Latest news with #SaudbinSultanAlQasimi
Mid East Info
3 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Sharjah Welcomes High-Level Korean Delegation to Boost Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
Sharjah, June 2025: 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
18 hours ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah welcomes Korean delegation to boost cooperation in AI
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.
Mid East Info
11-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Sharjah Digital Department enhances emirate's readiness for the future through 'The Era of AI is Here' leadership workshop
Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi: With people at the heart of digital innovation, we firmly believe that investing in government capabilities in emerging technologies is fundamental to achieving sustainable excellence and enhancing the quality of life across our communities Sharjah,May 2025: In a strategic step that underscores the Government of Sharjah's commitment to digital transformation and the empowerment of national talent, Sharjah Digital Department, in collaboration with Microsoft and INSEAD, organised a specialised training workshop titled 'The Era of AI is Here, aimed at department heads and general managers across various government entities in the emirate. Designed for senior government leaders, including general managers and executives from various entities across the emirate, the workshop took place at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, with 35 participants from both government and private sector entities in attendance. Organised as part of SDD's commitment to fostering a data-driven culture, the event aimed to enhance the government sector's preparedness for the future by embracing cutting-edge technological innovations. The workshop was designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of artificial intelligence to improve institutional performance, elevate the quality of government services, and drive innovation in decision-making. H.E. Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah Digital Department, underscored the workshop's significance in advancing Sharjah's digital transformation journey. He stated: 'This workshop marks a strategic milestone in our pursuit of a government driven by intelligence, data, and insight, where decision-making and service delivery align with the emirate's future vision. Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant possibility but an essential instrument for addressing today's challenges and shaping tomorrow's opportunities.' He added: 'We are not merely preparing for the future; we are actively shaping it. With people at the heart of digital innovation, we firmly believe that investing in government capabilities in emerging technologies is fundamental to achieving sustainable excellence and enhancing the quality of life across our communities.' He continued: 'We believe that meaningful partnerships are essential to building an advanced and future-ready government. That's why we prioritise collaboration with leading global organisations such as Microsoft, with whom we share a productive strategic relationship. This workshop reflects our commitment to transforming such partnerships into tangible opportunities for training and knowledge-sharing, accelerating digital transformation and ensuring innovation remains a driving force in government work.' The session also explored artificial intelligence's latest scientific perspectives and practical applications, offering a structured framework for evaluating its use in government work. It also addressed the stages of institutional maturity in adopting AI technologies and the associated challenges and risks. This workshop forms part of a broader series of strategic initiatives launched by Sharjah Digital Department as part of its mission to lead digital transformation. By designing proactive, human-centred solutions driven by modern technologies and data, the department aims to enhance quality of life and elevate service delivery across the emirate. The initiative also aligns with the Government of Sharjah's vision to future-proof the public sector and foster partnerships with leading international technology institutions.
Sharjah 24
11-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Saud bin Sultan: SDD organises AI workshop for govt leadership
Held at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park Speaking to 'Sharjah 24,' Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi confirmed that the SDD organised the AI-focused training workshop for government leaders under the title 'The Era of AI is Here' at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. Part of Strategic Initiatives for Digital Transformation He added that this workshop comes as part of a series of strategic initiatives adopted by the SDD to enable comprehensive digital transformation in the Emirate. These efforts stem from a vision that places the individual at the heart of every step and seeks to harness technology to serve the community and enhance quality of life.
Mid East Info
08-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Sharjah Digital Department organises ‘Sharjah GIS Forum' - Middle East Business News and Information
Enhancing Government Integration and Digital Transformation Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi: Geospatial data has become an essential element to support decision-making, develop services and raise the efficiency of government performance Sharjah,May 2025: Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) organised the inaugural Sharjah Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Forum, bringing together government entities and leading technology companies in the field across the emirate. The forum forms part of SDD's ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation and strengthen institutional integration by leveraging the latest GIS technologies. 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.
