e-Governance

Dubai e-government seems to be evolving to a new level with the current blogosphere buzz about the SALIK road toll system. Much like the beach controversy a few months ago where online activism against the proposed development of a public beach in Jumeirah precipitated a reversal of plans by Sheikh Mohammed, the SALIK discussion again illustrates the unique and modern potentials of the Dubai government model as it interacts with digital technology and the burgeoning local blogosphere. Yet with SALIK, much of the infrastructure for the toll system has already been rolled out and much of the discussion and debate appears to be coming too late to actually affect policy.