Sharjah Digital Department organises ‘Sharjah GIS Forum'
The forum, held at Aljada by Arada in Sharjah, drew significant attendance, with around 172 participants. Among the distinguished attendees were several senior officials from Sharjah's government departments and institutions, including His Excellency Eng. Omar Khalfan bin Huraimel Al Shamsi, Chairman of Department of Municipalities Affairs, and His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City.
Strengthening joint action
His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah Digital Department, emphasised the forum's role as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and expanding collaboration among government entities. He highlighted the growing importance of spatial data as a foundational element in supporting decision-making, enhancing service delivery, and improving overall government performance. His Excellency expressed his hope that the forum would foster greater cooperation in building an integrated digital environment grounded in accurate, reliable information towards serving the community and advancing the emirate's shared development goals.
A step towards digital integration
In her opening speech, Her Excellency Eng. Lamia Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of SDD, emphasised the critical role of geographic information systems in urban planning, infrastructure management, environmental monitoring, and public services. She described GIS as a key enabler of sustainable development guided by clear visions and strategic planning. Her Excellency also reaffirmed SDD's commitment to strengthening this vital sector, empowering its workforce, aligning collaborative efforts, and investing in initiatives that improve quality of life and advance digital integration across the emirate.
In this context, Her Excellency highlighted the Mada Geographic Data Platform, launched by SDD during GITEX 2024, as a key step toward advancing geospatial data sharing across the UAE. Mada is a centralised, continuously updated database that enables seamless exchange of geographic information between government entities. This facilitates more effective spatial planning, streamlines government processes, and enhances the quality of public services, ultimately supporting the emirate's economic growth.
A paradigm shift
His Excellency Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General of Sharjah City Municipality, affirmed that the Municipality's participation in the forum reflects its commitment to sharing its expertise and showcasing its projects in the field of geographic information systems. He noted that the forum also provides an opportunity to learn from other experiences to strengthen institutional performance and enhance operational efficiency, in line with the emirate's strategic direction. Al Tunaiji highlighted several advanced digital initiatives driven by GIS technology, including the 'Smart Inspection' system and the digital platform for issuing No Objection Certificates for sewage services.
Urban planning support
Eng. Fatima Juma, Head of the GIS Department at Department of Town Planning and Survey, affirmed that the Department's participation in the forum aimed to highlight its key applications and strategic directions in the field of modern geography and urban planning. She explained that the presentation focused on core themes such as geospatial data and statistics, the integration of geographic artificial intelligence in future planning, and the development of smart cities. She also emphasised the role of geographic information systems in advancing urban projects and underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships to support the growth of this vital sector.
Innovation for sustainable development
Khalid Abdullah Al Zarooni, Head of Information Technology at Sharjah Archaeology Authority, stated that the Authority's participation in the forum provided a valuable opportunity to showcase its pioneering project, the 'Archaeological Geographic Information System,' which reflects its steadfast commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah. He noted that the forum served as an effective platform for exchanging expertise, fostering knowledge-sharing, and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in leveraging digital innovation to support sustainable development, aligned with the emirate's comprehensive strategic vision.
Ambitious goals
The Sharjah Geographic Information Systems Forum aimed to familiarise participating entities with the latest technical solutions and global best practices in the field of geographic information systems (GIS) and how these can be leveraged to enhance government performance through effective spatial data collection, analysis, and visualisation. It also sought to strengthen cooperation between government departments by promoting data and information sharing, thereby accelerating procedures, improving service delivery, and supporting informed decision-making based on sound scientific principles. The event further aimed to advance integration in executing joint projects and strategic plans across the emirate.
Insights and experiences
The forum featured a series of specialised sessions highlighting the role of geographic information systems in predicting natural disasters, supporting urban planning, and building unified geospatial frameworks to enhance coordination between federal and local entities. Discussions also covered the application of GIS in protecting archaeological sites, streamlining inspection processes, and issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs), alongside a presentation of GIS implementations by the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority. Other session topics explored integrating advanced technologies, such as digital twin models and artificial intelligence, to support smart geospatial solutions, particularly in areas like rainwater collection, flood management, and spatial data analysis to improve the efficiency of government operations.
Honouring
The forum emphasised the importance of unifying efforts in exchanging geospatial data to enable greater integration and accessibility of information. This, in turn, contributes to more efficient planning and management, reduces time and effort, and supports the development of accurate, strategic decision-making that advances comprehensive development across the Emirate of Sharjah. The event concluded with a ceremony honouring participating entities in recognition of their valuable contributions to digital transformation and the enhancement of smart government performance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Sharjah welcomes high-level Korean delegation to boost cooperation in AI and digital transformation
Sharjah: The Emirate of Sharjah welcomed a high-level official delegation from the Seoul AI Foundation and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, in a strategic visit organised by Sharjah Digital Department (SDD). The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the UAE and South Korea in the realms of digital transformation and innovation. The delegation's visit focused on exploring avenues for deepening collaboration between SDD and the Seoul AI Foundation, with a particular emphasis on future partnership opportunities in artificial intelligence and smart government services. During the visit, His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah Digital Department, welcomed the Korean delegation at a meeting held at the House of Wisdom. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Rashid Ali Al Ali, Director General of Sharjah Communications Technologies Authority, His Excellency Shin Donghyup, Consul of the Republic of Korea for Science and ICT in Dubai and Eng. Majid Almadhloum, Sharjah Digital Department Advisor. The visiting delegation included Ok-hyun Kang, General Director of the Digital City Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government; Jung Yoon Lee, External Relations Manager at the Digital Policy Division; Man Gi Kim, President of the Seoul AI Foundation (SAF); Seong Hwan Ju, Head of the AI Innovation & Business Division at SAF; and Boris J. Kim, Senior Manager of the Policy Cooperation Team at SAF. During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for collaboration on joint AI-driven projects, exchanged expertise in smart city development, and explored standout initiatives and best practices from both parties in digital transformation and digital infrastructure. His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi underscored the significance of the visit as a key milestone in establishing strategic partnerships with one of the world's leading cities in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. He welcomed the opportunity to exchange insights, experiences, and expertise with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul AI Foundation, stating that such collaboration 'represents the most effective path toward achieving sustainable development that benefits our communities and aligns with our shared aspirations.' His Excellency expressed optimism that the visit would lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration between Sharjah and Seoul, opening the door to innovative projects and expanded opportunities in AI and smart city development. For his part, Man Gi Kim highlighted Sharjah's importance as a strategic partner in advanced technology sectors, stating: 'We regard Sharjah as one of Seoul's key partner cities in the field of digital and AI-driven urban innovation, and that is why we have extended an official invitation to Sharjah Digital Department to participate in Smart Life Week 2025 in Seoul. We trust this occasion will further solidify and elevate the longstanding relationship between the Seoul AI Foundation and Sharjah Digital Department into a more strategic and action-oriented collaboration.' Smart Life Week 2025 is recognised as one of Asia's premier innovation platforms and South Korea's leading technology events, underscoring the Korean delegation's acknowledgement of Sharjah's pioneering role in digital transformation. Following the meeting, the organising team guided the delegation on a field tour of key urban development sites across the emirate, including University City and the Aljada project. The tour showcased Sharjah's advanced smart infrastructure and urban planning efforts, forming the backbone of its ongoing digital transformation journey. The visit concluded at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), where the delegation explored cutting-edge research initiatives and smart labs driving innovation and entrepreneurship, most notably the SOI Lab, which focuses on artificial intelligence applications. This strategic visit reaffirms Sharjah's commitment to fostering global partnerships and elevating its international leadership in digital transformation, aligning with its vision to build a sustainable, innovative digital city.
Sharjah 24
28-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah CP approves Sharjah Digital Integration Prog
Visit to Sharjah Digital Department This statement came during Sharjah Crown Prince's visit on Wednesday, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, to the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD). The purpose of the visit was to assess the department's readiness to lead the digital future of the Emirate of Sharjah. Appreciation for efforts Sharjah Crown Prince praised the efforts made by the working teams and specialists to empower the digital sector within the Sharjah Government. During his visit, Sharjah Crown Prince approved the Sharjah Digital Integration Programme and its executive plan, which constitutes the foundation for building an interconnected digital system that enhances governmental efficiency and enriches the customer experience. Digital Integration Programme The programme includes a set of success factors that reflect reality and create the desired impact, primarily centered around the digital transformation strategy for the Emirate of Sharjah. This strategy is encapsulated in the vision of "Human-Centric Digital Creativity." It comprises over 50 digital initiatives that represent a qualitative leap in the emirate's digital future, as well as a digital cooperation charter, which is fundamental for integration between government entities and the SDD. Collaborative Development Methodology The program was prepared following a participatory and integrated development methodology, in collaboration with more than 250 representatives from government entities, the public, and the private sector. It aims to redefine digital work away from traditional models, targeting practical outcomes and clear roles, in harmony with the state's directions while placing the uniqueness of the Emirate of Sharjah at the heart of its vision. Accompanying delegation During his visit, the Crown Prince of Sharjah was accompanied by Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Asmaa Rashid bin Tali'a, Secretary-General of Sharjah Executive Council; Engineer Lamya Obaid Al Hosan Al Shamsi, SDD Director; and Ahmed Hamad Al Suwaidi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah.
Sharjah 24
16-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
UAE representative elected Vice Chair of ICAO Council's CEC
UAE's growing leadership in aviation This election represents a significant milestone in the UAE's increasing leadership within international civil aviation. It underscores the country's active contributions to promoting sustainability and climate action in the sector. Commitment to environmental sustainability Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), stated, 'This election reaffirms the UAE's deep commitment to environmental sustainability in aviation.' He emphasized that Mohammad Salem's appointment reflects the international recognition of the UAE professionals' impactful roles within ICAO. The UAE is dedicated to collaborating with ICAO Member States and global partners to achieve shared environmental goals. Advancing ICAO's climate strategy The appointment comes as ICAO intensifies its efforts to lead the global aviation sector toward a sustainable future, aiming for net-zero emissions. The UAE has been a proactive participant in ICAO's environmental agenda by advocating for cleaner energy sources, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and launching innovative emissions reduction initiatives. As Vice Chair of the CEC, Salem will play a pivotal role in advancing ICAO's climate strategy. This includes supporting the effective implementation of initiatives like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and working towards ICAO's historic goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050.
