Dubai leads the world as a smart city

There can be no doubt that when it comes to smart services, Dubai is a world leader. Gone are the days of endless queues, the stress and the headache associated with paying a bill or conducting any other transaction, a UAE daily has said.

"Now, at the click of a button on your phone you can conduct almost any transaction. It’s that simple. It’s that easy. From renewing your driving license to paying your electricity bill, these services have become exceptionally smooth and efficient," said the Gulf News in an editorial on Monday.

The paper continued, "Smart government and smart services are the vision of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This has transformed Dubai into a futuristic city, a model hub for business and a delight for residents.

"There were days when one had to set aside a day to pay bills and conduct other transactions like any other city around the world. This would take time and there would be the accompanying stress of running from one office to another, waiting in long queues.

"But smart government has changed all that. And now, just for a day, on October 26th every year, all Dubai government services will be available only through smart channels. An initiative to encourage people to use various virtual modes, the ‘A Day without Service Centres’ programme has been approved by Sheikh Mohammad.

"The initiative, launched by the Dubai Department of Finance, aims to encourage customers to turn to smart channels to obtain and complete government services and transactions. This yet again proves that Dubai continues to evolve. There is that quest to excel that makes it a world class city, a city always ready for the future," concluded the Dubai-based daily.