Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai, has honored Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce with the Best Mobile Government Service Award across the Arab world in the economy and trade category in recognition of its mobile app on iPhone and android.

The award was presented during the 4th edition of the World Government Summit in Dubai, held with the support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president of the UAE, and prime minister and ruler of Dubai.

The award comes in recognition of the ministry’s efforts to reinforce a diversified economy and promote a competitive business environment.

Launched mid-last year, the mobile app is an initiative implemented in accordance with the “highest international standards.”

The mobile app offers a basket of unique electronic services; for instance the issuance or renewal of commercial permits, access to commercial company records and the submission of complaints.

Users can also access a variety of economic indicators and financial reports, in addition to the latest news from the ministry, administrative closures and recall campaigns besides local, regional and international economic news.

The award recognizes government agencies for their efforts in terms of promoting economic development, streamlining business incorporation procedures, the issuance and renewal of permits and licenses, and the registration of intellectual property rights in addition to the recruitment of employees and the launch of commercial activities.

The award, which also recognizes government services that help improve business and commercial activities, is presented based on several criterions, including efficiency and effectiveness of the application (40 percent), ease of access (40 percent) and innovation (20 percent).

The m-government award aims to motivate government agencies to provide innovative solutions in the fields of smart phone applications and ensure around the clock access to government services through streamlined, highly efficient and transparent procedures.