Smartphone apps honoured at UAE Government Summit

DUBAI // The winners of the first awards to recognise the best government smartphone apps have been announced at the conclusion of the Government Summit.

The Best M-Government Service Award honoured individuals and companies that have produced apps to improve life across the country.

At the federal government level, the Ministry of Education’s Abnaai app took top prize.

It allows students and parents access to a range of interactive services for schools.

Students from Khalifa University won in the educational institute category, picking up Dh1 million for the iQ application, which aims to reduce waiting times in government premises by showing the length of the queues.

The university also received an accolade for its MOH (Ministry of Health) app, which provides a directory of the ministry’s services.

Awards were also presented in each emirate for their innovative apps.

In Ras Al Khaimah, RAK e-Gov was honoured for its RAKPAY-RAK Mobile Payment Gateway, which enables residents to pay Etisalat bills and utility bills and pay for business licences.

In Abu Dhabi, the TransAD app was honoured for helping customers to book cars without lengthy waiting times or unnecessary phone calls.

MPDA, an interactive smart channel for individuals and businesses, proved a winner for the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department

Fujairah Municipality’s smartFUJAIRAH app, an online “smart service” gateway by Fujairah Municipality, also won.

Sharjah’s Department of Public Works created an app to deliver information and services to individuals and companies securely, smoothly and efficiently.

The Dubai Police app was praised – it allows ticket payments to be made from a mobile phone and notifications on security services.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs and chairman of the organising committee for the Government Summit, congratulated the winners.