Government of Fujairah partners with National Bank of Fujairah to launch TASDEED pre-paid card
E-government initiative introduces cashless payment of government fees
The Government of Fujairah yesterday announced the launch of the "Tasdeed" pre-paid card as part of a broader push to introduce e-services in the emirate. Developed in partnership with National Bank of Fujairah PJSC (NBF), Tasdeed allows residents in the emirate to make cashless payments for government services across all Government of Fujairah locations.
First announced last April, the Tasdeed initiative allows card users to make cashless payments for governmental services ranging from land rentals to the issuance of visas and trade licences. With the volume of transactions at government offices increasing month on month, Tasdeed not only simplifies the government's revenue collection efforts but provides a secure and convenient way for customers to make payments.
Customers can apply for Tasdeed at all Government of Fujairah offices. The cards can then be activated or topped up at NBF cash deposit machines placed within the same premises and across the UAE.
Tasdeed can be used for the following governmental offices: Finance Department, Emiri Court, Fujairah Municipality (main office) and Dibba Municipality (main office). Plans are underway to introduce additional features to Tasdeed in the future, from payment of non-governmental services to credit and debit card functionalities.
Commenting on the project, Sheikh Engineer Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Director of the Department of e-Government (Fujairah) said that the Tasdeed pre-paid card is a milestone in the Government of Fujairah's e-transformation and would ensure excellent customer service for residents of the Emirate. This initiative is guided and supported by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
H.E. Ali Mustafa Mohammed, Al Fujairah Financial Department Director said that the launch of the Tasdeed pre-paid card is an important step towards the provision of integrated e-services. This endeavour focuses on harnessing technology towards smart government, which is also an initiative advocated by the Government of Fujairah. The smart government initiative aims to raise the quality and efficiency of services provided by all Fujairah government departments, and in particular, the Finance Department.
NBF CEO Vince Cook said the Tasdeed initiative underscored the bank's commitment to its emirate of Fujairah: "We are proud to partner the Government of Fujairah in this significant endeavour. The bank's roots are in Fujairah, and we have long played a role in key projects within the emirate. It was therefore a privilege for us to leverage our expertise in banking touch points and payment systems to deliver a customised and convenient solution that would benefit both the government and the people of Fujairah.
"Tasdeed is a breakthrough in the Fujairah government's attempts at developing a digital infrastructure as well as a nod to the UAE's efforts at embracing e-technology, and we look forward to playing an ongoing role in its progress."
NBF has been an active supporter of Fujairah's infrastructural development. It was the initial mandated lead arranger, underwriter and bookrunner for the Port of Fujairah's AED 900 million maiden syndication, and played a leading role in arranging a credit facility for developer Majid Al Futtaim that went towards the construction of Fujairah City Centre.
About National Bank of Fujairah PJSC:
Incorporated in 1982, National Bank of Fujairah PJSC (NBF) is a full services corporate bank with strong corporate and commercial banking, treasury and trade finance expertise as well as an expanding suite of personal banking options. Leveraging its deep banking experience and market insight within Fujairah and the UAE, NBF is well-positioned to build lasting relationships with its clients and help them achieve their business goals.
NBF's key shareholders include the Government of Fujairah, Easa Saleh Al Gurg LLC and Investment Corporation of Dubai. Rated Baa1/Prime-2 by Moody's and BBB+/A-2 by Standard & Poor's, both with a stable outlook, the bank is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the symbol "NBF". It has a branch network of 15 across the UAE.