AN official website for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, has been launched as part of an effort to improve communication between the UAE prime minister and citizens and residents in the UAE. It is also being promoted as a means for better interaction between Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the media. According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, the website, www.uaepm.ae, will be the official source of all information related to Sheikh Mohammed and the federal government.
The new website does not replace Sheikh Mohammed’s “official” website at http://sheikhmohammed.ae. That website was one of the first websites launched by a public figure in the Middle East nearly a decade ago. It appears that the new website will focus specifically on the activities of Sheikh Mohammed in his role as prime minister of the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed’s official website covers not only his governmental duties, but also his personal pursuits such as writing poetry and supporting various sports.
Through the website, www.uaepm.ae, people can send their questions, comments and suggestions directly to Sheikh Mohammed on any matter related to the federal government of the UAE. The website is available in Arabic and English and clicking on the box “Communicate directly with the prime minister” brings up an electronic form where the message is entered. Note that required fields in the form include name, age, nationality, place of work and e-mail address.
Through a separate section, journalists are able to submit questions on the UAE’s federal government, its strategy, direction, and the affairs of various ministers. Even though media inquiries tend to be time sensitive there is no indication of how quickly journalists can expect a reply to their queries. The website advises that questions will be answered “periodically,” with their answers published to the “Media e-Session Result Page.”
The website links to other online resources of the UAE government. But be advised that some of those websites are available only in Arabic and a few only display properly with Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer.