Dubai E-Government Initiative To Target UAE Expats

by Lorys Charalambous, Tax-News.com, Cyprus

14 March 2002

According to reports, the Dubai e-Government initiative is to broaden its focus in order to take in expatriates from the United Arab Emirates placed overseas, and students from the region studying abroad.

Speaking at a presentation for UAE students studying at Bahrain University, Salem Al Shair, the e-Government initiative's Director of e-Services explained the rationale behind the new drive for expatriates.

'Young national students who are residing overseas often need important information, legal documents or urgent Government assistance from their home country. By offering integrated e-services through the portal...Dubai e-Government is opening a 24 hour communication channel that will facilitate the lives of students [and expatriates].'

Meanwhile, an intensive four day training workshop for Government officials was held recently in order to smooth the path of an integrated online governance system. According to reports, 51 representatives from the various Government departments attended.

'Intensive training has to be imparted to each and every Government department in order to jump start the system of offering a wide range of governmental services online,' Mr Al Shair said of the conference. The Dubai e-Government portal currently offers a wide range of services for visitors, residents, and businesses, including access to permit and visa renewal services, commerce and business related facilities, and company registration and tax department links.

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