Issue 67: The Future of Government Is Digital
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about how to make government more agile – Mary Ames, Director of Strategy
THE BIG TAKE
The Future of Government Is Digital
The UAE Government under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, announced a major reshuffle earlier this week. Ministries and departments across the Government will be merged to create a more agile governing structure. Just like the creation of the Dubai Council at the start of 2020, this decision is vital to the UAE’s efforts to be one of the most responsive and forward-thinking in the world. In light of the global Covid-19 pandemic, this announcement couldn’t have come at a better time.
Agility: The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated trends across the global economy and in global governance. Working from home has become standard practice across many sectors, while future technologies such as digital infrastructure are more important to growth than ever before. The UAE’s Government reshuffle is perfectly in line with the changes taking place and will help grow the country’s knowledge economy. Consider these two major changes: 50 percent of government service centers will be transformed into digital portals within two years and a new ministry will be established for industry and advanced technology.
Improving conditions: The announcement comes amid a flood of positive news about the UAE’s economy. The non-oil private sector has returned to economic growth for the first time since the start of the pandemic, while the first round of international tourists has returned to Dubai. The UAE also maintains one of the most advanced Covid-19 testing operations in the world. While the pandemic remains the defining challenge of our times, our approach to handling the crisis is showing positive results.
Next steps: The new ministers will certainly have their work cut out for them. One thing they can focus on is further streamlining digital business. The remote work transformation we’ve all experienced over the last months is especially encouraging for the UAE. Without the need for relocation fees, local companies can seek out the best talent anywhere in the world while keeping costs down. Focusing on this sector of the knowledge economy will pay incredible dividends as the UAE positions itself as one of the strongest countries to emerge from this pandemic. We are on the right path and must stay the course.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.”
– Ernest Hemingway
BACKSTORY: SPACE
The UAE is preparing to send the first Arab space mission to Mars next month. The Amal spacecraft, which means Hope, is due to lift off from a remote Japanese island on 15 July. Over the next three weeks, look out for special Backstory: Space editions landing in your inbox on Friday mornings. This mission is about much more than space exploration and we’ll fill you in on the backstory you need to fully appreciate this historic event.
OUR VIEWS THIS WEEK
The Dubai Council: Building on a tradition of innovation, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum began 2020 with a bold vision for the Government. In this piece from our archive, we took a deep dive into what the Dubai Council means for the city, the region, and the world. At its core, the Dubai Council is a profound reimagining of how the government can achieve its goals. It’s the latest announcement in a long history of radical decisions designed to ensure Dubai is one of the most innovative cities to live and work in.
AI is a public good: Given the power and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to change the planet for the better, shouldn’t governments have a greater role in safeguarding the technology? That’s the simple but complex question we investigated in this archived piece in Xische Reports. The development and use of AI technology are so important for society that it can’t be left to big tech giants alone. Moreover, the US government (and others like it) are missing a great opportunity to use AI for good across the public sector.
A MESSAGE FROM DIGITAI
Artificial Intelligence can work for you. The pace of AI innovation is undeniable. With so many options to choose from, how can you be sure that you are making AI work for your needs? Discover what we’re doing at Digit Ai, a Xische company, to accelerate organisational capacity building that leverages AI and machine learning. Find solutions that make business sense and embrace the power of AI.
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
Virtual real estate: Property is a major part of the Dubai economy. But what happens when people can’t leave home to view potential purchases? The answer is virtual reality. In this enlightening piece from a great new publication called Rest of the World, Rahel Aima explores the world of virtual reality real estate. The future really is right now.
Bike time: Covid-19 has meant a lot of things to a lot of people. Despite the incredible economic burden the pandemic has created, there are silver linings and nowhere is this more clear than in bicycle infrastructure. Because of social distancing, more cities are encouraging people to get on bikes instead of public transportation. This is leading to a surge in bicycle infrastructure spending. We love the humble bicycle and are excited that Covid-19 will result in a historic shift to more bike-friendly cities.
QUICK HITS
Our cash-free future is getting closer.
Are we living in an alternate history?
A Boeing 777 made from manilla folders.