Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE's pioneering Zero Bureaucracy Program has achieved remarkable results in its first cycle, eliminating over 4,000 unnecessary government procedures, simplifying 1,600 requirements, and saving 12 million hours for customers, equivalent to Dh1.12 billion in economic value.
The programme, launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to make the UAE government the fastest, most efficient, and most user-centric in the world.
Speaking at the third "Retreat of Resolve" of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Hisham Amiri, Executive Director of Service Development and Zero Bureaucracy in the Government Services Sector, highlighted the UAE's journey towards achieving global excellence in digital governance.
He said the transformation began with the launch of the electronic government in Dubai, followed by the smart government and, later, the fully digital government, which introduced proactive and seamless services accessible anytime and anywhere.
The first cycle's outcomes exceeded expectations, with participation from 30 federal entities and 690 teams working collaboratively to streamline operations. The impact was tangible.
"Government services became faster, simpler, and more transparent, while efficiency gains allowed more resources to be redirected towards innovation and public value creation," Amiri added.
To encourage government employees' engagement, Dh7 million in awards was allocated for the second phase, recognising teams that achieved the greatest impact in simplifying processes.
Amiri underscored that the UAE's model is unique globally as it combines leadership support, measurable objectives, clear work mechanisms, and incentive systems.
"Many countries have tried to launch similar programmes," he said, "but what makes ours different is that it is comprehensive, with clear frameworks, and real motivation to change."
He added that the programme's next phase will focus on upgrading digital systems, deploying artificial intelligence, and continuing to remove 100% of unnecessary bureaucracy, ensuring services remain proactive and data driven.
"The essence of this programme is to make people's lives easier. Every hour saved, every form removed, and every procedure simplified means more time for citizens and residents to live, create, and contribute," Amiri said.
