The Abu Dhabi Smart Solutions and Services Authority (ADSSSA) held a special Chief Executives’ Session with the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) at the Fairmont Hotel Abu Dhabi. The session aimed at strengthening ADSSSA’s cooperation with leading global geographic information system (GIS) companies and stakeholders in smart technology, technical development, and digital service systems.

The attendees included government directors from Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority; the Department of Energy; Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority; Abu Dhabi General Administration of Customs; Abu Dhabi Housing Authority; the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities; Abu Dhabi Municipality; and the Department of Education and Knowledge. Jack Dangermond, Founder of ESRI, was present as well. 

The session discussed the activities and role of the Abu Dhabi Spatial Data Infrastructure program (AD-SDI), as well as the importance of GIS and spatial data in improving government services and other aspects of life in the emirate. The program promotes secure geographical content via the integration of geography with smart innovations and technologies, including artificial intelligence, Internet of things, and advanced geospatial services.

During the session, the attendees reviewed the achievements of the first-of-its-kind Smart Geospatial Contact Center, in addition to highlighting the accomplishments of the Abu Dhabi Government as well as other collaborative opportunities. They explored partnerships with various international parties concerning GIS.

H.E. Dr. Rauda Al Saadi, Director General of ADSSSA, said: “Abu Dhabi has played a pioneering role in the GIS and spatial data development in the UAE and the region as part of its leading efforts in digital transformation, aimed at enhancing the Emirate’s business environment and ensure the happiness of the society through the integration of services with advanced technologies. The Smart Solutions and Services Authority takes the role of managing the spatial data program to ensure the effective sharing of geospatial data among more than 75 government entities in the country.”

H.E. Al Saadi added: "We thank the presence of Mr. Dangermond at the session, which has further boosted our partnership with ESRI and we are confident that we will benefit from ESRI’s expertise in GIS with our continued collaboration.”

Jack Dangermond, Founder of Esri lauded the emirate’s GIS capabilities and the development of geospatial infrastructure using the latest technologies. He commended the government for its continuous efforts to focus on GIS as part of its digital transformation strategy.

 He added: "This session is an ideal opportunity to share ideas and experiences as well as know about the latest GIS developments that are contributing to enhance Abu Dhabi’s government services and open up new horizons to make government performance more efficient and innovative."

Since its launch in 2007, the Abu Dhabi Spatial Data Infrastructure program (AD-SDI) administered by ADSSSA has been facilitating the sharing of geospatial data among government entities and other stakeholders. It has also been promoting interdisciplinary coordination across all sectors; facilitating the sharing of geospatial data among government entities and other stakeholders using innovative solutions and technologies.

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