Collaboration with Sharjah’s Department of Government Relations

• 15 government entities and authorities in Sharjah to undergo accelerated digital transformation
• AI Readiness stimulates innovation, redefines traditional industry sectors, and impacts the way we live and work, says Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi
• AI Readiness leads to successful delivery of government services, says CEO of SRTI Park

Sharjah 20 October 2020: Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), UAE’s premier research and innovation hub, is collaboration with Sharjah’s Department of Government Relations in developing a pilot programme to enable the accelerated AI (Artificial Intelligence) readiness of the all government entities in Sharjah.

The initiative involves at least15 Sharjah-based government entities, SRTI Park has partnered with AI Directions in developing the AI Readiness pilot programme. 

Accelerated digital transformation

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Digital Transformation of Sharjah, said: “The ambitious and strategic future-focused approach of accelerating digital transformation efforts across Sharjah’s entities is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in recognising the integral role of advanced sciences and knowledge in the inclusive development process. 

He underlined: “These powerful, cost-effective tools transforms organisations, stimulates innovation, redefines traditional industry sectors, and impacts the way we live and work. Adoption of emerging technologies has a positive  multiplier effect on society and the national economy and reinforces the strengths of Sharjah’s cultural and scientific spheres.”

Al Qasimi also “lauded the efforts of the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and UAE-based AIDirections in supporting the digital transformation of Sharjah by assisting and motivating companies to harness the potential of AI and modern technologies in the management of their operations and in improving the way people, businesses and governments interact.”

“The survey, carried out by the two parties (SRTI Park and AI Directions) and sent to 15 participating government entities will offer a clear direction on the digital strategy ideal for each organisation. It will also enable them to identify challenges, recognise opportunities, and provide solutions to bolster their performance and services, in addition to setting out the future course of action,” he added.

Successful delivery of government services

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, highlighted the importance of AI Readiness as it will lead to successful delivery of government services.

“This (AI Readiness) forward-thinking programme will enable all participating institutions to develop an in-depth assessment of their departments in accelerating innovation and prepare a draft strategy towards the implementation of Artificial Intelligence and more efficient delivery of government services,” Al Mahmoudi underlined. 

He noted digital transformation is the application of digital technology in all aspects of an organisation. The transformation will result in innovation and creativity in delivering services rather than simply enhancing and supporting traditional methods. Al Mahmoudi added the AI Readiness programme measures the degree transformation in an organisation, including its business processes and services, technology the organisation uses; digital culture of the organisation; the strategic posture for digital transformation; and customer feedback.

 He continued: “Every government entity must understand their data and elevate the degree of data governance in their organisation. Understanding how data are used will help each entity in improving business processes and ensure a more efficient delivery of services.”