Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed urges government departments to keep pace with advances in technology


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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has called for government workers to be equipped with the skills to harness new technologies and help the emirate keep pace with the changing face of the workplace.

The Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of Dubai Executive Council said authorities must play a leading role in adapting to evolving global trends.

Sheikh Hamdan delivered his message during a meeting with the heads of a number of government bodies, also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, second deputy chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

Sheikh Hamdan said high levels of commitment, focus and teamwork were required to achieve the nation's goals.

He stressed that keeping track with advancements in technology would be crucial to bolstering productivity and efficiency in the years ahead.

Transitioning services to online platforms is a key target across the Emirates.

The coronavirus outbreak showed the benefits of having a strong digital infrastructure in place as many government services were carried out remotely to limit face-to-face interactions.

Last year, Sheikh Hamdan  issued a rallying cry to government departments to make their services paperless by 2021.

He hailed the efforts of authorities to meet the digital drive to save one billion pieces of paper every year — but said more could still be done.

The paperless initiative, launched in 2018, aims to make life more convenient for residents, freeing up about 40 hours per year by cutting down the need to visit physical service centres.

Earlier this week, Abu Dhabi City Municipality announced it had strengthened its partnership with Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei as part of an emirate-wide mission to deliver more services online.

The authority is aiming to boost reliability and efficiency by incorporating advanced technology in its day-to-day operations.

Abu Dhabi has been laying the groundwork for a smoother transition to digital platforms in recent months.

The Higher Committee of the Digital Government was formed in March to help emphasise the importance of a successful online strategy across the emirate.

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  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
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How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

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THE BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.

Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.

Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.

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