Page 11 - Case study: Smart Dubai - Rashid - City Concierge

2.2. Implementation

Smart Dubai established a long term partnership with IBM Watson to implement Rashid by using the
latest cognitive computing technologies available in it. Rashid is worldwide one of the novel concepts
for implementation as it encompasses a large number of topics spanning various city experiences.
Smart Dubai designed and implemented Rashid in various phases as explained below briefly.

Rashid Initial Proof of Concept and Pilot Phase: Rashid in its early pilot phase in the fourth quarter
of 2016 (Q4’2016) included information about only Starting a Business. Smart Dubai partnered
with Dubai Economic Development Department to implement this initial pilot. Hence, the target
audience was entrepreneurs who want to start their own business. Entrepreneurs were able to
ask questions to Rashid to determine various legal and procedural requirements for starting a
business in Dubai. Rashid, by asking things like the business type, number of partners, etc. advised
entrepreneurs the business type(s) they can choose from (e.g. sole establishment, limited liability
company, corporation, etc.). Subsequently, Rashid also guided entrepreneurs for the required
documents as well as requisite steps for opening their business (most of these services are digitally
enabled in Dubai).

Figure 5: Rashid Simplifying Business Licensing for Entrepreneurs

This simple initial pilot was highly successful and the uptake was quite significant. It provided on the
spot information for aspiring entrepreneurs, and also encouraged them to start their own business
by easing their lives.

Smart Dubai – Rashid – City Concierge | Dubai, UAE 5