The Smart Dubai Government Establishment (SDG) and the Department of Finance (DoF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the 2nd day of GITEX Technology Week 2016 for handling electronic payment services and appropriate monetary settlements. The MoU was signed by H.E. Wesam Lootah, CEO of SDG, and Jamal Hamed Al Marri, Executive Director of Central Accounts at the DoF in the presence of a variety of authorities from both sides.

Embracing a concept based on collaboration and mutual efforts among all Dubai establishments, SDG harnesses all readily available potentials and utilizes contemporary innovation to develop more chances for making life in Dubai City the smartest and happiest. Smart Dubai adopts a quick and collaborative approach for smart change, making it possible for tactical partnerships among the government sector, private sector and scholastic circles to design and implement services that remain in line with its mission aimed at attaining joy by accepting technological innovations based on the keen vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest city in the world

On the other hand, SDG, the technology arm of Smart Dubai, is dedicated to providing the best smart services where the arrangement, management and operation of electronic payment website and payment services through smart devices in Dubai is regarded as among the most important smart transformations in the city. A number of agreements have actually been concluded with some provider and banks to supply electronic payment of charges through direct debit, charge card or other comparable electronic approaches of payments. Based on this, it has actually been agreed with the DoF to manage all monetary and accounting affairs, perform financial audit and prepare financial statements on behalf of Dubai Government.

H.E. Wesam Lootah, CEO of SDG, said: "This agreement with the DoF has actually been signed to show the eagerness of both parties on improving joint co-operation amongst Dubai government entities, integrating efforts and reaching incorporated visions and goals with the goal of making sure optimal use of government resources and making Dubai an example to follow in the region in terms of optimal use of resources and innovation and boosting smart government communication in such a way that serves our march for a much better future for our city."

He added: "Smart services created huge revenues as a result of compressing government expenditures through the use of the technological infrastructure provided by one entity to all Dubai government departments and entities on one hand and to specific and business clients on the other."

Meanwhile, Al Marri expressed his pleasure at the finalizing of the agreement, applauding the outstanding co-operation existing in between SDG and DoF with respect to managing Dubai Government's ePay website.

He said: "The DoF plays a vital function in supervising all Dubai Government's financial affairs, and signing this arrangement today serves not only the service providers and financial institutions worried about electronic payment of charges however likewise the customers benefiting from the growth of the services offered to them based upon the keenness of all parties on keeping pace with Dubai Government's continuous digital improvement.

He added: "The MoU has been signed with the objective of making it possible for the Dof and SDG to sign tri-party contracts with electronic service providers or banks and updating services in such a manner that make Dubai Government's consumers happier."

The ePay website is a shared service supplied by SDG to government entities. The website, currently being utilized by 35 government entities has actually been awarded a PCIDSS certificate for its compliance with the world's highest electronic payment standards.

Smart Dubai structure at GITEX Technology Week 2016, which features 55 partners from the government and private sectors including the DoF, showcases a special show about the delightful experiences under the smart living in Dubai. The program is the fruit of Smart Dubai Office's thorough work for carrying out a program and a roadmap targeting all sectors in Dubai City to accomplishing new competitive world records on Dubai's readiness and advancement.