The UAE federal eGovernment is participating in Gitex 2012 on a joint platform, which includes nine federal government entities in addition to Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Initiative. The stand will be in Sheikh Saeed Hall stand S2-L20.

H. E. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General, TRA, said, "This collaboration reflects the progress made on the development of the Federal eGovernment in line with UAE Vision 2021, which puts federal work at the top of the priorities of the UAE on various levels including eTransformation and implementation of eGovernment programme."

"The UAE Vision 2021 is based on four elements: united in responsibility, united in destiny, united in knowledge, and united in prosperity. The federal eGovernment is in conformity with these four elements, and can be considered the electronic embodiment of the Vision," Al Ghanim added.

UAE Vision 2021 states, 'In a strong and safe union, knowledgeable and innovative Emiratis will confidently build a competitive and resilient economy. They will thrive as a cohesive society bonded to its identity, and enjoy the highest standards of living within a nurturing and sustainable environment'.

The UAE TRA is overseeing the stand of the UAE federal eGovernment in line with the mandate given to us by the Cabinet in a decision issued in March 2010. That decision mandated the TRA to oversee the UAE eGovernment programme, after the abolition of the General Information Authority and its merger with the TRA.

H. E. Salem Khamis Al Shair Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director General, TRA - Information and eGovernment Sector, expects next year's participation at GITEX to witness the presence of all federal government entities on a single platform.

He said, "The presence of a number of federal government entities on a single platform gives a clear message that the UAE Government is now entering a comprehensive eTransformation phase pursuant to the directives of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai."

Furthermore, His Highness issued directives in February 2012 stressing that all federal ministries and authorities should provide comprehensive eServices to the public within two years.

Sheikh Mohammed linked these directives with the emphasis on the importance of eTransformation in enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE, and the support provided by this transformation for all economic, social, educational, and health sectors; thus, contributing to the distinctive services for individuals and businesses, making people's lives easier, and saving time and effort.

The participation of federal government entities in GITEX aims at introducing eServices provided by these entities in order to increase adoption of these services, and enhance communication and interaction between the departments of the federal government for the mutual benefit of best practices.

In addition, this move aims at interacting with the audience the federal government through a joint and unified platform. Participating entities will launch a number of new initiatives and services that would facilitate the access of individuals and institutions to government services in the UAE.

The platform will include the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Environment and Water, General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments, and the Ministry of Labour, in addition to Mohammad bin Rashid Initiative for Smart Learning.