UAE, October 24, 2016 – Smart Dubai Government Establishment (SDG), the technology arm of Smart Dubai Office which assumes the responsibility for managing and supervising the implementation of Dubai Government’s electronic and smart transformation, has revealed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emaratech, an IT and software company, to prepare a work plan and conduct a feasibility study to help further develop solutions and software that are integral to meeting Dubai Government’s goals and aspirations towards electronic and smart transformation.

The MoU was signed during the recently concluded edition of GITEX, which was held recently at the Smart Dubai pavilion that was organized by Smart Dubai Office. This year’s pavilion featured an innovative development in terms of the layout of the area, which was divided into vital zones simulating life in Dubai. As many as 55 government and private entities showcased their smart services where visitors of the pavilion lived the delightful experience of life in the emirate.

The MoU strengthens the cooperation and smart partnership between the public sector and leading companies, which is seen as a key driver to the success of Dubai’s continuing transformation into a Smart City—especially through the use of innovative technology in all fields to make the future of Dubai in fulfillment of the vision set by the country’s wise leadership to bring happiness to the future of the emirate.

The MoU contributes to the provision of shared smart services for electronic payment, which is now widely being encouraged as a safe payment method in Dubai. The agreement is expected to add safer electronic payment methods as the Noqodi payment gateway will attract investments that will later be developed in line with SDG’s requirements. In addition, the E-Wallet app will be connected to SDG’s ePay portal, which will provide a new and diverse payment method for customers--enabling them to make smart payments through various methods that can save their time and effort.

Under the MoU, the Noqodi payment gateway, which has been development by Emaratech, will join the list of government entities participating in SDG’s MyID service. Users can benefit from the features of the single sign-in feature to all the electronic and smart services provided by government entities through a single username and password.

His Excellency (H.E.) Wesam Al Abbas Lootah, CEO, SDG, said: “The agreement that we have signed with Emaratech falls in line with our strategy to develop strategic partnerships and cooperation with both private and public entities for the optimal use of modern and innovative technology, which pushes the wheels of smart transformation forward. Our continuous endeavors to forge suitable partnerships that contribute to offering innovative solutions and providing suitable smart services that exceed the expectations of individuals. Thereby bringing happiness to them and enabling them to feel it actually during their presence in the smartest city in the world.”

“We will provide Emaratech with the necessary information and support needed to conduct a feasibility study, which not only reinforces our partnership and connects the Noqodi payment gateway with MyID,” Lootah added. 

Meanwhile, H.E. Thani Alzaffin, Director General and Board Member of Emaratech Group, said he is proud of SDG's achievements and plans for the future, “We laud what SDG is planning for and implementing to make customers happy; providing them with all the options available for paying government fees.”

He went on to say, “Emaratech has a long history of harnessing technology to serve strategic partners in providing the best technological practices. Our agreement with SDG comes as part of the Group's strategy to support SDG's programs and projects for making customers happy.”