Dubai eGovernment collects AED 1.5 billion in 2009 through electronic payment gateway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 3, 2010 -- February 3, 2010
Dubai eGovernment has announced that there has been a significant increase in adoption of electronic services in 2009 compared to the previous year as Dubai eGovernment continues to focus on enhancing service quality, expanding automation of government services and sustaining the electronic transformation of the government. Dubai eGovernment further revealed that the positive results reflect the success of the projects and initiatives launched by the Department in 2009 in coordination with other departments of Dubai Government.

Recent statistics show that a total of AED 1.5 billion was collected from 1.4 million transactions that were processed in 2009 using Dubai eGovernment’s electronic payment gateway, which is a secure and reliable platform for online payments. This means an increase of AED 500 million from the previous year in which Dubai eGovernment collected AED 1 billion from around 1 million transactions. The increase was achieved despite the fact that the number of departments adopting the electronic payment gateway in 2009 has remained the same at 22.
The payment service allows customers, whether an individual, company or department, to process payments through three methods: credit cards, e-Dirham and direct debit from the customer's account, which greatly saves time and effort while helping reduce long queues in government departments.

Direct debit from the customer's account is available in three national banks: Commercial Bank of Dubai, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Union National Bank. The service will also be soon available through two other banks – Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank– pursuant to an agreement signed by Dubai eGovernment with both banks during GITEX 2009.

Commenting on the positive results, Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director-General, Dubai eGovernment, said: "Our strategy is to establish a centralised platform in providing e-services as we are strongly committed to support the gradual digital transformation of Dubai and the entire UAE. This strategy contributes in the development of innovative channels that assist government departments in providing e-services to customers in a smooth, easy and effective manner. It also strengthens communication lines and collaboration among government departments in Dubai, with the understanding that each department plays an important role in satisfying the needs and requirements of customers, whether UAE nationals or residents of Dubai. The positive results that we achieved in 2009 reflect the trust and confidence of the public in Dubai eGovernment. We are also keen on developing new solutions and e-services and cultivating best practices in accordance with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to build an integrated knowledge-based community."
"Our plans and strategies for 2010 include the continued development of e-service platforms and increasing the level of efficiency