H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai International Marine Club, DIMC, has unveiled the first ‘Smart Lounge’ of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, DED, to strengthen customer service standards and to ensure round-the-clock access to DED’s business registration and licensing services.

Dedicated user-friendly and interactive kiosks and smart devices are set up in the lounge which is located on the ground floor of DED’s main office in the Business Village.

Sami Al Qamzi, Director-General of the DED, said, "We thank Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed for gracing us with his presence and formally unveiling the Smart Lounge, which complements the directives of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to transform Dubai into a smart city by 2017.

"Through the launch of this lounge, we are breaking new frontiers in our level of service excellence and contributing to the enhanced competitiveness of our economy internationally. It is also a testament to our as commitment to following the directives of our leadership in leveraging the latest technology tools innovatively and creatively to provide the most advanced services that add to the happiness of our customers," he added.

The services and facilities will also support visually challenged people through keyboards in Braille as well as black and white screens.

Al Qamzi added, "We strive to implement the latest and best technologies in the Smart Lounge to meet the needs of our customers as per best practices and in ensuring that the facilities cater to the needs of persons with disabilities. A voice call facility is also available for customers."

Omar Bushahab, CEO of the Business Registration and Licensing, BRL, sector in DED, said, "The lounge will elevate DED’s smart services to a five-star level. It is conceived as a one-stop shop for registration and licensing services, supported by the required knowledge resources available online as well as call centre support."

Abdullah Hassan, CEO the Shared Services sector in DED, said, "We studied best practices in customer services and took the private sector into confidence to see their requirements and preferences in completing registration and licensing transactions. The team will guide the logistics of the Smart Lounge according to international best practices in quality, in an environment defined by elegant and contemporary design."