ADSIC encourages using CityGuard mobile app to link with government 24/7; launches new advertising campaign

Abu Dhabi, 24 March 2014: Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Centre (ADSIC) launched a new advertising campaign today to encourage the use of CityGuard mobile for reporting civic issues directly to the Abu Dhabi Government, around the clock.

Safety hazards from broken manhole covers, environmental hazards of polluting vehicles and image-damaging illegal advertising are types of incidents that have been reported by Abu Dhabi’s residents through smartphones, over the past few months. The quick and easy means of linking with the government was an initiative adopted by ADSIC - the government entity in charge of Abu Dhabi’s IT agenda.

CityGuard is a free downloadable app that allows residents to easily take a picture, video or audio clip and submit non-emergency cases relating to public safety, consumer protection, environmental issues, public works, transport and public services to the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre via a smartphone.

Mr. Khaled Al Mazrouei, Business Information Manager, ADSIC, said, “ADSIC has an aggressive and innovative ICT agenda. We are developing specialized services on behalf of Abu Dhabi’s government entities that drive our audience online and adopt the channel shift to digital media.”

Emphasizing on the importance of providing innovative channels for public participation in civic matters, he added, “It goes without saying that focus on end-user’s needs, delivery of quality services and transparency are core fundamentals for us to achieve efficiency and public participation. CityGuard mobile app has been launched fairly recently and so far, we have achieved reasonable success in driving adoption of the new platform.” 

Till date, 32,664 users have downloaded the application and more than 4,034 cases have been reported.

On taking efforts to create more awareness of the app, he said, “Our new advertising campaign focuses on encouraging Abu Dhabi’s residents to utilize it more in order to help us create better, safer neighborhoods for them.”

The ADSIC team is reaching out to people through traditional media as well as social media. Kiosks have also been set up in malls within Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain to demonstrate the app and induce trials. “The success of the app, at the end of the day, lies in how proactively the people living in Abu Dhabi take part in making a positive change to their city and lives.”

Incident reported by the public are routed through the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre (800 555), which connects with over 50 government organizations allowing the concerned entity to receive and respond to each case. Participating government entities are the three Municipalities of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi Police, Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and Health Authority - Abu Dhabi amongst others.