The United Arab Emirates is making rapid strides toward a fully digital future, reshaping how residents access government services and engage with sectors such as banking, transport, energy, and hospitality. Backed by ambitious national strategies like Dubai’s Digital Strategy and the Paperless Government Mandate, the country is adopting advanced technologies and fintech solutions to create a seamless, citizen-centric digital ecosystem.
At the heart of this transformation is Parkin, Dubai’s parking and mobility services provider, which has digitised its entire operation. “From permits to payments, everything is now digital and accessible via apps like Parkin, Dubai Now, and RTA’s platforms,” said Engineer Ahmed Al Zaabi, Director of Technology and Innovation at Parkin. The company processes over 400,000 mobile transactions daily, with more than 92% of them now cashless. Parkin’s cloud-based, green-powered systems are aligned with the UAE’s emphasis on sustainability and user convenience.
This momentum is also visible in Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), which has implemented the “Services 360” policy to streamline services and anticipate customer needs. “We’ve fully automated our services, integrated databases across government bodies, and enabled real-time access through UAE Pass,” said Aysha Al Dhuhoori, DEWA’s Deputy Senior Manager of Artificial Intelligence. DEWA handled over 14 million digital transactions in 2024 alone and has achieved near-perfect scores in customer satisfaction and digital service delivery.
Further innovations include DEWA’s AI assistant “Rammas for You,” which uses ChatGPT-style capabilities to assist users in multiple languages. Meanwhile, internal AI tools are being deployed across billing, HR, and legislative support systems, underscoring the broader push toward efficiency and automation.
Alexander Khanin, founder of the Machines Can See Summit, praised the UAE’s proactive approach. “Digital services here don’t just respond to needs—they anticipate them. It’s a fully integrated ecosystem that puts the citizen first,” he said.
Supporting this integration is Dubai’s Smart Employee app, developed by Digital Dubai, which now features AI-driven recruitment tools to streamline hiring across 80 government entities.
Looking ahead, the UAE is focusing on expanding personalised digital services, smarter mobility options, and deeper integration between platforms. “We’re moving toward a future where services like EV charging, valet bookings, and car maintenance are all available in one app,” Al Zaabi said.
With its unified vision, emphasis on innovation, and citizen-focused execution, the UAE is rapidly establishing itself as a global model for digital governance and public service delivery.
