Dubai Smart Government organizes brainstorming session for government departments to innovate shared services

UAE, November 28, 2015 - Dubai Smart Government (DSG), in coordination with IBM, has organized a workshop for governmental entities under the theme ‘Brainstorming to innovate new government shared services’ as part of its innovative activities during UAE Innovation Week. 

A number of experts on ‘smart’ cities and government along with senior government officials participated in the workshop which was held at the Raffles Hotel, Dubai. DSG utilized the latest tools and methodologies to reach innovation through what is called ‘design thinking’. Experts and participants shared experiences as well as models of ‘smart’ cities and governance such as Singapore and London, to name a few. In addition, they discussed the basic ideas that can be used to develop ‘smart’ governments.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Humaidan, DSG Director General, said: “The UAE Innovation Week announced by H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is the most important platform for innovations and innovators in the region. It is also the perfect platform for exchanging innovative ideas to create a comprehensive environment of happiness with an aim to make Dubai the world’s happiest and smartest city. We live in a city that is guided by the ambitious, pioneering and visionary leadership to compete with the world’s top cities and obligates us to be innovative in our daily activities.” 

“During UAE Innovation Week, we are continuously innovating to develop our services to the standards of our wise leadership to provide ultimate happiness to our government and the people of Dubai. We are continuously challenged to maintain this leading position, so we need to innovate and constantly improve and enhance the services we offer. We are committed to creating a path for success and excellence in our efforts to offer integrated smart services as part of our ‘smart’ government strategy,” concluded H.E. Humaidan.

The workshop used the latest techniques in brainstorming, as participants were free to share their ideas and discuss them, while facilitators and experts took notes until a well thought out picture was formulated for a final design of a proposed idea. Through the collective thought process of all representatives in attendance, they designed and planned innovative new joint services that meet the needs of an integrated ‘smart’ government. DSG aims to use this workshop as a means to achieve a number of innovative ideas for an integrated ‘smart’ government and to develop these ideas in accordance with UAE Vision 2021.