The Ministry of Finance, MoF, yesterday announced its new app for the Apple Smart Watch, becoming the first federal government entity to develop the application.

This initiative follows the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on naming 2015 as the ‘Year of Innovation'; and the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to implement the smart government initiative.

MoF's app will provide Apple smart Watch users the chance to track their requests for issuing Value Added Tax Certificates and Tax Residence Certificates, benefit from a number of services related to Gulf Economic Integration, view the Ministry's profile and latest news and get in contact with data communications specialists.

Commenting on this announcement, Younis Haji Al Khoori, Under-Secretary at MoF, said, "The ministry has set a clear plan to implement the smart government initiative, and is committed to adopting the directives of the UAE Cabinet – which is in line with MoF's strategic vision to achieve global leadership in financial resource management and contribute to achieving a sustainable competitive environment. This is why we need to ensure we provide direct communication channels that are always accessible to the public."

He added: "MoF assigned a specialised team to conduct a comprehensive study on the different smart and e- development phases in the UAE and the region. The results showed the need to expand services across multiple types of smart devices, which have become widespread after the launch of the Smart Government initiative. MoF has shown its keenness to implement this initiative by developing apps for smart phones and the Apple Smart Watch."

MoF recently launched a smart phone app ‘MoF UAE 2015' available in the Apple Store and Google Play. This new app was designed as an updated version and alternative for MoF's app launched during its participation in GITEX Technology Week 2013. This app offers a range of characteristics including: registration and renewal of suppliers in the Federal Register of suppliers, issuing Value Added Tax Certificates and Tax Residence Certificates, as well as a number of services for the government sectors and all entities.

MoF has developed a variety of e-systems designed to enhance customer experience from government, private entities and individuals.