His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the results of a government-wide assessment identifying the best and worst-performing government departments in reducing bureaucracy. The initiative, launched in late 2023, aims to enhance governmental efficiency, cut unnecessary red tape, and improve overall service delivery.
Top-Performing Government Departments
The following government departments were recognized for their outstanding efforts in streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency:
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Department of Justice – Commended for its swift decision-making and reduced procedural complexities, ensuring smoother legal services.
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Department of State – Recognized for its efforts in minimizing administrative burdens while maintaining operational effectiveness.
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Department of Energy and Infrastructure – Applauded for its proactive strategies in reducing red tape, facilitating better governance and service delivery.
Underperforming Government Departments
Sheikh Mohammed also identified departments requiring urgent improvements, particularly in cutting down bureaucracy and enhancing responsiveness:
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Emirates Post – Highlighted for excessive procedural delays and inefficiencies in postal and delivery services.
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Pensions Authority – Noted for complex bureaucratic processes that hinder service accessibility for pensioners.
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Ministry of Sports – Identified as needing reforms to simplify administrative procedures and improve operational effectiveness.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Statement on Bureaucracy
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that bureaucracy often stifles progress and slows down government effectiveness. He remarked:
“Government bureaucracy is the art of turning simple things into complex ones... and the art of creating administrative systems to combat individual creativity.”
He further highlighted that in bureaucratic systems, procedures can sometimes become more important than results, causing delays in public service efficiency.
The UAE’s Drive to Eliminate Bureaucracy
In late 2023, the UAE government launched a nationwide movement to eliminate excessive bureaucracy across government sectors. The initiative was designed to:
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Evaluate and improve responsiveness of government entities.
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Enhance public service efficiency by eliminating redundant procedures.
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Ensure a seamless experience for citizens and residents in availing government services.
Sheikh Mohammed addressed departments that were underperforming, urging them to act decisively:
“We say to those who do not make sufficient efforts: the bad systems created by government bureaucracy over the years can be changed by bold and quick decisions in days.”