“Data is a key pillar in the strategy to realise the vision to transform Dubai into one of the world’s smartest cities,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
The Dubai crown prince further highlighted the city’s ability to enhance the efficiency of its services and facilities through smart solutions, which is a key indicator of its readiness in executing Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision for preparing the country for greater successes over the next 50 years.
“With the technology and digital revolution transforming the world, data management has become a key driver of the new economy. Being a pioneer in implementing advanced data management is a key element in our strategy of leading the new economy taking shape across the world,” said Sheikh Hamdan.
“Investing in data management is critical for Dubai to achieve its vision of becoming the happiest city in the world and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness. It also has a big role in increasing the decision making capabilities of government entities and developing policy and strategic initiatives to achieve the highest levels of efficiency.”
Sheikh Hamdan also noted that ‘Data First, The City’s Data Challenge’ is a strategic step in Dubai’s journey towards the future, which requires the city to implement new ‘fourth industrial revolution’ tools and solutions. He said the initiative gauges the real contribution of each entity in Dubai’s digital transformation.
The Crown Prince called on the Smart Dubai team to further enhance the Dubai Pulse platform to meet the requirements of the next 50 years.
Sheikh Hamdan’s remarks came on the occasion of the announcement of the winners of ‘Data First, The City’s Data Challenge’. The Challenge recognises entities that have made the most significant contributions to fostering a data ecosystem in Dubai.
In a series of tweets, Smart Dubai announced the highest scoring teams and entities in Data First, The City’s Data Challenge. The Roads & Transport Authority won the Leading Entity in Data Award – Large Entity, while Knowledge and Human Development Authority won the Leading Entity in Data Award – Medium and Central Entity.
Dr. Aisha bint Butti bin Bishr, Smart Dubai Director-General, said, “Today, we reap the fruits of our close cooperation with leading government entities across the Emirate of Dubai, who have worked diligently with us to ensure they are in full compliance with the Dubai Data Policies. Our wise leadership has placed high priority on the sector, calling for the establishment and administration of data platforms, populated with data from government and private entities to support the city’s smart-city transformation.
“Government entities and Semi Government Entities performed outstandingly well in the Data First Challenge, which asserts that they indeed meet the requirements of the year of preparation for the UAE’s 50th anniversary initiative, titled ‘2020: Towards the Next 50’, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” she added.
“Moreover, their progress also contributes to forecast Dubai’s future opportunities and create a happier life for its residents and visitors.”
Dr Bin Bishr applauded the efforts of leading entities in the Challenge and urged other entities to multiply their efforts in the field.
Smart Dubai launched the six-month-long Data First, The City’s Data Challenge in July 2019, to encourage its data partners to expedite their efforts to collect and share data. The Challenge enabled the Emirate of Dubai to provide more innovative use cases and support smart decision-making at the leadership level, as well as across government agencies.
