Dubai Smart Government Department launches “smart employee” app for Dubai Government staff

UAE, September 29, 2014 - Dubai Smart Government Department (DSG) has launched the “smart employee” app for Dubai government employees. The launch is in implementation of the initiative of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to shift to smart government and smart city; and in line with the ‘Dubai Government Towards 2021’ initiative of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

The app, created by DSG’s Government Resources Planning (GRP) team, was launched recently by DSG’s HR team in the presence of HR representatives from all 31 departments participating in the service.

Commenting on the launch of the smart employee app, H.E. Ahmad Bin Humaidan, DSG Director General, said: “We are inspired by the vision of our prudent leadership led by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; to be among the finest smart governments in the world. You can expect some more apps including enhancements to mPay to be launched during Gitex 2014 next month.”

He added: “This app has been developed by our GRP team after nine months of testing and coordination with other DSG sections. In the first phase, it will be used and tested by the HR department in 31 government entities. Following their feedback, the app will be launched on 12 October at Gitex 2014 so that 20,000 employees from the participating government entities can use it as a shared service app. Shared services help Dubai Government save money from unnecessary duplication costs. The app will also prove useful for teamwork among employees and manager, speeding up crucial decisions and saving time; which leads to further happiness and satisfaction among Dubai government employees.”

During the presentation, the GRP team explained some of the features of the app including the employee self-service menu for absence, attendance and leaves management, notifications for immediate action, instant approvals from line managers, requests for certificates and letters, payroll and salary, team hierarchy, search for and contact another employee. Through the app, one can apply round the clock and get instant purchase approvals and leaves, as line managers get immediate notifications for action.

The smart employee app also has an Arabic and English interface, integration with other GRP HR systems and is available on the Android platform, with iOS to follow. After it has been used effectively from among 20,000 government employees at Gitex 2014 onwards, it will then be made compatible with Blackberry and Windows platforms for other users.