The UAE has officially launched the second phase of its Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, a national initiative aimed at streamlining public services and eliminating bureaucratic hurdles. This initiative is designed to position the UAE as a global leader in efficient and impact-driven governance.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the initiative, emphasizing that it reflects the vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to build a world-class model for government service delivery. He stated, “We launch the second phase of the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, a national project designed to create simpler, faster, and more impactful government services.” During the first phase, the programme reduced service delivery time by over 70 percent, eliminated more than 4 000 unnecessary procedures, and saved customers over 12 million hours.

In his remarks, Sheikh Mohammed expressed gratitude to the over 30 government entities and 690 teams involved in the effort to streamline procedures. He noted that the second phase will focus on eliminating digital bureaucracy, aiming to create a government without complexity and services without waiting times. This expansion aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to deliver customer-centric, proactive, and digitally advanced public services. The goal is to become the most digitally advanced government worldwide, offering high-impact outcomes with minimal effort for citizens, residents, and investors.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted the successful achievements of the first phase, noting that the efforts resulted in the elimination of more than 1,600 redundant requirements, translating to over 12 million hours and 1.12 billion dirhams saved annually for the public, businesses, and investors. He also mentioned that the second phase will target zero digital bureaucracy by ensuring 24/7 uptime for digital systems, enhancing platform integration, improving customer experience, and deploying artificial intelligence in government services.

The launch event also recognized top-performing government teams, with 7 million dirhams in awards distributed. The Ministry of Justice was awarded first place, and Minister Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi emphasized the ministry’s progress in streamlining operations. Mohammed bin Taliah, chief of Government Services in the UAE Government, outlined plans for further digital integration, adopting best practices from the private sector, and enhancing data sharing to foster innovation across ministries.

A panel session titled “Zero Bureaucracy and the Private Sector” featured insights from industry leaders, including Marwan Ibrahim Haji Nasser, CEO of Tadawi Healthcare Group, and Fouad Mansoor Sharaf, MD of UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties. The speakers discussed the positive impact of the programme on private sector efficiency and service quality.

The UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy programme is already streamlining over 200 million annual transactions and serves as a model for future-oriented governance that prioritizes simplicity, speed, and citizen satisfaction.