Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, a research and educational institution specialized in public policy in the Arab world, explored the future of mobile payment operations through smartphone applications, and their impact on Dubai’s transition into a global smart city at the seventh Dubai Smart Cities Forum.

Sami Al Qemzi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai (DED), Dr. Aisha Bin Bashir, Deputy Director General of the Smart Dubai Executive Committee, and Milan Gauder, Head of Global Solutions and Products for the Middle East and Africa region, MasterCard International Inc., led the discussions.

Sami Al Qemzi, said: "The DED plays a major role in achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a global smart city model by 2017 through the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies that transform the quality of life for its residents and visitors."

Al Qemzi added: "DED is mandated to put in place policies to encourage innovation towards building a smart economy that combines creative skills with modern infrastructure. DED is also keen to enhance the efficiency of governmental services by introducing state of the art technology that caters to the quality of life the emirate aims to provide. We are confident such an approach will reduce the costs of business practices and reinforce Dubai’s leadership in the economic and competitiveness index."

Dr. Aisha Bin Bashr, said: "As one of the fastest growing economies enables, Dubai has emerged as the hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. We at Smart Dubai initiative are working closely with various stakeholders in the government and private sectors, as well as educational institutions and industries to build a progressive business platform and adopt innovative technologies in Dubai and the UAE."

She added: "The main pillars and dimensions of Dubai Smart city initiative include efficiency, smoothness, safety, impact, economy, environment ecosystem, mobility and governance."

Milan Gauder discussed how mobile devices have changed trade and payment processes - opening new horizons and bringing change to various aspects of life.

Professor Raed Awamleh, Dean of Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, said: "The UAE is experiencing exponential growth across all public sectors. Dubai, in particular, has successfully emerged as one of the leading cities in the world providing the best innovative smart services. There is a valuable opportunity for us to distinguish Dubai as a global reference in innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship."

"Electronic payment channels have become increasingly important allowing citizens, residents and visitors smooth access to the government services via smartphones. Such platforms also enable businessmen and traders to gain round-the-clock access to government organizations," he added.