The first meeting of a new initiative aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi’s digital transition took place on Thursday.
The Higher Committee of the Digital Government was formed to help emphasise the importance of a successful digital strategy across the emirate.
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed, a member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, was at the meeting in the capital.
He said officials were working hard to secure Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading regional and international centre for digital development.
“His Highness mentioned that through the past few years Abu Dhabi has made strides towards digital transitions and solutions which serve the community”, a statement on Wam, the government’s news service, said.
“He also emphasised the importance of having updated technologies in order to keep pace with the rapid global changes in the various sectors.”
To date, Abu Dhabi has provided more than 1,000 government services via digital platforms, with more than eight million transactions completed last year.
Officials believe the progress saved more than 300,000 workdays that would otherwise have been completed by government employees.
Also on Thursday, Sheikh Khalid announced the launch of Abu Dhabi’s ‘Digital Month’ initiative.
As part of the scheme, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority said it would offer unlimited access to a variety of educational apps for children until April 9.
Officials said the move would help parents “engage” with youngsters while schools and nurseries in the country remained closed.
Earlier this month, the UAE government announced all schools, nurseries and universities would shut for a month as part of efforts to contain Covid-19.
In a tweet on Thursday, ADEC said it had arranged the free access to a range of tools for four weeks from March 12.
“ADEC is offering parents and caregivers access to innovative applications that provide at-home activities to promote mental and behavioural development in young children,” it said.
Lamsa, an award-winning mobile app, said it was one of the platforms offering access for free. It provides interactive content in Arabic for ages 2 to 8.
“Our goal at Lamsa is to ensure children are continuing to learn throughout this time and to support parents by providing them and their children with free access to hundreds of digital stories and educational games,” a statement from the company said.
