As the country gears up for the upcoming Holy Month of Ramadan starting next month, the government is looking for ways to better provide supplies for its citizens during this time when almost all establishments close shop in observance of the Islamic tradition.
And while this may seem difficult for expats, citizens do not have it any better during this particular season of ‘sacrifice.’ However, the government has also come up of ways to make it lighter for both UAE citizens as well as expats.
Citizens can Get Subsidized Food Products Online this Ramadan
Residents of Abu Dhabi can use the Smart Pass Digital Platform to avail subsidised food products and even have them delivered at home during Ramadan this year. Residents can check out the rates and products directly on the platform, which covers the municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra and Al Ain, as reported by the Khaleej Times.
A total of 139 subsidised food products are available at six food centres across each emirate. Also, the municipality is studying the possibility of opening additional outlets before Ramadan. At present, over 1,000 tonnes of rice has already been stocked to meet the expected surge in the demand of food supply.
According to the announcement, citizens can avail the services through the Smart Hub Platform or download the SmartPass mobile app. In order to get these services, residents need to register for an account on the digital platform, then choose the service, identify food items to be purchased, pay for them, and visit the chosen centre to collect them or have them delivered for a certain fee (AED 42 in Abbu Dhabi mainland).
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The digital initiative offers hassle-free service as there is no need to provide any identity verification or document as all data is connected with the smart services system. The digital platform service is available round the clock and does not require citizens to print any link, bill, or request, and all processes are connected with systems and distribution centres electronically.
This new initiative should prove to be valuable for residents of the UAE especially during this Ramadan season, because not only will this be convenient and affordable, but having this kind of system will be a good benchmark for future services which the government wold like to pursue.
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