Page 36 - Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities: The Case of Dubai

Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities – The Case of Dubai

Box 7 – Smart Technology for Civil Engagement- Mohammad Bin Rashid Smart Majlis (Smart
Dubai Government, 2016)

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Majlis, launched
and managed by The Executive Office of His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed, is the largest smart
and integrated platform in Dubai for public
engagement. The platform, which connects 30
entities, has been designed to receive and process
suggestions, comments, and ideas from the general
public.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Majlis offers any
individual the opportunity to present innovative
ideas that can contribute to the development of
Dubai and enhance its attractiveness in various
fields. The Smart Majlis also provides the public
with the opportunity to give feedback on whether there are any defects or faults in various facilities
such as parks, beaches and roads, thus enabling competent authorities to identify them and adopt
all measures necessary to help maintain the good image of the city and its public facilities.

The Smart Majlis also supports large-scale public brainstorming exercises, wherein members of the
general public can respond to ideas or challenges posed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. The
platform allows the public to actively engage and interact with the government, and is a significant
contribution to boosting public engagement opportunities in Dubai.

3.4.5. Dimension 5: Quality of Life
Dubai has identified a high quality of life and excellent living conditions as core objectives for
the City. One mechanism for achieving this is through improved social welfare: by providing
various public services aimed at maintaining an advanced level of social and economic stability.
This includes providing infrastructure and municipal services, education, safety and healthcare
services to Dubai’s citizens (Government of Dubai, 2015). Smart Dubai is working with several
entities on the introduction of ICTs to promote efficiency in pertinent city services that improves
quality of life (for example, education, health and safety).
In Education, Dubai aims to improve the quality of private schools and higher education
institutions through various programs conducted by the Knowledge and Human Development
Authority (KHDA). It is important to note that the public schools are under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Education. Most schools have computer labs or Bring Your Own Device policies.
KHDA has adopted an outcome-based approach and as part of its school inspections, assesses
the ability of students to be independent learners and use learning technologies effectively. As
schools develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills students can more readily find things
out for themselves using a range of technological, and other, resources.

Dubai also participates in The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program (MBRSLP).
Launched in 2012, it is aligned with UAE Vision 2021 to become a knowledge-based economy
through the integration of technology in education. The UAE is investing heavily to bring the

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