Latest news with #Tamm
Time Out Abu Dhabi
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
New fines and ways to pay in Abu Dhabi: All the recent rules
If you find yourself doing something careless while driving, parking or throwing out your rubbish in Abu Dhabi, there could be a fine out there with your name on it. But don't panic – we've rounded up the latest laws, limits and updates (breathe, some are optimistic) so you don't end up forking out your entire year's rent—or more—after one moment of breaking the rules. Here's your no-fuss, full-drama rundown of what's new (and what could cost you a fortune) on the streets of the capital. Run a red light? That'll be Dh50,000 Abu Dhabi has had enough of drivers playing around at intersections. The government has reminded drivers who run a red light that they could be waving goodbye to more than their no-claims bonus. Under Law No. 5 of 2020, you'll get: A Dh50,000 fine 30-day vehicle impoundment 12 black points And if your car isn't claimed in 3 months it will be sent to auction Throw in jail time if the violation causes a fatal accident – especially if you were texting, racing, or just driving recklessly. Time Out Tip: Amber means slow down, not floor it. Hit and run? That'll be Dh100,000 New UAE-wide traffic laws just dropped – and they are not playing around. If you're in an accident and think you can just scoot off quietly? Think again. Drivers now have just three hours to report an accident (big or small). Fail to do that and you're looking at: Up to one year in jail A fine of Dh50,000 to Dh100,000 Or both And no, you can't just roll into your neighbourhood garage – you need an official repair permit first. Valid excuses include actual injury or no mobile signal, but you'll need receipts (i.e. medical reports and witness statements). You can now pay fines early and save Good news for the mildly irresponsible among us: Abu Dhabi Police are now rewarding early birds with a 35 percent discount on traffic fines if you pay within 60 days. If you miss that you can still snag 25 percent off if you settle within a year. And yes, there are digital payment options, instalment plans and app-based solutions – so no, you don't need to queue anywhere. If you've spotted the campaign on petrol station screens recently, that's Abu Dhabi Police giving you a gentle nudge while you refill your tank and regret yesterday's U-turn. TAMM app now accepts appeals for certain fines Abu Dhabi's fines don't stop at the highway. If you've been pinged for improper waste disposal, dodgy landscaping, or letting your villa look like a haunted house – you can now appeal directly through the Tamm app. Here's the deal: You have one week to appeal It's free, fast and paperless You'll need to prove you fixed the issue Inspectors will check if you're bluffing. If you are? That fine could double So, stay in your lane – literally and legally. Abu Dhabi is all about smart cities, safer roads and way less nonsense. So whether you're in a Bentley or a battered Yaris, the rules are the same: report it, pay it, or fix it – or risk your car becoming government property. You might also like… Abu Dhabi's best restaurants 2025: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
Time Out Abu Dhabi
05-08-2025
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
You can now use the TAMM app to appeal fines in Abu Dhabi, here's how
We've all been there. You park where you probably shouldn't (just for a minute), or forget to take the bins out on the right day and boom – a municipal fine shows up in your name. But here's some good news: you can now appeal certain Abu Dhabi fines directly through the Tamm app and the whole process is digital, free and refreshingly straightforward. What kind of fines can I appeal? This applies specifically to municipal violations, which usually means things like improper waste disposal, property upkeep issues, or other infractions covered by Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport. You'll have one week from receiving the fine to file your appeal. How does it work? Appeals are submitted via the Tamm platform – either online or through the app – and you'll need to log in with your UAE Pass, upload any supporting documents or photos and explain why you're objecting. You'll also need to show that the issue has been resolved (say, the rubbish has been cleared or repairs made). There are no additional fees to submit an appeal, but you can only file once per unpaid violation. What happens after I submit? Once submitted, your appeal is reviewed by the relevant authority – and they'll get back to you with either an approval or rejection, based on what the law says and the evidence you provide. Just be aware: if inspectors check the site and the issue hasn't been fixed, you could still be liable – and the fine might even double. So don't just appeal – make sure it's sorted too. The move over to the TAMM app is part of a broader effort to digitise services and make processes more transparent, giving residents an easier way to handle municipal issues without standing in queues or dealing with paperwork. And for the rest of us? It's a useful tool to have in your back pocket – just in case. Living in the UAE When is the next public holiday? Here's when you'll have your next day off 5 unexpected Emirates ID perks you should seriously be using And yes, they all make our lives a little bit easier 12 brilliant day trips from Abu Dhabi for when you need to escape the city And some of them are free
The National
16-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Empowering SMEs is key to raising Abu Dhabi's economic competitiveness
The Abu Dhabi emirate continues to make steady progress in diversifying its economy, fostering entrepreneurship and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, all in alignment with the leadership's vision to enhance economic competitiveness and future readiness. By the middle of last year, the total number of registered companies in the UAE reached more than 1 million, representing an increase of 152 per cent compared to early 2020. SMEs account for more than 95 per cent of all businesses and employ about 86 per cent of the private sector workforce. As of the end of 2024, the UAE's non-oil gross domestic product reached about Dh1.342 trillion ($365.4 billion), representing 75.5 per cent of the country's total GDP. In Abu Dhabi alone, non-oil sectors contributed 55.2 per cent to the emirate's GDP in the second quarter of last year. Within this evolving landscape, enterprise development efforts in Abu Dhabi continue to focus on enabling SMEs through a combination of institutional programmes and collaboration with both public and private sectors. One such initiative is the 'Abu Dhabi SME Champions' programme that reflects the emirate's broader strategy to enhance SME participation in the economy. The programme aims to bridge gaps in access to finance, procurement and skill development by connecting smaller enterprises with opportunities and resources, many of which are facilitated through government platforms such as Tamm. Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a global hub for talent, business and investment. With a future-ready economy, progressive policies and world-class infrastructure, the emirate is shaping the future of global business. The recently released Global Startup Ecosystem Report highlights Abu Dhabi's growing role in the global innovation economy. Based on an analysis of more than 5 million companies across 350-plus ecosystems worldwide, the emirate advanced to the 51-60 ranking range in the 'Emerging Ecosystem' category, rising from the 61-70 range last year. Regionally, the emirate secured the third spot in the Mena Emerging Ecosystem, followed by Dubai and Riyadh, both of which have shown strong startup momentum and international visibility. Abu Dhabi secured third spot in the 'performance' category, which measures startup value through exits and funding. Abu Dhabi ranked fourth in the 'knowledge' category, which measures the number of research patents; fifth in both the 'funding capacity' and 'talent and experience' categories. The emirate also finished in the top 10 in the Bang for Buck Awards. One of Abu Dhabi's standout achievements this year for the GSER edition is the funding success of its Hub71 ecosystem, through which startups raised a record $2.17 billion. This capital inflow has significantly boosted innovation and accelerated growth. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars of economic development will allow SMEs to evolve into key architects of the national economy, not just contributors As someone who closely monitors economic developments, I see the Abu Dhabi SME Champions programme as a key initiative driving entrepreneurial growth in the emirate. The programme not only provides startups with access to funding but also fosters stronger engagement with government bodies and the private sector. More than just financial support, such initiatives deliver capacity-building tools and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the community, supporting startups in their journey to success. Since its launch in 2023, the programme has made a remarkable impact. In its second year, it attracted 2,235 companies, marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurial empowerment. Significantly, more than half of these registered companies are microenterprises, highlighting Abu Dhabi's inclusive business environment that welcomes ventures of all sizes. A vibrant SME sector is undeniably the backbone of a resilient and innovative economy, and the numbers speak volumes. Last year, deal values facilitated by the programme exceeded $183 million, reflecting strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. This reinforces the importance of integrated efforts among economic stakeholders in driving sustainable growth. Abu Dhabi's ecosystem benefits from several strategic advantages, including progressive visa policies that attract global talent, extensive government support and a clear leadership position in emerging fields like fintech, Web3 and digital assets. These factors collectively reinforce Abu Dhabi's appeal as a launchpad for global innovation and entrepreneurship. The Abu Dhabi SME programme, with 20 strategic partners on board and 13 training sessions conducted in collaboration with nine key entities, has significantly advanced SME capabilities to meet evolving market needs. These efforts contribute to an innovation-led economy and solidify the UAE's status as a global hub for a knowledge-based economy. Abu Dhabi's investor-friendly frameworks and forward-looking regulatory environment continue to instil confidence among global businesses and venture capitalists. With its future-ready economy, ambitious policy reforms and growing innovation ecosystem, Abu Dhabi is not merely keeping pace but emerging as a global centre for entrepreneurship and next-generation economic development. Looking ahead, the focus must remain on deepening these efforts for promoting entrepreneurship, not only by increasing financial support but also by expanding public-private partnerships and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for SMEs. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars of economic development will allow SMEs to evolve into key architects of the national economy, not just contributors. The future is promising. SMEs are set to play a central role in shaping the UAE's economic trajectory. Investing in this sector is not a choice but a strategic necessity to ensure long-term national prosperity and achieve the ambitious vision of the UAE.
The National
18-06-2025
- Business
- The National
How the UAE is cutting back on red tape with high tech
Applying for a visa, obtaining a driving licence, renting a property or signing up for health insurance … what is sometimes called 'personal admin' – or more pejoratively, 'red tape' – can be a time-consuming part of modern life. Most people, already busy with family and careers, simply want these unavoidable processes over and done with as quickly as possible. It should come as no surprise therefore that Abu Dhabi's AI-powered super app for government services is called Tamm, the Arabic for 'done'. The app, which can be used to access more than 1,000 public and private services, is an example of how the UAE has worked hard to cut bureaucracy, make services simpler and generally free citizens and residents from the burden of onerous paperwork. A good quality of life includes ease of day to day activities, which Tamm enables for many in Abu Dhabi. Last month, Tamm even caught the eye of Microsoft's president and vice chairman. Brad Smith praised Abu Dhabi's AI initiatives and apps, telling a US Senate committee hearing: 'We need to bring it to America.' However, Tamm and other streamlined government services, such as the UAE Pass and Dubai's Work Bundle, are the result of years-long efforts to cut red tape and to put the user at the heart of designing these processes. Establishing a comprehensive Emirates ID system that links the holder to different services, the public ranking of the best and worst-performing government departments, impromptu inspections of civil service offices and bonuses for employees or work teams that raise standards are just some of the measures taken to improve services for everybody. On Monday it was confirmed that such efforts will continue. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the next phase of a Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, which he described as 'a national project to make government services simpler, faster and more efficient'. It is a project that has gone quite some way in making people's lives simpler. During the first phase of the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, more than 4,000 unnecessary or duplicated procedures were cancelled. Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said members of the public, customers, businesses and investors were saved more than 12 million hours and Dh1.12 billion ($326.7 million). Having a bureaucracy – that is, people working on this information – is not inherently inefficient. It is flawed design, execution and staffing that make it so As a country with a growing population, most of whom are from overseas, it makes sense that the Emirates is harnessing its technological know-how to develop a robust system of efficient services. With cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai acting as magnets for regional and international talent, the arrival of more people results in a huge amount of paper and digital information to retain, process and update. Having an efficient system to process all this information is vital. Initiatives like the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, coupled with broader measures such as the UAE's Digital Government Strategy 2025, show it is possible for bureaucracies – as Mr Al Gergawi noted – 're-engineer processes' to deliver quicker outcomes. Entrenched bureaucracies can be an issue, but a flexible approach that focuses on improvements and outcomes is one that can cut the dreaded red tape, increasing individual and societal efficiency.
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Paying fines, getting licence in Abu Dhabi: How Tamm simplifies online services
At the heart of Abu Dhabi, the Tamm Factory is revolutionising how over 1,000 public and private services are delivered — conveniently accessible through a single app. As the headquarters of the emirate's unified government services platform, Tamm is redefining the way citizens and residents interact with government. Stepping inside, the layout is anything but conventional. Teams are gathered in circular clusters around their screens, while huge digital dashboards display real-time metrics on user behaviour, technical performance, and customer satisfaction. The atmosphere is alive with energy, just like that of a busy beehive. 'It's kind of like a honey hive,' said Dr Mohamed Al Askar, Director-General of Tamm. 'Each section has its own team, responsible for a core function. This setup lets us be proactive and act quickly —fixing issues in real time and ensuring our customers are not just satisfied, but delighted.' This emphasis on delight over mere satisfaction is central to Tamm's philosophy, noted Ruba Al Hassan, Director General of Strategic Affairs and Future Foresight. Thanks to real-time monitoring, the team can spot and resolve issues before users even report them. That the team does not wait for complaints. "We are more proactive, more integrated with the entire system," Ruba said. 'It's like monitoring a patient with connected medical devices — the doctor sees the data and can take immediate action.' Seamless government services Tamm's journey began in 2005, when UAE President Sheikh Mohamed initiated the first government service centre in Al Dhafra. The goal: spare residents a 250km trip to Abu Dhabi for routine paperwork. Initially a physical one-stop shop, Tamm transitioned to a digital platform following the launch of the emirate's e-government strategy in 2006. What distinguishes Tamm today is the seamless integration of government services, a design philosophy deeply embedded into its tech-driven infrastructure. 'Tamm is all about destroying the barrier between different government entities to provide a seamless experience that is effortless for our customers,' described Dr Al Askar. The workspace itself mirrors this openness — there are no closed doors, only open spaces that encourage collaboration and speed. 'Everybody can talk with each other; you can walk up to anybody here, ask him for something, and things move faster.' AI at the heart of service At the centre of the facility lies an oval-shaped hub: Tamm's AI team, deliberately placed at the heart of operations. 'It was kind of symbolic for us,' said Dr Al Askar. 'We want to emphasise that AI is at the heart (of everything). We design every service from the beginning with AI in mind.' This commitment to AI has attracted international interest. In January, Microsoft President Brad Smith toured the facility. Weeks later, he mentioned Tamm during a US Senate hearing, citing it as a model for tech-powered governance. A Touch of Humanity But for all its technological sophistication, it's the human element that truly sets TAMM apart. One flight up, in a sleek, circular glass room, sits the TAMM Care and Advocacy Team — described by Ruba as 'the soul of the operation.' Unlike conventional call centres, this team acts proactively. 'We created the team about a year and a half ago,' said Dr. Al Askar. 'They reach out before you even ask for help.' Meanwhile, Ruba Al Hassan shared a personal experience that perfectly illustrated Tamm's proactive approach. 'One morning, my husband mentioned I had received a radar ticket,' she recalled. 'Just minutes later, someone from the Tamm Care and Advocacy Team called to inform me that the radar in question appeared to be issuing an unusually high number of tickets. They offered to file an appeal on my behalf." That unexpected act of support, she said, embodied what Tamm strives for: not just meeting expectations, but creating moments of customer delight — a core principle that defines the platform's culture. Intuitive design, inclusive access User experience is another key pillar of Tamm's success. The platform is designed to be visually appealing yet highly intuitive, whether you're tech-savvy or using it for the first time. To report an issue, users simply need to shake their phones. A screenshot is instantly created and submitted. Tamm's AI-powered chatbot, activated via a falcon icon, can answer queries or perform tasks directly. Users always have the option to connect with a human agent. Special care is given to senior citizens and people of determination, who receive priority access and enhanced support. International recognition on the horizon TAMM's innovations have not gone unnoticed. The platform is currently competing for a prestigious United Nations award, standing alongside some of the world's most advanced tech systems. Reflecting on TAMM's evolution, Ruba shared, 'It's taken nearly 20 years to get here, and yet we still feel like we're just beginning.'
