2006, DCA recorded 98% for the e-Enablement, with 199,304 out of a total of 201,604 transactions for the quarter being completed electronically. The total number of transactions carried out electronically during the last two years stands in excess one million,' Al Falasi said. He added that the DCA will not only convert the few remaining services to electronic form in due course but will continue to work on enhancing the quality of all e-Services.

Visually Impaired Learn How to Manage e-Govt Services

2007-02-17T11:57:00.001-08:00

People with vision impairment taking part in the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) program. (AN photo)

JEDDAH, 7 February 2007 — Due to the increasing use of e-government services, Ebsar Foundation for the Rehabilitation and Vision Impairment Services and Rehabilitation has inaugurated a Microsoft course for people who are blind or visually impaired.

People with vision impairment can now enroll in an Ebsar course entitled “International Computer Driving License” (ICDL). Such people can also partake in a program to familiarize themselves with the English language.

The first group of participants partaking in the course are aged between 16 and 40. While some of the participants are students, others are gainfully employed.

Faisal Al-Ghamdi, who is in his late 30s, said he heard about the course through MBC FM. “Although the course itself is new, its trainers are experts and generous in offering all the help they can to make us feel comfortable,” he said.

Al-Ghamdi, a father of two, developed weak vision due to retinitis pigmentosa six years ago. He attended regular school and university and has a degree in public administration. He worked as a training coordinator for the Royal Saudi Navy and was facing mandatory retirement due to vision loss when he came across Ebsar and was able to learn skills that enabled him to continue working in the same position.

Al-Ghamdi now looks forward to completing his course and helping his peers with the knowledge he has learned. “In the same way I was offered help, I want to pass what I have learned here to others in similar situations. We finally managed to refresh our memories and follow up on many things that we could not catch up with due to our vision impairment,” he said.

Syrian national Asmaa Arnaout, 28, agreed with Al-Ghamdi and said she looked forward to pursuing further education if possible. Arnaout is blind from birth and has osteoporosis which has caused her to be wheelchair-bound. Arnaout’s mother home-schooled both her and her brother Nojub who also suffers from blindness and osteoporosis. Ebsar also sponsored her and her brother for physical therapy and rehabilitation at Abdul Latif Jameel Rehabilitation Center.

Manal Al-Joaed, 27, a Saudi national, is a high school graduate. She is currently unemployed and suffers from severe loss of vision due to retinitis pigmentosa, which she developed when she was at high school. Al-Joaed completed her first year at university but was unable to continue her education due to her poor eyesight.

Participants believe there are many people who have vision problems and having programs like the one at Ebsar would benefit such people greatly.

According to Muhammad Bellow, Ebsar’s executive director, this is the first time Ebsar is offering a course which aims to enable people who are blind or visually impaired to keep abreast of modern technology.

“We were inspired to introduce the continuation of education for the blind and the visually impaired into the foundation’s long-term strategic plan along with their rehabilitation programs in order to help people overcome the consequences of vision loss,” said Bellow.

Ebsar came up with the idea after attending the International Council for Education of People With Visual Impairment (ICEVI) conference in Kuala Lumpur in June last year. Following the conference, Ebsar signed a one-year contract with the New Horizons Computer Learning Center to train 40 blind or visually impaired people in the Microsoft ICDL course and a foundation level course in English.

Each program is three months long and each class consists of eight people. Males and females are taught in separate classes. According to Bellow, there is no criteria in choosing subscribers — the course is available on a first-come-first-served basis regardless of age, sex and nationality. Those who have no working knowledge of computers are offered preliminary courses in order to make the actual main course easier to understand.

To make communication and learning easier, instructors from New Horizons attended a one-week orientation and training course at Ebsar to learn the basic skills needed in dealing with people with visual impairment. These instructors have already begun training the first two groups from last month.

Bellow explained that in order to encourage more people to join the course they would offer each participant, who successfully completes the ICDL and foundation level English course, a laptop equipped with Ibsar text-to-speech software. “This is an effective software that helps people with vision impairment to continue their education and careers,” said Bellow.

Sponsoring the program is Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al-Saud who is chairman of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (EMR-IAPB) and president of the National Committee for Prevention of Blindness in Saudi Arabia. He is also the chairman of Ebsar’s foundation board.

Dr. Akef El-Maghrabi, chairman of Maghrabi Eye and Ear Hospital and deputy chairman of Ebsar’s foundation board; Ibrahim Al-Jomaih, vice chairman and CEO of Al-Jomaih Automotive Company and board member of Ebsar Foundation; Khaled Baashan, GM of Baashan Trading Corp. and board member of Ebsar Foundation; and Muhammad Zamil, president of the Zamil Group and board member of the Ebsar Foundation, are also sponsoring the program.

Riyadh First e-City of Kingdom

2007-02-17T11:56:00.001-08:00

Riyadh First e-City of Kingdom
Raid Qusti, Arab News

RIYADH, 7 February 2007 — If all goes as planned, much of Riyadh will become the Kingdom’s first free-for-all WiFi Internet access point.

Declaring Riyadh the Kingdom’s first electronic city, officials yesterday unveiled the first phase of a project that brought Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz Street online. Anyone with a wireless device, such as a WiFi-configured laptop computer or mobile phone, can access the Internet by connecting to the airwaves around this main avenue in the city.

At an event attended by hundreds of IT specialists, officials and business executives, Riyadh Deputy Gov. Prince Sattam inaugurated the capital’s first smart zone project on Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz Street live from an event called the Smart Cities Forum held in the King Faisal Hall.

The audience watched on a large screen as the Globe atop the Al-Faisaliah Tower was linked directly with the smart zone on Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz, part of the capital’s first direct link between the smart zone areas.

According to the organizers of the forum, the establishment of smart cities in Saudi Arabia would boost government performance, security and the economy, as well as provide better services.

Governor of Telecommunications and IT Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel told reporters after the event that Jeddah and Madinah would follow suit after Riyadh, since both cities “are ready logistically to establish the smart city initiative.”

KAU Plans e-Book on Saudi Law

2007-02-17T11:55:00.001-08:00

KAU Plans e-Book on Saudi Law
P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News

JEDDAH, 27 January 2007 — The Research & Development Center of King Abdulaziz University (KAU) intends to publish an e-encyclopedia of Saudi laws containing 22,000 pages.

“The encyclopedia will include all rules and regulations in the Kingdom that were issued through royal decrees and ministerial decisions,” said Mamdouh Ba-Owaidan, the center’s director.

These rules include security strategy to combat extremism and terrorism, anti-money laundering law, copyright protection law and the foreign investment law, he said.

The center has been publishing a print version of the encyclopedia for the past 34 years. “We have decided to publish the electronic version to cope with modern developments,” he said.

Salimeen Mohsen Hareez, a researcher at the center, said his organization was publishing the encyclopedia of Saudi laws in two volumes since the year 2000.

Muhammad Al-Thumali, public relations official at the center, said Internet users all over the world would be able to access the electronic encyclopedia free of charge. He said a large number of people especially businessmen, lawyers and researchers would benefit from the project.

During the last seven years, the Saudi government has issued and updated a large number of rules and regulations as part of its efforts to join the World Trade Organization.

The new e-encyclopedia project goes well with the Kingdom’s SR3-billion e-government initiative, dubbed Yesser (Arabic for “Simplify”), that aims at making Saudi society more digitally literate and streamlining government bureaucracy.

Speaking at the National e-Transactions Conference 2007 in Riyadh recently, Prince Muqrin, chief of general intelligence, emphasized the Kingdom’s plan to launch an awareness campaign in order to encourage the general public to embrace e-governance, while explaining the key benefits to officials of government agencies, businesses and society in general. He also expressed optimism that the Kingdom’s e-government project would be fully functional in 2010 or well before the stipulated timeframe.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Muhammad Jameel Mulla said 150 electronic government services would be up and ready for public use by 2010. He said the Kingdom aimed at providing easy access to government services by citizens and residents from their households.

Abu Dhabi government launches online service portal

2007-02-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

The government of Abu Dhabi, capital emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), launched on

Wednesday an information and services portal, www.abudhabi.ae, providing access to more than 500 government services, Emirates News Agency reported.

"The portal serves as a hub for all government departments. It provides access to over 500 government services, providing essential information and guidance for users," Rashid Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Committee, was quoted as saying.

The portal aims to be the first stop of any resident or visitor for clear and direct access to government information and services which are classified by user-centric service topics, the report said.

It also provides a section entirely dedicated to doing business in the emirate.

The launch of the portal is in line with Abu Dhabi government's efforts to streamline performance of government entities.

Qatar e-Government reaches a milestone in achieving

2007-02-17T11:48:00.001-08:00

Qatar e-Government reaches a milestone in achieving (22,127) transactions for the month of February, 2006. This 22 % growth compared to January, 2006 was due to the increase in number of companies and individuals wanting to use the e-services on the site.

DED's new eServices receive overwhelming response

2007-02-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

The IT Division at the Department of Economic Development (DED) announced that the nine new eServices launched recently on its website have received huge response from customers.

The initiative is part of DED's commitment towards implementing eGovernment policies and is specially created to boost efficiency of operation and productivity. Company Lookup service registered most customer queries - 1038, followed by Transaction Status (1004), Business Set up Simulator (871), Search Trade Names (731), Activity Search (641), Number of Licenses per Person Report (583), License Renewal Cost Estimator (462), Fines for a License Report (231) and Sales and Promotions service (119).

'DED's mission is to expand the scope of businesses in Dubai and the new eServices shows the success of our endeavor. Our initiative would contribute to fulfilling Dubai's aspirations of becoming an e-driven economy,' said Sultan Ali Lootah, Director of IT Division at DED. 'DED is always on the lookout to improve and upgrade its IT system which will help boost the customer service standards of the entire department,' added Lootah.

Since the launch of the new e-services www.dubaided.gov.ae/eservices, the number of on-line visitors clocked 6169 from the UAE; 272 from Saudi Arabia and 216 from the USA.

'With the new initiative we are positioning Dubai as an international business hub in the Middle East and the application of eServices creates a direct and interactive link to this vast business community,' added Lootah.

The new eServices will benefit potential investors seeking information to set up businesses in Dubai, owners of small and medium sized enterprises and public relations officers.

More online services will be available on the website in the next few months offering primarily GROs (Government Relationship Officers) and company owners the opportunity to handle transactions online. Six more releases are expected to be launched in the coming months.

Mr Sultan Ali Lootah, Director of the IT Division at the Department of Economic Development.
Mr Sultan Ali Lootah, Director of the IT Division at the Department of Economic Development.

RTA announces its communication channels with its customers and services provided for public

2007-02-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

During the press conference to announce the communication channels and the services the RTA delivers.
During the press conference to announce the communication channels and the services the RTA delivers.

hese include those from the suggestion scheme 'Fikraty', complaints system, Customers' Council, Emergency Office, Call Center in addition to the automated response system (IVR) and the services of the Traffic and Roads Agency, Marine Agency and Public Transport.

This was announced in a conference held yesterday (Wednesday) by Mr. Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Governance in the presence of Dr. Aisha Al Busmait, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Laila Hareb, Director of Strategy and Corporate Performance, Farid Karmasatji, Director of Customer Service Centers and Khalid Al Ramsi, Stakeholder Relations Manager.

Abdel Mohsen Ibrahim said that the RTA pursues the development of the quality of services provided to customers inside and outside the authority. "We prioritize customer services within Dubai and accordingly respond to their needs and desires in the pursuit of gaining their satisfaction. The Roads and Transport Authority provides effective channels of communication with its customers through schemes like 'Fikraty' and the complaints system, the customers Council, Emergency Office Call Center and the IVR system of automatic reply."

He said, "The suggestion scheme 'Fikraty' is an easy way to deal with internal and external customers as we receive creative ideas to develop and improve the working levels in a bid to improve the performance of the services provided.

"The system aims to strengthen the relationship with partners, customers and society and develops work systems improving the performance, and enhancing the confidence of customers thus involving participation, and raising levels of efficiency and excellency."

Regarding the complaints system in the authority, Abdul-Mohsen said that the system aims to develop the RTA services offered to clients through feedback, as part of the quest is to provide outstanding services and developing performance to achieve customer satisfaction. Stressing that complaints submitted to the Authority is one of the most important sources through which the RTA can identify the improvements.

The CEO of Strategy and Corporate Governance spoke about the customers' Council, which was launched recently and said that through the Council the views of customers are studied by conducting group interviews with a selected group of clients. The council aims to gather information and views on special themes with dealers concerned by the specific body.

On the work of Emergency Office, Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim said that the office receives all internal and external calls on emergency cases on Dubai roads from strategic partners only and in case of necessity the requests are entertained from customers. He pointed out the office intends to facilitate the communication processes with the customers, and is also always ready to receive comments and calls from customers and also the RTA round the clock. He explained that the office is working 24/7 to deliver the urgent services for the RTA clients and the work is divided into three shifts: morning, evening and night.

As for the Call center, the CEO of the Strategy and Corporate Governance said that the center is under Emirates Telecommunications (Etisalat), and answers all incoming calls from RTA clients over the phone, e-mail and fax, and transfers the call to the concerned department in the RTA or the emergency office in case of emergency, indicating that the center is working 24/7.

He added that the center aims at facilitating the communication with the clients, opens new channels to receive the urgent notifications, and continuously handles queries to ensure the delivery of quick service, so as to be distinctive and qualified in servicing the clients and providing the information round the clock.

Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim, shed light on the (IVR) system that the RTA has recently launched. He said it is an electronic system which provides the RTA services to the public over the phone. The system also transfers callers who are interested in speaking to the customer service executive at the RTA call center, thus handling their queries, suggestions and complaints.

He added that the system aims at applying the goals of the e-government that includes providing the services for the clients anywhere and anytime, providing easier and quicker means and more accurate to communicate with the clients, providing the services to the clients without having visited the RTA service center and providing the information to the clients around the clock.

The CEO of the Strategy and Corporate Governance explained that the RTA had completed the transference of the inquiry into the fines of the parking areas violations from Dubai Municipality to the RTA. The traffic and licenses services will be transferred from Dubai Police to the RTA where it provides the inquiry services into the traffic violations in the UAE. The RTA had connected the customer service of inquiries and complaints center, indicating that the RTA would shortly provide all the services delivered to the public over the auto reply system and complete the transactions provided over the phone to an electronic payment.

Khalid Al Ramsi, Stakeholder Relations Manager viewed the services of the agencies of traffic and roads, public transport and marine transport. He said that the Public Transport Agency delivers intercity as well as inter Dubai transport, taxi transport in and out of Dubai, while the Marine Transport Agency delivers the services of maintenance, issuance of licenses, issuance of launching new Abras, repairs and up gradations of Abras as well as the renewing the operations of Abras, and violations and fines concerning the organization of Abras at Dubai Creek, and last but not the least assigning an Abra number or Abra with a number.

He added that the Traffic and Roads Agency delivers a number of services including the public requests follow-up service, and government and private organizations including requests of parking and improvements on the roads, a non-objection certificate for the service parties' projects, and the consultants and contractors, selling the safety and traffic systems guide.

It also follows up on the requests of the signboards and numbering the houses and buildings, the roads pavement and outdoor spaces for the restaurants and cafes, and exploiting the special lands for parking. In addition to the licenses and reservation of the parking areas and building new temporary sandy roads for the residential areas and the leveling, as well as executing the detours of sub streets, constructing a building, demolishing a building, issuing the ads permissions, requesting to make pitfalls and electrical extensions, and entries, exists, signboards and the license services like, the vehicle licenses, driving licenses and commercial licenses.

Abu Dhabi unveils region's biggest e-government project

2007-02-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

blished: 08/02/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)
Abu Dhabi unveils region's biggest e-government project

By Ahmed A. Elewa, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi government yesterday unveiled a massive e-government project unmatched elsewhere in the Middle East and Mena region.

The move follows the successful implementation of Dubai's e-government project and is in line with a federal e-government project that will complete the circle.

The new portal is the fruit of more than a year of intensive efforts and it will provide citizens, residents, visitors and businesses with a single point of access to all services and information provided online by the government.

The website provides a single point of access to more than 500 government services, of which more than 300 are already available as complete online services.

They include personal documents such as IDs, passports and visas, healthcare, land and homes as well as a dedicated portal for business where any investor can find all the necessary information he requires including business support, international trade, rules and regulations, and business start-up.

"One of the things the business portal provides is a step-by-step guide to establishing a business in Abu Dhabi, where investors will find detailed information, concerned authorities and forms.

"There is even a map to show the location of any government entity involved and its branches along with all the relevant details.

"There is no need for consultation. Doing business can never be easier," said Rashed Lahaj Al Mansouri, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Committee which launched the project

ictQATAR

2007-02-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

This e-service is part of the joint and ongoing collaboration between the two agencies.

Hassan Al-Sayed, Acting e-Government Manager at ictQATAR said that this significant service is an addition to the set of services currently offered online including residency permits, entry visas, health cards and others.

Travel permits can be issued within seconds after being signed electronically via the smart card assigned to the authorized signatory within the concerned government or business entity. The smart cards are issued in cooperation between MoI and the e-government department at ictQATAR. An important feature of this service is enabling the authorized signatory to approve Exit permits from anywhere and at any time. Users do not need to print Exit permit application forms, to be signed and stamped manually.

Colonel Saleh Al Kubaisi, Director of Information Systems at the Ministry of Interior called upon companies and government agencies to take advantage of the e-services available through the portal. The colonel added that the ministry's policy is to improve the delivery of services provided to businesses which will eventually benefit the general public. 'We intend to achieve this goal by simplifying procedures, lowering costs, enhancing administrative processes and utilizing the best IT solutions available', he said.

The new service is available for all governmental agencies, semi-governmental sectors as well as private companies that currently use e-government services in addition to companies intending to use the e-Government services in the future. However, the service is currently not available for personal sponsorships.

The e-service can be used to issue Exit permits for single or multiple trips (fees are QR500 per annum for multiple exit permits) or permanent leave. Interested agencies can subscribe to this e-service by obtaining the Exit Permit Declaration from ictQATAR's Government Information Management Office in the C-Ring road near the Cinema traffic lights or by calling 4657802 for further information.

'We kicked-off this e-service in response to our clients' needs and the growing usage of e-government applications. We also expect many businesses to value the benefits of this service once they use it,' said Hassan Al Sayed.

Ministries Launch Websites

2007-01-23T22:22:00.000-08:00

Several ministries and government organizations launched or updated their websites on the occasion of the first national e-transactions conference titled “Toward Tangible e-Government” opened by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah here last night.

The conference, in which more than 60 national and international speakers are participating, is intended to pave the way for e-government in an integrated environment through the e-government national portal named Yesser. This will enable citizens and expatriates to download data from the Internet.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced that companies wishing to apply for commercial registration may do so electronically by downloading the application form. This will greatly reduce the time spent on bureaucratic procedures. A number of Saudi and international companies as well as government organizations are taking part in an e-exhibition being held on the sidelines of the conference which ends Wednesday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Electronic Portal Department in the Information and Studies Center, won laurels when its website obtained the Digital Distinction Award. It gained first place in the branch of e-government transactions for 2006 as the best e-government portal for a government establishment. The ministry’s e-portal won the award from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) for the second year in succession. MCIT also announced that it would declare the winners of awards tomorrow at the Riyadh Inter-Continental Hotel. While the Foreign Ministry’s website is up-to-date and rich in content, other government websites leave much to be desired.

Riyadh allocates 3b riyals for first phase of e-government project

2007-01-23T22:21:00.000-08:00

The Saudi government has allocated three billion Saudi riyals for implementing the first phase of e-government project, a senior government official said.

Chief of Intelligence Prince Miqren bin Abdul Aziz said Saudi Arabia has prepared a national strategy for communication and information technology while chairing the first session of the National e-transaction Conference which was opened in Riyadh on Sunday.

In a related development, Saudi Arabia is working on a law for e-crimes.

This was announced by the Saudi Communications and Information Technology (CIT) minister Mohammad Jamil Mullah.

The law is in its final stages, the minister added in statements on Sunday after opening the first national e-transactions conference on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

The minister also launched four projects for e-transactions intended to pave the way for e-government in Saudi Arabia.

The minister pointed out that 74 per cent of homes in Saudi Arabia are having landline telephone service and 34 per cent of homes have computers.

Finance Minister Ebrahim Al Assaf said that his ministry is working to launch an e-procurement portal for government purchases, adding that coordination is underway with some government agencies to have fees paid online.

The governor of the Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC), Mohammad Al Suwayel noted that an e-government programme is to be initiated in cooperation between the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Finance and the Communication and Information Technology Commission.

E-Govt Initiative Set to Beat 2010 Deadline: Muqrin

2007-01-23T22:20:00.000-08:00

Prince Muqrin, fourth from left, takes a round of the IT and electronic exhibition organized on the sidelines of the National e-Transactions Conference in Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Abdullah Ateeq)

Prince Muqrin, chief of General Intelligence, said yesterday that the Kingdom, as part of its SR3 billion e-government initiative, would lay down a full-fledged foundation for the system well before the target year of 2010.

The initiative, dubbed Yesser (Arabic for “Simplify”), aims to make Saudi society more digitally literate and to streamline government bureaucracy.

“The next stage in the e-government implementation plan will be to launch a significant awareness campaign to encourage the general public to embrace e-governance, while explaining the key benefits to officials of the Saudi government agencies, businesses and society in general,” said Prince Muqrin.

He expressed optimism that the Kingdom’s e-government project will be “fully functional in 2010 or well before the stipulated timeframe.”

The prince made his remarks on the first day of the National e-Transactions Conference 2007, which was inaugurated Sunday evening at the InterContinental and has brought together keynote speakers from the Kingdom and abroad to discuss how technology can simplify procedures, from visa renewals to obtaining copies of deeds.

“There will be no need for a Saudi citizen or an expatriate to visit a government office from a 1,500-km far-flung area to expedite one or many government-related works,” said Prince Muqrin.

Attending on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Muhammad Jameel Mulla kicked off the conference late Sunday by saying that 150 electronic government services would be up and ready for public usage by 2010.

Also attending the inauguration was Communications and Information Technology Commission Gov. Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Al-Assaf, members of the Shoura Council, diplomats and officials. Malaysian Minister of Science Jamaluddin Jarjis was also present.

Referring to the need for immediate implementation of the e-governance system, Prince Muqrin said that e-government concept would enable transactions and services to be performed electronically, thus eliminating many barriers and obstacles.

Prince Muqrin noted that the digitalization of Saudi government agencies “will be largely based on how people accept or respond to the new system.”

He called on the Education Ministry to generate awareness among students about the e-system.

Speaking on his part, Al-Suwaiyel said: “The main aim of the government is to take full advantage of information and communication technologies to make the country a digital society.”

Al-Suwaiyel said the new initiative would assist students in enrolling in college. “All universities will apply an electronic system for accepting graduates,” he said. “Our sons and daughters will no longer have to queue in lines at the gates of universities to apply.”

The minister launched the e-government electronic service system, the e-government transactions network, consultancy center for information security, and the national gateway for electronic transactions. “King Abdullah has been encouraging the setup of this conference from the very beginning,” said Mulla, speaking to reporters after the event. “People attending the workshops are experts from inside and outside the Kingdom. We will exchange experiences.”

The minister said the Kingdom aimed at an easy access for government services to citizens and residents from their households.

He added that according to official statistics, 74 percent of households in the Kingdom had a computer. “This is a sign that the usage of electronic government services from households can be a promising thing,” he noted.

Mulla said that the Kingdom has taken the necessary precautions for security theft as well as hackers who could be a threat to the system. “Security theft as well as protection of the system from illegal entry or destruction is a vital matter that will be taken into consideration when the system is built,” he said. “Steps will be taken to protect illegal entry to the main frame that stores data.”

The electronic portal will also be able to identify accurate signatures in financial transactions and make sure that the applicant provides the necessary data before sending out any transaction from the government side, he added.

“Prices will be much lower than what it is now in 2010, especially when the infrastructure is complete,” said Mulla.

He noted that 50 percent of the Kingdom’s population, which is under 30, use computers on a daily basis, “would find their ambitions fulfilled.”

Al-Assaf said the e-transactions initiative was launched in 2005 and is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Communications and Information Technology Commission.

He said that this four-day cutting-edge event would provide an ideal platform to debate cohesive and practical strategies for the expansion of e-governance for the common good. The conference will also address a range of challenging issues faced by government agencies.

Strategy related topics would embrace e-participation, e-government, IT governance, risk and compliance management, business process management and resources capacity planning.

Al-Assaf said that his ministry had the responsibility of collecting financial dues from government bodies in electronic transactions in the e-government system.

“We are now working on a very important aspect which is the implementation of government purchasing electronically,” he told reporters. “Applications will be sent by government departments electronically and then processed electronically,” he said, adding that his ministry would soon implement this.

Another important mission for the Ministry of Finance is to collect dues from the various departments such as labor offices, passport departments, municipalities and others. “All of this will be done electronically and it will ease things on citizens and residents,” he noted.

Responding to a question from Arab News on the possibility of using credit cards for paying for electronic government services, he said: “This will be widely used in the future”.

Al-Assaf said his ministry is proud to be the first to introduce electronic transactions by preparing the annual budget electronically for over 30 years now.

Dubai eGovernment signs agreement with Dubai Municipality to offer customized eLearning

2007-01-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

Dubai eGovernment has recently signed an agreement with Dubai Municipality to impart eLearning courses to 100 municipality staff through the eLearn channel. The move is predicted to enhance and accelerate daily transactions between Dubai Municipality and local residents.

As per the agreement, Dubai eGovernment will provide eLearning and electronic training curriculum to the municipality staff via personal computers or hand-held devices. Dubai eGovernment will also provide special eServices to Dubai Municipality in the form of a dedicated learning website and will develop an electronic training curriculum for the courses.

Commenting on the agreement, Salem Al Shair, eServices Director, Dubai eGovernment said, “Dubai eGovernment is committed to providing solutions that will enable employees to acquire appropriate IT skills, thereby maximising the available technology to improve work performance and render prompt services to the general public.”

“I am delighted to sign this agreement with Dubai Municipality, as the electronic training courses will help to promote IT literacy and contribute to ushering in a digital society that will strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading economic hub,” Al Shair added.

“This is a great opportunity for Dubai Municipality to improve our position as a leading service provider by aligning with Dubai eGovernment to acquire tailored eLearning initiatives that will help our employees to provide enhanced and accelerated transactions for our customers. This agreement represents our continued dedication to investing in various operational solutions aimed at improving the quality, type and facilitation of our services,” said Humaid Saeed Al Marri, Director of Personnel Department, Dubai Municipality.

The eLearn channel is one of the innovative eServices that Dubai eGovernment provides for students, citizens, investors and the business and resident communities through its innovative portal, www.elearn.ae.

Launched with the objective of spreading awareness and developing people’s e-skills towards better usage of online services, the eLearn forum has conducted more than 3,000 interactive and cost effective online courses in various disciplines including technology and business. Dubai eGovernment has recently completed several government and non-government eLearn projects such as offering an eDiploma to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in addition to creating Arabic and English content for Tejari, the Middle East’s business to business online marketplace.

The eLearn forum also conducts online and blended training programmes to improve e-literacy among employees of government departments and holds regular basic courses in email, internet and digital media aimed at increasing the level of awareness about, and usage of, Dubai Government’s eServices.

Website to help exchange of regional policy ideas

2007-01-23T22:12:00.000-08:00

Website to help exchange of regional policy ideas

By Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter

Dubai: Aimed at empowering decision makers and promoting good governance in the Arab world, the Dubai School of Government is set to manage a region-wide e-government portal.

Set up by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP/ICTDAR) in 2005, the online portal will be jointly managed by Dubai School of Government (DSG) and UNDP before being fully handed over to DSG by 2010.

"The agreement is part of a plan to enrich regional academic research on e-government and tackle e-governance barriers faced by Arab countries ... while facilitating the exchange of knowledge within governments, the private sector and academia," said Nabeel Ali Al Yousuf, DSG's Executive President.

From March

According to DSG, a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world, a version of the portal would be available from March but the official launch would coincide with a UN forum to be held in June.

Members of the public would be able to access the portal, with specific areas accessible only to registered experts.

The UNDP/ICTDAR Regional Coordinator, Najat Rouchdi, described the portal as "a valuable collaborative platform for governments in the region".

"The portal is an example of how technology can be applied to promote sharing of information. There really is a thirst for an exchange of ideas out there, and this would facilitate that.

"The main aim is to encourage a better decision making process, including methodologies and best practices," she said, adding that the entire portal would be in Arabic, to enable all governments across the Arab world to access the information.

DSG research associate Fadi Salem described e-government as a "tool of public sector reform" that helps to create a more "dynamic government".

"The concept enables less corruption because of a direct connection between the government and the public as well as the private sector. There are no middle men, so it increases transparency and decreases red tape," he explained.

Describing Dubai as a leader in e-governance, Salem said it could serve as a "model" for others.

Microsoft would also act as a partner during the transition period, building an upgraded version of the portal besides providing financial and technical support, training.

DSG to run egov portal

2007-01-23T22:11:00.000-08:00

The Dubai School of Government will take over the ownership of the Middle
East's egovernment sharing portal in 2010, after signing an MoU with the UN.
The Arab Sharing Portal was established in 2005 to promote egovernance.

DSG will own the portal jointly with the UN Development Programme for now, and
take full ownership in three years time.

‘Cabinet seeks implementation of e-government project countrywide’; Move to spike IT, communications sector: Al-Sherida

2007-01-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

‘Cabinet seeks implementation of e-government project countrywide’; Move to spike IT, communications sector: Al-Sherida

KUWAIT (KUNA): The Kuwaiti Cabinet is working on activating the road map of electronic government, said director general of Central Organization for Information Technology (COIT) Ali Al-Sherida on Monday. It will offer more material and moral support to the IT and communications sector, he said in the opening ceremony of the third Kuwait Exhibition of IT and Communications. The event is organized by Connection International Company in the exhibition center here. The COIT is formed under the Amiri Decree No 266 for 2006 and is tasked with laying out policies and plans for IT on the national level and supervising the e-government project, Al-Sherida said. It is also tasked with initiating the state electronic gateway and the Kuwait Information Network (KIN) as well as training the IT cadres.

The first stage of KIN aims to connect the government networks while the second stage will connect the private sector and individual ones to facilitate and accelerate the exchange of information, messages and documents efficiently and in privacy, Al-Sherida pointed out. He hailed the initiative of “Kuwaiti Information Citizen” being developed by the Regional Centre for Updating Information Programs in cooperation with the COIT. The initiative aims to train ordinary Kuwaitis and residents in Kuwait on using computers and the Internet. He also praised the Microsoft and Sesco programs to train Kuwaiti youth cadres on the IT-related jobs.

The third Kuwait Exhibition of IT and Communications offers a rare opportunity for decision makers and professionals to get acquainted with the latest developments in the IT and communications industries, said Connection International board chairman Mansour Al-Mussa. The ordinary visitors can also exchange views and information with professionals on networks, data bases, application of administrative and financial programs, he added. The four-day event, sponsored by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ismail Khudair Al-Shatti who is also Chairman of COIT, gathers several international IT companies.

Intel Chairman Unveils Egypt’s First ‘Digital Village’

2007-01-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

ntel Chairman Unveils Egypt’s First ‘Digital Village’

In a small city near the Nile River where cars compete with cattle and modern conveniences are scarce, Intel Corporation is using computers and wireless technology to help Oseem’s 200,000 residents tap into vast “knowledge resources” on the Internet in hopes of bettering their lives.

“Technology has expanded what is possible for the people of Oseem,” said Intel Chairman Craig Barrett. “Intel is committed to support Egypt’s leaders in accelerating access to technology so its people can get better health care, education and work skills.”

Working with Egypt’s government, business and education leaders, Intel installed a state-of-the-art WiMAX network to connect two public schools, a health care center on wheels, a municipal building and an e-government services kiosk. Intel also donated and installed computers in the mobile health center and PC labs at the two schools where students and teachers can regularly connect to the outside world for the first time.

DED unveils nine new eServices to boost work efficiency

2007-01-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Mr Sultan Ali Lootah, Director of the IT Division at the Department of Economic Development

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) has unveiled nine new eServices on its website.

Specially created to boost efficiency of operation and enhance productivity, the new eServices will benefit potential investors seeking information to set up businesses in Dubai, owners of small and medium sized enterprises and public relations officers.

Informative and easy-to-use, the web services feature descriptive help text, Arabic/English support and a friendly layout and design. Internet users can instantly access the information without having to go through any registration process.

'With the launch of the new nine eServices, DED is highlighting its technology-driven initiatives that ensure added-value service to clients and empower Dubai's businesses with e-Commerce capabilities,' said Mr Sultan Ali Lootah, Director of the IT Division at DED.

'Apart from the directives of the eGovernment of Dubai, DED has always utilized the Internet to serve its customers better, ease business registration procedures and create an investor-friendly environment in Dubai. DED will continue to provide more tech-driven and value-added services to cope with the growth of businesses,' said Mr Sultan.

The eServices offered by DED include Transaction Status whereby customers can check the status of the transaction by using a transaction number, license number or initial approval number. Search Trade Names enables users to reserve trade names or find out if the desired name is already taken.

Company Lookup helps to search for existing companies operating in Dubai and gain information on their contact details and business activities. Number of Licenses per Person Report is also available whereby the number of licenses registered under one person's name can be known.

Through Business Set up Simulator, potential investors can get a rough estimate of setting up a new business in Dubai. License Renewal Cost Estimator allows existing companies to find out the cost of renewing their licenses. Activity Search procedure helps users to understand more about the activities that are classified by DED.

Information on current or future sales and promotions conducted by various business establishments in Dubai can be accessed through Sales and Promotions service. Reports on outstanding fines on any license can be checked through Fines for a License Report. To view outstanding fines, both the license number and the serial number of any of the partners or owners of the license have to be submitted on-line.

'DED is seeking to reduce the time spent by employees on handling customer enquiries and transactions by providing the services over Internet,' said Mr Sultan. 'This will enable the staff to handle other transactions and enhance their productivity.'

More online services will be available on the website in the next few months offering primarily GROs (Government Relationship Officers) and company owners the opportunity to handle transactions online. Six more releases are expected to be launched in the coming months.

E-Government Portal to Become Functional

2007-01-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

E-Government Portal to Become Functional
Javid Hassan, Arab News

RIYADH, 14 January 2007 — In what is seen as a significant move, the Kingdom’s e-government national portal will become operational at the first national e-transaction conference. The conference will be opened at the King Fahd Cultural Center today by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Orainy, adviser to the minister of communications and information technology, and Ali S. Al-Soma, the minister’s adviser for IT and director general of the e-government program, said the e-government portal would allow both citizens and expatriates to access government information on the Internet.

“It’s a major initiative for promoting transparency in government functioning and increasing productivity, efficiency and the speedy delivery of services to all people, including visitors,” Al-Soma said. He said that the e-government data center would be operational during the conference along with the e-government network.

Some 50 local and 14 international speakers will share their experiences at the conference. The e-government initiative, known as Yesser (meaning simplify), seeks to promote integrated services to Internet users during the first phase. “By 2010 we should have at least 150 integrated portal services of world class,” Al-Soma said. He said e-government was chosen as the theme for the first conference since efficiency in the government sector is of great importance in the light of the Kingdom’s accession to the WTO and the need for greater transparency. Subsequent conferences will focus on such different themes as e-commerce, e-health, e-education, etc.

An exhibition on e-services will be held on the sidelines of the conference and the venue will shift to the King Faisal Conference Hall. The conference will conclude on Jan. 17. Saudi Arabian Airlines, banks and a number of public and private-sector organizations will demonstrate the e-services they offer.

Dr. Al-Orainy pointed out that the e-government initiative is part of King Abdullah’s vision to transform Saudi society into an information society. It is spearheaded as a multifaceted program involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). Yesser will act as a facilitator for providing integrated e-government services involving all government agencies.

Al-Soma said the e-government program would benefit immensely from the input provided by both national and international speakers.

The first session, “The Strategic Continuum of e-Government” will be chaired by Prince Muqrin, head of general intelligence, who, as governor of Madinah, made important contributions to e-government in the holy city.

Amr Abdullah Dabbagh, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, will chair a session on public-private partnership. Dr. Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel, governor CITC, and Steven Mills, senior vice president of IBM, will be among the featured speakers.

Abu Dhabi gets electronic gateway to environmental services and information

2007-01-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

Citizens, residents and visitors to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will now be able to benefit from an
efficient single point of online access to environmental services, announced the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) as it launched its eServices Portal.

In line with the vision and directives of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, of improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of
government services and information, EAD initiated the project in coordination with the Abu
Dhabi Systems & Information Committee (ADSIC). The online portal aims to deliver convenient
and speedy services and information, as well as offer transactional services.

The portal will greatly benefit UAE Nationals, residents and tourists engaged in traditional,
commercial and recreational fishing activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. From today onwards,
marine services which include traditional fishing licenses; weekly and annual recreational fishing
licenses; commercial fishing licenses; and 'Gargour' permits for commercial fishermen, research
vessel survey licenses, aquaculture licenses and artificial reefs, will all be processed online.
The portal will also allow the issuing of the Falcon Passport, which is a three year license for
UAE nationals and residents who wish to move legally-acquired falcons frequently across
international borders for personal use.

Information services such as environmental laws and regulations; technical documents;
announcements; protected areas; EAD events and publications will also be available online
through the portal.

'This portal will help fulfill the Abu Dhabi government's vision of expanding the system of
eGovernance by providing efficient, effective and economical services and information to its
customers, furthering the UAE's transformation into a knowledge-based society,' said H.E. Majid
Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD.

Mr. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman of ADSIC, praised the cooperation of EAD and said,
'This project is part of a far-reaching service transformation programme that transcends all government departments, authorities and administrations (government entities). This

programme strives to make Abu Dhabi Government more effective and efficient in delivering
modern services to its diverse customer base along a multitude of delivery channels, empowered
by optimal information technology (IT) solutions and aligned with today's e-transformation terms.
'
Ibrahim Mohamed Lari, Chief Executive Officer of Injazat Data Systems, which was
commissioned to build the online portal, said, 'This is only the first step in an exciting but critical
journey towards building the necessary platform from which EAD and its user community will
grow and prosper.'

Notes and Media Contacts
To provide an alternative to those with no access to the online portal, EAD has established a Customer Service
Office. This Office is located on the Ground floor of its Headquarters in Al Khaldyah area, Abu Dhabi and is
open to the public from Sunday - Thursday, 8 am - 2:30 pm.
The New EAD eServices Portal Currently Offers the Following Services:
* Research Vessel Survey License
This service allows the issuing of the license required before conducting any research, explorations or studies
involving the collection of samples in the fishing waters of the UAE.
* Aquaculture License
This service allows the issuing of a five-year renewable license for the establishment and investment on
commercial aquaculture farms.
* Artificial Reefs License
This service allows the issuing of the license that is required to establish or maintain an artificial coral reef in
any ground of the fishing waters of the UAE.
* Annual Recreational Fishing License
This service allows the issuing of an annual renewable license that allows the bearer to enjoy the sport of
shore-based fishing, using rod and reel or hand lines.
* Commercial Fishing License
This service allows the issuing of an annual renewable license that licenses its bearer to fish for profit.
Commercial fishing licenses are only available to UAE Nationals of Abu Dhabi who own registered commercial
fishing boats.

* Gargour Permit
This service allows commercial fishermen to use legally-tagged gargours when fishing in Abu Dhabi. Fishermen with licensed commercial lanshes are permitted to use gargour which must be fitted with an identifying tag issued by EAD and must conform to the regulations for gargour design established by EAD. The design regulations reduce by-catch and minimize ghost fishing thus reducing pressure on fish stocks in Abu Dhabi.

* Traditional Fishing License
This service allows the issuing of a renewable license which licenses its bearer, and his family, to practice traditional fishing with nets from recreational fishing boats in the waters of Abu Dhabi. Fish caught may only be used for personal consumption and must not be traded.

* Weekly Recreational Fishing License
This service allows the issuing of a seven day license that allows its bearer to enjoy the sport of shore-based fishing, using rod and reel or hand lines. This license is required for anyone aged 18 and above, wishing to fish from shore in Abu Dhabi.

* CITES Permit
This service allows anyone who wants to import or export endangered species for personal use or trade businesses purpose to do so legally. The CITES permit allows a single trade of an endangered species across international borders. When the trade has been completed, the original permit shall be returned to the Management Authority of the importing country.

* Falcon Passport
This service allows the issuing of the Falcon Passport which is a three year license for UAE nationals and residents who wish to move legally-acquired falcons frequently across international borders for personal use.

One falcon passport is issued for each bird for which movement is to be authorized.

MoL makes e-Signature Card must for companies

2007-01-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

MoL makes e-Signature Card must for companies
By Ahmed Abdul Aziz

14 January 2007

ABU DHABI — Dr Ali bin Abdullah Al Kaabi, the Minister for Labour, has made it mandatory for the companies to obtain the e-Signature Card (ESC) to facilitate dealings with the Ministry.

“According to the Minister’s instructions, all the big firms in the country have to apply for the new card which would ease dealings between the firms and the MoL,” said Sultan Al Bluoshi, Director of the Distinguished Firm Department at the MoL.

“We have a large number of companies who submitted their documents and got the ESC. The ministry calls on companies to obtain the ESC in order to help the Ministry fulfil the objective of e-governance,” added Al Bluoshi.

He said the MoL would not issue work permits to the company without this card.

Companies should provide the required documents to get the ESC. The documents required are — a copy of the passport of the sponsor or the authorised person of the company, a personal photo and Dh200 as application fee.

“The company can receive the ESC on the same day of applying to the MoL and if the companies’ directors or employers want to know more, they can visit our web site: http:// www.uaesmartform. gov.ae,” Al Bluoshi explained.

A PRO of Power International Company – based in Abu Dhabi – told Khaleej Times that the ESC will make it easy for the companies to deal with the MoL.

Ministries Launch Websites

2007-01-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ministries Launch Websites
Javid Hassan, Arab News

RIYADH, 15 January 2007 — Several ministries and government organizations launched or updated their websites on the occasion of the first national e-transactions conference titled “Toward Tangible e-Government” opened by Minister of Communication and Information Technology Muhammad Jameel Mulla here last night.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Electronic Portal Department in the Information and Studies Center, won laurels when its website obtained the Digital Distinction Award.

It gained first place in the branch of e-government transactions for 2006 as the best e-government portal for a government establishment. The ministry’s e-portal won the award from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology for the second year in succession.

Charting a new path

2006-12-28T12:28:00.000-08:00



	The transformation team

After having recently separated from the Ministry of Labour, MOSD today has been tasked to deliver efficient services in the most cost effective manner as possible. And as a fledgling IT department, its Assistant under Secretary for IT, Human Resource and Finance, Maha Al-Mandeel has found that with the right technology, the IT department can do more with less.

“One thing that makes MOSD a special case is that Her Excellency the Minister is an IT oriented person. This feature especially gives the IT department a strong and continuous support,” says Al-Mandeel.

Going forward, MOSD’s technology driven roadmap build out will be dominated by three major areas of investment – networking infrastructure, building an identity driven architecture and investing in open source applications from the backend right to the desktop.

In order to set the ball rolling, the ministry has also formed an alliance with Novell to help it build a flexible, scalable and secure environment. Using Open Source has also become a mainstay of operations for the team.

Getting networked

But as it goes with all new ventures, MOSD also has to face up to its challenges. “One of the major challenges we need to overcome lies in successfully building our own separate LAN and WAN network that will connect us with 20 remote sites and to the government data network. So technologies that we use and alliances we strike will play a critical role,” she adds.

Currently using the Ministry of Labour's network for its infrastructure needs, MOSD is preparing to go independent in a number of areas - including infrastructure requirements. Investments planned on this front are expected to lead MOSD within the next five years, to become an e-Ministry and part of the Bahrain e-Government with paperless transactions, providing on-line information and services to other organisations and citizens.

“The Bahraini government is moving towards providing full services using the Internet as part of the e-government project. Our efforts are aimed at making our Ministry one of the fastest ones to launch our services over the next two years,” she adds.

Following the infrastructure roll out, the MOSD’s 600 employees will be servicing a wide variety of citizens and groups through its remote sites that will be connected through the LAN & WAN and the MOSD portal.

Going open

MOSD’s commitment to Open Source is yet another important facet of the region’s strong commitment to standards. According to Al Mandeel, the initiatives like the one at MOSD are expected to change the map of IT usage in Bahrain over the next 10 years.

“Open source systems and models that have been adopted at the government sites have proved to be a stable and secure option. Besides which, they have also enabled an environment that can easily be integrated, scalable and built using available technology that is in the market in a number of flavours,” she adds.

This ministry in particular is leading the way with Open Source standardization, which includes a migration to Suse Linux on the desktop. Following the completion of its backend phase, the IT department plans to begin its desktop migration by 2007. But the ROI is estimated to still be sometime away.

“For us at MOSD the main benefit from phase 1 has been the ability to break free from proprietary products. Now we can go Linux or windows, because the infrastructure is flexible enough to handle both. With such an environment, we believe that we have become stronger simply because we have the options and the strength to choose things that we had never had before,” Al-Mandeel remarks.

Linux has also made its way into the project at all levels starting from the LAN which uses Suze Linux integrated with Novell products. This project also makes MOSD the first ministry to deploy end-to-end Linux on the Novell platform.

Stacking it all up

Seamless integration and a business-oriented workflow is a pillar to the success of MOSD. In order to ensure this objective, the technology initiative is focused on enabling systems, process and business integration that are secure and identity driven.

“Systems integration between MOSD and other government entities will be a key factor toward the e-MOSD especially to enable proper electronic work flow and facilitate the services provided to citizens. In the first half of this year we focused on investing in preparing our infrastructure to function as the backbone of all MOSD systems to be developed later,” Al-Mandeel says.

With the centralisation of network and management, MOSD also wanted to invest in power tools for network managers that will enable them to do more with less.

“Right now we have only nine people, which poses a challenge by itself given the size of the ministry and the amount of work we have to deliver on. By centralising the management and giving more powerful tools to our network administrators, we hope that we would minimise the effort required and also the downtime for the end-user and facilitate faster troubleshooting services,” she adds.

The identity driven approach also fits nicely into this piece. “We believe that identity management tools would automate a lot of services, secure transaction within the ministry infrastructure and help building user friendly systems. With the remote sites in place, the need is to keep track of security on desktops, ensure proper IT maintenance service, desktop management and automated services, especially with the constraint of limited IT staff at hand,” Al-Mandeel shares.

Dubai 90% services online

2006-12-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

Dubai Municipality has put 90% of its services online, 12 months ahead of schedule. The most used online services are DM clinic health certificates, no objection certification, food control health certificates and Dubai Central Lab block certificates.

Jordan Times: Information Minister "Formally Inaugurated" E- Government Project

2006-12-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

Text of report by Hugh Naylor, "Ministry launches e-government project, published in English by Jordan Times website on 20 November

The government formally inaugurated its long-awaited e- government programme yesterday with the intention of streamlining bureaucracy and enhancing access to the internet in rural areas.

In front of an audience at the Royal Scientific Society, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Omar Kurdi said the e- government website would eventually act as a one-stop gateway to the government.

"We will soon be able to provide citizens and businesses will all government-related information without having to switch from one website to another."

The programme, which is slated to cost JD45m until its scheduled completion in 2009, seeks to improve communication between ministries, citizens and businesses by offering internet browsers quick access to information.

"People won't have to go to two or three ministries in a single day to get their passports renewed - they can just go online, fill out a form, and the ministries will do the rest. E-government will be citizen-centric and will save all of us time and money," he said.

"At the end of the day," explained Kurdi, "we're looking for e- government to act as a mechanism for public sector reform."

The ministry is pushing for e-government to serve as a tool to expand greater internet access to rural communities. As part of the ambitious programme, the ministry plans to install 5,000km of fibre optic cables, expand broadband internet access to 3,200 public schools, 23 community colleges and roughly 120 internet knowledge stations by the end of this year.

Hasan Hourani, director of the e-government programme, said the ministry has begun training 8,000 government employees and managers of the country's knowledge stations in how to navigate the e- government project's website.

"Internet technology has only modestly penetrated Jordan," he told The Jordan Times, "but our training courses and programmes will help change mindsets and get more people familiar with this technology."

Internet penetration in Jordan currently stands at around 7.5 per cent out of which three per cent are paying subscribers.

But trimming down bureaucracy and increasing greater internet usage, according to observers, will require more than just a transition to a stronger reliance on internet technology. "There is no substitute for good management," said economist Yusuf Mansour, adding that dependence on internet technology alone won't fix deeper structural problems in the government. "Changing the country's mindset is the most important thing - not hardware and software. This can be done with good and consistent management," he said. "But there is a need for the government to push for information technology adoption," he added.

Mansour also said that a constant reshuffling of cabinets and changes in ministerial posts could derail the e-government's management progress, setting back its full implementation.

Mohammad Masri of the University of Jordan's Centre for Strategic Studies, however, said there are serious flaws in the way the ministry went about preparing Jordan for its impending transition to e-government.

"If you ask people in the street about it, they simply don't know what e-government is," he said. "The government should have had a better strategy that informed and prepared people of the programme, which would have made it more effective from the start."

He commented that the ministry should have implemented a gradual, grass-roots and community-based approach to further awareness of information technology to rural areas.

"People in rural areas are used to seeing their documents and papers stamped in front of them. Making transactions over the internet is a completely foreign concept for them, and changing their ideas will take a lot of work."

If internet penetration doesn't proceed fast enough, Masri said he believed "e-government could become just a tool of elites."

But Musa Shteiwi, a sociologist at the University of Jordan, believes that if Jordan wants to enter the information technology age, a considerable effort must be made by the government. "How do you become an internet culture without rapidly promoting internet technology?" he said. "Jordan has a lot of potential to develop an internet culture."

Shteiwi said, however, that the government must be committed to keep positive momentum going. "It would be a waste if they [the government] got sidetracked; they must continue promoting these changes in a progressive way."

More Internet users in Oman

2006-12-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

MUSCAT — The number of Internet subscribers in Oman rose to 92,126, including 12,900 customers of the ADSL service, in the first ten months of the year, according to statistics released by Omantel.

Subscribers of the Internet dial-up service totalled 48,846 and pre-paid 'Al Oufuq' card customers 24,350. The number of leased circuit customers was 242, "access and surf" subscribers 4,850 and 'other services' customers 889. "Omantel is endeavouring to develop its Internet services due to its qualitative development witnessed by the 'Oman Digital Society' project," the company said. Omantel introduced services for the users of fixed wireless telephone services in the rural areas.

Intel Chairman Unveils Egypt’s First ‘Digital Village’

2006-12-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

Intel Chairman Unveils Egypt’s First ‘Digital Village’

Cabinet seeks implementation of e-government project countrywide’; Move to spike IT, communications sector: Al-Sherida

2006-12-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

The Kuwaiti Cabinet is working on activating the road map of electronic government, said director general of Central Organization for Information Technology (COIT) Ali Al-Sherida on Monday. It will offer more material and moral support to the IT and communications sector, he said in the opening ceremony of the third Kuwait Exhibition of IT and Communications. The event is organized by Connection International Company in the exhibition center here. The COIT is formed under the Amiri Decree No 266 for 2006 and is tasked with laying out policies and plans for IT on the national level and supervising the e-government project, Al-Sherida said. It is also tasked with initiating the state electronic gateway and the Kuwait Information Network (KIN) as well as training the IT cadres.

The first stage of KIN aims to connect the government networks while the second stage will connect the private sector and individual ones to facilitate and accelerate the exchange of information, messages and documents efficiently and in privacy, Al-Sherida pointed out. He hailed the initiative of “Kuwaiti Information Citizen” being developed by the Regional Centre for Updating Information Programs in cooperation with the COIT. The initiative aims to train ordinary Kuwaitis and residents in Kuwait on using computers and the Internet. He also praised the Microsoft and Sesco programs to train Kuwaiti youth cadres on the IT-related jobs.

The third Kuwait Exhibition of IT and Communications offers a rare opportunity for decision makers and professionals to get acquainted with the latest developments in the IT and communications industries, said Connection International board chairman Mansour Al-Mussa. The ordinary visitors can also exchange views and information with professionals on networks, data bases, application of administrative and financial programs, he added. The four-day event, sponsored by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ismail Khudair Al-Shatti who is also Chairman of COIT, gathers several international IT companies.

UAE Ministry of Development for Govt. Sector

2006-12-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Development for the Government Sector.

The support to the conference underscores the importance placed by the Ministry in
implementing e-Services and thereby enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
'The Ministry is committed to the Federal e-Government project of creating a massive e-network
that integrates the communication channels between federal staff members and customers,'
said His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Development for the Government
Sector. 'Our support to the e-Services conference will provide us with a platform to discuss the
future of e-services in the UAE and the challenges faced by governmental organisations and
businesses.'
He added:
'The Ministry supports events that will add momentum to the e-Services initiatives
undertaken by the UAE. We continue to encourage federal employees and
businesses to enhance their performance by better understanding and
implementing the concept of e-Services.

e-Government project management members

2006-12-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

His Excellency Sultan Bin
Saeed Al Mansouri,
Minister of Development
for the Government
Sector, headed the first
meeting of the e-
Government project
management office
members today, at the
Ministry's office in Dubai.
His Excellency Minister of Labor Dr Ali Al Kaabi; Dr Ali Bin Abood, the undersecretary of the
Ministry of Development for Government Sector; Mohammad Al Shihhi, undersecretary at
Ministry of Economy; Salem Al Shair, e-Services director at Dubai e-Government; Ahmad Kajoor,
assistant undersecretary at the Minister of Labor; and Abdallah Al Majid administration manager
of Computer and follow up at the Ministry of Development for Government Sector; attended.
The organizational structure of the e-Government project management office was unveiled at
the meeting at which members also decided to speed up the execution of various e-Governmentrelated
strategies.
'The members underscored their commitment to implement the e-Government project at the
meeting through effective plans and strategies,' said Al Mansouri. 'The meeting also decided
to leverage on the expertise of the private sector as a strategic partner in speeding up the
project, which will have a significant role in the economic development of the UAE.'
He added: 'Through regular meetings, we will monitor the performance of the project, which will
be divided into two phases - Public Projects that will executed through the Ministry of
Development for Government Sector and Private Projects, which the various ministries should
implement themselves under the supervision of the Ministry of Development for Government
Sector.'
The objective of the executive office of the of the e-Government program is to formulate plans
and projects; supervise their implementation; provide assistance, issue budget reports; monitor
the yearly activities of the e Government program and brief the Council of Ministers.

RTA form a team to define a "Strategy of e-government"

2006-12-02T04:46:00.000-08:00

H.E Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) issued an order on the formation of a team to determine the strategy of E-Government.

ccording to instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on the initiative of the Dubai E-Government to facilitate the lives of people and business companies in their dealings with the government and contribute to the consolidation of standing in the Dubai vanguard in the knowledge economy.

The team headed by Abdullah Al Madani, CEO of the Corporate Support Services and nine members from the four agencies; Traffic and Roads Agency, Public Transport Agency, Rail Agency and the Marine Agency in addition to the members of concerned departments in this field such as the IT, Customer Service, Marketing and Corporate Communication and Strategy and Corporate performance.

Mr. Abdallah said: "Through this team, we want to participate in determining the vision and strategy of the RTA e-government, review and adoption of the operational plan to launch services on the Internet, in accordance with the standards of the Dubai E-Government and review and adoption of the RTA and its agencies website design according to the best international standards in addition to preparing to attend workshops in order to implement the approved tasks and review the technical reports of the project and prepare comments on it and discuss it with the Consultant of IT Department (IBM) and to improve the final products of the project, under the supervision of the IT's Project Management Office.

He added that the team should prepare a work plan and the timetable for implementation and raise it to HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA for final approval within a period not exceeding two weeks from the date of issuing the order of formation of this team. The Team also should raise the summary reports periodically to the Chairman of the Board shows the most important achievements and constraints if there is.

Commerce Ministry initiates e-government, bids farewell to red tape

2006-11-07T02:07:00.000-08:00

Commerce Ministry initiates e-government, bids farewell to red tape

ECO-KUWAIT-PAPERWORK
Commerce Ministry initiates e-government, bids farewell to red tape

(With photos) KUWAIT, Nov 5 (KUNA) -- The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Rashid Al-Tabtabaei, said the ministry was the first in Kuwait to provide for its paperwork to be completed via the Internet.

Al-Tabtabaei, who was speaking during a news conference after a reception in honor of civil servants working on the electronic government project, said the ministry's website was linked to the electronic government and the planned Hukuma (Government) Mall.

He stated that the public was now able to complete, via the Internet, all paperwork related to the Commerce Ministry, "without taking the trouble to come to the ministry's headquarters for that." He encouraged the public to take advantage of this opportunity in order to save time and expenses of coming to the ministry headquarters in person for that and to avoid congesting the traffic in and around the ministry.

He praised the efforts being made to complete the Government Mall, specifically by the Ministry's Supervisor of the project, Hamed Al-Ansari.

He said the government was pleased with the way things had turned up in this project.

He added that the Commerce Minsitry's staff in Government Mall were working morning and evening shifts. (end) asa.

Inaugural Chair in E-Government appointed at Victoria

2006-11-07T01:49:00.000-08:00

Inaugural Chair in E-Government appointed at Victoria

(12/10/2006)

An Oxford University researcher has been appointed as the inaugural Chair in E-Government at Victoria University of Wellington, one of the first such positions in the world.

Dr Miriam Lips, who is a Research Fellow at Oxford University�s Internet Institute and an Associate Professor in the Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology & Society at Tilburg University in The Netherlands, will take up her position early next year.

The Chair in E-Government is believed to be only the second such Chair in the world, following the establishment of the Cisco Chair in E-Democracy at Oxford University.

Dr Lips� appointment followed an extensive international recruitment process involving a number of high-quality candidates. The Chair has been supported by the State Services Commission and Datacom, which are co-sponsoring the position through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pat Walsh, said the University was pleased to be able to recruit an academic of Dr Lips� calibre.

�The appointment reinforces the growing significance of e-government initiatives and New Zealand�s leadership in this field and I�m sure Dr Lips will be recognised as an authority in this field. She has a strong track record in Europe for research on e-government issues and playing a leading role in several significant research projects for organisations such as the European Commission.�

Dr Lips said she was delighted by the unique opportunity to develop an international centre of excellence in the field of e-government.

"This topic deserves broad attention in a period of time that governments increasingly are confronted with fundamental questions due to the introduction, management and use of a large variety of Information and communication technologies in their relationships with society."

Dr Lips, who holds a PhD and Master of Public Administration degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam, is the Project Leader or Scientific Director or Activity Leader on several major research projects for the European Commission, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research and the British Economic & Social Research Council. A research project for the Commission on privacy and identity management is worth �10 million, of which Dr Lips is responsible for �460,000.

In addition to e-government, Dr Lips� research and teaching interests include identity management, digital citizenship, personalisation, internet governance, regulation in the information society and public management.

Saudi Investment in E-Government Tops SAR 3 Billion

2006-09-03T02:34:00.000-07:00

Saudi Investment in E-Government Tops SAR 3 Billion

By Middle East and North Africa Business Report, Amman, Jordan

Aug. 23--The investment strategy employed by the Saudi Arabian Government, which added a further SAR 3 billion recently, will lay the foundations for the beginning of a comprehensive implementation of e-government. Although the digital divide between the Middle East and developed nations still exists, the Kingdom is rapidly catching up. The next stage in their e-government implementation plan will be to launch a significant awareness campaign to encourage the general public to embrace e-governance whilst explaining the key benefits to civil servants, business and society in general.

A high level delegation of influential ICT figures from within the Saudi Government and other public services sectors will share their expertise with counterparts from around the region at the Government Technology (GT) Summit & Exhibition 2006. The three-day summit, in association with ICTDAR-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The League of Arab States, will take place next month on 3-5 September at the JW Marriot Hotel in Dubai.

The cutting-edge event will provide an ideal platform to debate cohesive and practical strategies for the expansion of regional e-governance for the common good of the Arab world. Amongst a line-up of highly respected speakers, Dr. Fahad Al Hoymany, Minister's advisor for IT, Head of E-Government Infrastructure Department at the Saudi Ministry of Communications & Information Technology will impress on delegates that, "The amounts invested so far by the Saudi Government is indicative of their commitment to e-government. However, if the Arab World is to truly benefit, then a regional strategy has to be put in place."

For example, access to the internet could be shared amongst Arab nations so that a regional portal could be utilised rather than more expensive international gateways. In addition it may also be possible in some cases to request regional software licences, rather than applying by individual country which could reduce costs dramatically," he added.

Another prominent Saudi speaker will be Dr. Khalid Al Tawil, Director General of the Kingdom's highly respected, National Information Centre concurred, "Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States do not lack the technical infrastructure, but they still need to tackle educational and awareness issues. It is now time for the region to invest collectively in a coordinated and strategic approach to address the critical issues," he said.

To specifically address the situation through a regional initiative, the UNDP introduced, 'Information & Communities Technologies for Development in the Arab Region' (ICTDAR), its strategy being to foster dialogue between the entire stake holder and leading IT players in Arab government to share knowledge and relate experience. Covering all Arab countries, ICTDAR also aims to assist Arab States in harnessing ICT to reduce poverty, address digital divides and improve both public administration performance and private sector efficiency.

Dr. Najat Rochdi, Regional Coordinator, ICT4D in Arab Region -- ICTDAR, UNDP, remarked, "The first step in any serious effort to harness the power of ICT is to recognise the current status of all e-governance initiatives throughout the region. Objectives can then be defined, state by state, that not only identifies the priorities of each individual country, but crucially aligns them to the overall strategy for the region as a whole."

The GT Summit is an invitation-only event and will target, high-level government ministerial officials in communications, commerce, education, finance, health, infrastructure and public works. Leading figures in other public sector or NGOs will also be sought such as chambers of commerce, municipalities, the judiciary, civil defence, utilities and tourism.

The conference programme will address a range of challenging issues faced by regional governments today. Strategy related topics will embrace E-participation, E-government, IT governance, risk and compliance management, business process management and resources capacity planning. IT related subjects will cover the actual dynamics such as smart IT infrastructures, enterprise architecture, integrated service delivery channels, connecting communities through Digital Cities and information security, access, collaboration and integration. Brainstorming sessions will held to allow delegates to share their issues, concerns and potential solutions, in an interactive format.

ICT indicators reveal 55% growth in Mid East internet usage

2006-09-03T02:32:00.000-07:00

Information & communications technology (ICT) indicators throughout the Arab region have revealed a two-fold increase in ICT usage, which includes mobile phones and internet penetration. Although the digital divide between the Middle East and developed nations still exists, Arab governments are rapidly catching up through education, awareness, technical infrastructure and of paramount importance, change management.

Senior IT decision-makers in the government and public services sectors throughout the Middle East will convene at the Government Technology (GT) Summit & Exhibition 2006 which is developed by The World Development Forum to debate cohesive and practical strategies for the expansion of regional e-governance for the common good of the Arab world.

التصويت بالإنترنت بانتخابات البحري

2006-09-03T02:27:00.000-07:00

اتخبير الكتروني: التصويت بالإنترنت بانتخابات البحرين..انتحار سياسي

دبي- العربية.نت

وجه رئيس اتحاد الجمعيات المعلوماتية العربية (إجمع) خبير الانترنت البحريني وحيد البلوشي، في ملتقى أقامته مؤخرا جمعية الوفاق الوطني الإسلامية كبرى الجمعيات السياسية في البحرين نقدا لاذعا ضد توجه الجهاز المركزي للمعلومات في البحرين إلى استخدام التصويت الالكتروني في الانتخابات المقبلة.

وأشار إلى أن استخدام الانترنت فيها سيكون أشبه بيوم المتعة لمخترقي الشبكات (هاكرز) لتسجيل إنجازاتهم من خلاله فضلا عن انتعاش تجارة بيع الأصوات، بحسب تقرير لصحيفة الخليج الإماراتية كتبه الزميل فيصل الشيخ الاحد 3-9-2006 .

وقال البلوشي الذي كان يتحدث عن التصويت الالكتروني وعلاقته بالانترنت إن مواقع رسمية كثيرة اخترقت بسهولة من قبل هواة (الهاكرز) مستشهدا باختراق موقع وزارة التربية والتعليم في اليوم السابع من يونيو/حزيران العام الحالي وهو وقت نشر نتائج طلبة الثانوية، واختراق موقع البطاقة الذكية التابع للجهاز المركزي للمعلومات في اليوم السادس والعشرين من مايو/ايار الماضي، واختراق موقع الانتخابات الرسمية لمملكة البحرين التابع للجهاز المركزي للمعلومات بتاريخ الرابع عشر من يوليو/تموز الماضي.

وقال البلوشي: إن تطبيق (التصويت الإلكتروني) بهذه الطريقة التي ينتهجها الجهاز المركزي للمعلومات في البحرين سيعد بمثابة انتحار سياسي وتقني وكارثة انتخابية يبدو أننا مقبلون عليها لا محالة في ضوء التصريحات الحكومية التي تعلن أنه لا مناص من تطبيقه.

وقال إن التصويت الإلكتروني عملية معقدة وطويلة الإجراءات تبدأ قبل الانتخابات بسنوات من حيث وضع القوانين المنظمة للعملية ومن حيث الإجراءات العملية واللوائح ومن حيث تثقيف المستخدمين (الناخبين) لهذا النظام، أن لبها يتمحور في ثلاث نقاط وهي الخصوصية والأمن والدقة.

وأضاف: أن كل مبرمجي الحاسوب والعاملين بتقنية المعلومات يعلمون بأن الخصوصية مفقودة وقابلة للانتهاك في برامج الحاسوب بشكل خاص وعلى شبكة الإنترنت بشكل عام,

وقال إن أي برنامج حاسوبي مهما كان صغيرا في حجمه وفي أدائه يحتاج إلى شهور بل وسنوات من التجربة والاستخدام الدائم كي يتمكن القائمون من البرنامج من سد جميع عيوبه وثغراته، ومع ذلك تبقى ثغرات أو تستحدث عيوب أخرى مع التقدم التقني، ويأتي ذلك مقابل إصرار الجهاز المركزي للمعلومات على تطبيق برنامج التصويت الالكتروني في هذا الوقت الضيق والذي يشهد اعتراضات من قبل التقنيين والسياسيين على حد سواء.

Arab e-gov and social software

2006-08-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

CommunityWiki:SocialSoftware
MeatballWiki:SocialSoftware
MetaCollab.net:Social Software
P2P Foundation Wiki: Social Software
Wikipedia:Social Software

Lessons in eGovernment Blogging

2006-07-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

Before engagin in this news options, Arab Governmnet should educate their employees about the legal risks inherent in blogging, such as the possibility that they might inadvertently disclose sensitive or regulated information.

Blogging is very different from the kinds of communication activities that employees routinely engage in . Anything that goes up on the Internet is immediately available to a worldwide audience of billions—and it becomes a permanent part of the public record.

e-politics and democratic guide

2006-07-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

overview

issues

overview

This guide considers online politics: representation, citizen activism, hate sites, the interaction of government agencies with the community, digital diasporas and other issues.

It highlights writing about issues such as the digital divides, notes primers for online activism and some case studies, considers hate sites and censorship, and looks at work relating to the operation of parliaments, courts and executive agencies in the 'age of the internet'.

studies

campaigns

hacktivism

tool kits

hate sites

legislatures

government

elections

revolutions

fora

EGOV 2006

2006-07-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

Dates: 04 Sep 2006 - 08 Sep 2006

The EGOV conference series brings together leading researchers and professionals from all over the globe and from many disciplines. Over the years, interest has increased considerably with over 150 participants from more than 30 countries in 2005. It provides an important forum for discussion and also offers valuable networking opportunities.

The call for papers for this year’s conference has been published. The deadline for the submission or research papers and communications is 15 February 2006, while the deadline for the submission of workshop and panel proposals is 15 April 2006.

The EGOV conference is looking for four different types of contribution: scientific papers, project presentations, workshops, and panel discussions. They encourage scientific rigour and discussions on state of the art in the field, but also welcome innovative research work in progress, and studies on practical eGovernment projects and systems implementation. Following the success of last year's pilot, the series also includes a PhD student colloquium (3 September 2006) which provides doctoral students with a forum for presenting their work and for networking with students working in other disciplines.

Location: Krakow

Country: Poland

Source https://www.uni-koblenz.de/

100 City Survey: Digital Governance in Municipalities Worldwide

2006-07-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

100 City Survey: Digital Governance in Municipalities Worldwide

A 100 city survey was conducted in Fall 2005, published in 2006, by the E-governance Institute of Rutgers University-Newark and the Global e-Policy e-Government Institute of the Graduate School of Governance, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea, co-sponsored by the UN Division for Public Administration and Development Management and the American Society for Public Administration. An index that ranks the digital governance of the cities was created based on this survey, and represents the only systematic effort to assess e-governance in municipalities throughout the world.

The E-Governance Performance Index evaluated Hong Kong, Macao, and the most populated cities in 98 countries in five areas: Security and Privacy, Usability, Content, Services, and Citizen Participation. Seoul, Korea, which came out at the top in four of the five categories, was the highest-ranked city overall, followed by New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Sydney. Based on the research conducted, there appears to be a continued divide in digital governance throughout the world, especially between cities in developed and under-developed countries, with a growing gap between OECD and non-OECD countries.

Photo courtesy of The E-Governance Institute press release 4/11/06

Digital Governance: A Longitudinal Assessment of Municipal Websites Throughout the World (2005)

Seoul and New York Top the Rankings in Municipal E-Governance

2003 Digital Governance Survey

Global E-Government, 2005

E-government: The State of Art Today,

2006-07-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

Misra, D.C. (2006a): E-government: The State of Art Today, Keynote
Presentation at Seminar on Using the Internet for Electronic Delivery
of Government Services, Internet Fiesta 2006, March 20,
http://www.gov.mu/portal/goc/internetfiesta/file/misra.ppt#2
(accessed July 15, 2006)

Misra, D.C. (2006b): E-government: The State of Art Today-2, A
Presentation at the Official Launching of the Government-to-
Government System and CIO Workshop,

Thursday, May 25, 2006, Ebene Cyber Tower, Rose Hill, Mauritius,
http://www.gov.mu/portal/goc/ncb/file/E-government.ppt (accessed:
July 15, 2006)



Dr D.C.Misra
July 15, 2006

ICEG 2006: MINI-TRACKS

2006-07-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Evaluating e-Government Chair: Dr Mila Gascó, International Institute on Governance of Catalonia, Spain	Mila Gascó
Although e-Government initiatives have been widely carried out all over the world, the results they are attaining are partial, heterogeneous and unbalanced. The expected impacts on transparency, accountability, effectiveness and efficiency in relation to service delivery, internal modernization or citizen participation, to name only a few examples, have been different depending on the geographical context and the public administration level considered.
It is therefore time to come to a halt and to take stock of what has been done and how, as well as of what has worked and what has not and why. Although some efforts at evaluation have already been undertaken, there are still many questions remaining unanswered. This mini-track welcomes conceptual and empirical submissions on the topic of e-government evaluation that cover issues such as quantitative versus qualitative evaluation techniques, website analysis versus e-government citizen perception evaluations, comparative e-government evaluations and benchmarking, or e-government evaluation difficulties and barriers. For Mini Track Submission details - click here:

ICEG 2006: The 2nd International Conference on e-Government

2006-07-15T02:58:00.000-07:00

Conference Co-Chairs: Professor Toni Carbo, University of Pittsburgh, and Ken Sochats, University of Pittsburgh, USA
Programme Chair: Professor Dan Remenyi, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Keynote Speaker: Larry Olsen, Chief Technology Officer, State of Texas, USA “e-Government -- A View from the States, from Pennsylvania to Texas."
Mini track on Evaluating e-Government, Chair: Dr Mila Gascó, International Institute on Governance of Catalonia, Spain
Mini track on e-Government in Africa, Co-Chairs: Blessing Maumbe and Vesper Owei, Cape and Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa

The conference this year takes place at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Second International Conference on e-Government (ICEG) invites researchers and practitioners to share research findings and practical experiences in a friendly, international University environment. This conference builds on the first ICEG held in Ottawa, Canada in 2005 and on the earlier European conferences on e-Government. It will provide an excellent opportunity to learn of new research and developments, to see old friends, and meet new people.

On behalf of the School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and our many colleagues throughout the e-Government community in the United States, I welcome you to the Conference. The University of Pittsburgh was founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy as a small, private school and was located in a log cabin near Pittsburgh’ three rivers. In the 218 years since, the University has evolved into an internationally recognized center of learning and research. Pittsburgh, frequently ranked as one of America’s Most Liveable Cities, has moved from an industrial past to an enterprising and vibrant present with distinctive neighborhoods, outstanding arts communities, and an abundance of leisure activities. At the convergence of three beautiful rivers, Pittsburgh provides major sports events, diverse cultural activities (including the Andy Warhol Museum), and many parks and recreational areas.

We believe that you will find the conference program informative and our city enjoyable. We can look forward to welcoming you in 2006.
Toni Carbo

Your contacts for this conference are:

Academic enquiries: Professor Dan Remenyi dan.remenyi@tcd.ie
Submission enquiries: Sheila Forde Sheila@academic-conferences.org
Registration enquiries: Charl Walters charl@academic-conferences.org

Download an excerpt from the Invitation to ICEG 2006 speech given at ICEG 2005.

Registration News

Early bird registration dates close on 2 August 2006
Special reduced rates for Supervisors and Students attending together
Special reduced rates for group bookings

Publication Opportunity
Selected papers will be published in a special issue of the Electronic Journal of e-Government (EJEG) www.ejeg.com

To receive notifications about this conference please click here hazel@academic-conferences.org

Conference status
The review process is now underway and should be completed by the end of July. You can see an outline programme on the programme page. This will be replaced by a preliminary programme in early August.

You can download this page in .pdf format for easy printing.

Purchase previous conference proceedings

e-Government Portal

2006-07-15T01:09:00.000-07:00

Asia-Pacific e-Government...

Breaking Barriers to e-Go...

Digital Government

Digital Government Progra...

Digital Opportunity Chann...

E-Government Development ...

E-Government Good Practic...

E-Rulemaking Resource Web...

EU E-Government Observato...

Electronic voting page

Singapore to export government expertise

2006-07-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Arab governmnet should learn from Singapore, which aims to export government expertise

SINGAPORE, July 12, 2006 (AFP) - Singapore said Wednesday it will share the city-state's expertise with interested foreign governments in areas such as airport management, education systems and homeland security through a newly formed company.
The not-for-profit Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) will be the main vehicle for the city-state's public sector to share its experiences and expertise, a joint statement by the foreign and trade ministries said. In the past three years, Singapore received more than 100 requests from foreign governments for assistance in airport management, education systems, e-government infrastructure and homeland security, the statement said. "We expect demand for such expertise to rise over the next 5-10 years," said SCE vice chairman Peter Ong, also the permanent secretary for trade and industry. "We estimate the global market size for public sector services to be worth billions and capturing even a small slice of this is an attractive prospect." Singapore has gained worldwide admiration for its rise from a British trading port to become one of Asia's most economically advanced nations in just three decades. Changi Airport has been voted several times to be among the world's best airports and the republic's education system is known for is strengths in science and mathamatics, among others.
Singapore has also beaten corruption and the government bureaucracy has gained a reputation for efficiency. The city-state said it hopes that sharing its experience and expertise to foreign governments, organisations or entities will open up business opportunities for Singapore-based private sector companies. Ong noted that Singapore had been a recipient of foreign help in the past, requiring British, French, and Japanese expertise to build its first mass rapid transport system. Singapore however has been criticised for its tight curbs on press freedom, political expression and human rights.

[egov4devnews] eGov in DCs: 80% of People; Only 20% of eGov Users

2006-07-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

eGovernment in Developing Countries: 80% of the world's population, 20% of its e-government users.

I've just been doing some calculations which estimate that, worldwide, roughly 400m people have ever used e-government (defined as accessing Web-based government information or services). Of these, 320m come from middle- and high-income countries (Europe including Russia plus Japan, Israel, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand): that's 25% of the population of those countries. The remaining 80m come from developing countries - 1.6% of the population of those countries. So developing countries represent 80% of the world's population but only 20% of its e-government users.

A note that these are estimates for those who have EVER used e-government - rough estimates from Accenture data are that around 40% of these numbers would, if asked, have used e-government in the past one year.

Want to know how I arrived at this estimate?:

a) ITU provides statistics on the number of Internet users in each country and region.

b) Surveys by Pew, Accenture and Taylor-Nelson-

Sofres provide us with estimates of the percentage of Internet users who have ever made use of e-government. This figure is roughly 60% for middle- and high-income economies. It is much less than that for poorer economies because of the lower availability of e-government - estimates for these rely on much scantier data with a big range: running from 10% of Internet users ever having used e-gov as the lowest to around 40% as the highest for countries like Malaysia. Taking an average of these plus other figures within the range, leads to a rough estimate that 25% of Internet users in developing countries have ever used e-government.

c) Multiply the a) figures by the b) figures to get an estimate of all those who have ever accessed e-government.

I'd like to know if anyone else has other methods or figures for actual numbers of people using e-government in developing countries or globally.

Richard Heeks
Development Informatics Group
University of Manchester, UK

Study our MSc in ICTs for Development:
http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/postgraduate/masters/mscict.htm

E-Government

2006-07-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

Postgraduate Courses

OA5311 : E-Government

Code	OA5311
Department	SED - Institute Development Policy Management
Tutor(s)	Heeks, Dr Richard
Semester	1
Credits	15
Timetable
Teaching Methods	Teaching and learning will be centred around ten two-hour sessions plus three two-hour tutorials. The main two-hour sessions will use a mix of lecturer presentation, group discussion, and case study analysis. There will be an opportunity to hear and debate with a guest lecturer, speaking from experience on one of the key themes of the course unit. Group presentations will provide an opportunity to apply ideas and frameworks derived from other sessions in the course unit. Tutorial meetings will be used to reinforce key concepts within the unit, and to relate those concepts to specific study fellow experience of ICTs in the public sector in developing/transitional economies.
Information
Assessment	3000 word essay (70%) Group presentation of 3 or 4 (30%)
Course url
Aims	The need for this course unit arises from the growing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the public sector, and from the growing exposure of study fellows to this phenomenon, as managers, professionals, consultants or clients of the public sector. The unit aims to explore different components of e-government, but places these within an organisational and environmental context that seeks particularly to take account of drivers to public sector reform, key stakeholders, and national differences. It builds on the University's research strengths in e-government; specifically the joint IDPM-MBS Manchester Centre for eGovernment.
Objectives	On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:· describe the main components of e-government and place those components into a broader socio-political framework· examine the potential benefits of, and constraints faced by key e-government projects· apply critical frameworks to analyse both e-government case studies and their own experience of ICTs in the public sector· analyse the relationship between e-government and public sector reform· compare different country experiences of e-government· construct a critical presentation on an aspect of e-government
Course Content	1. The Public Sector Context. 2. Theme 1, Service Delivery: National and Local Projects 3. Theme 1, Service Delivery: BPR and CRM 4. Theme 1, Service Delivery: Partnering and Sourcing 5. Guest Speaker 6. Theme 2, Citizen Links: Accountability 7. Theme 2, Citizen Links: eDemocracy 8. Theme 3, Social Development: Communities 9. Theme 3, Social Development: Inequality and the Digital Divide 10. Group Presentations
Preliminary reading	Osborne, D. & Gaebler, T. (1992) Reinventing Government, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MABellamy, C. & Taylor, J. (1998) Governing in the Information Age, Open University Press, BuckinghamHeeks, R.B. (ed) (2001) Reinventing Government in the Information Age, Routledge, LondonFountain, J. (2001) Building a Virtual State, Brooking Institution Press, Washington, DCCase studies to be provided via Web CT from: www.govtech.net; www.kable.co.uk; www.ctg.albany.edu; www.egov4dev.org
Keywords	E-government

E-gov au Maroc : un management de changement

2006-06-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

Le site du professeur Driss Kettani
Le laboratoire ICT4D
Pour en savoir plus :
http://etech.aui.ma

Maroc-it : Quels sont les services offerts aux citoyens par le projet E-Fès qui a remporté le 21 juin dernier le prix national de l'Administration numérique (e-mtiaz) ?

Driss Kettani : Le projet « e-Fès » de services électroniques d’état civil déployé depuis 2005 par l’Arrondissement Fès-Agdal permet à plus de 200.000 citoyens de retirer auprès des guichets de cet arrondissement des documents de l’état civil y compris l’extrait d’acte de naissance, la copie intégrale et le certificat de vie en moins de cinq minutes.

Cet projet a pu voir le jour grâce à l’informatisation et la numérisation de l’ensemble des registres du bureau de l’état civil de cet arrondissement par l’équipe de l’Université Al Akhawayn et son laboratoire de recherche ICT4D (Information communication for development). Quant au financement de la phase pilote, il a été assuré par le centre canadien de recherche pour le développement international (CRDI).

A noter qu’outre les services fournis in situo, le projet e-Fès offre la possibilité de s’informer à distance sur les services administratifs et du personnel et responsables de l’arrondissement, et ce à travers le portail internet : www.portaildefes.ma. Ce site offre, également, des services à distance, tels que le téléchargement des formulaires et l’accomplissement de certaines procédures administratives.

Ministry signs deal to improve staff IT skills

2006-06-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

Ministry signs deal to improve staff IT skills

Published: Sunday, 25 June, 2006, 10:31 AM Doha Time

HE al-Dousari ... ministry is committed to e-Governance

Staff Reporter

THE Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture (MMAA) has signed an agreement with the ICDL GCC Foundation to improve the IT skills of all the ministry’s employees.

The ICDL GCC Foundation is the governing body and the certification authority of the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) programme in the Gulf States.

The agreement was signed between Municipal Affairs and Agriculture Minister HE Sultan bin Hassan al-Dhabit al-Dousari and ICDL Foundation director-general Jamil Ezzo in the presence of Fadhel Hajes al-Kaabi, the director of the Development Institution at the ministry and executive manager of the ICDL training centres.

"Through this agreement, the MMAA will endorse ICDL as the benchmark for IT literacy and basic computer skills for all its employees," an official release said.

Under the terms of the agreement, the ICDL GCC Foundation will accredit two in-house training and testing centres within the ministry.

The ICDL GCC Foundation will also work closely with the ministry to manage the training, testing activities and the certification of around 2,000 employees initially.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, HE al-Dousari said: "Qatar is undergoing growth and development. The ministry’s decision to adopt ICDL global digital literacy standard for its employees is part of our commitment to provide outstanding service to the country’s rapidly growing economy.

"The MMAA has chosen the ICDL programme as part of its vision to enhance the competency of employees to better use the IT systems adopted by the ministry, increase interactivity with the public and raise the quality of the ministry’s services.

"The move by the ministry is expected to have a major impact on the quality and timely completion of various projects in the country, greater streamlining of its processes and improving efficiencies of its staff members," the release said.

"In addition, the ministry is totally committed to the e-Governance vision adopted by the government of Qatar, and therefore adopting the ICDL programme is an important step taken in this direction," the note quoted the minister as saying.

Al-Kaabi said improving the capabilities and competencies of the staff is a key objective of the ministry, especially after its various departments and municipalities achieved the ISO 9001-2000 certification, beginning with the minister’s office and the IT department.

The accreditation of two in-house training and training centres is aimed at ensuring that the holder of the ICDL certification has sufficient knowledge about computers and is equipped with basic IT skills.

"It also seeks to enhance their efficiency and productivity at the workplace, whether at the administrative level or at the decision-making level."

The certification covers seven test modules, which are Basic Concepts of Information Technology (IT), Using the Computer and Managing Files, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database, Presentation, and Information and Communication.

For the training, al-Kaabi said the employees will be divided into three categories on the basis of their knowledge about computers.

"After sorting the employees according to special assessment tests, the number of training hours required for each employee and the subjects to be included in their curriculum will be determined.

"Upon completion of the required training, each employee will undertake tests and, if successful, will be awarded the ICDL certification."

More than 2,000 ministry employees will undergo the training over the next two years.

Singapore to set up e-Government Leadership Centre

2006-06-26T04:07:00.000-07:00

Singapore to set up e-Government Leadership Centre

Tan Ee Sze

Updated: 20 Jun 2006

Singapore will be setting up an e-Government Leadership Centre for training of industry and government personnel, as part of efforts to promote the country’s e-Government solutions.

Speaking at the opening of the Infocomm Media Business Exchange 2006, Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, said Singapore’s e-government solutions were an example of innovative “Made-by-Singapore” products, services and solutions that could help the country’s infocomm industry compete more effectively in the international market. “Our proven track record in developing and implementing innovative e-government solutions over the last 25 years has helped our local enterprises on the world market,” he said.

The e-Government Leadership Centre, a joint effort between the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, the National University of Singapore’s Institute of Systems Science and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, will be launched later this year.

It aims to be a world-class leader in e-government education, research and consulting, said Lee. The centre will offer executive management programmes covering topics relating to public policy, ICT policy and management and case studies in innovative e-Government.

Abu Dhabi awards e-govt contracts

2006-06-26T04:06:00.000-07:00

Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Committee (ADSIC) has awarded the first five projects valued at Dh21 million ($5.71 million) under its service optimisation program for the Government of Abu Dhabi.

Following the development of a service optimization and e-Government strategy and an implementation plan for Abu Dhabi Government, ADSIC has engaged vendors in the tendering process for the initial wave of projects. As a result of this tender process, the first five projects with a total value of about AED 21 million have been awarded and are being kicked off in the coming days.

Rashed Al Mansoori, ADSIC chairman, noted that these projects only spearhead the ambitious program and lay the foundation for a more collaborative e-government in Abu Dhabi that puts customers first and brings government entities together to jointly deliver against the optimisation objectives.

The first five projects focus on government capabilities and enabling initiatives for best-practice service delivery. They include:

*Government Portal: This project has been awarded to Injazat. The government portal will be the gateway to information access on Abu Dhabi government and to the services of government entities aimed at individuals (citizens/expatriates), businesses and government users (government entities/employees). Furthermore, the portal aims to increase visibility of Abu Dhabi across the UAE and to the outside world, helping to attract foreign investment to Abu Dhabi.

* Architecture and Standards: This project has also been awarded to Injazat. ADSIC has tendered this project in view of defining a set of standards (e.g., hardware, software, security, etc.) to be used across government entities for the provision of government information communication and technology (ICT) infrastructure and services. The benefits of government-wide architecture and standards, amongst others, are increased efficiency of government services to the public, ensured interoperability between government IT systems as well as the promotion of collaboration across governmental organisations.

* ERP Rationalisation Study: This project has been awarded to BearingPoint. The aim of this effort is to define a consistent and applicable government-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application portfolio including the areas of Financial Management (FMS), Human Resources Management (HRMS) and beyond. After conducting a detailed analysis of relevant international best practices of ERP systems, functions, processes, and services, the study will conclude with a recommendation on the optimal ERP solution (tools, technologies, and processes) and shared services operating model to advance and maximize the efficient utilization of the Abu Dhabi government’s current ERP systems and investments.

* e-Procurement Rationalization Study: This project has also been awarded to BearingPoint. Similarly to the ERP Rationalization Study, the aim in this context is to define a consistent and applicable government-wide toolset and operating model for e-Procurement. After conducting a detailed analysis of relevant international best practices of e-Procurement systems, functions, processes, and services, the study will conclude with a recommendation on the optimal e-Procurement solution (tools, technologies, and processes) and shared service operating model to advance and maximise the efficient utilisation of the Abu Dhabi government’s current procurement systems and investments.

* Market-Facing Awareness Campaign: This project has been awarded to Memac Ogilvy. ADSIC aims to launch a broad market-facing campaign to raise awareness of Abu Dhabi’s Government Service Optimisation and e-Government Program. The usage of new e-Government services, ICT in general and other topics will follow.

Dubai To Hold Islamic E-Government Summit

2006-06-26T04:05:00.000-07:00

Dubai To Hold Islamic E-Government Summit
By Azaraimy HH

Bandar Seri Begawan - Government officials, information technology decision-makers, architects, technologists, senior executives, business leaders, academics and researchers from 57 Islamic countries are expected to converge in Dubai for the Islamic Countries eGovernment Summit from November 20-22.

The summit has been scheduled to be held at Dusit Dubai Hotel in Dubai, UAE.

The event will see representatives from around the world assess challenges surrounding e-government projects and brainstorm for effective solutions to counter these issues.

The summit also aims at providing a deeper insight into a unified standard that can drive e-government innovations within the framework of governance in Islamic countries.

On the first day of the event, agendas expected to be addressed include inter-ministerial barriers to e-government success in Islamic countries, the direction of e-government projects, e-government challenges for social and municipal/ local governmental organisations, preparation of a national e-government masterplan for Islamic countries, and financial implications of e-government for Islamic countries.

On day two, topics that will be highlighted include obstacles faced while implementing e-government standards, priorities and actions for e-government projects in Islamic countries, challenges in building an e-citizen and e-transaction culture in Islamic countries, the role of telecommunication in the success of the next generation of e-government services, and strategic importance of mobile government solutions.

On the final day, among the issues that will be discussed are the assessment of technology for e-government projects, ways to build successful e-government portals and content solutions, and the use of e-procurement in increasing transparency and efficiency in Islamic organisations. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Le projet « e-Fès »

2006-06-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Source_ VIA MAROC IT:
Consécration. Le projet « e-Fès » de services électroniques d’état civil déployé depuis 2005 par l’Arrondissement Fès-Agdal a été primé par le comité du prix national de l'Administration numérique (e-mtiaz) dont les résultats ont été rendus publics le 21 juin à Rabat en présence du Premier Ministre.

«Ce prix est une reconnaissance et un hommage aux équipes en charge du projet. C'est également une récompense aux efforts d'amélioration de la qualité des prestations publiques grâce aux technologies de l’information», se félicite Titna Alaoui, le président de l’arrondissement Fès Agdal.

En effet, le e-gov à Fès est devenu une réalité pour les administrés de cet arrondissement depuis l’année dernière. Avec la mise en place de la plate-forme « e-Fès», l’ère de la rédaction manuelle des extraits en se basant sur les lourds et poussiéreux registres est révolue.

Et pour cause, plus de 200.000 citoyens peuvent retirer auprès des guichets de cet arrondissement des documents de l’état civil y compris l’extrait d’acte de naissance, la copie intégrale et le certificat de vie en moins de cinq minutes.

Inauguration of Bab Al Bahrain electronic website

2006-06-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and Head of the Higher Committee for Information Technology and Telecommunications, inaugurated today, Bab Al Bahrain Electronic website. Present at the inaugural ceremony were Deputy Premier and Minister of Transportation, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Premier's Court, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Municipalities and Agricultural affairs, Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Interior Minister, Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Education Minister, Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi, State Minister and President of the National Oil and Gas Authority, Dr. Abdulhossein Mirza, Minister of Social Development, Dr. Fatma Al Blushi, State Minister for Cabinet Affairs and President of the Central Informatics Organization, Shaikh Ahmed bin Atiyat-allah Al Khalifa. Also present were representatives from the Central Informatics Organization, Batelco Board Chairman, Price Waterhouse, journalists, media people and guests.

Shaikh Mohammed delivered a speech on the occasion saying that the inauguration came within the framework of the overall royal reforms of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, followed by the popular endorsement of the National referendum and constitution, reinforcement of democracy, supremacy of law and development of national economy and government performance. The Deputy Premier said the project will be implemented in four phases over the coming three years to be finally crowned by the launch of government services via the Internet, telephone and Informatics Bureaus and the creation of an interlink between all government ministries and bodies.

Shaikh Mohammed called on the press to take part in the media campaign aimed at introducing the project to the people and highlighting its benefits. he thanked the Committee for the project and Batelco and The central Informatics Organization for their assistance as well Price Waterhouse and others for taking part in the execution of what he tipped a vital project for the citizens and residents.

For his part, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and President of the Central Informatics Organisation, Shaikh Ahmed bin Attiyat Allah Al Khalifa, said the e- government gate " Bab Al Bahrain" is the byproduct of long years of hard work and non-stop planning to prepare the needed infrastructure that embraces e- government in its comprehensive defenition. He explained that the Bahraini e-government is a comprehensive framework and an integral system that enables government administrations to provide their services electronically, adding that the website is also equipped with a central payment system under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance.

He added that an information office was created to respond to citizens' inquiries on electronic services, noting that a number of essential governmental services have been provided for citizens while work is well under way to provide more services soon such as electricity and water bill payment. For his part, Batelco Board Chairman, Hassan Juma'a, delivered a speech, expressing appreciation for the technical structure put at the disposal of citizens and expatriates, adding that Batelco has always provided the government with data network that link ministries and government bodies together via a top-quality and high- speed system, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Following the opening ceremony, Shaikh Ahmed bin Attiyat Allah held a press conference during which he spotlighted the many benefits that citizens will draw from the electronic gate, noting that 50% of government services will be accessed electronically which was an incentive to authorities to speed up work at the e- government. He said that a large scale awareness- raising campaign will be launched to acquaint citizens with the meaning and uses of the new e- services to ensure they get the most benefit of them.

Oman plans unified e-Government network

2006-06-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

Oman plans unified e-Government network

By Shadad Al Musalamy, Gulf News Report

Muscat: An agreement to design, implement and manage a unified e-Government network was signed between the ministry of National Economy and Omantel here on Saturday.

The agreement comes as part of the government's plans to realise the Digital Oman initiative and e-governance.

The network is a key component of the government's strategy for establishing a digital society in the country.

The implementation of e-government will improve services, enable knowledge-based industries, support a more competitive environment, provide employment for Omani youths and enable better healthcare.

E-government will also improve educational opportunities, support tour-ism and enhance social development.

The agreement was signed by Mohammad Bin Nasser Al Khusaibi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Economy and Chairman of Information Technology, and Saud Bin Nasser Al Shikaili, Secretary-General of Taxation at the Ministry of Finance and Chairman of Omantel (Oman Telecommunications Company).

The agreement covers government plans to apply the steps on the Sultanate's digital community, first electronic government and integrating all government sector services.

The digital network will ensure a fast and secure exchange of information and data in the country. The system will help achieve the high standards of security laid down by the technical information committee.

According to the agreement Omantel will supply the equipment and maintain the network.

The company will offer monthly reports on the performance of the network and suggestions to improve services. Omantel will then manage whatever upgrades are called for.

The price structure of the network will be based on the speed of data transfer.

E-Government focuses on bridging the digital divide between the technology-enabled and other communities in society, while explaining to people about the immense opportunities and advantages offered by the initiatives.

To achieve this, the digital initiative will target various focus groups of Oman and conduct both IT awareness and literacy campaigns.

The writer is a journalist based in Muscat

Bahrain: E-government is launched...

2006-06-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

E-government is launched...

MANAMA: Bahrain's government moved into the hi-tech age yesterday with the launch of Bab Al Bahrain - an electronic website.

It will link all government ministries and help speed up services to citizens via the Internet.

Central Informatics Organisation president Shaikh Ahmed bin Attiyatalla Al Khalifa said the e-government gate is the by-product of long years of hard work and non-stop planning to prepare crucial infrastructure.

It is a comprehensive framework and an integral system that enables government administrations to provide their services electronically.

The website is also equipped with a central payment system under the supervision of the Finance Ministry. He added that an information office was created to respond to citizens' inquiries on electronic services, noting that a number of essential governmental services have been provided for citizens while work is well under way to provide more services soon such as electricity and water bill payment.

Welcome to Google U.S. Government Search

2006-06-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

E-governance and Access to Information via ICT

2006-06-06T01:34:00.000-07:00

E-governance and Access to Information via ICT

Use and deployment of the new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has been rapidly growing since the early 1990s. While the initial focus of the so-called "ICT revolution" was on infrastructure deployment and connectivity, a shift has now taken place.

While most developing countries still face, to various degrees, serious access challenges, the focus is now on the development of use of specific ICT applications and, in general, on the use of the new technologies to address traditional development problems and challenges.

A surge in the use of ICT by government, civil society and the private sector started in the late 1990s with the aim not only of improving government efficiency and service delivery but also to promote increase participation of citizens in the various governance and democratic processes.

The use of ICT in the overall field democratic governance activities relates to three distinct areas where UNDP has already been doing innovative work to support the achievement of the MDGs.

First, e-governance which encompasses the use of the ICT tool to enhance both government efficiency, transparency, accountability and service delivery, and citizen participation and engagement in the various democratic and governance processes.

Second, the mainstreaming of ICT into the various UNDP Democratic Governance Practice service lines such as Parliaments (e-parliaments), elections (e-elections) and others.

And third, the governance of the new ICT which addresses the institutional mechanisms related to emerging issues of privacy, security, censorship and control of the means of information and communications at the national and global levels.

Although e-governance is a new dedicated sub-practice area of UNDP, the organization's support for e-governance related services predates the creation of the dedicated sub-practice and builds upon the pioneering work that UNDP has done since 1992. The bulk of this work has focused on providing support to governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) in using ICT to deliver better public services and enhance the participation and involvement on citizens through networking in the various governance-related processes and issues.

The Leader of the Arab world: The VISIONAIRE

2006-06-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

ILLUSTRATION FOR TIME BY THOMAS REIS

From the Magazine | Builders & Titans

Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum

التعلّم الإلكتروني: آفاق جديدة للتعليم في العصر الرقمي

2006-06-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

تشمل أعمال المؤتمر ندوات، ومداولات وورش عمل

انطلقت في العاصمة البحرينية، المنامة، صباح الاثنين فعاليات "المؤتمر والمعرض الدولي الأول للتعلّم الإلكتروني".

وتشمل أعمال المؤتمر، الذي ينظمه مركز التعلّم الإلكتروني في جامعة البحرين، ندوات، ومداولات وورش عمل تتناول ما ينطوي عليه توظيف التكنولوجيا الحديثة من إمكانيات للارتقاء بالتعليم والسعي نحو تحقيق مجتمع المعرفة.

الثقافة الإلكترونية

مما لا شك فيه أن دور تكنولوجيا المعرفة في تنويع وتطوير الفرص والمناهج التعليمية ما زال يتوسع باطراد بالتساوق مع ازدياد شيوع الانترنت وانسيابها في تفاصيل الحياة الاجتماعية.

وهكذا لم تعد وسائل التعليم تقتصر على تلك الوسائل التقليدية من قبيل القلم والورقة، بل بدأ الحاسوب يفرض نفسه كجزء لا يتجزأ من العملية التعليمية.

وفي خضم هذا التطور الهائل في تكنولوجيا المعلومات، تتقافز أسئلة كثيرة عن آفاق التعلم الإلكتروني وتحدياته.

ويوجز الدكتور خالد أحمد بو قحُّوص، مدير مركز التعلّم الإلكتروني في جامعة البحرين، أهداف المؤتمر في بحثه عن إجابات لبعض هذه الأسئلة.

ويقول: "أهداف هذا المؤتمر تتمثل في عدد من النقاط. أولا، نشر الثقافة الإلكترونية، حيث إننا بحاجة، وخاصة في هذه المنطقة، إلى تعميق ونشر ثقافة التعلم الإلكتروني".

ويضيف: "رقم 2 هو تعميق المعلومات والمعارف في التعلم الإلكتروني. نريد إنتاج معرفة في مجال التعلم الإلكتروني".

الدكتور خالد أحمد بو قحُّوص، مدير مركز التعلّم الإلكتروني في جامعة البحرين

ويردف قائلا: "كذلك الهدف من هذا المؤتمر، ثالثا، الإستفادة من تجارب الدول في مجال التعلم الإلكتروني. فتبادل الخبرة والتجربة تثري خبرتنا".

ويلمح إلى أن إحدى أبرز القضايا التي تبرز من خلال انتشار أساليب التعلّم الإلكتروني هي قضية الأمن، وما تنطوي عليه من إشكاليات أخلاقية، وقانونية أحيانا.

إلا أ

The E-Government and an E-Nation

2006-05-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Saudi government has allocated a sum of 1 billion dollars to a new project to improve the country's technology services. The project aims at linking different institutions in the country and such a huge investment is expected to change government performance within five years.

This is the expected E-government and naturally, such a service presented would be of no benefit unless there is knowledge of technology in educational institutions, various administrations and within homes. Such a service would be to no avail unless the government first implements its plan to assign one million computers to less privileged and low-income citizens. One successful experience in this regard, has been that of the trading of shares in technology of more than quarter of a million computers, the majority of which were personal computers, resulting in the trading of billions of dollars.

Ever since there was talk about the coupling of bureaucracy and E-governments, many exaggerated ideas have spread. There have been many claims that new technology would save time and money, speed up the decision-making process and enhance almost all services affiliated to the government that affect people's daily lives. Such claims reminded me of what happened in the 80's when fax machines first appeared. It was the technological miracle of its day especially for us journalists, who would waste so much time dictating news over the phone.

In order to convince my boss to introduce fax machines to the office, I wrote about the benefits of such an application. I then told him that despite the high cost of the fax machine, it was the best way to reduce phone conversations and that it would halve our phone bills. However, only three months after we had bought the fax machine, our telephone bills doubled! We did use the fax machine to send our news and reports and this resulted in a significant increase in the level of our reporting.

Our misconceptions appeared one again when the computer was introduced. We claimed then that computers would reduce the time spent writing, printing, preparing news, rectifying errors etc. Nevertheless, what actually happened was that we spent more hours in front of the computer screen, reading and writing, and eventually, printing mistakes increased as we now rely on ourselves to type our own articles. Furthermore, companies have bought equipment that is more expensive therefore, in contrast to the disadvantages; there have been a number of developments that we would never have anticipated.

The services presented by an E-government would not reduce government's expenses nor will speed up transactions because as they increase, the number of complaints will also increase. However, we could not deny that this new service will assist the people significantly. Citizens will be able to contact government bureaus from their homes and interaction, follow-ups, and development will increase. Such factors not only require the existence of an E-government but also a technologically qualified nation. Since the government has paid a huge sum of money, why then would it not double this sum to introduce computers to all homes, thus eliminating computer illiteracy by 2010 for instance? If it aims to offer a useful service, the government must be transparent in its activities and agendas. Bureaucrats must give up their secrecy that should only be used to some extent in security and military issues.

The debate concerning the government and technological services is an exciting one as I had read a report on discussions between different specialists in 'Riyadh' newspaper, 9 May 2006. There are new visions and preliminary experiences that could help us diagnose possible challenges of the future.

GCC ministers of civil service authorities finalize meetings in UAE

2006-05-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

Kuwaiti Minister of Planning and Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs Dr. Maasouma Al-Mubarak on Wednesday called for cooperation between GCC countries in the field of e-governments.

Upon finalizing their meetings, the ministers responsible for civil service authorities in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries formed a technical work team to handle the ministers' recommendations to the GCC secretariat office to issue and implement necessary resolutions.

GCC ministers of civil service authorities finalize meetings in UAE

2006-05-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

GCC ministers of civil service authorities finalize meetings in UAE

POL-UAE-GCC-CIVIL
GCC ministers of civil service authorities finalize meetings in UAE

ABU DHABI, May 10 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Minister of Planning and Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs Dr. Maasouma Al-Mubarak on Wednesday called for cooperation between GCC countries in the field of e-governments.

Upon finalizing their meetings, the ministers responsible for civil service authorities in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries formed a technical work team to handle the ministers' recommendations to the GCC secretariat office to issue and implement necessary resolutions.

Al-Mubarak told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that GCC countries should coordinate among each other to benefit from the expertise of developed countries and consultative firms.

She added that GCC governments should also benefit from the Malaysian and Singaporean expertise in the field of electronic governments, noting that e-governments are highly important in the gulf to improve performance and facilitate processes for all sides.

The minister praised the role of Kuwait and its implementation of the e-government, noting the positive steps reached by civil services, ministry of health, civil information, and employment.

She also praised the positive atmosphere of the ministerial meeting, led by United Arab Emirates Minister of Public Sector and Development Sultan Al-Mansuri, noting that the meeting discussed a number of topics concerned with improving civil services.

Al-Mubarak added that participants recommended increasing cooperation in the field of civil services by establishing electronic links and a GCC electronic gateway, and agreed on creating a guiding manual for civil services to evaluate the quality of civil services in the gulf countries.

Participants also agreed on creating a plan to improve human resources in the gulf region and benefit from its capabilities in the development process. (end) bmj.

fhd

Safety Net on the way

2006-05-08T03:44:00.000-07:00

Safety Net on the way

By GEOFFREY BEW

A CYBER law to protect Bahrain's web users from hackers who create viruses, steal vital information and pose a threat to the economy is on the way.

Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) acting president Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa told the GDN new powers to prosecute those responsible for cyber crimes were in the pipeline.

The news comes only a week after a computer security expert warned that Bahrain's businesses and private Internet users were at risk of losing vital data without strict legislation to protect them.

Ethical hacker Ahmed Aldoseri, chief executive officer of Innovate IT, which provides consultancy services and training to local and international customers, said a lack of legislation was putting the financial industry and other sectors at risk.

His comments were backed up by Bahrain Internet Society board member Waheed Al Balushi, who said there was a loophole in the law in this area across the Arab World.

"We have a cyber law that we have drafted over the last one-and-a-half years, working very closely with the Ministry of Interior," Shaikh Ahmed said.

"It is there and I understand it is going through parliament. º"What we have done is create a cyber law for the Internet, computers and so on.

"We have covered everything in it - viruses and hacking. This is a specific cyber law which is different from other countries where they have created a modified criminal law.

"Parliament already has a draft proposal on the same matter and what we have done is take the draft they made so we can merge it with ours into one law."

The full details of the law will be released later, but Shaikh Ahmed said the CIO and Interior Ministry had studied legislation in the US, UK and Malaysia among other countries before writing the draft proposal.

He believes a specific law on the matter is vital for the success of the economy.

"This is the most important thing because with e-government everything now is done electronically so this is essential to the success of our government," he said.

"Everybody wants it and with Bahrain as a financial and commercial centre this is one of the most important laws that has to be on the ground."

Shaikh Ahmed added it was impossible to put a timescale on when the law may be approved or be introduced.

Saudi Tech Tracker

2006-05-08T03:43:00.000-07:00

Saudi Tech Tracker
Arab News

KAAL Commissions Study on Knowledge Economy

The King Abdul Aziz Library (KAAL) has commissioned the Dubai-based Madar Research Group and Riyadh-headquartered Markeight to carry out and publish a major study about the development of a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia. The significance of the study is that it will be the first comprehensive research-based project to profile the Kingdom in terms of its readiness for a knowledge economy, while offering in-depth analysis and growth forecasts, and bringing into light points of strength and critical spots whose interplay will decide the future of the Kingdom’s economy.

The study, titled “Saudi Arabia Knowledge Economy 2006,” will be updated and published on an annual basis for the next four years and will receive full support by the King Abdul Aziz Library, including facilitating data gathering to ensure its success.

The study, which will be released in September 2006, combines secondary research data with new primary information on the current and future development and usage of information and communication technologies (ICTs) within the Kingdom’s government, business and social communities. The 200-plus-page research study will be a reference and a guidebook for government planners and business strategists, as well as a timely source for emerging opportunities for businesses.

“Despite a plethora of literature published on Saudi Arabia, there has not been in-depth research that appreciates the forces that will shape its economy in coming years. While it may be common knowledge that Saudi Arabia is home to the largest oil producing company in the world, it is also home to several of the top 500 global corporations, especially in the areas of banking and heavy industries. The Kingdom also has one of the largest religious tourism markets in the world and is home to the Arab world’s most advanced specialized medical services. As the Kingdom increases its ICT adoption and economic liberalization, such strong points will lead the digital transformation,” said Abdul Kader Kamli, president and research director of Madar Research Group.

“Saudi Arabia Knowledge Economy 2006 ” will be published in English and Arabic. It will have a circulation of 100,000 copies distributed regionally and globally. The research book will contain 17 sections covering major and select industries such as oil and gas, banking, heavy industries, health, hospitality, education, FMCG, government and information and communication technology.

Sun Powers Population, Housing Census Project

In the last decade, national development initiatives in Saudi Arabia were based on disparate surveys and snapshots of society in the Kingdom. However, the Saudi Central Department of Statistics recently established the National Computer Center to process the Third Population and Housing Census Project data. Based on a recommendation from Gartner Group, the data processing team for the census project in the National Computer Center chose a Sun Microsystems web-enabled system to underpin the vast amount of data generated by the census.

The census project for the Kingdom included a number of pre-operational levels prior to the two-week information gathering period. The team required automated processing tools as part of the solution, to ease the strain of data processing, as well as harnessing technology to support the residential survey, geographic mapping of towns and villages and keeping track of entries from more than 40,000 collaborators on the project.

“We needed to ensure our back-end systems were prepared to deal with the amount of information that we were about to receive, and deal effectively with the many stages of the National Statistics Count,” said Othaim Al-Othaim, head of application and data-entry. “Our main concern was that once the data was collected we were able to sort and collate the data to make it instantly usable for the many government departments that required access to the information for development and planning.”

The decision to implement open source systems rather than the traditional mainframe was taken after consultation with the Gartner Group, who were asked for independent recommendations before the project was assigned. Sun Microsystems was recommended for its cost-effective delivery, efficiency, availability and support services.

“We adopted the Gartner recommendations and began implementing the Sun servers and solutions with ease and minimal end-user disruption. Within eight months our new data center was in production,” said Abdallah Alyosef, head of technical architecture and operation.

The project required one Sun Fire Enterprise 6800 server and two Sun Enterprise 280R servers, as well as 8 Sun T3 arrays and the Solaris Operating Environment Release 10. This reliable, scaleable platform provided secure business continuity for the National Computer Center as well as faster performance.

“The Central Department of Statistics now has a state-of-the-art platform to support its future work and an excellent software system for supporting the ongoing census work and any further statistical research they may do in the future,” commented Dr. Gordan Frank , regional director, Gartner Consulting, Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

DEVELOPMENT GATEWAY FOUNDATION

2006-05-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

DEVELOPMENT GATEWAY FOUNDATION
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE E-GOVERNMENT dgCOMMUNITY
APRIL 2006
***************************************************************
Visit Development Gateway e-Government dgCommunity -
http://www.developmentgateway.org/e-government?intcmp=906
Please forward this newsletter to your interested colleagues
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this edition of the newsletter:

I. FIVE MOST POPULAR RESOURCES OF THE MONTH:

(1) REPORT: Digital Governance in Municipal Governance 2005
(2) USEFUL TOOL: Interactive Knowledge Economy Benchmarking Tool ? Knowledge Assessment Methodology 2006
(3) PROGRAM: Executive Masters in e-Governance
(4) USEFUL WEBSITE: eOman Launched
(5) REPORT: EIU 2005 e-Readiness Rankings

II. SELECTED NEWS ITEMS OF THE MONTH:

(1) UAE: 12 Awarded Dubai Government Excellence Program
(2) IRELAND: M-government Could Yield EUR20m in Savings
(3) SWITZERLAND: Introducing First Biometric Passports
(4) SOUTH KOREA: Winning UN Award for Government Innovation
(5) BULGARIA: Fight Corruption with e-Government

III. NEW MEMBER DIRECTORY

IV. UPCOMING EVENTS (9 items)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. FIVE MOST POPULAR RESOURCES OF THE MONTH:

(1) REPORT: Digital Governance in Municipal Governance 2005
"Digital Governance in Municipal Governance 2005: A Longitudinal Assessment of Municipal Websites Throughout the World" has been released by UN Division for Public Administration and Development Management (DPADM) and replicates a survey completed in 2003. The present survey evaluates the practice of digital governance in large municipalities worldwide in 2005. Digital governance includes both digital government (delivery of public service) and digital democracy (citizen participation in governance). Analysis includes security, usability, and content of websites, the type of online services currently being offered, and citizen response and participation through websites established by city governments. This report is a collaboration between the E-Governance Institute at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Campus at Newark and the Global e-Policy e-Government Institute at Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea.
http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/rc/ItemDetail.do~1060580?intcmp=906

This article contributed by Charlotte Moser:
http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/um/showGeneralMemberProfile.do?userId=120669&intcmp=906

(2) USEFUL TOOL: Interactive Knowledge Economy Benchmarking Tool ? Knowledge Assessment Methodology 2006
March 2006 update. The KAM uses more then 80 structural and qualitative variables for a group of 128 countries to generate a range of comparative data tables, charts and diagrams for a simple visual representation of different aspects of countries? Knowledge Economy readiness. Various modes can display and compare countries? overall Knowledge (KI) and Knowledge Economy (KEI) indexes and demonstrate performance scores on the four main Knowledge Economy pillars: Economic Incentive and Institutional Regime, Education, Innovation, and Information & Communications Technology (ICT).
http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/rc/ItemDetail.do~1060389?intcmp=906

This article contributed by Alexey Volynets:
http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/um/showGeneralMemberProfile.do?userId=245891&intcmp=906

(3) PROGRAM: Executive Masters in e-Governance
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are changing the economy, society, and culture in increasingly pervasive and complex ways. Developing efficient, reflective, sustainable governance mechanisms and corresponding tools to master and steer their underlying dynamics ? in both public and private organizations ? has become a necessity. To respond to this need, the Chair MIR at the College of Management of Technology of EPFL has designed a one-year Executive Master program in e-Governance, with its 2nd edition starting on September 4th, 2006. Join the Executive Master in e-Governance 2006/07 and you will learn how to make use of ICTs for effective action and to steer your business, your organization or your agency. Join a group of highly motivated executives to clear your mind for decision-making globalized and fast-changing networked world. With our Executive Master in e-Governance, you will go through a challenging "learning journey" in which you can sharpen your leadership competences. The program is international and conducted in collaboration with highly renowned partners worldwide, with residential classroom modules in Switzerland, Europe, North America and Asia.
http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/rc/ItemDetail.do~1060193?intcmp=906

This article contributed by Nadia Afrin:
http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/um/showGeneralMemberProfile.do?userId=747311&intcmp=906

(4) USEFUL WEBSITE: eOman Launched
The Sultanate of Oman's digital society initiative - eOman - was launched during a ceremony attended by members of the royal family, ministers, undersecretaries, diplomats, IT professionals, leading public and private sector officials and dignitaries. "eOman will offer every citizen, business and government entity a wide variety of convenient, cost-effective and customer-oriented electronic services that will empower and transform life for the better," said Mohammed Nasser Al Khusaibi, secretary-general of Ministry of National Economy, on the occasion.
http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/rc/ItemDetail.do~1061103?intcmp=906

This article contributed by Hmayak Arazyan:
http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/um/showGeneralMemberProfile.do?userId=84212&intcmp=906

(5) REPORT: EIU 2005 e-Readiness Rankings
This annual e-readiness ranking measures the e-business environment of 65 countries around the world, gauging the extent to which each market is prepared to take advantage of internet-based opportunities in the public and private sectors. The report, which was prepared by IBM and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), found that Europe continues to dominate the rankings, taking six of the top 10 spots. Denmark is the most "e-ready" country in the world, followed by the US, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, Finland, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong. http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/rc/ItemDetail.do~1061870?intcmp=906

This article contributed by Hmayak Arazyan: http://www.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/um/showGeneralMemberProfile.do?userId=84212&intcmp=906

I. SELECTED NEWS ITEMS OF THE MONTH:

(1) UAE: 12 Awarded Dubai Government Excellence Program -
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/news/showNewsItemDetails.do~23335~~?&intcmp=906

(2) IRELAND: M-government Could Yield EUR20m in Savings -
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/news/showNewsItemDetails.do~23129~~?&intcmp=906

(3) SWITZERLAND: Introducing First Biometric Passports ?
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/news/showNewsItemDetails.do~23436~~?&intcmp=906

(4) SOUTH KOREA: Winning UN Award for Government Innovation -
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/news/showNewsItemDetails.do~23435~~?&intcmp=906

(5) BULGARIA: Fight Corruption with e-Government -
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/news/showNewsItemDetails.do~23434~~?&intcmp=906

FOR MORE NEWS ITEMS, PLEASE VISIT:
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/e-government/news/viewAllNews.do~all=all?intcmp=906

III. NEW MEMBER DIRECTORY

With over 30,000 registered dgCommunities members, the Member Directory provides a one-stop shop for key contacts and collaboration worldwide. We invite you to take advantage of this unprecedented collaborative tool and add your profile today!

Our new Member Directory enables you to more easily contact fellow professionals in the international development community for expert advice, information, and collaboration. You will be able to find development practitioners from over 200 countries, with interests and expertise in dozens of areas, including your own! We?re sure you'll find the profiles very useful when using the Member Directory to communicate and collaborate with fellow members on your next program or project.

Member Directory Quick Start - 4 Easy Steps:

-ESTABLISH YOUR PROFILE

Let your colleagues in development know more about your interests and expertise through your dgCommunities profile. Simply log in, go to My Gateway, scroll down to "My Member Profile", and click "Edit this information".
http://www.developmentgateway.org/topics/um/user/showUserAccount.do?intcmp=906

-SEARCH FOR MEMBERS

Log in to the Development Gateway, and click the Member Directory link located in the right column on any dgCommunity home page. You can search by: name, country, interest, expertise, organization, organization type, or by keywords in member bios. Search results will show you a list of members with a link to their profiles. You can also reach the Member Directory when you log in, go to My Gateway and click on "Add Members to My Contacts".
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/um~user/showMemberDirectory.do?intcmp=906

-COMMUNICATE WITH MEMBERS

When viewing a member's profile, click "Contact this user". This will open a message box in which you can type and send an email through our email forwarding system.

-CREATE OWN CONTACT LIST OF MEMBERS

You can build a list of key contacts and form your own network of members. Searching for members will produce a results list; you can then select members to be added to your "My Contacts" list by clicking on the plus sign under "Status" for each desired contact. Or, when viewing a particular member's profile, click "Add this member to My Contacts". Your full "My Contacts" list can be viewed when you log in, go to My Gateway, scroll down to "My Contacts" and click "View My Contacts."

IV. FOR UPCOMING EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT (currently there are 9 items) -
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/e-government/calendar/default/viewListEvents.do?intcmp=906

Truly,
Hmayak Arazyan
Guide, e-Government dgCommunity
http://www.developmentgateway.org/e-government?intcmp=906

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Did you know that you can participate in the growing e-government community of 9344 members (7793 public) by posting:
- Comments,
- Events,
- News,
- Case studies,
- Interesting websites,
- Any other e-government related information.

If you know of any other e-government related resources that you would like to be shared with our members, you can add to the dgCommunity through http://topics.developmentgateway.org/egovernment/rc/Contribute.do~flag=url~from=SampleLayout?intcmp=906 or contact Hmayak Arazyan at harazyan@dgfoundation.org

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E-governance readiness in Gulf progressing: UN report; ICDL calls on govts to assess needs of IT literacy

2006-05-01T02:13:00.000-07:00

E-governance readiness in Gulf progressing: UN report; ICDL calls on govts to assess needs of IT literacy

KUWAIT CITY: E-governance readiness in the Gulf region has been ranked at approximately 50 percent by a recent index compiled in a report by the United Nations Department of Economic & Social Affairs (UNDESA), compared to 91 percent for index leading United States. ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body and certification authority of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) programme in the Gulf region called for further dissemination of IT literacy that would allow greater sectors of society access to online e-government services.

“In order to accelerate the process of e-government readiness, countries in the region need to formulate detailed plans aimed at executing their ICT policies and strategies, and undertake new initiatives that will raise the IT literacy levels of all sectors of society, create awareness among the general public on the importance of IT, and facilitate or subsidize the purchase of a home computer and Internet connection for those who find the cost prohibitive. By laying a comprehensive infrastructure of IT literacy throughout the region, with particular emphasis on the services provided by the critical sectors such as health, education and employment, governments can lay a strong foundation for greater penetration of e-government services,” said Jamil Ezzo, Director General, ICDL GCC Foundation.

The recently released UNDESA report “Global e-Government Readiness Report 2005: From e-Government to e-Inclusion” placed the UAE at number 42nd in the world in terms of e-government readiness, but number one in the GCC region. The report also indicated that the UAE had moved up 18 places from 2004, where it was ranked 60th in the world. Similarly, most other Arab countries in the region also showed positive movement in the e-government readiness rankings, with Kuwait moving up to 75 from number 100 in 2004, and Qatar moving to 62 from 80th place. Saudi Arabia also moved up from 90th global position in 2004 to 80th in 2005.

The report attributed the UAE’s success to a revamped national portal that integrates easily locatable information and services through a single gateway. The report also praised Qatar’s improvement of online service delivery, and concluded that its e-government portal was regional best practice and comparable to integrated services portals elsewhere in the world. Initiatives in Saudi Arabia were considered positive, if not on par with some of the region’s high performers. However, the report compiled evidence of irregular e-government readiness in the region, with some countries doing well, but others lagging behind in the 100-160 world ranking segment.

For instance, Bahrain lost ground on its 46th world ranking in 2004 and ended on 53rd worldwide in 2005. Alleviating patchy IT development will be a critical challenge for regional e-governance initiatives. “E-governance readiness is determined not just by government initiatives aimed at making comprehensive government services available online to citizens, but also the level of acceptance and participation of the society in e-services. Assessing the current and future IT literacy needs of the society and establishing mechanisms aimed at monitoring progress of IT literacy is key to e-government readiness and essential to the acceptance of the e-government services by the general population,” Ezzo added.

The Dubai Municipality won the United Nations 2006 public services

2006-05-01T02:12:00.000-07:00

Dubai: The Dubai Municipality won the United Nations 2006 public services award in the area of application of information technology and telecommunications in the government sector, e-government.

By winning the award, Dubai becomes the first Arab city to win the prestigious award.

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

Police department gets ISO certificate

Dubai: The Electronic Services Department of Dubai Police received the ISO 2000:9001 certificate and became the first department specialised in information technology to get ISO in the Middle East.

Colonel Ahmad Hamdan Bin Dalmook, Director of the electronic services department of Dubai Police, accepted the certificate from Bruno Fererra, Bero Vertas Quality International Company. The department also received Dubai Award.

Conference on continuing studies

Sharjah: The Higher Colleges of Technology Sharjah will hold the fourth annual counselling conference tomorrow under the patronage of Shaikh Nah-yan Bin Mubarak Al Nah-yan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The event is being hosted by the Unesco Chair Programme at the Centre for Applied Studies in Education at the college.

The theme of the event is 'Moving Forward Creating Tomorrow', focusing on continuous education for existing counsellors and career opportunities for graduates.

Forum on child rights tomorrow

Dubai: The city will host the second 'Arab Media and Child Rights Forum' from tomorrow. The event on the theme 'Status of Girls' Education in the Arab World' will continue until May 4.

Representing select Arab organisations active in the field of human development, media and human rights, the organisers of this year's forum include the Regional Office of Unicef, Middle East and North Africa, the Arab Institute for Human Rights and Dubai Press Club.

Lebanese delegation visits Dubai eGovernment

2006-05-01T02:09:00.000-07:00

A high level Lebanese delegation led by H.E. Jean Oghassabian, Minister of State for Administrative Development, visited Dubai eGovernment recently to gain information from the various experiences that have led to Dubai’s leadership position in the field of eGovernance, technological transformation and e-knowledge development. The visit was part of the delegation’s objective to move Lebanon towards an eSociety in the shortest possible Time.

Salem Al Shair, eServices Director, Dubai eGovernment, welcomed the Lebanese delegation and shed light on the challenges encountered since their journey that started in the year 2000, and the hurdles they faced to overcome bottlenecks towards effective implementation of eGovernance. This initiative from Dubai eGovernment is part of its ongoing program to familiarize the visiting countries on the finer points of e-Governance.

During the visit, Salem Al Shair, Director eServices, Dubai eGovernment said, “We are pleased to follow the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and help our Arab brothers implement the eGovernment system with total transparency. We believe that, by sharing our expertise and cooperating closely with our Arab brothers, we will be able to help them accelerate the transition to e-governance. We encourage them to build on our experience

ean Oghassabian said, “We are very happy with the interest and enthusiasm shown by Dubai eGovernment in sharing with us their knowledge and experiences in the field of eGovernance. Every time we visit Dubai, which is our second home, we are amazed by the fast pace of development across all sectors and are inspired by the results they have accomplished on the road towards eGovernment. I hope this will open the door for co-ordination between the two countries in all sectors and help Lebanon progress towards a digital society.”

Rehab Lootah, eServices Provisioning Manager, Dubai eGovernment, made a presentation on the strategies, plans, projects and future aims of Dubai eGovernment, as well as the steps to be taken in this domain to attain a full eGovernment status.

The delegation was involved in various discussions with the Dubai eGovernment team that aimed to facilitate an exchange of experiences and information which would in turn ensure the rapid development of an eGovernment in Lebanon.

Bahrain's IT ranking falls

2006-05-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

Bahrain's IT ranking falls

BAHRAIN's global position in e-government readiness slipped seven places last year in an index compiled by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). Bahrain lost ground on its 46th world ranking in 2004 and ended 53rd worldwide last year, according to the UNDESA's Global e-Government Readiness Report 2005: From e-Government to e-Inclusion.

It placed the UAE at number 42 in the world in terms of e-government readiness and number one in the GCC, followed by Bahrain in second place.

The report also indicated that the UAE had moved up 18 places from 2004, where it was ranked 60th in the world.

Similarly, most other Arab countries in the region also showed positive movement in the e-government readiness rankings, with Kuwait moving up to 75 from number 100 in 2004, and Qatar moving to 62 from 80th place.

Saudi Arabia also moved up from 90th position in 2004 to 80th last year.

The report attributed the UAE's success to a revamped national portal that integrates easily locatable information and services through a single gateway. The report also praised Qatar's improvement of online service delivery, and concluded that its e-government portal was regional best practice and comparable to integrated services portals elsewhere in the world.

Initiatives in Saudi Arabia were also considered positive, if not on par with some of the region's high performers.

E-governance readiness in the Gulf region has been ranked at around 50 per cent compared to 91pc for the US, who topped the index.

Dubai-based International Computer Driving License (ICDL) GCC Foundation, the governing body and certification authority of the ICDL programme in the Gulf region, called for further dissemination of information technology (IT) literacy that would allow greater sectors of society access to online e-government services.

"In order to accelerate the process, countries in the region need to formulate detailed plans aimed at executing their ICT policies and strategies," said ICDL GCC Foundation director general Jamil Ezzo"E-governance readiness is determined not just by government initiatives aimed at making comprehensive government services available online to citizens, but also the level of acceptance and participation of the society in e-services," said Mr Ezzo.

"Assessing the current and future IT literacy needs of the society and establishing mechanisms aimed at monitoring progress of IT literacy is key to e-government readiness and essential to the acceptance of the e-government services by the general population."

GCC e-governance readiness index shows progress but highlights areas of concern

2006-05-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

Mr. Jamil Ezzo, Director General, ICDL GCC Foundation.

ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body and certification authority of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) programme in the Gulf region called for further dissemination of IT literacy that would allow greater sectors of society access to online e-government services.

'In order to accelerate the process of e-government readiness, countries in the region need to formulate detailed plans aimed at executing their ICT policies and strategies, and undertake new initiatives that will raise the IT literacy levels of all sectors of society, create awareness among the general public on the importance of IT, and facilitate or subsidize the purchase of a home computer and Internet connection for those who find the cost prohibitive. By laying a comprehensive infrastructure of IT literacy throughout the region, with particular emphasis on the services provided by the critical sectors such as health, education and employment, governments can lay a strong foundation for greater penetration of e-government services,'

said Jamil Ezzo, Director General, ICDL GCC Foundation.

The recently released UNDESA report 'Global e-Government Readiness Report 2005: From e-Government to e-Inclusion' placed the UAE at number 42nd in the world in terms of e-government readiness, but number one in the GCC region. The report also indicated that the UAE had moved up 18 places from 2004, where it was ranked 60th in the world. Similarly, most other Arab countries in the region also showed positive movement in the e-government readiness rankings, with Kuwait moving up to 75 from number 100 in 2004, and Qatar moving to 62 from 80th place. Saudi Arabia also moved up from 90th global position in 2004 to 80th in 2005.

The report attributed the UAE's success to a revamped national portal that integrates easily locatable information and services through a single gateway. The report also praised Qatar's improvement of online service delivery, and concluded that its e-government portal was regional best practice and comparable to integrated services portals elsewhere in the world. Initiatives in Saudi Arabia were considered positive, if not on par with some of the region's high performers.

However, the report compiled evidence of irregular e-government readiness in the region, with some countries doing well, but others lagging behind in the 100-160 world ranking segment. For instance, Bahrain lost ground on its 46th world ranking in 2004 and ended on 53rd worldwide in 2005. Alleviating patchy IT development will be a critical challenge for regional e-governance initiatives.

'E-governance readiness is determined not just by government initiatives aimed at making comprehensive government services available online to citizens, but also the level of acceptance and participation of the society in e-services. Assessing the current and future IT literacy needs of the society and establishing mechanisms aimed at monitoring progress of IT literacy is key to e-government readiness and essential to the acceptance of the e-government services by the general population,' Ezzo added.

Job at DSG

2006-04-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
(April, 2006)

Under the directive of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai School of Government was launched with the vision to become the leading research and teaching institution for government studies in the region. As part of the growth and development process. We now invite expressions of interest for the following vacancies.

With a mission to develop the public sector in the Arab World and improving public sector management through research and education, the Dubai School of Government ( DSG) was established in 2004 in cooperation with John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Expressions of interest for the following vacancy are invited from qualified and experienced personnel. All positions require the candidate to be fluent in Arabic and English

PR Assistant

You would assist the PR Department from strategy development to the day to day management of press releases / events. The ideal candidate will possess first class Arabic writing skills, with the ability to copy write and produce written material in Arabic for publishing. You will be the key liaison point between DSG and its appointed PR & Media agency. Being highly organized, creative and a team player with the ability to take initiative is a plus. Understanding of regional and international media usage is also important You should be a graduate in Business/ Marketing/ Communications with minimum 2-3 years of experience in PR / Media Relations. Previous experience in a PR agency is a distinct advantage.

send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@dsg.ae by the 10 th May 2006.

Research Assistant:

The successful applicant will be required to provide research and administrative support for all research initiatives and think tanks within the school. This vacancy is reserved for UAE National graduates with at least one year of work experience in research.

Research Associate/ Research Fellows
– E-government/Energy Policy/Public Policy:

The main activities of these researchers will include working with international bodies, researching and documenting local case studies, and publishing reports and papers on key areas of public sector management related to either e-Government. Energy Policy or Public Policy. While developing and leading research initiatives in coordination with the Dean, the role envisages undertaking applied research with regional governments with also presenting and publishing research results. The candidates for this research position should be degree holders, preferably at doctorate level and have a minimum of 5 years experience in research and associated activities in mentioned fields. Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is also a must.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@dsg.ae

For more information, please see our website www.dsg.ae

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