Digital transformation is no longer just a consideration for Sharjah, but it is a strategic decision-making area that includes long-term investments, human capital training, and consistent efforts to improve the emirate’s economic performance, innovation, leadership, and sustainability across sectors, as per the Sharjah government officials.
Around fifty senior officials and key decision-makers, part of the Sharjah government have gathered at the inaugural edition of “NexTech: The Formula for Digital Transformation Excellence”, a new technology initiative designed by Sahab Smart Solutions, which seeks to highlight exciting new possibilities in digital transformation for the emirate’s government departments. The event was held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) in collaboration with the Higher Committee for Digital Transformation.
The officials have examined Sharjah’s current state of digitization, focusing on challenges and opportunities, and discussing future possibilities for both Sharjah and the UAE. They emphasized that upskilling the nation’s human resources with the right policies and legislative framework, a strong focus on making the nation’s cybersecurity practices more reliable, and full integration among different sectors are pillars of successful digital transformation.
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi Chairman – Higher Committee for Digital Transformation Sharjah
“The government of Sharjah, in line with the UAE’s strategy, continues its ambitious digitalization efforts that compete with the best in the region. Our ambitions are guided by our wise leadership which supports the Sharjah government and requires us to double up our responsibilities to enhance people’s quality of life by strengthening the relationship between institutions and community. The launch of the Sharjah Digital Platform was a milestone in the emirate’s digital transformation journey. This platform will enable us to forge Sharjah’s digital identity, which will not only cater to citizens and residents within the emirate but those living abroad and have a connection with it through investments or other ventures. It is vital to connect them all to Sharjah, and so this platform is being designed to serve them all.”
According to Mr. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive chairman of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), digital transformation is a long-term investment with high cumulative and sustainable returns that will transform not only the business environment but also the quality of life and services offered to residents.
Dr. Eng Khalifa Musabbah Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Sharjah Directorate of Housing, stated, “Digital transformation is the latest direction fully embraced by our country, which will result in an expansion of sectors, and the emergence of new ones, in addition to the creation of jobs that require new and specialized skillsets. We are looking at turning a new leaf in the growth and advancement of our communities.”
“One of the most important aspects of digital transformation is that it will lead to the continuous development of the educational process, while also advancing human resources. These are vital for the progress and development we seek,” Dr. Al Tunaiji added.
Studies have revealed that IT teams spend more than a third of their time on digital integration projects, which costs large enterprises $3.5 million in annual labor costs. With the proliferation and acceleration of digital initiatives, integration has emerged as a critical factor in determining the success and speed of digital transformation across industries. These figures demonstrate that smart solutions and digitalization have a significant impact on the national economy and income, as well as being critical to social development and progress.
“Our progress in digital transformation will dictate our status on the global economy map. Digitalization is mandatory to survive due to the rapid development and changes in business models and our lifestyle in general. To succeed in the digital world, institutions will have to focus on five key elements: intelligence, ability to communicate, discipline, empowerment, and alignment, in addition to openness and transparency. These factors will determine the success of organizations in the near future,” commented Mr. Amin Al Zarouni, CEO of Sahab Smart Solutions.
