logo
Mohammed bin Rashid launches phase 2 of Zero Bureaucracy Programme

Mohammed bin Rashid launches phase 2 of Zero Bureaucracy Programme

Zawya16-06-2025
UAE, Dubai – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is building a world-leading model for government services. This model prioritizes efficiency, quality, and impact, aiming to simplify and enhance the lives of its citizens. By integrating best practices, leveraging expertise and technology, the UAE government strives to deliver streamlined services that meet the needs of its people with minimal effort and maximum impact.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: 'Today we launch the second phase of the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, a national project designed to create simpler, faster, and more impactful government services. In its first phase, the programme reduced service delivery time by over 70%, eliminated more than 4,000 unnecessary procedures, and saved customers over 12 million hours.'
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added: 'We are grateful to the over 30 government entities and 690 teams involved in streamlining government procedures. Today we expand these efforts, focusing on eliminating digital bureaucracy to realize our goal: a government without complexity, services without waiting times, and results that tangibly improve people's lives.'
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announced the launch of the second phase of the Zero Bureaucracy programme, at an event that detailed the next phase of the programme and its objectives. The launch event, held in Dubai, was attended by over 200 ministers, deputy ministers, and directors general of federal entities.
The programme serves as a comprehensive national framework for Zero Bureaucracy projects and initiatives, uniting the efforts of all ministries and government entities. Its strategic objective is to establish the UAE government as the global leader in service delivery, ultimately achieving zero bureaucracy.
Mohammad Al Gergawi: Phase 1 results align with leadership vision
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, stated that the achievements of the Zero Bureaucracy Programme's first phase align with the UAE leadership's vision to prioritize citizen services and continuously improve and simplify processes.
In his opening remarks at the launch of the second phase, His Excellency Al Gergawi highlighted the collaborative efforts of '30 government entities and 690 teams, which successfully eliminated over 4,000 unnecessary procedures, reduced service delivery time by over 70%, and removed 1,600 redundant requirements. The UAE Government has recognized and celebrated the top three performing government entities in implementing Zero Bureaucracy.'
His Excellency Al Gergawi said: 'The results of the previous phase represent a new, more effective model for government operations, by leveraging internal teams to re-engineer processes and enhance service efficiency. More importantly, this translated to over 12 million hours and AED 1.12 billion saved annually for the public, customers, businesses, and investors.'
His Excellency Al Gergawei stated that the next phase will focus on further reducing unnecessary procedures, streamlining digital applications by achieving zero digital bureaucracy, and ensuring a 24-hour uptime for digital systems, strengthening digital integration between government entities, and enhancing the overall digital customer experience.
Significant results
In its first phase, the Zero Bureaucracy programme achieved significant results, establishing a new model for government operations. Over 690 teams from 30 government entities eliminated over 4,000 unnecessary procedures, reducing service times by over 70%. This streamlined 200 million annual transactions, saving customers and businesses 12 million hours and AED 1.12 billion annually. Top-performing teams received awards valued at AED 7 million in recognition of their contributions.
Expanding the scope
The second phase of the programme will expand its scope to fully eliminate digital bureaucracy, streamlining online processes and applications. This involves modernizing all government digital systems and effectively integrating AI.
The programme will also continue to eliminate unnecessary government procedures and services, remove redundancies between entities, and abolish all non-essential burdens and requirements.
Government achievements
During the launch event for the Zero Bureaucracy Programme's second phase, His Excellency Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, highlighted the Ministry's achievements and journey in eliminating bureaucracy. He showcased several initiatives that contributed to the Ministry winning first place as the Zero Bureaucracy Awards' Best Government Team.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services in the UAE Government, outlined the second phase of the programme, which aims to further eliminate unnecessary procedures and requirements, eradicate digital bureaucracy, and remove redundant or unnecessary requirements. He explained that the next phase will focus on enhancing government integration, data sharing, developing innovative joint solutions, and adopting leading business practices.
Interactive session with the private sector
The government workshop concluded with an interactive dialogue session titled " Zero Bureaucracy and the Private Sector." Participants included Marwan Ibrahim Haji Nasser, Chairman and CEO of Tadawi Healthcare Group, and Fouad Mansoor Sharaf, Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of the UAE Shopping Malls at MAF Properties. The session explored the speakers' insights and perspectives on how eliminating bureaucracy impacts the private sector's efficiency, performance quality, and service excellence.
Launched in November 2023, the UAE Zero Government Bureaucracy programme simplifies and streamlines procedures, eliminating unnecessary requirements. The first phase targeted a reduction of 2,000 government procedures and a 50% decrease in processing times, reflecting the leadership's commitment to creating a leading future-forward experience that enhances lives, fosters a pro-business environment, and attracts talent.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

In devastated Sweida, survivors tell of death, violence and despair
In devastated Sweida, survivors tell of death, violence and despair

The National

time25 minutes ago

  • The National

In devastated Sweida, survivors tell of death, violence and despair

When five armed men in military fatigues stormed the guesthouse where Hatem Radwan and his family were sheltering in Sweida, he did what tradition dictated: he offered them coffee. His offer was met with bullets as the assailants opened fire, killing 11 members of the Radwan family, a long-established name in Sweida, in southern Syria. Mr Radwan miraculously survived. 'I was sitting right here,' he said, pointing to the centre of the room. A bullet had grazed his face, striking the portrait of one of the family's sheikhs hanging just above his head. 'I have no idea how I'm still alive,' he added. He recalled the gunmen shouting: 'You're all Druze pigs', smashing traditional decorations and playing with swords mounted on the wall, before opening fire. The Radwan family had taken refuge in the guesthouse that Tuesday morning, amid worsening clashes between Druze militias, Syrian troops and armed Bedouin. The violence was closing in. Unknown cars roamed the streets and the sound of gunfire drew nearer. But in the madafeh, they believed they were safe. This traditional communal guesthouse had historically served as a neutral and protected space for receiving guests, elders and mediators. Weapons are banned there. Videos filmed shortly after the massacre show bodies piled on top of one another, lying in pools of blood that still stained the floor more than a week later, when The National visited Sweida on Thursday. Mr Radwan said the corpses of his relatives, soaked in blood, were slipping from his hands as he tried to move them. Wave of violence The clashes erupted in Sweida last week, as attacks between Bedouin and Druze factions escalated into widespread violence, killing more than 1,000 people. Syrian government forces were deployed to contain the unrest, but Druze militias, who deeply distrust the new Syrian authorities and viewed them as siding with the Bedouin, mobilised to push them back. Mr Radwan's account is among many harrowing testimonies shared with The National by residents of the devastated provincial capital of Sweida. He said he could not identify who killed his family. Other Sweida residents said they saw men in official security force uniforms participating in the violence. The National could not independently verify all the witness accounts. A precarious calm has since returned to Sweida, after a ceasefire was reached between Druze leaders and Damascus on Wednesday. Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara, seen as more sympathetic to the Bedouin, vowed that those responsible for abuses would be held accountable, vowing to protect the Druze minority, while praising the tribes for their 'heroic actions' against Druze 'outlaw groups'. Stench of death Days of violence have turned Sweida into a war zone. Inside homes, bullets and children's toys meld on the ground. Many shops and houses, their walls blackened by fire, have been looted while shards of glass litter the streets. Charred Syrian army tanks line the roads, struck by Israeli forces. Israel, which distrusts the new Syrian government led by a disarmed faction formerly affiliated with Al Qaeda, has intervened in the conflict, claiming to defend the Druze, a religious minority which also has followers in Israel. Graffiti bears the names of tribal groups that fought against Druze militias inside the city. The conflict between Druze, considered heretics by some extremist Sunni militant groups, and Sunni Bedouin communities has deep historical roots but had never reached this level of brutality during the Syrian civil war. Sweida had largely been spared the worst of that conflict. But now a suffocating stench of blood hangs across the area, after bodies were left for days decomposing in the scorching heat. Counting the dead The Sweida National Hospital has been documenting the toll of the violence. Doctor Akraim Naim told The National that the facility has received 509 bodies 'so far'. Medical staff have photographed each victim they received. On his computer, Mr Naim showed some of the images, including the bodies of women and children. Among them was three-month-old Sirine Gharezzeddine, her round baby face covered in blood, and her mother, Dalal. Dr Naim said most of the victims were civilians. 'Is this man a fighter?' he said, showing a picture of a dead elderly man. 'Is this woman a fighter too?' he asked. On Monday, more than 100 bodies of Sweida residents were buried in a mass grave on the outskirts of the city. The corpses were lined up across a stretch of nearly 20 metres. Blood from the lorry that transported them stained the road in front of the burial site. At the Sweida hospital, six bodies from Bedouin communities remain in a room, lying in a dark pool of blood, still awaiting return to their families. Besieged city As survivors mourn their dead, they continue to suffer. While fighting has stopped inside the city of Sweida, residents remain trapped due to sporadic clashes on the outskirts. The situation remains volatile. Armed tribesmen from across Syria, mobilised by a call to arms against Druze factions, remain deployed around the city's periphery. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hikmat Al Hijri, one of the community's spiritual leaders, has refused to allow government forces to re-enter the city and has rejected the terms of the ceasefire. Residents said Sweida is under siege, with little humanitarian aid reaching the city. People were seen waiting in lines for hours, hoping to buy five litres of fuel, the capped limit. Inside Sweida, where residents had once celebrated the fall of the Assad regime, many now say they have lost faith in the new authorities. 'We had some trust in them,' said a relative of Mr Radwan. But after violence in Sweida, 'they didn't just destroy our trust, they shattered the Syrian identity', he said.

Saudi Arabia publishes new law allowing foreigners to own property
Saudi Arabia publishes new law allowing foreigners to own property

Zawya

timean hour ago

  • Zawya

Saudi Arabia publishes new law allowing foreigners to own property

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has officially published the full details of its new law regulating real estate ownership by non-Saudis, following Cabinet approval earlier this month. The comprehensive law, released in the official gazette Umm Al-Qura on Friday, will take effect 180 days from publication and marks a major overhaul in the Kingdom's approach to foreign ownership of property. The new system grants non-Saudis — including individuals, companies, and non-profit entities — the right to own property or obtain other real rights over real estate within designated geographic zones to be determined by the Cabinet. These rights include usufruct (beneficial use), leaseholds, and other real estate interests, but will be subject to a range of controls and restrictions based on location, property type, and usage. The law preserves all real estate rights that were legally established for non-Saudis prior to the new regulation taking effect. However, it clearly states that ownership remains prohibited in certain locations and regions, notably in Makkah and Madinah, except under conditions for individual Muslim owners. A key provision in the law requires the Council of Ministers — upon a proposal by the Real Estate General Authority and with the approval of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs — to define the allowable zones for foreign ownership and set upper limits on ownership percentages and durations for usufruct rights. Foreign individuals legally residing in Saudi Arabia may own one residential property outside restricted areas for personal housing purposes. This does not apply to Makkah and Madinah. The regulation also includes provisions for corporate ownership. Non-listed companies with foreign shareholders, as well as investment funds and licensed special-purpose entities, will be permitted to acquire real estate throughout the Kingdom, including in Makkah and Madinah, provided the ownership supports operational needs or employee housing. Listed companies and investment vehicles may also acquire property in line with Saudi financial market regulations. Diplomatic missions and international organizations can also own premises for official use and residence of their representatives, subject to Foreign Ministry approval and reciprocity conditions. To ensure compliance, non-Saudi entities must register with the competent authority before acquiring property. Ownership or real rights become valid only after formal registration in the national real estate registry. The law introduces a real estate transfer fee of up to 5% for transactions involving non-Saudis, and outlines a penalty framework for violations. Sanctions include fines up to SR10 million and, in severe cases such as falsified information, the forced sale of the property with proceeds remitted to the state after deductions. A dedicated committee under the Real Estate General Authority will be formed to investigate violations and impose penalties. Decisions of this committee can be appealed to the administrative courts within 60 days. Additionally, the law repeals a prior rule that prohibited GCC citizens from owning property in Makkah and Madinah, effectively standardizing rules for all non-Saudi entities under a single framework. The executive regulations, which will detail implementation mechanisms and specify geographic boundaries and conditions, are expected to be issued within six months. The new law replaces the previous foreign property ownership legislation issued under Royal Decree No. M/15 in 2000. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Al-Sager: Our strong operational performance continued, with robust profits
Al-Sager: Our strong operational performance continued, with robust profits

Zawya

time2 hours ago

  • Zawya

Al-Sager: Our strong operational performance continued, with robust profits

Vice Chairman and Group CEO Speaks on the Sidelines of the 1H2025 Analysts' Conference Call Our loan portfolio recorded Strong growth, both in Kuwait and through our international operations Our regional and global footprint continues to play a key role in mitigating risks and sustaining earnings stability Confident in our ability to navigate challenges, we draw strength from our resilience and strategic investments in technology The outlook for project activity in Kuwait remains promising, with positive momentum expected to continue Effective capital planning remains a top priority to ensure we are aligned with our long-term growth objectives Focusing on year-end dividend distribution gives us the flexibility to capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise Our commitment to sustainability remains steadfast as we make meaningful progress on our sustainable finance roadmap Ronghe: The Group maintains strong operating momentum, fueled by robust growth in business volumes Sustained strength in our loan portfolio reflects high asset quality and prudent diversification strategy Mr. Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), stated that the Bank reported a net profit of KD 315.3 million for the first half of 2025, marking a 7.8% increase from KD 292.4 million in the corresponding period of 2024. Speaking on the sidelines of the analysts' conference call for the first-half 2025 results, Al-Sager highlighted that profit before tax surged by 17.0% year-on-year, reaching KD 401.5 million in the first six months of the year. He explained that the new tax regime weighed on profitability, with the effective tax rate rising to 16.0% in the first half of 2025, up from 9.2% in the first half of 2024. Al-Sager added that the Bank's pre-tax profit was further supported by the release of provisions for credit and impairment losses amounting to KD 10 million, compared to a charge of KD 43 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. 'Our returns remained robust, with Return on Average Assets reaching (ROAA) 1.52% and Return on Average Equity (ROAE) standing at 15.1% for the period', Al-Sager said. He explained that the Bank is confident in its ability to adapt and maintain its leadership in the local market, highlighting its readiness to navigate economic headwinds and emerge even stronger, supported by its resilience, continued investment in technology and innovation, and steadfast commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers. Dividend Distribution Policy Regarding the dividend distribution policy, Al-Sager stated that NBK's approach remains unchanged, maintaining a sustainable framework that strikes a balance between delivering attractive shareholder returns and prudently managing capital ratios. He added that the Bank continues to prioritize effective capital planning to ensure capital levels align with its future growth ambitions, an approach it has consistently upheld and will continue to follow going forward. Al-Sager stressed that the Bank remains committed to its approved dividend policy, noting that in light of the strong growth in its loan portfolio both locally and internationally, the Bank has opted to retain interim profits until year-end, with a focus on year-end final dividend distribution. This approach provides greater flexibility to capitalize on growth opportunities as they emerge throughout the year, in alignment with the Bank's strategic priorities. He pointed out that NBK's regional and international presence plays a vital role in mitigating risks, sustaining stable returns, and enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, he added that the Bank remains focused on leveraging cross-selling opportunities across its diverse geographical footprint. At the same time, its wealth management arm will continue to capitalize on deep expertise to deliver a comprehensive suite of portfolio management, advisory services, and investment solutions. Meanwhile, the Bank's Islamic banking services will further strengthen their local footprint while diversifying sources of profitability. Projects Market Momentum Al-Sager emphasized that following a strong year of project market activity in 2024, particularly in the second half of the year, the pace of activity moderated slightly during the first half of 2025. He noted that this moderation largely reflects a normalization from the elevated levels seen last year. Nonetheless, the outlook remains encouraging, supported by a pipeline of ongoing projects valued at KD 10 billion, signaling the government's continued commitment to advancing its development and reform agenda. Al-Sager affirmed the Bank's ongoing commitment to sustainability and the advancement of its sustainable finance agenda, highlighting the recent publication of its first Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, as well as its inaugural TCFD Report. These disclosures underscore NBK's efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in its ESG and sustainable finance strategy. They also reflect the Bank's significant progress in integrating climate considerations across its operations, with a strong emphasis on portfolio diversification and climate risk management. Meanwhile, Mr. Sujit Ronghe, Group Chief Financial Officer at NBK, stated that the Group continues to demonstrate strong operational momentum, driven by robust growth in business volumes, most notably across the loan and investment portfolios. He added that the Group continues to benefit from the strength of its loan portfolio, which demonstrates high asset quality and a well-considered diversification of growth sources. Ronghe explained that key business segments made strong contributions to net profit in the first half of 2025, highlighting their effectiveness as core pillars of the Group's diversification strategy and their role in reinforcing profit resilience. He stressed that NBK Group continues to leverage its unique competitive advantages among Kuwaiti banks, particularly its broad geographic footprint and its ability to operate across both conventional and Islamic banking. Amid growing concerns over the impact of the ongoing tariff war and its implications for the global business landscape, Ronghe explained that NBK remains well-positioned to navigate this volatile environment, a testament to the strength and resilience of its diversified business model. Regarding the catalysts for loan growth during the first half of 2025, Ronghe stated that corporate credit was the primary driver, emphasizing that demand was not concentrated in any single geographic area. Instead, it was well distributed across NBK's network, including the GCC region, international markets, and Boubyan Bank.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store