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5/23/24, 10:14 AM Digital Readiness Retreat explores developing digital business models for government; launches State of Digital Transformation …
for Government Digital Transformation, emphasised that "Digital readiness is a priority for the UAE’s wise leadership and a key
government responsibility." She added, "The UAE has excelled in digital quality craftsmanship, and we see the reflections of its
digital achievements in topping global rankings in digital transformation. The UAE is globally recognized as a preferred destination for
investment and living, thanks to the quality of the digital experience in terms of lifestyle, services, and business."
She explained that adopting a ‘digital-first' mindset by institutions for digital thought, design and implementation of business models,
services, and projects would empower government to sidestep digital bureaucracy. She added, “Digital transformation will remain a
national priority, underpinning all digital development efforts across government sectors.”
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said, “Under the guidance of the wise leadership, the UAE has placed great
significance on developing the government services system according to the best international practices and enabling innovative
digital service models based on advanced technologies and AI”.
"The Ministry of Economy continues to digitally transform all services delivered to individuals, institutions, companies, and
government entities with focus on user experience and accessibility. The ministry was the first federal entity to transform all its
services into 100% digital," he added.
Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, stated, "The Digital Readiness Retreat is a
key event where we showcase latest efforts, initiatives, and projects in support of the 'Zero Bureaucracy' program by embracing the
latest technologies and innovations to streamline services and enhance digital customer journeys, thereby advancing the UAE’s
prominent position as one of the world's leading destinations for living, working, and investing."
Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, stated: "Digital transformation represents one of the
most important indicators for developing services and operations in various government and private entities across all sectors, and
the UAE is one of the most successful global models in this crucial field. The Digital Readiness Retreat for the leaders of the UAE
government is an opportunity for integration, coordination, and highlighting the latest digital solutions in the country."
She added: "The digital revolution has had a significant impact on the environment and climate by reducing consumption of natural
resources and lowering the carbon footprint for individuals, organizations, and various sectors, making digital solutions one of the
most important climate-smart solutions and a means to achieve a low-carbon economy."
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Director General
of the Prime Minister's Office, Vice-Chairman of the Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation, said, ” Under the
leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the guidance of His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the UAE adopts a
comprehensive approach for leveraging rapid technological advancements to shape the next generation of government and enhance
quality of life for society and individuals.”
He added, “The Digital Readiness Retreat reflects the forward-thinking vision of the UAE leadership, with a focus on expanding tech
innovation, developing proactive solutions, and accelerating end-to-end digital transformation across sectors.” He underscored the
significance of government collaboration in driving digital transformation and bolstering government resilience for the challenges of
the digital era.
Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Cabinet, said: "The largest legislative
transformation in the history of the UAE accomplished during the past three years has contributed to enabling digital transformation
and digitization of business models in key sectors and providing the supportive environment for achieving this transformation.”
“Keeping pace with technological advancements, digital transformation, and contributing to accelerating the adoption of emerging
technologies and transformative business models are essential criteria for adopting any legislative update. The legislative updates
regulated digital commercial transactions that eliminated boundaries and barriers to the flow of goods and services, organized new
digital sectors and provided a secure environment for digital transformation,” she added.
Engineer Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA),
stated, "Our life today is characterized by an era of rapid shifts and increasing reliance on data and AI, which calls for exchanging of
views and proposals to unify efforts towards achieving the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision and the UAE Centennial Plan
2071."
“The Digital Readiness Retreat, which aims for a new milestone in the UAE's digital transformation journey, underscores the
importance of enhanced integration and coordination among all federal and local government entities across all sectors,” he added.
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the Cyber Security Council, said, “The Digital Readiness Retreat is a crucial step
towards smart and secure government integration, serving as a fundamental pillar for achieving governmental system of excellence.”
Dr. Al Kuwaiti pointed out that in the face of increasing cyber threats, the importance of digital security cannot be overlooked as a
fundamental element to ensure the sustainability of development and the growth of the digital economy. He added, “Our coordinated
efforts will undoubtedly contribute to cementing our country's position as a leading model in secure digital transformation, enhancing
the trust of citizens and residents in digital government services, and driving sustainable development and the prosperity of the digital
economy.”
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, said, "At Sharjah Digital Department, we
believe that digital transformation enhances the quality of services and the quality of life for residents, and drives sustainable
development forward. Therefore, we have worked on developing a roadmap to enhance digital transformation for government
services through advanced technological processes and systems that keep pace with the latest digital technologies and adhere to
the highest international standards.” He added, “We have also strengthened the Emirate's capacity to use data by developing a data
management and governance strategy to ensure its privacy, as well as to ensure optimal use of advanced technologies such as AI
and big data analytics."
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Hamid Al Askar, Director General of the "Tamm" Program at the Abu Dhabi Department of Government
Enablement, said, “As the UAE continues to steer the global discussions about Digital Transformation, Abu Dhabi Government seeks
to reinforce these efforts by reaffirming its commitment to further solidifying the Emirate’s pioneering position in digital government
services and exemplary model of government integration.”
Matar Saeed Al Humairi, CEO, Smart Dubai Government Establishment, Digital Dubai, said: "The Digital Readiness Retreat
represents a gathering of the united national team to envision the next steps in the digital transformation journey, thereby enhancing
our country's rightful position and leadership in this field. At Dubai Digital Government, we consider such gatherings as valuable
opportunities for exchanging views and experiences to increase integration and connectivity opportunities, particularly in the era we
live in, where new concepts and working methods emerge driven by artificial intelligence and other technologies of the Fourth
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