Global Arab Network | UAE: DMA signs MoU with Birmingham City Council in UK

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UAE: DMA signs MoU with Birmingham City Council in UK

Global Arab Network - - Rabih Serrai

Monday, 01 November 2010 01:56

UAE (Dubai) - The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) and Birmingham City Council in the United Kingdom, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalising a partnership to help the DMA integrate best practice processes and programmes into its municipalities throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The signing ceremony took place at Birmingham City Council on October 26 and was attended by Abdulrahman Ghanem Al Mutwaiee, Ambassador of the UAE to the United Kingdom, Councillor Len Gregory, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Rashed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of the DMA, and Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of the Council.

Speaking about the MoU between Birmingham City Council and the DMA, Al Hajeri said "With this partnership, we are seeking to achieve our leaders' vision for Abu Dhabi, which, supported by a detailed policy agenda, sets out the Emirate's ambition to be counted amongst the best five governments in the world, and respected worldwide, for having a transparent and accountable government that supports a dynamic economy and a secure society." The MoU with Birmingham, the UK's second most important city after London, is the first that the DMA has signed with any local government authority. It comes as the culmination of much discussion and knowledge exchange between both parties.

Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said "We have been looking to develop the many commercial and cross cultural opportunities that exist for the city of Birmingham outside of the UK, and in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi we have found a partner that parallels our thinking and our vision of excellence. It is also a great endorsement of our city that from the entire world they have chosen Birmingham as the model for how to develop successful local governance structures. Though it is based on mutual benefit this MOU has been signed with genuine warmth and friendship that will be the basis of its success."

Al Hajeri Added: "We are striving for excellence in everything we do. We see Birmingham City Council as being a world class example of municipal best practices, as it has a long history of municipal government in a multi cultural society, whilst maintaining an inclusive and customer focused approach. This proven approach is one we are keen to hear more about." The MoU sets out a number of specific areas that the new partnership will focus on, including business process reengineering, education and training opportunities, knowledge management, and how to implement best practice to instil a culture of customer service and good municipal governance, so as to better communicate and respond to the needs of the citizens of the Emirate.

"We are committed to promoting world class services across the Municipal System and in other Abu Dhabi Government Departments and Authorities," said Al Hajeri. "We're keen to show the world how we're transforming Abu Dhabi and working to make our 2030 vision a reality. By partnering with Birmingham City Council, we can learn from their experiences to inform and drive our ambitious plans and achieve recognition for our accomplishments so far." he added.

Global Arab Network

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