In 2008, around 1 million transactions valued at more than Dh. 1 billion were transacted through “ePay”, the electronic payment gateway developed by Dubai eGovernment. This is more than four times the amount collected the previous year. 

This growth is a sign that we are moving in the right direction of total eGovernment, specifically in the area of financial transactions, which is most sensitive to the users, whether individuals or institutions.  

One of the main reasons why some people refrain from using electronic payment services is the fear over privacy and security. To assure users that using Dubai eGovernment’s “ePay” to conduct their financial transactions is safe, Dubai eGovernment has adopted the latest and most advanced safety measures, including “Verified by Visa” and “3D Secure.” The addition of MasterCard and American Express to the ePay system, in addition to Visa, also had a significant impact on reassuring users of the foolproof security measures. 

Another reason for the success of the ePay system is the different payment options it offers to users, including credit cards, eDirham and direct debit. 

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Despite the success of ePay, the number of banks that have integrated with the direct debit aspect is disappointing. Several banks in the UAE have repeatedly stated that integration with Dubai eGovernment “ePay” was one of their priorities, but we still have not heard from them even two and half yearsafter direct debit was launched. Only three banks in the country have adopted the direct debit facility, namely, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Union National Bank. 

While we appreciate the efforts of these leading banks that have set up the infrastructure needed to complete the transactional aspect of the eServices, it pains us that many banks neglect national initiatives, such as Dubai eGovernment’s electronic payment system, even though many of them have integrated with other direct debit services, ignoring the fact that “ePay” is used for eService payments of most government departments in Dubai. 

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For those interested in numbers, I would like to mention that direct debit transactions accounted for around 20% of the total amount collected through “ePay” in 2008. The amount was transacted through the three banks using the service. We hope that these figures will encourage other banks in the UAE to join “ePay” soon. We call upon all major banks (especially Emirates Bank Group and Dubai Islamic Bank) to continuetheir mission of supporting our country by integrating with the “ePay” system, which is a critical aspect of the overall eTransformation taking place in Dubai.