Today, people around the world are uniting to face the pandemic that is Covid-19; a virus threatening humanity, and spurring changes in economies, health sector, and even our social lives. To curtail the spread of the virus, several countries were forced to completely close their borders and compel all individuals to stay home. These measures will result in immense repercussions and challenges in ensuring the continuity of services to partners from the public and private sectors, as well as individuals.

As we collectively face this global pandemic, thanks to the prudent and forward-looking vision of our wise leadership in managing the impact of COVID-19 and controlling its spread, the UAE has once again demonstrated its ability to face crises. The leadership took all necessary measures to mitigate the effects of the pandemic - our leadership has continued to support the local economic structure to ensure growth for all business sectors. Access to advanced technology, digital networks, and AI have also supported the nation by providing accessible options for employees to easily and efficiently work remotely.

In order to achieve the vision of our wise leadership, the Ministry of Finance has taken proactive steps over the years to automate and improve its services, using advanced technologies in accordance with the highest global standards. This has allowed the ministry to manage and provide all its services with the highest quality and efficiency, and to easily transition to a remote work system, while not affecting businesses and services provided to government and private sectors, and individuals.

The digital services of MoF include the e-Dirham system, which uses the latest global technologies for digital payment. It constitutes a smart, easy and safe way to pay government and non-government services fees across platforms. The system currently provides services to more than 53 entities, including federal ministries and others, including local departments and major companies. The system provides a high level of security and effectiveness in cashless e-payments.

MoF continues to provide the best digital solutions according to best global practices. Over the past years, the ministry has automated all the services it provides to government and private sectors, and individuals. This is in line with the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE mGovernment Initiative.