Dubai’s 2025 Governance Series Boosts Public Sector Innovation
Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in public sector governance continues with the launch of the Government Best Practices Series 2025. Organized by the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai, this prominent event gathers high-ranking leaders from various Dubai Government entities, alongside local and international experts in government administration, innovation, and future-ready strategies. Designed as an interactive platform, the event aims to strengthen Dubai’s role in shaping progressive, agile, and human-centered government models.
A Vision for Global Standards and Future-Ready Governance
His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, articulated that initiatives like the Government Best Practices Series 2025 reaffirm Dubai’s commitment to continuous development based on international best practices. His remarks also highlighted that, under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai is building a public sector that focuses on high-impact policies and services.
This commitment extends to all levels of governance, where local entities work cohesively to create a unified framework for proactive governance that addresses the needs and aspirations of Dubai’s diverse society. By focusing on innovation, efficiency, and adaptability, Dubai continues to reinforce its position as a model for forward-thinking governments.
Transforming Knowledge Transfer into Actionable Practices
Dr. Hazza Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Assistant Secretary General for Excellence and Government Services Sector at The Executive Council, emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and best practices to build future-ready services. He noted that by accelerating knowledge transfer, government entities can ensure they are always evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the community.
Throughout the event, Dubai’s government institutions shared impactful success stories and best practices, many of which were recognized by the Dubai Government Excellence Programme and the Hamdan bin Mohammed Programme for Government Services. These examples demonstrate how Dubai’s public sector is continually innovating and enhancing its service offerings to stay ahead of future challenges.
Showcasing Dubai’s Groundbreaking Government Initiatives
The first day of the Government Best Practices Series 2025 was filled with insightful sessions, each featuring best practices from Dubai’s leading government entities. Dubai Police, which earned the 2024 Hamdan Flag for Excellence, presented their strategies for future readiness, alongside innovations that have transformed law enforcement in the city.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) showcased their cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence (AI), illustrating how AI is revolutionizing mobility services across Dubai. Meanwhile, Dubai Civil Defence highlighted their innovation-driven approach to public safety, and Dubai Public Prosecution shared insights on how to foster excellence in human capital management.
These presentations highlighted the essential role of cross-department collaboration in building a resilient, forward-thinking public sector that can swiftly adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
The Importance of Collaborative Governance and Joint Service Design
One of the key highlights of the first day was a panel discussion led by the City Makers initiative from The Executive Council. The panel focused on how Dubai’s government departments can work together to design joint services that streamline processes and improve the overall service delivery experience for residents and businesses. This collaborative approach is key to creating a cohesive and efficient government that is not only reactive but proactive in addressing the needs of the community.
The session also highlighted the success of Dubai’s Executive Benchmarking Programme, which acknowledges the most innovative government initiatives. This programme serves as a platform for government agencies to exchange ideas, promote creativity, and implement the best ideas across the board.
Celebrating Innovative Government Projects and Initiatives
The sixth cycle of the Executive Benchmarking Programme showcased nine remarkable projects that underscore Dubai’s dedication to innovation and collaboration. Among these was the ‘Advance Ruling’ initiative from Dubai Customs, which facilitates smoother regulatory processes for businesses operating within Dubai.
The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority presented their ‘Emissions Factors Guideline for Road Transport Sector,’ a key tool to guide sustainable mobility practices. Meanwhile, the establishment of the Dubai International Mediation Centre by the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department is helping to resolve commercial disputes more efficiently.
Other projects spotlighted during the session included ‘Next Generation Airspace’ by Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), ‘High Electricity Consumption Alerts’ from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the ‘Digital City Tribe Ecosystem’ by Digital Dubai. These projects demonstrate how technology is being leveraged to create a smarter, more efficient public sector.
Fostering a Future-Ready Government with Inclusive Services
The series continued with sessions that addressed inclusive service design, particularly for People of Determination. DEWA presented its efforts to tailor services to ensure they are accessible and inclusive for all residents. Additionally, the session on Emiratisation, presented by Dubai Police, highlighted how the public sector is working to create more opportunities for Emiratis, thus ensuring that the workforce remains representative of the nation’s diversity and needs.
The Dubai Future Foundation also introduced the Dubai Sandbox initiative, which provides a space for innovators to test new technologies and services before they are scaled up across the government ecosystem. This initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring that Dubai’s government remains at the cutting edge of innovation and service delivery.
Pioneering Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
A key component of the series was the session on AI applications in government services, presented by DEWA. The session explored how artificial intelligence can drive improvements in energy management, predictive maintenance, and customer service automation. It also showcased how the integration of AI into public utilities can significantly enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Dubai Air Navigation Services also provided insights into their ongoing efforts to integrate digital tools into airspace management, ensuring that the city’s aviation services are both efficient and future-proof.
Strengthening Leadership Through Collaboration Across Agencies
The final day of the series will feature a significant panel discussion titled “Partners in Leadership: Collaborating for Government Excellence.” Organized by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, this session aims to emphasize the role of cross-agency collaboration in promoting leadership and enhancing governance standards.
By aligning the efforts of multiple departments, Dubai is setting the stage for a new era of governance where innovation, efficiency, and adaptability are not only goals but also realities. Through its continuous push for collaboration, Dubai is well-positioned to maintain its standing as a global leader in governance and public service.
