• Program aims to enhance leadership skills, improve performance of government entities
• Targets government leaders in the UAE
• 70 participants representing 14 local, federal government entities 

Dubai-UAE: 17 January, 2017:  The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), a research and teaching institution specialized in public policy in the Arab world, has launched a six-week Dubai Data Compliance Course – a training program for leaders from 14 government entities in the UAE. The program aims to upskill leaders through teaching them how to use data to improve the performance of their organizations and consequently enhance the customer experience. 

Designed in collaboration with the Dubai Data Establishment (DDE) under the supervision of the Smart Dubai Office, the program covers the subject of data and its relation to smart cities. In addition, it introduces global best practices in the use of data for customer service optimization. The course includes four condensed lectures tailored to the needs of the 70 participating government leaders from entities including: Dubai Chamber, Dubai Public Prosecution, Dubai Land, MRHE, Dubai health authority, Road and Transport Authority, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Dubai Courts, Dubai Airports, GDRFA, Department of Finance, Dubai Data Office, Dubai Maritime City Authority, KHDA and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

The course focuses on topics pertaining to data classification, publication and exchange among collaborating entities to analyze performance in a way that can enhance Dubai’s competitiveness, and improve the happiness of its citizens and residents. The availability of multiple data resources is one of the advantages of smart cities, while optimal utilization of data is a key pillar in ensuring their sustainable development. 

His Excellency Dr Ali Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said: “The studies we conduct at MBRSG as well as global research helps us forecast the future of government work. These sources unanimously stress the importance of data in public affairs, especially when it comes to meeting customer requirements and predicting future trends that government entities need to adopt to retain their competitive edge. Our collaboration with the Dubai Data Establishment reflects our continuous efforts to impart global expertise and capabilities to local government entities in line with the vision of our wise leadership.” 

He added: “The Dubai Data Compliance Course integrates local and global knowledge of government work to equip current and future leaders with values, skills and knowledge that address the institutional needs of the state. Using interactive exercises, it acquaints students with government best practices and real-life success stories.” 

For his part, Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data Establishment, said: “Dubai’s open and shared data will be the fuel of our smart city transformation, making the city more efficient, decisive, seamless, and open insights for creativity for everyone in Dubai. The Dubai Data Compliance Course will empower the Dubai Data Champions, the team members leading the Dubai Data initiative from over one dozen government entities. By participating in this course, our Dubai Data Champions will learn the skills and processes required to unlock the benefits of data for the city, in line with the mandate set forward by the Dubai Data Law.”
The Dubai Data Compliance Course is part of MBRSG’s portfolio of executive education programs that aim to equip leaders in the public and private sectors with the skills needed to address the ever-evolving policy challenges in the region. 

In 2016, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued a law to set up DDE with the aim of supporting the Smart Dubai initiative and transforming Dubai into the smartest city in the world.