With 2021 almost at our doorsteps, I always tell our partners and digital transformation leaders that transforming Dubai Government to a paperless one is just another key milestone in our relentless journey to a futuristic life like never before. One may ask me how? Especially since the paperless directive and strategy are so ambitious that it may seem impossible for some cities around the world to implement.

For me, the answer lies within a bigger context within the 50-Year Charter unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, earlier this year, to mark his dedicated public service of 50 years to the nation. Being paperless is a strategic pillar in my view to achieve at least two out of the nine articles laid down, which include developing the equivalent of a modern Silk Road for commerce and trade, with Dubai as its hub, and a virtual city for businesses from anywhere in the world to be a part of, without even being physically based in the Emirate.

As a fully paperless government, all internal and customer transactions will be digitised from 2021. The strategy revolves around three main axes: Technology, whereby all technological requirements would be provided to ensure paper-free government transactions and procedures. Second, Legislation, where the necessary legislative changes are made to regulate paperless transactions in all institutions. The third and final pillar, Culture, seeks to take the strategy forward, overcoming cultural barriers of individuals and institutions to promote paperless transactions and procedures. Implementation of the strategy means our government will no longer issue or ask for paper documents across any of its operations. As part of the transition, we will focus on implementing the necessary technology to enable paper-free transactions. We will also create a legal framework to address digital procedures and will strive to overcome any cultural and customary barrier in the move away from paper.

Implementing the strategy involves a thorough review of paper documentation at 3 levels; internal documentation between government departments of a single entity, paper documents issued at various customer service departments; and of course, the ones brought in by the customers themselves.

The implementation of Dubai Paperless Strategy will immediately save 1 billion pieces of paper used by the Government each year, which in turn would be enough money to feed 4 million children, prevent 130,000 trees from being cut down, and save 40 man-hours hours of work each year – thereby giving people more time to spend doing what they love. On top of that, I believe it will enable future trade and virtual remote businesses as well. Indeed, we can well say that the paperless strategy sets out a blueprint for cementing Dubai's position as a rising global power and improving quality of life for citizens and residents. 

In a nutshell, through the Dubai Paperless Strategy, we are not just eliminating paper but transforming life experiences beyond 2021 and enabling better society and a prosperous economy.