Dubai eGovernment has recorded a surge in demand for its mPay service with 8,380 transactions registered in 2009 and more than Dh1.5 million ($408,000) in payments processed compared.

This compares with only 298 transactions and Dh25,000 in total payments in 2008.

mPay is a mobile payment service specially designed by Dubai eGovernment to provide an efficient and easy means of paying government fees in Dubai.

Three government departments – Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) – have adopted the mPay platform as the eService allows users to top up their Salik credit, pay traffic fines to Dubai Police, and settle their Dewa bills.

Furthermore, the unified payment facility is part of Dubai eGovernment's strategy to provide the public and the business community with innovative tools to access government services.

To use the mPay service, which has been developed with the same high-level safety standards and security measures adopted by Visa and MasterCard, customers will have first to register through the payment facility's online portal using their credit card details. Payments may be made in denominations of Dh50, Dh100 and Dh200.

“All government departments need a strong IT infrastructure to provide eServices according to the highest standards of quality and security,” said Ahmed Bin Humaidan, director-general, Dubai eGovernment.

“In this sense, we are working diligently towards delivering eServices through a centralised infrastructure involving different departments in Dubai, enabling them to have a ground for innovation and excellence in their respective fields of specialization,” he added.

“mPay is part of Dubai eGovernment’s initiative to deliver government services through innovative channels aimed at simplifying procedures of government transactions for both the public and the business community in Dubai,” he continued.

“This service helps subscribers make instant payment of government fees easily through their mobile phones, enabling them to save time and avoid having to go to banks or check with the departments concerned. mPay also enables customers to pay fees instantly from any location as it does not require using a computer connected to the internet,” Bin Humaidan continued.

“In addition to mPay, Dubai eGovernment provides online payment services through many channels including the internet, touch screen kiosks and Interactive Voice Response (IVR),” he added.

Bin Humaidan pointed out that Dubai eGovernment is currently considering the provision of this service to a wider range of individuals and business organisations by introducing other government departments or adding new services of concern to customers for facilitated payment procedures. – TradeArabia News Service