Page 141 - SAMENA Trends - April-May 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

human resources, and establishes national and international Data Establishment, stressed that linking entities at the local
partnerships at the academic and scientific levels. TDRA pointed and federal levels with the private sector is a fundamental pillar
out that the achievement will contribute to enhancement of its in the process of comprehensive digital transformation. "We are
innovation system that can enable it to lead national entities in committed to strengthening the bonds of cooperation with both
innovation. TDRA organizes a set of innovation events around the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory
the year including Summer Innovation Camp. It cooperates and Authority and the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority in the ‘API First’
coordinates with all government entities regarding innovation to guidelines project, which enables entities to harness the power
support UAE achievements in various fields, particularly ICT. of data in designing high-quality services that enhance people's
(May 9, 2021) zawya.com well-being, satisfaction and happiness," he said. Moreover, the
Guidelines will contribute to stimulating the UAE economy, by
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory supporting the development of competitive businesses within the
Authority (TDRA), in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Digital Authority UAE in an information-based economy. (May 5, 2021) wam.ae
(ADDA) and Smart Dubai, has issued the "API First" Guidelines
and circulated it to the concerned entities to broadly apply it The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory
during the next stage of digital transformation. Application Authority (TDRA) has announced that its National Telecom
Programming Interface (API) is the best approach to link various Equipment Lab had been awarded ISO 17065 certification for
entities to provide services to customers from everywhere at any telecom devices accreditation system. The lab has obtained this
time, through government and private channels. For example, certification from the Emirates International Accreditation Centre
when a company uses an application interface for a government (EIAC) after meeting all applicable standards and practices.
service, it will be able to provide that government service to its The accreditation reflects the efforts of TDRA to adopt and
customers without the customers having to directly consult the apply global standards in its processes and services provided
government. API contributes to activating the comprehensive to customers. ISO 17065 certification is a continuation of the
digital society according to the features of the smart city, as TDRA’s achievements attained last year. TDRA obtained two
companies are linked with the government, individuals and things certifications from Emirates International Accreditation Centre
in an interactive digital environment, allowing for the provision of (EIAC) last year. The first one is ISO 17025 certification for the
new products and services, and the creation of unprecedented National Telecom Equipment Lab and the second is ISO 17020 for
business models for the benefit of all. The API First Guidelines telecom market inspection and control. TDRA has obtained the
will enable various parties to develop strategies and plans for two certifications after meeting the technical standards applied
programming interfaces that allow all customers to obtain by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
smart services around the clock and from anywhere, as it will for telecom equipment inspection and approval. Commenting
enable government and private entities to update their services on this achievement, Eng. Saif Bin Ghelaita, CEO of Technology
and smart applications and link them together, leading to an Development Affairs in TDRA said: “Telecom devices approval is
excellent user experience. These guidelines are contained in a a recognition by TDRA that these devices comply with technical
detailed document that includes designing and developing APIs, standards. Awarding such certification to TDRA is a confirmation
whether in the government or in private entities like banks and that it applies best global practices in its accreditation system.
companies that intend to provide government services such as Those standards include qualification of human resources,
paying bills, issuing licenses and others. The TDRA confirmed accreditation and inspection plans, applied quality standards,
that the document will be available to government entities and and sample inspection methods.” TDRA provides various services
the private sector. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TDRA’s Director- related to telecom equipment type approval, including telecom
General, said, "At 'The Year 50' announced by the wise leadership, equipment registration and accreditation, supplier registration,
digital transformation is heading towards deeper integration and telecom equipment customs clearance. TDRA defines and
and partnership between the various sectors. This document is registers telecom devices that can be used safely in the UAE
a practical interpretation of this trend as it highlights the best without causing any damage or harmful interference with the
guidelines and recommendations related to the adoption of APIs telecom network. It supervises and participates in approving
to serve future-making strategies." Mohamed Abdel Hameed Al telecom devices before being imported, ensuring that they are
Askar, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Digital Authority praised compliant with laws and regulations. TDRA gives approvals for
the cooperation with the TDRA and Smart Dubai in launching the customs clearance of telecom devices for non-commercial use
document while highlighting that it will contribute to providing and regulates import and sale of telecom devices used in the UAE.
an application programming ecosystem that encourages digital It issues type approval certificates for devices compliant with
transformation and promotes innovation. Younus Al Nasser, TDRA’s requirements and standards.
Assistant Director-General of Smart Dubai and CEO of the Dubai (May 1, 2021) tdra.gov.ae

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