United Arab Emirates Federal Authority for Government Human Resources Goes Mobile with IBM

ARMONK, N.Y. and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Arab Emirates Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) announced today it is transforming its eGovernment services by teaming with IBM (NYSE: IBM) to deliver more personalized mobile capabilities that improve employee engagement and streamline access to key resources.

The IBM MobileFirst Platform provides FAHR with a secure and reliable solution to enable the UAE's Federal Government employees to access sensitive data and conduct transactions on any mobile device. The first app (called FAHR) built on the platform allows employees of ministries and federal bodies to apply for, cancel or track vacation days; browse and update personal data; check on monthly salary details; produce certificates; and access medical insurance information.

The FAHR app provides scalable access to services by employees of all the UAE ministries and 17 autonomous agencies. The app includes 26 smart services that enable users to conduct their own human resources transactions and access information and data with greater ease, security and speed. Users can also be alerted about new services based on their location.

The FAHR app was accessed by one million unique users within the first three months. Additionally, 18 percent of the self-service transactions through the Human Resources Management Information System, "BAYANATI," have been executed using the Authority's Smart App, a number that is expected to continue to climb.

"We have worked with IBM to develop a well-defined mobile strategy that is aligned with our business in order to drive employee productivity," said Kelaitham Al Shamsi, director of Human Resource Management Information System, Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. "This demonstrates our continued effort to support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, regarding the shift towards smart government to ensure the provision of government services quickly and effectively around the clock."

With the IBM MobileFirst Platform, FAHR was able to reduce the time to market for its app. FAHR also benefits from secure connectivity with back-end systems, allowing it to efficiently manage version upgrades, user data and audit data. With advanced mobile analytics capabilities, FAHR is able to analyze patterns and usage trends to gain insight into the most frequently used services, peak use time and device preference.

"The UAE has been a leader in mobile innovation. From the world's first smart government app store, to inspiring new services through the launch of the mGovernment Service Awards, a mobile mindset is becoming the number one way to unlock value in both the public and private sectors," said Amr Refaat, general manager, IBM Middle East and Pakistan. "The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has led by example by demonstrating how mobile can transform the enterprise and improve employee productivity, which will help in availing better services for the citizens."                                                                 

About IBM MobileFirst 
IBM's 6,000 mobile experts have been at the forefront of mobile enterprise innovation. IBM has secured more than 4,300 patents in mobile, social and security, which have been incorporated into IBM MobileFirst solutions that enable enterprise clients to radically streamline and accelerate mobile adoption, help organizations engage more people and capture new markets. Through IBM's partnership with Apple, the two organizations are transforming enterprise mobility with a new class of industry specific business apps. For more information on IBM MobileFirst, visit the press kit or www.ibm.com/mobilefirst. Follow @IBMMobile on Twitter, and see IBM MobileFirst on YouTube, Tumblr and Facebook.

Media Contacts: 
Jumana Akkawi
External Relations Leader, IBM Middle East
Phone: +971 4 4498353
Email: [email protected]

Liz Campbell
IBM Media Relations
Phone: +1 781-820-9840
Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE IBM

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