Department of Economic Development website wins ‘Best Government Website’

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) website (www.dubaided.gov.ae) has been adjudged as the ‘Best Government Website’ by Dubai E-Government.

The DED website was selected for its ease of navigation, customer-friendly initiatives and regularly updated information from 27 websites of government entities in Dubai.

In the Dubai Government Websites 4th Annual Evaluation and Status Report 2009, the DED website showed a marked increase in scores with overall impression scoring 96 per cent last year compared to 69 per cent in 2008. The look and feel of the website scored 98 per cent compared to 70 per cent in 2008; content won 96 per cent marks (70 per cent in 2008) and website design scored 94 per cent, compared to 66 per cent earlier.

Among the key evaluation parameters were applying department page header & footer standards; and the availability of bilingual website link; link to a homepage; link to Dubai.ae at a consistent location in the page header; Contact Us information and feedback form; search tool; copyright information; page last modified information; site map; security and privacy policies and terms & conditions and disclaimer.

Information on physical location of the office, the choice of the domain name; ease of accessing information; availability of vision, mission & objectives; quality of language; use of metadata; links to synergetic services; online website survey; ease of navigation; size of home page; color schemes; standards of font size; availability of navigation bar throughout the website; and compatibility with other browsers, among other parameters.

His Excellency Mr Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, DED, honored the staff members of the Information Technology Department for their contribution in upgrading and maintaining the website.

“The honor from Dubai E-Government for the DED website is a testament to the best practices followed by our IT department and our commitment to offer swift and tech-savvy solutions for our customers. Hosting a vibrant website is extremely crucial for DED, as we work towards strengthening the economic growth of Dubai. The website is the first point of entry for potential investors from around the world as well as a convenient way for domestic customers to access all their services,” said Mr Al Qamzi.

The website, upgraded regularly, is based on a customized content management system that allows all departments of DED to publish up-to-date information swiftly and efficiently.

Mr Abdulla Hassan, DED’s IT Executive Director, added: “The website is the online identity of DED, and it is important that we uphold the same level of efficiency that characterizes the department’s operations. It offers visitors a user-friendly interface that promotes ease of navigation and strong interactivity, whereby customer queries are addressed promptly.”

The website offers information about DED’s various services including eServices, and also links to its core agencies – the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, the Dubai Export Development Corporation, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, and Foreign Investment Office. There are feedback forms also for visitors to express their views.