The federal government revenue collected through e-Dirham reached AED 2,542,411,494 in Q2 2017, compared to more than AED 2 billion in the same period in 2016, achieving a growth rate of 25%. The federal government revenues collected through the e-Dirham payment gateway reached AED 958,461,182 in Q2 2017; while revenue through the service centres reached AED 1,583,950,310 during the same period.
The number of service transactions done through the e-Dirham system in Q2 2017 amounted to 10,837,965 transactions, compared to 9,966,134 in Q2 2016;while the total payment receipts amounted to 5,533,223, compared to 5,141,945 in Q2 2016.The total number of e-Dirham cards issued amounted to 2,730,720, compared to 2,102,466 in Q2 2016. The average execution time for e-Dirham transactions is now only 1.02 seconds online through the e-Dirham network and 1.03 seconds through e-Dirham POS devices.
Commenting on these results HE Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Budget Sector at MoF said: “The e-Dirham system, launched by the Ministry of Finance, is characterised by its smart integration with global payment channels and other e-government applications. The e-Dirham card provides accessible payment options for transactions with more than 5,000 government services from Ministries, federal and local institutions and the private sector. Users can choose to utilise these options through different channels within the system’s applications, including via smart phone, digital wallet, website and e-Dirham self-service kiosks.”
During 2016 the number of inquiries successfully resolved by the e-Dirham call centre reached more than 90%, the period also saw a reduction in the average transaction time across the system to only 1.46 seconds. These results were driven by the particular focus given by the Ministry to achieve improved customer satisfaction with their services.
HE added: “The development of the e-Dirham system is in line with the Ministry’s strategy and objectives to develop a systematic plan to shift to smart government services, manage government services fees, and implement innovative solutions for payment services and the collection of service fees. The continued evolution of the e-Dirham system increases the efficiency and effectiveness of financial systems and the cash flow management process of the federal government. The system will continued to be developed in accordance with international best practices, helping to advance technology in the field of e-payment.”
The e-Dirham service has been able to achieve positive results and high revenues since its establishment in 2001 until today, with revenues exceeding the 7 billion dirhams achieved in 2016. Many ministries and federal and local authorities rely on the e-dirham system as a method of non-cash payment, which relies on customer trust in the system and the smart services provided by the Ministry of Finance.
Hana Al Rostamani, Group Head of Personal Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank added: “Our cooperation with the Ministry of Finance in the e-Dirham system is a strategic partnership that transcends the boundaries of conventional banking services and products by providing innovative ideas, tools and experiences to customers,”
More than 10,837,965 transactions were processed in Q2 of this year, representing a 25% increase from 2016. The e-Dirham system has witnessed positive results and increased revenues. These results reflect customers’ confidence in the smart system services provided by the Ministry. These systems are constantly being developed and improved, leading many ministries, federal entities and a number of private entities and printing offices, to adopt the e-Dirham system as a smart substitute for cash.