Sharjah’s government departments and entities are showcasing online and digital services and smart applications they offer to the public and companies at the Gitex Technology Week, being held in Dubai, UAE.

Gitex Technology Week, a major information and communications technology (ICT) trade fair, opened today (October 14) and will run until October 18, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The officials of the various entities said that their participation in event is a demonstration of the advanced technological development achieved by the Sharjah Government, and a testament to the advancement of the emirate's digital transformation under its wise leadership, said a statement.

The 36 entities and departments participating in the Sharjah pavilion are presenting many online and digital services, initiatives and smart applications, which facilitate transactions and procedures for customers and add to the rich variety of services provided by Sharjah’s government entities.

Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, director general of Sharjah eGovernment Department (DeG), said: “The DeG and the Higher Committee of the Sharjah Pavilion strive to actively participate in building a knowledge-based society in Sharjah.”

“We seek to achieve digital transformation, in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Federal Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah, to elevating Sharjah’s position as a world-leading model city and driving Sharjah’s transformation into a future government,” he said.

“To this end, we are utilising cutting-edge digital systems and smart applications to provide innovative services to residents and visitors delivered by highly-qualified nationals through streamlined procedures that are in accordance with best international standards,” he added.

Al Qasimi continued: “The Sharjah pavilion in the event aims to shed light on the state-of-the-art technology trends adopted widely across government entities in Sharjah, underlining the emirate’s tireless efforts to achieve sustainable development and integrate modern technology across all fields.”

“We expect that the pavilion will be a key attraction to visitors and specialists from around the world, as this year, it features a unique design and several interactive experiences,” he said.

Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, commander-in-chief of Sharjah Police, said: “Our continuous participation in the event is part of our ongoing commitment to advancing the smart services system, which aims to further enhance the services we provide.”

“It is also part of our keenness to learn about the latest technologies showcased at the event, which will contribute to further strengthening our security services and developing police work in line with the latest technological trends,” he said.

Al Shamsi added: “Our participation this year allow us to highlight our achievements in this area and illustrate how our various applications work through an interactive platform showcasing our smart services. In addition, we hope to underscore our initiatives, projects and efforts that seek to provide further security to residents and visitors.”

Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), said: “Our participation will demonstrate our latest technological strides and qualitative developments in digital services and initiatives, offering customers and investors various channels to view updates without the need to contact us.”

“Our keenness to participate in this international event is driven by our focus on ensuring the success of the Sharjah pavilion and to explore the best inventions and practices in the digital sector seen across the online portals of participating international companies and institutions,” he said.

Al Suwaidi continued: “We are currently collaborating and coordinating with various entities in Sharjah towards becoming a smart government in accordance with the directives of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, and with the support of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. This support drives us to work with untiring dedication and speed to realise both the Sharjah strategy and the UAE vision.”

“Our digital transformation rate has reached 100 per cent, as all our services are now digital. This achievement marks our continued work to grow and plan Sharjah’s economy by providing unparalleled and advanced services to investors, as part of our comprehensive development strategy for achieving a competitive and diversified economy based on knowledge and innovation, as well as our efforts towards furthering the ease of doing business in Sharjah,” he added.

Al Suwaidi said: “The digitisation of our services complements the UAE’s vision of developing a smart government system to streamline transactions and services, and to achieve better customer satisfaction. These will help save time and effort thus boosting business activity and encouraging investors to benefit from what Sharjah offers, and in turn driving the growth of the economy and achieving our sustainable development objectives.”

Björn Kjerfve, chancellor of American University of Sharjah (AUS), said: “The university’s participation is part of our pledge to further the UAE’s efforts towards building a knowledge-based economy.”

“We are working passionately to realise the vision of HH Ruler of Sharjah to integrate innovation across all government operations. We are striving towards becoming a leading research centre, which is demonstrated in the engineering and design projects that we will showcase at Gitex,” Kjerfve concluded. – TradeArabia News Service