Abstract
This paper focuses on the ITG technologies employed by the government in the United Arab Emirates and provides a deeper understanding of why innovations are important and should be implemented for the country to succeed. The United Arab Emirates experience rapid development in the field of implementation of advanced technologies into governmental structures. The Emirati government invests the impressive sums of money in the development and improvement of the non-oil segment. It is worth stating that the modern era of digital communication changes the way people live, and it is now reflected in governmental functioning.
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates is the country that is well-known for oil exportation. The UAE discovered the oil sources and it stimulated the rapid development of the country in all the spheres. Although the UAE is dependent on the resource, the government aims to develop the non-oil sector to improve economically. The Emirati government aims at bringing the country in one line with the top-ranking countries (UAE vision, 2016). It has been acknowledged that IT governance is one of the most effective strategies to innovate and develop for any organization as well as the governmental organizations and the entire nation (Al Athmay, 2015).
The UAE started the implementation of policies aimed at the integration of ITG in 2001, which was beneficial for the development of the country (Newcombe, 2014). The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the significance of the implementation of the technologies and e-governance in the UAE government.
Informational Technologies in the UAE
To become one of the leading nations, the country aims to improve and develop the Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The implementation of IT into the sphere of industry, health-care, and education can positively impact the development of the country and will consequently lead to the meeting of the objectives. The technologies affect the daily round of everyone. It is worth stating that the intense development of the Internet, mobile connection, and global networks stress the significance of innovations in modern life. As the technologies become pervasive, the government cannot ignore it and should use innovation beneficially.
ICT is an integral part of the economy of every successful country. According to recent researches, the potential in the implementation of IT into the governmental structure is impressive (Al Athmay, 2015). The new system provides a number of benefits, namely efficiency, advanced service, and transparency. These components are essential to the successful functioning of the country. The primary task of the e-Government is to implement the ICT to facilitate the interconnection among governmental information, public services, and business. However, it should be stressed that the system should be developed and improved as not all the benefits are used.
Nowadays the productive IT department is essential to every successful business, and that is, receives the priority. The concept of IT Governance (ITG) is new in the sphere of technologies. The ITG is represented in different governmental organizations in the UAE. However, it should be stressed that the level of effectiveness is different in every governmental structure. To use the ITG in a proper way, the company should also deal with the culture, skills, management, and structure of the organization.
Benefits of E-Governance
The e-government provides a number of benefits regarding the decision-making process, collaboration, cost reduction, and transparency. The major expectation of the society regarding the work of the government is the improvement of the quality of life. According to the researchers, it is unquestionable that the implementation of the e-government contributes to the cost-cutting. The online communication can reduce the costs by up to 90% (Al Athmay, 2015). Such an impressive percentage can be explained by the fact that online service can easily substitute buildings, numerous workers, and service desks.
The implementation of IT is beneficial for the development of every company or governmental structure. The competition cannot be omitted; and it is an advantage. The competition for customers or the interests of the citizens consequently leads to the increasing quality of the service and lower prices. In the UAE, e-government is the way to create a modern economic system. It is a tool for reforming and improvement of the public outlook. However, it should be highlighted that it is not a simple task as it requires changing the governmental structure and adjusting to the new environment, which is challenging.
One of the most significant elements that impact the e-governance strategies is trust. To meet the objectives, the government should ensure the public that the virtual environment is secure and beneficial. Security and trust are the major components that influence the success of IT governance. For the new system to succeed, the citizens should use online channels. The widespread technologies and Internet access contribute to a positive outcome. The interaction between the government and the public is likely to benefit from the adjustment to the ITG.
Strategies
As has been mentioned above, the development of the e-Government programs in the UAE began in 2001. Nowadays, the system of governmental functioning in the UAE is believed to be one of the most advanced in the modern world. The UAE invest a lot of money in the implementation of the IT system (Obeidat & Saleh, 2015). According to the data obtained by the UN e-Government Analysis, the government of the UAE showed outstanding results in the accomplishment of the e-governance strategies. The UAE announced the changes in the strategies directed to the achievement of the e-objectives.
The system works at every level of the governmental structure and aims to transform and improve the governmental service. It is represented in two concepts, the citizen orientation and effectiveness of the service. The two concepts are characterized by six elements, namely satisfaction, use, trust and confidence, awareness, service quality, and transformation. Each of the elements should be taken into consideration for the system to work better.
Smart Cards
The government has developed the plan for the implementation of the e-strategies. The digital identities for the public are part of the plan. Smart cards will make the program secure and will advance the system. Identity management infrastructure becomes popular nowadays. The creation of the federated identity will be beneficial for the comfort of citizens. The residents will be able to sign in the different enterprises using the same personal information. The smart cards will be provided for more than nine million people. The information in the identity cards is stored in the special chip; it provides the benefit of the establishment of the identity not only physically but virtually as well. This way the transactions are secure and transparent.
The system facilitates the procedure of recognizing the personality by the governmental agencies. The UAE experienced rapid development in terms of identity management. In addition, it is secure and facilitates access to the needed information. The government motivates people to keep to the e-services. The implementation of the smart cart is an integral part of the plan that contributes to the positive outcome.
Online Platforms
Another example of the efficient implementation of the ITG strategies is the launch of online platforms such as Markabati. This federal portal comprises a number of interactive systems related to processes and procedures concerning vehicles that link the public and the corresponding governmental as well as non-governmental entities (Federal vehicle portal Markabati launched, 2013). The platform involves such spheres as insurance, traffic services, registration services, rental services, e-payment services, and even spare parts data.
The Emirati citizens do not have to spend a lot of time trying to access the corresponding entity and wait for the decisions to be made and procedures to be implemented. The umbrella online portal helps people find many answers to questions related to their vehicles. As one of the illustrations of the ITG implementation, the Markabati platform contributes to the reduction of costs of the services, transparency and the increase in people’s satisfaction.
Mobile Applications
A mobile application can also be regarded as an ITG tool that has acquired popularity in many countries. The UAE can also boast of the use of this instrument, and even considers itself to be transcending the e-governance through reaching m-governance (Newcombe, 2014). For instance, the Dubai Police application can be regarded as an effective tool that has been positively received by the public (Karmakar, 2014).
The application involves such areas as traffic services (including fine payment, Traffic Wallet, Traffic Clearance Certificate and so on), security services (including Tourist Security, Prevent Crime, Police Report Inquiry, and so on), community services (including SOS button, Critically ill patient services, police leaders contact). The application also includes a very popular service, Appointment scheduling (Karmakar, 2014).
It is necessary to note that the application makes public services more accessible and transparent. Various procedures have become clearer, which makes the system more appealing to the public. This creates trustful relationships between the public and police. Emirati people have acknowledged the benefits of these e-governance tools as they feel more secure, which also contributes to the development of proper relationships between the public and authorities. Emirati people start sharing the common view that they are in control of every situation and that the police are there to assist not to punish.
The Emirati Process of Innovation and Its Benefits
Society has already entered the era of technological advances, and digital communication is not a new phenomenon. Taking into consideration all the changes, the government realizes the significance of the interaction between the citizens and the virtual environment. The identification process receives the highest priority. The system is likely to gain more public trust as it provides the highest level of security and confidence.
As a matter of fact, a number of small countries become successful in the implementation of the e-government. The following countries, namely Estonia, Denmark, and Singapore succeeded in the virtual service delivery. However, the vast majority of countries struggle with the adjusting of the e-strategies to their political and economic environment. According to the surveys made by the United Nations, the UAE takes the twenty-eight’s position among the countries that effectively employ the e-governance strategies in 2012 (Anderson, Wu, Cho, & Schroeder, 2015). It is worth noting that they took forty-ninth in 2010. The statistics and recent findings prove that the government of the UAE is on the right path and experiences intense development.
Effective Innovation
The experts are sure that the success of the government is possible due to professional management and leadership. Effective innovation demands hard work on every level of the system. However, the work with the citizens should not be undervalued as society plays a significant role in the establishment of success. For the innovations to be effective, they should be in unstoppable progress. The government of the UAE develops strategies to follow this rule. Constant progress and development and the keys to success. The UAE highlights that mobile technologies are significant to take into account.
Partnership
The implemented innovations would be useless unless the public support and work of professionals who secures and improves the system. Even the most advanced system will not accomplish success if society does not trust and approves it. The most challenging task for the government in the UAE is to motivate people to keep to the system and be confident in the virtual environment. However, it should be noted that the comfort and safety of the system draw the attention of the users and becomes a competitive advantage.
Innovation Leadership
The IT demands changes not only in the old system but the leadership approaches as well. Innovative leadership combines different leadership approaches to increase the motivation of the employees, stimulate creative ideas, and increase performance. The central role while innovative leadership plays a new type of leader. Innovative leaders not only generate creative ideas, but they can motivate the team as well. To turn the idea into reality, the innovative leader centers the attention on motivation and creativity.
It should be highlighted that the government succeeds in innovative management and leadership. 2015 was the year of innovations in the UAE (Newcombe, 2014). The government stressed that their aim is to become the most innovative nation in seven years. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the country, noted that:
We live today in a world witnessing rapid changes and continuous developments, full of opportunities, discoveries and inventions. This innovation strategy is a national priority for our program of development and progress. It is a primary tool to achieve Vision 2021 and an engine for the growth of distinctive skills and capabilities across the nation. We want our public and private sectors to explore new horizons to develop our economy (The United Arab Emirates: Leading competitiveness globally, 2013).
The leader of the UAE also pointed out that the future will be in the hands of those who can follow changes and innovations. The UAE would like to foster innovations in all the spheres of human activity to make life more comfortable.
E-Government in the UAE
It is necessary to note that the implementation of the e-governance has already translated into particular results (see table 1). For instance, according to the survey of the UN, the UAE is ranked fifth in the list of countries with the best transactional services (Maswood, 2012). Importantly, the country appeared at the 41st place in 2001. The UAE is behind such countries as Sweden, Denmark, and the USA that is regarded as leaders in terms of the implementation of e-governance. E-government services are becoming increasingly popular among the public. For instance, Abu Dhabi’s governmental portal reports about the increase in visitors by 56% since 2008 (Abu Dhabi e-government portal marks a remarkable year of achievements, 2011). People’s satisfaction is increasing as well since people feel connected and open dialogue with the government (Karmakar, 2014).
The e-government enabled the country to display unprecedented results in such areas as people’s wellbeing and satisfaction, healthcare, education, safety, innovation, competitiveness (UAE ranks among most developed countries, 2014). It is necessary to note that the country was not included in many ratings up to 2005. However, when the UAE started participating, it moved to higher ranks quite quickly. The efficiency of the government and innovation have played a central role in this process (UAE ranks among most developed countries, 2014).
Table 1:Metrics of the UAE’s achievements related to the e-government.
To get deeper involved in the issue, the actions of the government should be examined through Porter’s model. Five forces of Porter’s model determine the level of success of the chosen approach.
According to Porter’s model, the government of the UAE has all the chances to succeed in the accomplishment of the goals. First and foremost, it should be stressed that the implementation of IT governance into the old system demands innovations. The government has already developed smart cards that facilitate the process of identifying personality. The use of mobile services is also an illustration of innovation as people obtain access to services within seconds with no need to leave their location. Using their smartphones, Emiratis can not only chat in instant messengers and social networks but access vital services from governmental entities. This adds meaning to the concept of innovation and technology. The uniqueness of the product and service contributes to prosperity.
Every business or project should face competition in order to improve and stimulate changes. The tense competition between the countries for being the most innovative provides the government of the UAE with an advantage. The government aims to foster improvement in order to compete in the world’s arena. As has been mentioned above, the UAE has achieved a lot in this respect as it is one of the leading nations that implement e-governance, and it is the leader among the Gulf countries.
The next criterion is a possible substitution. The IT governance is guided by the UAE government, and that is, the changes are not likely to be substituted. The country has already chosen the right way and follows this direction. The benefits of the e-government also include cost-cutting, transparency of transactions, and the ability of the citizens to access governmental information using an identity card, online platforms, and mobile applications. These innovations facilitate the system and make it more comfortable.
Value Chain Analysis
The government of the UAE selects only high professionals to implement the ITG. Visio 2021 reflects the desire of the government to transform the UAE into one of the leading countries in the world (O’Connell & Saleem, 2014). The country developed UAE Government applications for Android and iOS for the citizens to have access to the governmental service anytime anywhere. The primary objective is to increase the satisfaction of the users and provide them with reliable and safe service. It is necessary to note that the country managed to achieve a high rate of people’s satisfaction through the use of e-governance tools. Thus, the UAE is ranked third after Norway and the USA with the index of satisfaction 6.7 (Digital government: Pathways to delivering public services for the future, 2014).
To analyze the position of the UAE government, it should be examined from the dimension of primary activities, namely the inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service. It is significant to take into account the support activities as well, among them are the following, firm infrastructure, Human Resource management, technology, and procurement.
Inbound logistics is an important element that can lead the government to succeed. Only high-quality materials are used to meet the requirements. The system operates in the UAE and serves more than nine million people. The government invests in the improvement and development of the ITG to increase the motivation of the users to use the technologies. The cost-cutting effect is seen as a competitive advantage. The use of various mobile applications as well as online platforms decreases the waiting time, which is one of the most frustrating experiences when the interaction between the citizen and governmental entities is concerned (Karmakar, 2014).
The use of apps also enables the authorities to respond at a higher pace and provide high-quality services. Outbound logistics contributes to the interconnection between the governmental service and citizens. Marketing and sales are represented by the necessity of providing people with smart cards and technological devices for the system to work. Besides, the government uses social networks to promote services related to e-governance. This strategy is especially effective as 70% of the Emirati Internet users are subscribed to some social networks (Al Suwaidi & Elbadawi, 2012).
A survey held in Dubai also shows that the majority of people (76% of the participants) favored the implementation of e-governance as well as the further utilization of social media in the process. The government of the UAE recognizes the need to improve service. That is, professional service delivery received the priority.
The HR department ensures that professionals work in the field if ITG development. The technologies partly substitute human work, that is, HR is responsible for making sure that specialists perform the job in the correct way. E-government would be impossible without technological development. The IT sphere receives the priority and is the principal concern of the government. Infrastructure deals with control, finance, and public relations. The government motivates people to use the technologies. As for procurement, it should be highlighted that the government cooperates with foreign companies for the system to succeed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be pointed out that e-government can lead the UAE to develop and improve. The main objective of the country is to keep pace with progress. The implementation of IT into the working process of the governmental structure beneficially impacts the political and economic processes. The reduction of costs and transparency are considered to be the major driving forces that are beneficial for the country on the way towards the achievement of success.
The Emirati e-government helped the authorities to provide high-quality public services and bring them closer to the public. It is necessary to note that the success of the e-government in the UAE is measurable through the opinions of the Emirati people as well as the country’s ranking in global ratings concerning competitiveness, growth, development, living standards and so on. Public services have become more accessible and efficient, which creates the trustful relationships between the government and society. People’s satisfaction has increased significantly, and Emiratis are becoming more active in social life, which leads to further innovation and development.
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