Interview
provided. In the next 8 months, we will
see integration among federal entities.
Are there similar experiences at
the local or international levels?
The vision of the UAE leadership aims
to put the UAE in the forefront of govern-
ment service provision through electronic
channels. There are very few experienc
-
es that offer such comprehensive net-
works. In similar networks, integration is
less comprehensive and depends on in-
terconnectivity among the entities them-
selves. Sometimes this is done through
online encrypted channels to save costs.
This is less secure than connection
through FedNET which provides dedi-
cated channels away from the internet. At
the federal level, this is the first network
that links all federal entities together. At
the local level, there is a network in Abu
Dhabi and another in Dubai. Each of
these networks brings local entities under
a single umbrella.
Are there plans to deal with mal-
function that might happen to the
FedNET?
FedNET is characterized by the highest
levels of security and continuity thanks
to adopting best technologies, standards
and practices. This is very important for a
major and vital project such as this one.
We have also taken into account adopt-
ing best criteria and practices for service
designing. Additionally, we have a disas-
ter recovery mechanism.
Is the role of TRA limited to the ad-
ministrative aspect?
Of course not. In addition to hosting and
managing the network, TRA will have an
enabling and integrating role besides its
original role as a regulatory body.
The role of TRA in the FedNET project
can be summed up in supporting infor-
mation and technical integration among
federal entities which has made FedNET
a major pillar in the mGovernment strat-
egy.
Are there plans to connect local entities
in a single network?
Linking with local entities will have a big
positive impact and will benefit govern
-
ment service development. Linking local
networks with FedNET is necessary but
it will be done at a later phase after the
completion of linking federal entities.
Will FedNET offer any additional
services?
FedNET will provide several services in-
cluding email as a cloud service. The ob-
jective is to provide the fundamental infra-
structure for government entities so that
they can focus on their core businesses.
Central shared services is an example of
the additional services that FedNET pro-
vides. Data integration among systems is
another example. These systems need a
medium to define the data.
Will there be coordination be-
tween FedNET and federal entities
to know their requirements in the
new network?
Of course. We’re keen to have direct co-
ordination with the government entities
that will contribute to the project and ben-
efit from it. Also, we have partnered with
the private sector through local service
providers to provide the highest level of
continuity. When there’s a malfunction in
one of the service providers, we depend
on the other provider; especially that
each of them has its own internet infra-
structure.
Are there plans to make use of
Emirati competencies to build and
manage FedNET?
TRA pays a great deal of attention to Emi-
ratisation. Through this project, we seek
to build Emirati staff capable of taking the
responsibility and making decisions. We
are keen to refining the skills and experi
-
ences of Emirati youth to qualify them to
build the network.
We are also about to make agreement
with solution and technology providers
of the project to support Emiratisation
through providing training and transfer-
ring knowledge to Emirati youth.
We’re support Emir-
atisation by building
national capacities
through training and
knowledge transfer
FedNET in-
cludes a site
for disaster
recovery and
adopts best
technologies
and standards
We use local
service provid-
ers to ensure
highest levels
of continuity
FedNET rais-
es security
standards to
record levels
