Technology & IT | Sunday 8 October, 2017 7:30 am |

Forty-eight Sharjah government entities are taking part in GITEX Technology Week 2017, with many of the bodies unveiling innovative digital applications and services that are key for the digital transformation in Sharjah.

 

Thirteen smart applications, six new and updated websites and an array of digital services are scheduled to be launched at GITEX 2017, which begins today (Sunday) and runs until October 12, at Dubai World Trade Centre.

 

The new premium services and applications are being showcased at the Sharjah Pavilion, which is themed ‘History and Communication.’ Featuring a unique design inspired by the heritage of the Mleiha region, the pavilion is expected to host thousands of visitors who will explore the latest services offered by Sharjah government departments.

 

“Our participation at GITEX aims to promote the latest technologies that have been adopted by Sharjah’s directorates and government departments. We will also be revealing the success stories and experiences of other government entities participating at the exhibition as part of our ongoing strategy to achieve sustainable development and to integrate modern technology in all aspects of life,” said Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of DeG.

 

“During the event, DeG will showcase the results of its strategy to support a unified network that connects multiple state entities. The applications, services and websites that will be unveiled at GITEX represent the remarkable efforts to enhance government integration in Sharjah and the commitment to deliver the most modern services to all its citizens and residents,” he added.

 

Sharjah’s government entities will be unveiling their new services and applications commencing tomorrow (Monday). The second day of GITEX 2017 will see Sharjah Police Headquarters and Sharjah Police Academy launch their respective new websites and Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority exhibit a digital activation that allows users to try on traditional Emirati clothes using virtual reality technology.

 

Tomorrow (Monday) will headline with Directorate of Town Planning and Survey in Sharjah, as they prepare to launch a new construction application which allows agents to quickly obtain paper-free approval certificates for their projects in Sharjah. The Social Services Department in the emirate will follow as they will unveil a device that relies on interactive information to help older people walk and balance safely.

 

The third day of GITEX 2017 will also encompass a series of major announcements and launches from the Sharjah Pavilion. These will include the unveiling of a voluntary programme for information technology as well as a portal and a new smart application for graduates by University of Sharjah, a smart application called ‘Locating Funerals Service’ by the Districts and Villages Affairs Department in the emirate, and a new application for the Engineering Section which addresses the following up of sites under construction by Dibba Al Hisn Municipality.

 

On day four of GITEX 2017, University City will launch its new website, while Sharjah Finance Department will announce that the ‘Tahseel’ service has become fully digital. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department will launch the ‘Mosques Smart Inspector’ application, while the Directorate of Town Planning and Survey will unveil a smart application that allows users to renew plans and issue statements.

 

The final day of GITEX 2017 will see Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC) launch its new postal code application, which is designed to help individuals and institutions send and receive mail and packages easily, find destinations and help emergency services locate users more rapidly. The Directorate of Town Planning and Survey will unveil the ‘Bidding System’ smart application, which promotes and showcases investment land slots for bidding with immediate and transparent results.

 

Commenting on the digitalisation of Sharjah and its government services, Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of SUPC, said: “Our participation during GITEX Technology Week 2017 plays a key part in promoting the digitalisation and integration of Sharjah’s government services, allowing the public to witness Sharjah’s development as a ‘smart city’ and one of the happiest cities in the region.”

 

“The Sharjah Pavilion during GITEX 2017 will be a key platform that promotes Sharjah government’s unified efforts in investing and supporting public and private sectors and one that translates the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, into tangible smart services that position Sharjah as a beacon for innovation,” he added.

 

For his part, His Excellency Sultan Abdulla bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), said: “SEDD’s participation is key to the promotion of Sharjah’s integrated digital infrastructure and the provision to the public of a comprehensive array of digital services. We are here to show that Sharjah’s digital development is top-tier and has led to the creation of a leading regional platform for innovators and entrepreneurs.”

 

Commenting on the digitalisation of Sharjah’s economic sector, His Excellency Khalid bin Butti Al Hajri, Director-General of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), said: “Being one of the major government players in driving Sharjah’s economic growth, our participation at GITEX 2017 will provide visitors with details of our latest digital services and smart application aimed at investors and SMEs in Sharjah. Our participation will also enable visitors hands-on access to Sharjah’s entire economic infrastructure and its digital development, as well as its new smart services that make procedures and operations much more dynamic and user-friendly.”

 

His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of Sharjah Media Corporation, highlighted the importance of utilising GITEX as a key platform to promote Sharjah’s media identity, stating: “SMC’s participation is a testament to its efforts in positioning Sharjah’s unique values and brand identity to both local and international audiences, as well as to its efforts in promoting the integration of public services across Sharjah’s government entities. Exhibiting among the top 70 giants in the tech industry, the Sharjah Pavilion will demonstrate futuristic services and developments across a variety of sectors, including all that is new in our local media and production industries.”

 

Noura bin Hadiya, Manager of Knowledge without Borders (KwB), said: “Our participation in GITEX Technology Week 2017 aligns perfectly with KwB’s commitment to playing a major role in key events and activities. GITEX is an excellent platform for us to showcase our achievements over the years and to promote the KwB’s Digital Library project. This encourages an ever-increasing number of students, researchers and families to use this new technology.”

 

GITEX Technology Week 2017 will see the participation of 4,100 exhibitors from 70 countries with 155 exhibitors taking part in the event for the first time. The space allocated for exhibition in this year’s edition has increased 20% compared to last year and the participation of local state entities has increased by 30%. GITEX 2017 offers a leading platform for companies to launch their latest ICT innovations and products and the 37th edition of the event addresses the standards of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and virtual reality.