UAE, Serbia Launch First Smart Service Centre in Belgrade

The Governments of the United Arab Emirates and Serbia have officially opened the first Smart Government Service Centre in Belgrade. This new centre marks a major step in strengthening the partnership between both countries, focusing on government innovation and the exchange of best practices. The project reflects the UAE’s leadership in developing digital government models and aims to improve the quality of life through efficient services.

The Smart Service Centre in Belgrade takes inspiration from the UAE’s successful model of digital transformation. The UAE is known for its advanced government service systems that connect citizens with various agencies through technology. The new centre in Serbia will offer 13 major government services under one roof and serve around 1,000 people daily. Through its integrated digital platform, the centre will simplify access to essential government functions and make them more efficient for citizens.

The design of the centre highlights innovation, accessibility, and user comfort. It follows a modern and interactive approach that meets community needs and ensures easy navigation for all visitors. This reflects both governments’ shared goal of improving the customer experience and making public service delivery faster and smoother. Located in the “Galerija Belgrade” complex, one of Serbia’s most modern urban developments, the centre also serves as a symbol of progress and development.

The inauguration event was attended by a high-level UAE delegation, including Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange; Eng. Mohamed bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services; and Ahmed Hatem Barghash AlMenhali, UAE Ambassador to Serbia. Ana Brnabić, President of the National Assembly of Serbia, and several Serbian officials also joined the ceremony.

Ana Brnabić praised the UAE for its strong partnership and technical expertise, noting that this is the first centre of its kind in Serbia. She described it as a major milestone in building closer ties between the government and citizens. Brnabić also confirmed that similar centres will be launched across the country in the coming years, helping Serbia continue its journey toward digital transformation.

The UAE delegation emphasized that this cooperation is the result of a long-standing partnership between the two nations. Abdulla Nasser Lootah said that both governments share a vision of exchanging experiences and success stories to modernize public administration. He added that the UAE’s goal is to support other countries in adopting successful digital models that improve the well-being of communities.

Mohamed bin Taliah highlighted that the UAE’s approach to public services has become an example for many countries. He said that the UAE continues to innovate in government work, ensuring high efficiency and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. This vision includes launching new national initiatives that support proactive and sustainable development across all sectors.

During the opening ceremony, the UAE delegation met with Dr. Đuro Macut, Prime Minister of Serbia. The discussions focused on exploring new areas of cooperation and expanding the partnership to include e-governance, public administration, and digital innovation. The UAE officials also held meetings with Snezana Paunović, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government; Petar Janjić, Secretary-General of the Government; and Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for Information Technology and E-Government.

The UAE and Serbia’s collaboration began with a government modernisation agreement signed in May 2022 under the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The agreement includes 13 focus areas such as digital government, innovation, artificial intelligence, education, creative industries, and tourism. Since then, both governments have organized more than 1,000 workshops and trained over 3,000 employees.

The Smart Government Service Centre in Belgrade marks the beginning of a new phase in Serbia’s government development. It stands as a model of international cooperation and a sign of the UAE’s commitment to sharing its expertise globally. Both nations aim to continue expanding this partnership, helping shape smarter and more efficient governments that respond to the needs of their citizens in an increasingly digital world.