In a bid to continue digitizing the government and the lives of residents, Dubai has now become the world’s first paperless government. Announced in 2018 but finally realized this year, the move is thought to have saved an astonishing 336 million papers, along with 14 million hours of labor, and 1.3 billion Dirham ($350 million), while all government proceedings are moved online. 

The announcement came on Saturday from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, on Twitter and has involved 45 government entities cutting paper from their duties as part of the Dubai Paperless Strategy. 

Dubai has successfully realized the strategy in the timeframe and believes it is a landmark move for an increasingly digital world. 

“@HHShkMohd’s vision to achieve a paperless journey for every customer in Dubai government has been realized,” continued Sheikh Hamdan on Twitter. 

“This achievement consolidates Dubai's global position as a pioneer and role model in developing integrated digital services that enhance the customer experience.” 

Such a move is no small feat and as such, was implemented in five stages. According to Gulf News, the 45 government entities account for over 1,800 digital services and over 10,500 key transactions, which all had to make the transition. 

With the strategy fully implemented, the need for paper documents and transactions will be removed for all employees or customers of the Dubai Government.

Dubai now plans to use an app, called DubaiNow, to connect users to more than 130 "smart" services of the city, such as paying parking fines, applying for residency, or renewing car registrations, all from their mobile phone.