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Dubai Rises to 4th in Global Smart City Index, Leading Asia and the Arab World
Dubai Rises to 4th in Global Smart City Index, Leading Asia and the Arab World

Hi Dubai

time13-05-2025

  • Business
  • Hi Dubai

Dubai Rises to 4th in Global Smart City Index, Leading Asia and the Arab World

Dubai has surged to fourth place globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, climbing eight positions and securing its status as the highest-ranked city in the GCC, the Arab world, and Asia. The jump marks a major milestone in Dubai's digital transformation journey, driven by advancements across health, mobility, digital governance, and cultural engagement. The city recorded resident satisfaction rates exceeding 80% across key services, including online medical bookings, internet reliability, and digital ID processing. The IMD Smart City Index, compiled by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, assesses how effectively cities use digital technologies to improve quality of life. Now in its sixth edition, the ranking is based on citizen feedback across five pillars: health, mobility, activities, governance, and opportunities. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Roads and Transport Authority, credited Dubai's success to cross-sector collaboration and the city's smart mobility initiatives. These include high usage of vehicle-sharing apps, smart parking systems, and bicycle rentals—each outperforming leading cities like Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva. Dubai's push toward autonomous transport, big data integration, and AI-driven services has also been key. The RTA alone has launched over 80 digital projects under its 2023–2030 strategy, with AED1.6 billion in investment. Top officials from Dubai Police, Digital Dubai, and Dubai Culture echoed the sentiment, highlighting the role of advanced infrastructure and inclusive technology in enhancing daily life and community well-being. This achievement aligns with Dubai's broader vision to become one of the world's top three cities for living and economic opportunity. At its core is a resident-first approach, where innovation is not just about technology—but about improving lives. News Source: Emirates News Agency

General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Wins Hamdan Flag for Service Excellence
General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Wins Hamdan Flag for Service Excellence

Hi Dubai

time12-05-2025

  • Business
  • Hi Dubai

General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Wins Hamdan Flag for Service Excellence

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has been awarded the prestigious Hamdan Flag by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in recognition of its outstanding delivery of proactive, integrated services under Dubai's Services 360 policy. The award was announced at the annual ceremony of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Programme for Government Services, which celebrates innovation and excellence in public service across the emirate. The directorate was honoured for putting service users at the centre of its operations, exemplifying the one-government approach that defines Dubai's service model. So far, 997 services have been redesigned under the Services 360 policy, leading to AED2.3 billion in customer savings and AED1.6 billion in government savings. Key improvements include major reductions in wait times, paperwork, and service processing durations. In addition to the Hamdan Flag, Dubai Customs received the Best Pioneering Initiative award for its Cross-Border e-Commerce project, while Dubai Police was recognised for Best Digital City Experience for its Ahsan Allah Aza'akum initiative. The Roads and Transport Authority earned the highest customer trust score for the second year in a row. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan praised the achievements as a reflection of Dubai's unified, future-focused governance model, noting that the awards celebrate services that create measurable value for residents and businesses. The programme is overseen by the Dubai Model Centre and evaluated against criteria including impact, innovation, integration, and sustainability. News Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai's unified service model drives govt excellence, improves people's lives: Hamdan
Dubai's unified service model drives govt excellence, improves people's lives: Hamdan

Gulf Today

time10-05-2025

  • Business
  • Gulf Today

Dubai's unified service model drives govt excellence, improves people's lives: Hamdan

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai awarded the Hamdan Flag to the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, recognising its outstanding achievement in applying the Services 360 policy and delivering integrated, proactive services that anticipate future needs. "Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, our government services not only meet expectations-they anticipate them. Services 360 is not a procedural enhancement; it is a comprehensive approach that strengthens the partnership between government, business, and society. It transforms data and digital integration into a seamless, human-centric experiences," Sheikh Hamdan said. "To date, 997 government services have been redesigned under the Services 360 policy, saving Dhs2.3 billion for customers and AED1.6 billion for government entities. These results are testament to Dubai's unified approach to service transformation. I am proud of the teams who have improved public services through collaboration and integration. Every entity that has contributed to this effort is part of Dubai's story of excellence." The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs was recognised for placing the service user at the heart of every experience, embodying the one-government spirit that characterises Dubai's public service model. Sheikh Hamdan added: "The Hamdan Flag is awarded for real-world impact. I congratulate the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs for transforming its services into a model of efficiency, foresight and customer value." Sheikh Hamdan also congratulated Dubai Customs for winning Best Pioneering Initiative, and Dubai Police for winning the Best Digital City Experience. The Roads and Transport Authority achieved the highest customer trust score for the second consecutive year. Sheikh Hamdan hailed the beginning of a new phase of public service excellence, commending every shortlisted entity for its contribution. The winners were announced during the annual awards ceremony of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Programme for Government Services, organised by the Dubai Model Centre under the General Secretariat of The Executive Council. The event was held in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council, and Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council. The second phase of the Services 360 policy resulted in direct savings of Dhs2.3 billion for customers and Dhs1.6 billion for government entities, a 93% reduction in waiting times and the number of required visits, a 63% reduction in service requirements, a 59% cut in processing time, and a 56% overall reduction in service completion time. The nine finalists selected for the Hamdan Flag from 27 government entities, were: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Community Development Authority, Roads and Transport Authority, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Customs, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment. Dubai Customs received the Best Pioneering Initiative Award for its Cross-Border e-Commerce project, which enhances service efficiency and positions Dubai as a leading global hub for e-commerce through real-time customs clearance and pre-emptive solutions. Dubai Police was awarded the Best Digital City Experience for the Ahsan Allah Aza'akum initiative, digitising death related procedures for UAE citizens in Dubai (phase one), developed in partnership with key entities including the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Health Authority, the Community Development Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The initiative will expand in its second phase to include other population in the Digital City Experience category included: digitalisation of land grants and exchange (Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment), electric vehicle driving experience (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), vehicle licensing (Roads and Transport Authority), and digitising death related procedures for UAE citizens in Dubai (Dubai Police). The Roads and Transport Authority was honoured for achieving the highest customer trust score for the second year in a row, underscoring the government's commitment to service excellence. The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Programme for Government Services follows a rigorous evaluation by the Dubai Model Centre and international experts, based on five core criteria: results and impact, whole-of-government approach, innovation, service culture, and sustainability. Residents also participated in customer feedback, reinforcing the customer's role in shaping future services. Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: "The results of the Services 360 policy reflect the strength of Dubai's governance model, where the leadership's vision is translated into measurable, real-world outcomes. The Hamdan Flag celebrates government entities that create tangible improvements in people's lives, led by proactive design, institutional integration, innovation, and a commitment to exceeding public expectations." Hamad Al Mansoori, Director General of the Digital Dubai Authority said: "The new addition of the 'Digital City Experiences' category within the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Programme for Government Services reflects a genuine translation of cross-entity integration and unified government efforts under a shared vision to enhance quality of life in Dubai. Dubai Police's recognition in this category marks a new milestone in its journey and reaffirms its commitment to delivering seamless, customer-centric digital experiences that are both efficient and innovative." Dr. Hazza Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Assistant Secretary General for Excellence and Government Services Sector at the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: "The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Programme for Government Services has become a comprehensive framework for designing, delivering, and assessing government services. The Hamdan Flag represents more than recognition-it marks the transformation of strategic ambition into operational excellence." Eman Al Suwaidi, Director of Assessment and Studies, General Secretariat of The Executive Council, said: "This year saw a marked improvement in proactive, integrated services across entities. The programme encourages continuous innovation, helping government entities redefine the customer journey using data, co-design, and digital collaboration." WAM

Air Arabia shareholders approve 25% dividend distribution
Air Arabia shareholders approve 25% dividend distribution

Zawya

time18-03-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

Air Arabia shareholders approve 25% dividend distribution

SHARJAH - Air Arabia shareholders approved the distribution of 25 percent cash dividend for the financial year ending December 31, 2024 at the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM). The dividend, which is equivalent to 25 fils per share, marks another year of strong financial performance for the award-winning low-cost carrier. The Board of Directors' recommendation follows the airline's robust financial performance in the year ending December 31, 2024, where Air Arabia reported a record net profit before tax of AED1.6 billion, marking a 4 percent increase compared to 2023. During the AGM, the report of Air Arabia's auditors, balance sheet, as well as profit and loss accounts were approved by the assembly for the year ending December 31, 2024. Furthermore, the Board of Directors and auditors of the company were discharged from liability for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, while auditors for the next fiscal year were appointed and their remuneration fixed. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said, 'Despite geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, Air Arabia Group sustained exponential growth in 2024, driven by increased operating capacity, new route launches, and continued network expansion. This exceptional year underscores our commitment to delivering a value-driven travel experience, strengthening our global footprint, and maintaining operational excellence. Our financial and operational performance reaffirms the strength of our business model, strategic vision, and the dedication of our team.' In 2024, Air Arabia added 31 new routes to its global network from its six operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan. The carrier took delivery of 10 new aircraft and ended the year with a fleet of 81 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft operating to over 220 routes across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. MA

Air Arabia to distribute 25pc cash dividends for FY 2024
Air Arabia to distribute 25pc cash dividends for FY 2024

Trade Arabia

time17-03-2025

  • Business
  • Trade Arabia

Air Arabia to distribute 25pc cash dividends for FY 2024

Sharjah-based lowcost carrier Air Arabia said its board of directors have secured approval from the shareholders for distribution of 25% cash dividends for the financial year ending December 31, 2024 at the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM). The dividend, which is equivalent to 25 fils per share, marks another year of strong financial performance for the award-winning airline. The Board of Directors' recommendation follows the airline's robust financial performance in the year ending December 31, 2024, where Air Arabia reported a record net profit before tax of AED1.6 billion ($436 million), marking a 4% increase compared to 2023. During the AGM, the report of Air Arabia's auditors, balance sheet, as well as profit and loss accounts were approved by the assembly for the year ending December 31, 2024, said the airline in a statement. Furthermore, the Board of Directors and auditors of the company were discharged from liability for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, while auditors for the next fiscal year were appointed and their remuneration fixed. Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani said despite geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, Air Arabia Group had sustained exponential growth in 2024, driven by increased operating capacity, new route launches, and continued network expansion. "This exceptional year underscores our commitment to delivering a value-driven travel experience, strengthening our global footprint, and maintaining operational excellence," he noted. "Our financial and operational performance reaffirms the strength of our business model, strategic vision, and the dedication of our team," he added. In 2024, Air Arabia added 31 new routes to its global network from its six operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan.

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