DSG reviews 2014 achievements during annual staff meeting

UAE, 3 March, 2015 - The Department of Dubai Smart Government (DSG) recently conducted an annual staff meeting led by H.E. Director General Ahmad Bin Humaidan to boost constructive communications between management and employees and review the Department’s overall achievements and progress in 2014. The attendees included Wesam Lootah, Assistant Director General, Marwan Bin Haider, Executive Director of Planning and Development, and directors of various divisions. 

In his welcome address, Bin Humaidan reiterated DSG’s vision and mission to emphasize the importance of establishing strong ties among employees. He said the meeting aimed to promote increased participation among all parties, encourage exchange of information among departments, emphasize teamwork and inspire creativity among employees.

He said: “We are inspired by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who encourages open discussions of issues during our meetings with him. We are implementing the same by holding our own quarterly meetings to update all employees about the Department’s accomplishments as well as the challenges we are facing. The meetings also serve as an opportunity to hold an open forum with the managers to discuss achievements, evaluate work process, and identify our next steps. All administrative employees can freely ask their questions and express their concerns through these meaningful, constructive dialogues.”
 
After his speech, all departmental directors presented their respective achievements for 2014.
Dr. Okan Geray, Strategic Planning Consultant, highlighted the accomplishments of the Strategy and Governance Department. He outlined the implementation stages of the department’s strategic plans, and pointed out that the department had issued four government-wide policies to maximize access to services via smart phones. Geray further revealed that his department has completed its evaluation report on DSG-affiliated government websites and customer satisfaction on DSG government services, with the results to be announced soon.

Saeed Ahli, Director of Corporate Support Management, first welcomes all new employees. He then briefed the attendees about his department’s numerous comprehensive initiatives, including career trainings, personal developments and work environment improvement. He also revealed attractive compensation packages for employees, from recruitment to retirement and finally enumerated the department’s CSR activities.

Khawla Lootah, Director of the Department of Smart Services, discussed the completion of the department’s nine strategic projects, improvements in its 401 services and applications to provide more convenient and easy-to-use services, and inclusion of 56 government and semi-government entities and banks into its shared services.

Information Security Department, Director Mira Sultan introduced and discussed the division’s new functions and objectives in a bid to create a safe working environment through information protection and continuous validation of data confidentiality, safety and availability.

Director Matar Al Humairi, for his part, demonstrated the role of Infrastructure Management in the delivery of highly efficient and quality infrastructure and technical services. Among the most notable accomplishments attained included the launching of the Shared Disaster Recovery Site, transferring the DSG Disaster Recovery Site to a new site, and implementing the application of the single sign-on system in government agencies.

Huda Al Hashimi, Director of Government Resource Planning, revealed the completion of about 32 projects and initiatives, including 50 systems for government bodies. The department also organized about 104 training courses with 795 trainees in 2014.

Sumaia Hammad, Director of Communication and Business Development Department, also summarized the department’s achievements in 2014. These included promotional and media campaigns to raise awareness on common services and smart phone applications; 172 training courses and workshops for DSG staff; DSG’s participation in many sporting and cultural events; continuous communication and cooperation with more than 90 government bodies; and technical support to the beneficiaries of the department’s services, with 98.97 % commitment for the level of delivery services. It also successfully received an ISO 20000 certification.    

The meeting concluded with an open session to provide attendees an opportunity to ask their questions and exchange suggestions to develop an improved workflow. The open forum promoted transparent communication and feedback between management and staff.