Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah’s Digital Department (SDD), stated that geospatial data holds a critical position in guiding decisions, refining services, and optimizing governmental efficacy. The SDD has recently hosted the first Sharjah Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Forum, a gathering that included governmental bodies and top-ranking tech enterprises. The event aims to foster digital progress and enhance organizational integration via state-of-the-art GIS technologies.
The forum took place at Aljada by Arada in Sharjah, attracting significant interest, with a turnout of around 172 participants. Attendees included a number of prestigious officials from Sharjah’s governmental departments and institutions, giving the event a high-profile presence.
Among the prominent individuals at the event were His Excellency Eng. Omar Khalfan bin Huraimel Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities Affairs, and His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City. The presence of these key figures underlines the importance and influence of the forum.
His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi particularly underscored the forum’s function as a crucial hub for sharing knowledge and strengthening cooperation between governmental bodies. He pointed out the rising importance of spatial data as a fundamental resource in decision-making, service improvement, and overall performance enhancement in the government sector.
During the event, many hopes were expressed for the forum to serve as a catalyst for improving collaboration, constructing a combined digital environment based on precise and trustworthy information, all for the common good of the community and to progress Sharjah’s communal development objectives.
Her Excellency Eng. Lamia Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of SDD, highlighted in her opening remarks, the significant role that geographic information systems play in areas like urban planning, infrastructure sustaining, environmental surveillance, and public services. Moreover, she emphasized on the importance of GIS as a guiding light leading the path to sustainable development backed by clear visions and strategic planning.
In relation to this, she underscored the novelty of the Mada Geographic Data Platform. This platform, launched by SDD during GITEX 2024, is a significant stride forward in promoting geospatial data sharing throughout the UAE. To enable the smooth exchange of geographic information amongst government entities, Mada employs a centralised and perpetually updated database, hence fostering effective spatial planning.
His Excellency Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General of Sharjah City Municipality, affirmed the Municipality’s commitment to the GIS forum, emphasizing how it gives them an opportunity to share their knowledge, display their projects, and learn from others. He recognized the forum as a beneficial learning platform that could enhance the efficiency of their institutions and operational performance.
Al Tunaiji acknowledged several progressive digital ventures driven by GIS technology, among them, the ‘Smart Inspection’ system and the online platform for providing No Objection Certificates for sewage services. These initiatives clearly demonstrate the inventive deployment of GIS technology in Sharjah.
Further, Eng. Fatima Juma, Head of the GIS Department at the Department of Town Planning and Survey, highlighted how GIS technology aids in advancing urban projects. She also emphasized on the importance of strengthening partnerships to support this crucial sector’s growth.
Khalid Abdullah Al Zarooni, Head of Information Technology at Sharjah Archaeology Authority, stated that the Authority’s participation in this forum has given it an opportunity to present its pioneering initiative – the ‘Archaeological Geographic Information System’. This not only reflects its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Sharjah, but it also shows the innovative deployment of GIS technology.
The Sharjah GIS Forum primarily aimed to acquaint the participants with the latest technical solutions and worldwide best practices in the field of GIS and how government efficiency can be boosted using this technology. It also tried to foster cooperation among government departments by creating an ecosystem of data sharing, leading to faster procedures, enhanced service standards, and well-informed decision-making grounded on scientific principles.
The event culminated with an award ceremony in recognition of the participating entities, acknowledging their significant contributions to digital transformation and the enhancement of smart government performance. This, in turn, underscores the commitment of Sharjah’s government to leverage digital technologies for the betterment of its constituents.
The post Sharjah Digital Department Championing Geospatial Data at GIS Forum appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
